Welcome to our new Trustees! 27 Feb 2023
We are delighted to introduce four new members to the sparqs’ Trustee Board, Beate Treml, Emilia Todorova, Campbell Powrie and Dr Dee Bird. They bring a wide range of expertise and experience to the Board and we look forward to… Read More
Update on the development of Student Learning Experience model 27 Feb 2023
Following on from previous articles about our ongoing work to redevelop the Student Learning Experience, Phase 1 of the project is now complete. From September to January, sparqs worked with students to identify the principles of the Student Learning Experience… Read More
Shaping sparqs’ strategy: a combined meeting of JAG, NEON and SESN 27 Feb 2023
sparqs’ three stakeholder forums will gather in May for an important event to begin steps towards sparqs’ next strategic plan. On Thursday 4th May 2023 sparqs’ Joint Advisory Group (JAG), National Education Officers’ Network (NEON) and Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN) and members of our Trustee… Read More
New induction guide for academic representation co-ordinators 27 Feb 2023
sparqs has published a new resource to support new members of staff in academic representation and student engagement roles. Our induction guide for Academic Representation Co-ordinators is aimed at new colleagues within students’ associations or institutions who have responsibilities relating to… Read More
sparqs’ paper presented at prestigious European conference 27 Feb 2023
sparqs colleagues Megan Brown and Simon Varwell recently presented a paper in Bilbao, Spain, at the European University Association’s Learning and Teaching Forum, an annual conference for staff and students from across Europe to discuss developments in learning and teaching.… Read More
'Talking Student Engagement' Interview with John O'Hara 27 Feb 2023
In this interview, we talk to John O’Hara, Senior Learner Engagement Officer at New College Lanarkshire (NCL). John’s college life began as a hairdressing student at Coatbridge College, studying HNC Hairdressing and HND Make up Artistry, then completing his studies… Read More
Our next NEON meeting is open to book - 9th March 2023 24 Jan 2023
Our next National Education Officers’ Network (NEON) meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 9th March 2023 and is now open to book! It will take place online via Zoom, from 10.00am until 1.00pm. See the event booking page for further details and to register to… Read More
The year ahead and a recap of our December articles! 24 Jan 2023
Happy new year (slightly belated) 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… Read More
Briefings on quality arrangements for colleges and universities 2022-2024 24 Jan 2023
As the sector moves towards a joint approach to quality, for the next two academic years (2022-23 and 2023-24) colleges and universities will still carry out separate quality arrangements. sparqs continues to support institutions in ensuring students are engaged in these… Read More
Our next SESN meeting is open to book - 2nd March 2023 24 Jan 2023
Our next Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN) meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 2nd March 2023 and is now open to book! It will take place online via Zoom, from 10.00am until 1.00pm. See the event booking page for further details and to register to… Read More
Updated “outduction” toolkit for supporting education officers 24 Jan 2023
Our toolkit to support the future careers of education officers in students’ associations has been updated for 2023’s departing officers. Developed in partnership with NUS Charity, the College Development Network and Advance HE, the toolkit is aimed at those who… Read More
Have photos of your learning space? Contribute to the National Student-led Project on Learner Communities 24 Jan 2023
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
'Talking Student Engagement' Interview with Chase Greenfield 24 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
