HE Admissions from the FE Perspective

Iain WolloffFarnborough College of technology

Workshop Aims

• To consider the guidance on admissions for the HE in FE sector

•To identify and consider admissions issues specific to HE in FE

• To advise whether specific additional guidance on admissions to HE in FE should be developed

Guidance

• QAA Code of Practice – Admissions

• SPA Good Practice Guidance

• HEFCE Supporting HE in FE Colleges – Section 5.6 Admissions

QAA Code of Practice Section 10 Admissions to Higher Education Sept 2006

General principles

1 Institutions have policies and procedures for the recruitment and admission of students to higher education that are fair, clear and explicit and are implemented consistently.

2 Institutions' decisions regarding admissions to higher education are made by those equipped to make the required judgements and competent to undertake their roles and responsibilities. Recruitment and selection

Recruitment and selection

3 Institutions' promotional materials and activities are accurate, relevant, current, accessible and provide information that will enable applicants to make informed decisions about their options.

4 Institutions' selection policies and procedures are clear and are followed fairly, courteously, consistently and expeditiously. Transparent entry requirements, both academic and non-academic, are used to underpin judgements made during the selection process for entry.

5 Institutions conduct their admissions processes efficiently, effectively and courteously according to fully documented operational procedures that are readily accessible to all those involved in the admissions process, both within and without the institution, applicants and their advisers.

Information to applicants

6 Institutions inform applicants of the obligations placed on prospective students at the time the offer of a place is made.

7 Institutions inform prospective students, at the earliest opportunity, of any significant changes to a programme made between the time the offer of a place is made and registration is completed, and that they are advised of the options available in the circumstances.

8 Institutions explain to applicants who have accepted a place arrangements for the enrolment, registration, induction and orientation of new students and ensure that these arrangements promote efficient and effective integration of entrants fully as students.

9 Institutions consider the most effective and efficient arrangements for providing feedback to applicants who have not been offered a place.

Complaints and appeals

10 Institutions have policies and procedures in place for responding to applicants' complaints about the operation of their admissions process and ensure that all staff involved with admissions are familiar with the policies and procedures.

11 Institutions have policies in place for responding to applicants' appeals against the outcome of a selection decision that make clear to all staff and applicants whether, and if so, on what grounds, any such appeals may be considered.

Monitoring and review of policies and procedures

12Institutions regularly review their policies and procedures related to student admissions to higher education to ensure that they continue to support the mission and strategic objectives of the institution, and that they remain current and valid in the light of changing circumstances.

Précis of QAA Code of Practice

Colleges should have:

General principles

1 Admissions policies and procedures

2 Trained and competent Admissions staff

Recruitment and selection

3 Suitable promotional material

4 Selection procedures which are clear and fair

5 Procedures which are available to applicants and staff

Colleges should:

Information to applicants

6 Inform applicants of their obligations

7 Inform applicants of any significant changes

8 Explain arrangements for enrolment, registration, induction and orientation

9 Have effective arrangements for providing feedback to rejected applicants

Complaints and appeals

10 Have a procedure for dealing with admissions complaints

11 Have a procedure for dealing with appeals from rejected applicants

Monitoring and review of policies and procedures

12 Review their admissions policies and procedures

Some admissions issues specific to HE in FE

• HE admissions distinct from or integrated with FE admissions

• Admissions processes for internal applicants

• Taking our own FE students• Ready market vs Broadening horizons• Presumption in favour – or against

• Fees, bursaries and scholarships

• Full-Time New entrant constraints• Using offers to manage demand• Highest quals on entry or most suited

• Work-based students – employer commitment & employer selection

• Criminal convictions in institutions with under 18’s

Compiling admissions issues specific to HE in FE

What other admissions issues arise in your organisation?

• Policies

• Admissions processes

• Decision Making

• Hitting targets & avoiding over-recruitment

• Rejected applicants

• Complaints &/or Appeals

HE Admissions from the FE Perspective

Iain WolloffFarnborough College of technology