Are you ready to be an invested mentor?The ‘invested mentor’ model takes mentorship beyond process and logistics. In this model, an effective relationship is based on connection rather than formalities with a mentor who prioritises their mentee’s successRebecca TaylorUniversity College Birmingham
Tackling bias and microaggressions in higher educationActionable strategies and insights to help higher education institutions attract and retain ethnic-minority staffPallavi BanerjeeThe University of Exeter
How to enhance teaching skills in a multidisciplinary environmentTechnical challenges as well as the personal demands that teachers face make support programmes at higher education institutions all the more important. Here’s how self-paced, modular training can boost teacher engagement and student satisfaction Borbála KozmaSemmelweis University
Key questions to help universities measure societal impactWhen societal impact has so many definitions, how can higher education institutions measure it without overlap or disengagement? This coordinated approach aims to find accepted, effective common groundOlga Ryazanova , Peter McNamara , Tatiana Andreeva Maynooth University
AcademiaTok: how to inspire Generation Z with academic researchExplaining research in a short social media video is a major green flag for the Covid-19 generation. Here’s how to use existing resources to hit TikTok and InstagramLina FilippidiThe London School of Economics and Political Science
Improving the digital experience for Black international studentsStrategies UK institutions should take to enable Black international students’ smooth transition into universityPatrice SeuwouUniversity of Northampton
THE podcast: how to prepare for university leadershipMiddlesex University vice-chancellor Shân Wareing talks about the need to make the path to senior roles transparent and why confidence is not the be-all and end-all of leadershipShân WareingMiddlesex University
Nine tips for a successful, accessible blended learning field trip A guide to planning and implementing field trips that successfully integrate on-site and online studentsAlette Willis, Alex PenlandThe University of Edinburgh
Ten tips when building a centralised evaluation unitHow can we establish and develop evaluation activities to show what support and interventions affect the student experience, as well as their learning, outcomes and destinations? Steve Briggs, Diana Pritchard, Sibel KayaUniversity of Bedfordshire
How to make enterprise activities enjoyable and impactfulIncorporating knowledge exchange and enterprise activities into demanding academic schedules can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are ways to make it enjoyable, rewarding and impactfulLarisa Yarovaya , Jeni Giambona University of Southampton
Events-based authentic assessment that can boost employabilityWhile demonstrating knowledge through exams has its place, how often do we use exam techniques and skills in our daily lives? Events offer a more authentic way to demonstrate and test professional skillsBecky Lewis, Colin McClure The University of East Anglia, Queen’s University Belfast
Embracing disagreement in research co-productionCo-producing a research project is not all consensus and harmony, so these four tips will guide research collaborators in how to allow and enable disagreements and dissenting voices Gary HickeyUniversity of Southampton
When it comes to digital upskilling, sharing is caringLaunching a digital upskilling product is one thing but getting staff to use it is quite another. Katie Steen and Dave Weller harnessed the power of personalisation to get that all-important buy-inKatie Steen, Dave WellerThe University of Exeter
How student learning communities support professional developmentAn effective way to nurture talent is to enable not only individual but also community learning. Here’s how the Hungarian system of colleges for advanced studies helps to train medical professionals who are also well versed in social issuesFerenc GodóSemmelweis University
A practical guide to navigating the language of diversityNavigating the language of diversity is a continuous journey that requires commitment and effortYusra Siddiqui The University of Exeter
Five ways to connect PhD students with industryDeveloping industry experience is often the last thing on the minds of the PhD community, but nurturing partnerships between academia and industry can enrich the journey, believes Maria-Christina VogkliMaria-Christina VogkliThe London School of Economics and Political Science
What can the new government do to strengthen academic-policy engagement?Following Labour’s landslide victory, all eyes will be on the new government to see how it will respond to current issues within higher educationSarah Chaytor , Laura Bea, Chris HewsonUniversities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
Can AI offer everyone a personal tutor 24/7?Generative artificial intelligence can trigger a certain amount of angst, but AI’s potential to support student learning should be explored, write Steve Hill and Quintus StierstorferSteve Hill, Quintus StierstorferWalbrook Institute London
THE podcast: higher education leaders on their priorities for the new UK governmentWhat will the UK’s new Labour-led parliament mean for university funding, research impact, international student flows and free speech on campus? Two higher education leaders share their perspectives on the challenges aheadVivienne Stern, Chris DayUniversities UK, Russell Group
Students need a balanced diet of assessment practicesLet's evaluate the process and products of our assessments and incorporate innovative elements to better emulate real-world tasks, write David Tree, Stephanie Baines, Pauldy Otermans, Nicholas Worsfold and Emily HobsonMultiple authorsBrunel University London , The University of East Anglia
Making sport accessible to everyone on campusFitness and sport programmes are not only for elite athletes. Here, Phil Malatesta offers advice for how to maximise students’ opportunities for movement and physical activityPhil MalatestaUniversity of Southampton
Develop and nurture teaching presence in a learning community Strong teaching presence helps students facilitate their own learning. Here, Hannah Shaw and Mike Hackman offer quick wins for educators with advice on how to provide clear instruction and a safe learning space, and recognise topics as interconnectedHannah Shaw, Mike HackmanCardiff University
Three key collaborations to foster digital fluency in studentsWhile digital skills development is all-important for employability, no one can predict what the job market will look like in a decade. Instead, focus on digital fluency for well-rounded future employees. Jeni Brown and Nedelin Velikov explain howJeni Brown, Nedelin Velikov The London School of Economics and Political Science
Partnering with industry for authentic experiences and assessment Getting students workplace-ready is a challenge. However, partnering with industry can help us offer authentic experiences and assessments that equip our students for successful futures in their chosen fieldsRichard Bowater, Sarah Rayment, Michael LoughlinThe University of East Anglia, Nottingham Trent University
How environmental issues can unite and inspire diverse student groupsLooking for ideas for next semester’s projects? Climate change could be the answer, whatever your students’ field of study, writes Jim EntwistleJim EntwistleTeesside University
Five questions to consider when embedding cultural competency for internationalisationCultural competency involves seeing the world through the lens of other people, across race, gender and age barriers, among others. Shuangyu Li outlines the five questions to ask when embedding itShuangyu LiKing’s College London
We must acknowledge our positionality to inclusively engage the communityThe work that can lead to change involves building relationships and understanding, and developing and sharing knowledge in partnership with our communities. Put simply, community engagement must engage the community, writes Nilufar AhmedNilufar AhmedThe University of Bristol
An introvert’s guide to networkingFor academics, networking can greatly enhance your career. But if the very idea fills you with dread, Yalinu Poya offers her advice for putting yourself out thereYalinu PoyaUniversity of the West of Scotland
Bridging the communication gap between administrators and facultyAcademics who understand the needs and priorities of administrative staff will work more effectively – and vice versa. Everybody wins, writes Catherine LégluCatherine LégluUniversity of Luxembourg
THE podcast: cross-cultural communication in the international classroomWhether it’s teaching creative writing and media in a multilingual course or providing future doctors with clinical communication skills, two experts share tips for connecting with students and bridging language and culture dividesLucy Palmer, Katalin FogarasiUniversity of Central Asia, Semmelweis University
Emerging leaders, your universities need youWhen a university is undergoing transformational change, emerging leaders are crucial for translating strategy into action. Zoë Allman and Gary Souter share their experience of leading on curriculum changeZoë Allman, Gary SouterDe Montfort University
What should universities focus on when communicating with the next UK government?Advice for universities on communication strategies that will push their need for policy action up the next government agenda Joe MarshallNational Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
Infertility is a private struggle that requires open and supportive solutionsWith infertility on the rise, is it time for universities to consider how they support staff struggling with fertility? Devon Oakley-Hogg shares a first-hand account of her failed IVF cycles and how the experience has left her craving change Devon Oakley-HoggUniversity of Glasgow
‘It falls to us to tell our universities’ stories. Here’s how’There has been little mention of higher education during the UK general election campaign, so it falls to university leaders to make sure their stories are heard, writes Jane HarringtonJane Harrington University of Greenwich , University Alliance
What block learning taught me about meeting diverse student needsIn block learning, where time is condensed, students are at a greater risk of falling behind. Here, Kevin Merry explains how formative assessment can drive targeted instruction and enable students to accelerate their learningKevin L. MerryGlobal Banking School
Sharpen your students’ interview skillsThe employees of the future will need to showcase their skills in job interviews. Make sure they’re prepared for each setting, writes Lewis Humphreys Lewis HumphreysThe London School of Economics and Political Science
Giving students options when it comes to assessmentBy identifying the types of feasible options in assessment and discussing them with your students, you will naturally build their confidence in their assessment, writes Miriam FirthMiriam FirthThe University of Manchester
Higher education needs a united approach to AIIf universities’ response to AI and education is as fractured as the sector’s adoption of blended learning, we may well find ourselves in a similar position in 20 years’ time with duplicated costs and missed research opportunities, writes Sara de FreitasSara de FreitasBirkbeck, University of London
Three tips for using capstone projects to improve employabilityHow can we make sure our students are workplace-ready? Capstone projects may hold the key, writes Ardy Cheung Ardy CheungThe London School of Economics and Political Science
Research shouldn’t cause trauma – let’s find a better wayHow can we conduct research and share results without affecting the well-being of those around us? Eileen Harkess-Murphy advocates for a trauma-informed approach Eileen Harkess-MurphyUniversity of the West of Scotland
How can universities make their case to a new government?Three key considerations to convincingly showcase the value of universities to a new government inundated by competing prioritiesHamir PatelRussell Group
Regional place-makers: how to demonstrate the economic and societal value of higher educationHigher education institutions should build a strong regional presence, addressing local issues, then find innovative ways to demonstrate their impact to the public and policymakers, writes Anthony McClaranAnthony McClaranSt Mary’s University Twickenham , GuildHE
RIP assessment?How can educators make learning and human intelligence visible in the age of GenAI? Abby Osborne and Christopher Bonfield outline a model to rethink assessment and reward non-AI knowledge and understandingAbby Osborne , Christopher Bonfield University of Bath
The making of: turning a research project into a documentaryTo get your research findings into as many hands as possible, consider filming a documentary. James Layton, Paul Tucker and Bettina Talbot offer their adviceJames Layton, Paul Tucker, Bettina TalbotUniversity of the West of Scotland
Let’s play! Using games to teach statistics and economics Incorporating games into economics classes can enrich the learning experience. Here are some of the factors to consider when designing themJoshua FullardThe University of Warwick
Creating inclusive spaces for inclusive eventsInclusivity efforts must go beyond physical accessibility to include how events are advertised and who is consulted and invited to speak, write Meredith Wilkinson and Leanne de Main. Here they offer eight practical ways to make shared spaces welcoming for allMeredith Wilkinson, Leanne de MainDe Montfort University
Get a head start in the first year of your PhDEven a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï KostrykaAndreï V. KostyrkaUniversity of Luxembourg
Tried and tested ways to teach your students soft skillsThe introduction of ChatGPT reignited the debate surrounding employability skills. Add two decades of intensifying international competition and a pandemic, and it is no wonder we’re fundamentally rethinking the modern workplace Kate PettiferThe University of Exeter
It’s all in the presentation: how to engage international students during lecturesThe visual dimension of lectures and seminars can create additional challenges for international students, but simple strategies can help in creating useful presentations that support learningMark WhalleyUniversity of Chester
Buddy system: creating community through writingIs a writing group or partner an effective antidote to post-pandemic isolation during doctoral education? Lena Steveker and Laura Spadon explain how to put a forum for belonging in placeLena Steveker, Laura SpadonUniversity of Luxembourg