Interview with Chase Greenfield, University of St Andrews Students’ Association 11 Jan 2023
In this interview, we talk to Chase Greenfield, Academic Representation Coordinator at the University of St Andrews Students’ Association, where he has worked since August 2021. Previously, he worked in the USA as the Student Engagement Coordinator at Montana State… Read More
Happy New Year from the sparqs' team! 10 Jan 2023
Happy new year from the sparqs team! We look forward to working with you all again during 2023! In the year ahead we will continue to provide support to colleges and universities and their students' associations, including enabling effective contribution to… Read More
Have photos of your learning space? Contribute to the National Student-led Project on Learner Communities 19 Dec 2022
Calling all students! ....the students of the QAA Student-led Project are seeking photos of your learning environment to contribute to their photo exhibition about Scotland’s learner communities. The Student-led Project is part of QAA Scotland’s Enhancement Themes, a core element of Scotland’s… Read More
Contribute to sparqs’ new project on college learner outcomes 29 Nov 2022
sparqs is keen to hear from colleges and students’ associations willing to participate in a project to explore student engagement in enhancing college learner outcomes. Responding to both national and college level data, sparqs has identified the value of better understanding… Read More
Interview with Ellie Gomersall, NUS Scotland 28 Nov 2022
In this interview, we talk to Ellie Gomersall, NUS Scotland’s new President for 2022-23. She took up office in July, and has previously served as President of the University of the West of Scotland Students’ Association, and Co-Convenor of the… Read More
Trustee recruitment 26 Nov 2022
Applications to join our volunteer Board of Trustees have now closed - the recruitment information will remain available until the process is complete. sparqs is currently looking for people who are committed to what we do and the values we hold,… Read More
Thanks to all those contributing to our national project exploring the Student Learning Experience 13 Nov 2022
sparqs is currently facilitating a series of workshops across Scotland, kindly hosted by institutions, to understand what a good Student Learning Experience means for students currently studying across the country’s colleges and universities. Many thanks to all those who have… Read More
Our SLE workshops are now open for students to register! 02 Nov 2022
As outlined in our news article published on 1st November, sparqs is currently undertaking a national project exploring the Student Learning Experience (SLE). We are pleased to announce that the cross-institutional workshops (one for university students and one for college… Read More
Interview with Cassie Lowe, University of Cambridge 24 Oct 2022
In this interview, we talk to Cassie Lowe, Senior Teaching Associate at the University of Cambridge. She has written and researched in a number of learning and teaching areas, but the thread of student engagement has remained a key focus.… Read More
sparqs' team news! 23 Oct 2022
We have some exciting news to share! In the coming weeks, Stef Black will be joining the Scottish Funding Council on a 12-month secondment. Stef will take up the role of Senior Policy Officer in Assurance and Outcomes, working with… Read More
New sparqs’ student guide on the Scottish Quality Concerns Scheme 30 Sep 2022
We are pleased to publish our new Scottish Quality Concerns Scheme in context – student guide, a resource for students, developed to give context to QAA Scotland’s Scottish Quality Concerns Scheme. The Concerns Scheme provides an opportunity for students, staff and… Read More
sparqs' 2022-23 Course Rep Training is open for bookings! 12 Sep 2022
Bookings are now open for Course Rep Training during 2022-23 ....for delivery from week beginning Monday 19th September 2022 onwards. All the information you need is on our main CRT webpage. Please read the booking guidance before arranging your sessions and requesting dates.. CRT delivered by… Read More
2022-23 SESN and NEON dates 11 Sep 2022
We are pleased to publish the 2022-23 dates for our staff and officer networks (SESN and NEON), which will be a mix of in-person and online events. The first meetings of both have now taken place, n person, and will… Read More
Interview with Conor Naughton, Nottingham Trent University 11 Sep 2022
In this interview, we talk to Conor Naughton, Educational Developer at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), a post he started in June 2022, where he specialises in student engagement, transition, and course design. Before that, he served two terms as President… Read More
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022 09 Sep 2022
We join with those across the sector and around the world in sending our condolences to the Royal Family at this time. Read More
Interview with Kirsten Koss, outgoing NESCol Depute President and new sparqs' Associate Trainer 14 Jul 2022
In this interview, we talk to Kirsten Koss, who has just finished a part-time sabbatical as Depute President of North East Scotland College (NESCol) Students’ Association, where she led the SA’s representation at its Aberdeen City and Altens campuses and… Read More
Our new Professional Standards Framework for Student Engagement 22 Jun 2022
sparqs is delighted to announce an important new document that will help articulate the value and impact of student engagement staff posts. Our new Professional standards framework for student engagement is the first such publication to offer a definition of… Read More
Our new Strategic Conversations resource! 26 May 2022
As part of the Developing College Students' Associations (DCSA) project, delivered jointly with NUS Charity, sparqs has designed a Methodology for Strategic Conversations, to encourage institutions and students' associations to carry out a structured strategic conversation when in the process… Read More
Interview with Lianne Gagnon, Niagara College, Canada 25 May 2022
In this interview, we talk to Lianne Gagnon, Director of Student Services at Niagara College, in Ontario, Canada. Lianne has been in the field of education for over 30 years. She taught remedial English and Special Education on the traditional… Read More
QAA Scotland is currently recruiting students for various quality enhancement roles! 25 May 2022
QAA Scotland is currently recruiting for some exciting student roles: Student Enhancement Theme Lead and Deputy - two positions for session 2022-23. Student representatives for the Scottish Higher Education Enhancement Committee (SHEEC) - four positions for session 2022-23. If you want to find… Read More
