Background Information:
Coming to university can be a nerve-racking experience for any student, but for Distance-Learning students, the start of university may sometimes feel particularly isolating, or like you are not able to get as involved. This is why Natalie, your Distance Learning (DL) Officer is bringing the inclusion of DL students to the forefront.
With events that introduce DL students to the Students’ Union and teaching at Leicester and a bespoke Distance Learning Day, we are bridging the gap between studying away from campus and having a community at university. If you want to get involved with this campaign get in touch at .
Updates
Distance Learners Day
This is being trialled with the involvement of one school in April 2025. The agenda has been mostly finalised, and final preparations for sign-up are being done. If the successful, the framework can be used to expand the event in the future.
Improving DL representation with Academic Reps
The Academic Representation Team are working to make connections with departments which have distance learners and enable them to provide representation and utilise it. I have provided feedback on this process and will continue to work with the Academic Representation Team on it.
Creating a “distance learners” section on the Students Union website
A mock-up has been created and passed along to the marketing team where it will be adapted to fit the Students’ Union branding. The contents of the section will likely be added to throughout the academic year but so far includes an introduction to distance learning, officer roles, and the democratic process.
Making more events and opportunities open to DL students
I have already created two online events which distance students are able to join, with a third in progress. I am also a point of contact for the Activities team in their goal to make events more accessible to those not on campus.
Peer mentoring for undergraduate distance students
This is being trialled with the School of Archaeology and Ancient History in the 24/25 academic year. The mentoring handbook has been re-written for distance students and we’re preparing to open recruitment for peer mentors in August/September 24.
Improve Centre for Academic Achievement sessions
I have met with the Head of the Centre for Academic Achievement to discuss the availability of online workshops in the next academic year -the programme is still being finalised but will be predominantly online. Once the programme is finalised it will be added to the distance learners’ section of the Students’ Union website and I will take steps to promote it within the community.