Training programme 2018-19
Training for: International student advisers International officers Admissions officers Fee assessors Students’ unions All staff working with international students
Immigration
In-house training courses
We are able to offer some in-house provision of our courses, subject to trainer availability, including: Framework for fees (see pages 12-13) Residence requirements (see page 13) In-house courses are normally for a minimum of 15 participants and cost from £4,000 including trainers’ expenses. For more information, please contact the Training Administrator: tel: 020 7288 4330, fax: 020 7288 4360 email: training@ukcisa.org.uk
Contents Page Booking and general course information 2 In-house training previous page Understanding International online training toolkit 3 Training courses, events and resources: Immigration 4 Choosing the right immigration course 4 Understanding International – immigration module 5 Tier 4 basics 5 Preparing for enrolment: key immigration issues 5 Assigning CASs: all you need to know 6 Tier 4 and sponsor compliance 6 Compliance: problem areas 6 UKVI audits: preparation and survival 7 Advising on Tier 4 applications - I 7 Advising on Tier 4 applications - II 7 Students’ dependants 8 GDPR and immigration work in the education sector 8 Tier 4 refusals 8 Challenging credibility refusals 9 Stop Press: recent changes and issues 9 Work rights and options for international students 10 Fees, finance and student support 11 Choosing the right framework for fees courses 11 Framework for fees (HE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) 12 Framework for fees (FE in England) 12 Framework for fees in (Scotland) 13 Residence requirements (fees: England, Wales and Northern Ireland) 13 Residence requirements (fees: Scotland) 13 The student experience: Orientation for international students Basic advisory skills Frontline responses to the mental health needs of international students Effective cross-cultural communication Training for trainers
15 15 15
PG Cert International Student Advice and Support UKCISA Annual Conference 2019 Training events calendar
18 19 20
16 16 17
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Booking and general information What are the course fees? One day course: Members – Students’ unions Members – Others Non-members
Where are courses held? £150 £230 £450
How do I book a place on a course?
Before booking, please check if the course, aim, objective and other details will meet your training needs. Please read our terms and conditions. Then book online at www.ukcisa.org.uk/training.
How can I find out if there is space on a particular course?
Availability can be found online via the course calendar. Alternatively, either call the Training Administrator on 020 7288 4342 or email training@ukcisa.org.uk. If a course that you wish to attend is fully booked, you can ask to go on a waiting list.
What happens after I make a booking?
Once we have received your booking we will send you an email to confirm receipt of your form. If you do not receive confirmation two weeks after sending in your form, please contact UKCISA to ensure that your booking has been received. Please do not make any travel arrangements until you are sure that you have been allocated a place on a particular course. Joining instructions, which contain a map as well as further information on your course, will be sent via email a couple of weeks before you are due to attend.
When and how will I need to pay?
You can pay by credit card of choose to be invoiced two weeks before the training day. We accept payment by card, cheque or BACS transfer.
What happens if I can’t make the date?
Please see our terms and conditions. Refunds will only be given if cancellations are made in writing more than two weeks prior to the course. Delegate substitutions can be made at anytime without any charge.
What time do the courses start and finish? The timings for a full day’s course are normally as follows: 9.30am Registration 10.00am Training commences 4.30pm Training finishes
However sometimes start and finish times do vary slightly, these will be detailed in your joining instructions.
What does the course cost include?
The cost of a full day’s training includes all course materials, lunch and refreshments.
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We try to ensure that the training venue is within walking distance of mainline railway stations: London: Kings Cross/St Pancras and Euston stations Manchester: Piccadilly station Birmingham: New Street station Edinburgh: Waverley station Glasgow: Glasgow central station Please note that courses held in London are not held at our offices, so make sure that you go to the address given for the course, not to our correspondence address.
What if I need overnight accommodation?
Accommodation is not included with any booking. If you need overnight accommodation please contact us for details of whether the venue offers any deals with local hotels. (Please do not make any travel arrangements until you are sure that you have been allocated a place on a particular course.)
What about dietary and other individuals needs?
If you have any dietary requirements, please give details on your course booking form and we will try to ensure that your requirements are met. If you are attending a course while fasting, for example during Ramadan, please let us know on your course booking form so that we can make appropriate provision. If you have a mobility difficulty, please let us know on your booking form as we sometimes need to make appropriate arrangements with venue staff, even at some venues that have wheelchair access. If you have any other needs such as an induction loop or large print materials, please tell us on your booking form. Alternatively, you can telephone the Training Administrator at UKCISA to discuss your needs.
Information on additional courses during the year
Often courses are added throughout the year. Look at our training programme on our website at www. ukcisa.org.uk/training or the UKCISA members’ weekly newsletter, signposting updated information and events. You can subscribe to the newsletter by registering at www.ukcisa.org.uk/members. (Service available to staff at UKCISA member institutions only.)
Understanding International A toolkit for staff
Understanding International Online training toolkit
Understanding International is an online self-access toolkit for staff covering all the key aspects of international work. The tool covers: Who is Understanding International for?
Introduction to Immigration Cultural Awareness Internationalisation Partnerships Outward Mobility Keeping Safe The international student journey Education systems and cultures
—— Staff new to international work who need an overview —— Experienced staff wishing to brush up on knowledge and check the latest resources —— Staff in a new role who would like information on a particular topic
The immigration module The immigration module covers:
where the rules come from key functions of the immigration rules who can study applying for immigration permission immigration advice and OISC resources
Not signed up yet?
Access is free to all staff at UKCISA member institutions. For demonstration of the first module, Getting started, go to ukcisa.org.uk/ui-taster
Register for the full toolkit at ukcisa.org.uk/ui-registration
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Immigration courses
Choosing the right immigration course in the right order Our range of training activities dealing with immigration issues is presented under three headings: 1. Foundations 2. Sponsor compliance 3. Immigration for advisers Please see the table below to check which training and/or reading activities you should have completed before booking on to any particular course. You may also wish to book on to some of our other, ‘non-immigration’ courses such as ‘Basic advisory skills’ and ‘Effective cross-cultural communication’ – please see pages 15 to 17.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT IMMIGRATION COURSE(S) AND IN THE RIGHT ORDER Course title
Type of course
Courses and activities that should already have been undertaken
A B
Understanding International – immigration module (online)
Foundation
None
Tier 4 basics
Foundation
Preparing for enrolment: key immigration issues
Foundation
A A+
Assigning CASs: all you need to know
Sponsor compliance
Tier 4 and sponsor compliance
Sponsor compliance
Compliance: problem areas
Sponsor compliance
Advising on Tier 4 applications - I
Immigration for advisers
Advising on Tier 4 applications - II
Immigration for advisers
Tier 4 refusals
Immigration for advisers
C D
Have read UKCISA’s overview of the student immigration rules: www.ukcisa.org.uk/ immigration-overview
Work rights & options for international students
Immigration for advisers
Challenging credibility refusals
Immigration for advisers
Stop Press: recent changes and issues
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Students’ dependants
Courses are aimed at
Immigration for advisers
A +B A +B A +B + C A +B A +B + D A +B + D +
Delegates will be expected to have had a look at the online administrative review form prior to attending the course: www.ukcisa.org.uk/adminreview-form
A A +B + D A +B + D or C A +B
Compliance staff (not advisers) Compliance staff (not advisers) Compliance staff (not advisers) Advisers (not compliance staff) Advisers (not compliance staff) Advisers (not compliance staff): For experienced advisers familiar with the Tier 4 Immigration Rules, the associated guidance and section 3C leave. Also of relevance to careers advisers Experienced immigration advisers For experienced staff familiar with Tier 4 Immigration Rules and associated guidance.
Immigration
Courses: foundations 1. Foundations Understanding International – immigration module If you are new to immigration, want an overview of the basic principles, or are revisiting the foundations of immigration law, this module is for you. If booking on to any of our Immigration courses, it is crucial that you undertake this online module before attending any such course. Please see the advert on page 3 for details and how to access this online package.
Understanding International A toolkit for staff
Tier 4 basics This course is for immigration advisers and compliance staff working with Tier 4 students. It aims to give a foundation for Tier 4 (General) and for the other immigration courses that we offer. The course doesn’t deal with anything that is specific to Tier 4 (Child) but much of what is covered – for Tier 4 (General) – is of relevance to Tier 4 (Child)
Having attended this course, you will: —— be able to locate relevant resources and use them effectively —— know to what extent your work is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) —— know the elements of Tier 4 This course is suitable for: anyone who works with international students directly or who is involved in developing and implementing institutional processes which affect international students. Tutors will assume that all participants have worked through the immigration module of Understanding International before attending this course - in particular using the URLs in that module to find where the Immigration Rules, Tier 4 Policy Guidance and Tier 4 sponsor materials are located. Those who advise international students directly on immigration applications should also plan to attend UKCISA’s ‘Advising on Tier 4 applications I’ course after completing this course. We will not deal with how to make applications or compliance matters on this course. Dates, venues and course codes: —— Thursday, 18 October 2018, London (P895)
—— Tuesday, 5 February 2019, London (P909) —— Friday, 29 March 2019, Manchester (P923) —— Thursday, 13 June 2019, Birmingham (P936)
Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Great opportunity to ask questions and clarify understanding of Tier 4 issues.” Preparing for enrolment: key immigration issues This course will enable staff members to deal with the key immigration issues that arise during enrolment periods.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: —— recognise endorsements/stamps in students’ passports —— understand the implications for international students who enter the UK via the Republic of Ireland —— identify the main immigration categories that permit study in the UK —— check students’ immigration permission and know how errors can be corrected —— understand which documents need to be copied and retained in order to meet Home Office requirements —— assist students who have leave to study at a different institution —— know when it is appropriate to refer students for further advice This course is suitable for: anyone who is involved with enrolling international students. This course acts both as a ‘refresher’ and as an introduction to the basic immigration knowledge needed to enrol students; it may also be of particular interest to you if you oversee enrolment processes at your institution and/or train staff prior to enrolment. Delegates will not be expected to have attended any other UKCISA training courses, but will be expected to be familiar with the basic concepts of Tier 4 and have read UKCISA’s overview of the student immigration rules before the course. Date, venue and course code: Friday, 8 February 2019, London (P911) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
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Immigration courses
Courses: sponsor compliance 2. Sponsor compliance Assigning CASs: all you need to know This course is for Level 1 and 2 users of the SMS who are or will be involved with assigning CASs. If you want and/or need a wider overview, we recommend that you attend UKCISA’s ‘Tier 4 basics’ course.
By the end of the course, participants will: —— know the checks that should be undertaken before a CAS is assigned —— know when not to assign a CAS including common pitfalls and implications —— know how to complete each field on the CAS —— know when to use a sponsor note and what information can be changed after a CAS is assigned —— be able to check the guidance and the rules to ensure that the correct information is included This course is suitable for: —— level 1 & 2 users who are involved in assigning CASs —— anyone new to Tier 4 and looking to step into this role Dates, venues and course codes: —— Wednesday, 24 October 2018, London (P897) —— Tuesday, 2 April 2019, Manchester (P924) —— Wednesday, 1 May 2019, London (P928) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Very informative and knowledgeable course leaders” Tier 4 and sponsor compliance Since the introduction in April 2009 of Tier 4 of the Points Based System, issues around the system have become central to the work of all parts of any institution with a Tier 4 sponsor licence.
This seminar is tutored for UKCISA by Penningtons Manches LLP. It will clarify the compliance duties that institutions must undertake to maintain their Tier 4 licence. It will cover: —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
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sponsor duties and responsibilities Basic Compliance Assessment recruitment and use of agents monitoring, reporting and record keeping Home Office assessments dealing with negative decisions other protective measures and best practice
The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.
Dates, venues and course codes: —— Wednesday, 16 January 2019, London (P906) —— Wednesday, 13 March 2019, Manchester (P918) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Very comprehensive overview. Very well explained. Presenters very knowledgeable.” Compliance: problem areas (short day) This course is tutored for UKCISA by Penningtons Manches LLP. It runs from 10.00-3.00 and will cover common problems faced by compliance staff in the education sector and how to resolve them such as:
—— attendance monitoring of students undertaking research degrees/PhD (including periods of time outside the UK) and re-sits —— authorised absence considerations when forming policies on long term illness, pregnancy and other compassionate reasons —— work placements – what must be set up to ensure compliance —— recruitment considerations including immigration history —— student change of circumstances including changing course —— right to study and work checks —— monitoring visa expiry dates, in-time applications and section 3C leave —— refusals, administrative reviews and overstayers This course will allow time for a question and answer session to discuss problems that delegates face and how to resolve them.
This course is suitable for: —— those who have undertaken the UKCISA Tier 4 compliance course (or similar) —— those with a good understanding of Tier 4 compliance Dates, venues and course codes: —— Tuesday, 16 April 2019, London (P926) —— Wednesday, 5 June 2019, Manchester (P934) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ unions, £450 non-membersan
Immigration
Courses: immigration for advisers UKVI audits: preparation and survival Course aim: To enable staff involved in sponsor compliance to be fully prepared for a UKVI compliance review / audit in order to achieve a successful outcome. By the end of the session, attendees should : —— know the purpose, structure and possible outcomes of a UKVI visit —— be able to consider what internal processes are necessary to best prepare for a potential audit —— be more confident in dealing with a potential UKVI visit and ensuring a successful outcome This course content will include: —— types of UKVI audits - announced and unannounced —— possible triggers for an audit —— purpose of the visit —— format of the visit —— documents to provide during the visit —— evidence of institutional processes —— other files - non-Tier 4 students, Tier 2, etc —— practicalities of the visit —— good practice Date, venue and course code: —— Wednesday, 5 December 2018, London (P903) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“The structure was very well thought out. Very clear and exact. Covered the points we required.” I 3. Immigration for advisers Advising on Tier 4 applications - I This course is for immigration advisers (not compliance staff) who support students who need to make a Tier 4 application sponsored by your institution. The course covers helping students to make a successful Tier 4 visa application in their home country or a Tier 4 extension in the UK and the evidence needed to support an application.
Having attended this course, you will: —— be aware of the OISC regulations and the implications for competence and boundaries for your immigration advice work
—— be able to help students make Tier 4 entry clearance and leave to remain applications —— understand the evidential requirements
This course is suitable for: international student advisers who give students one-toone immigration advice on completing and submitting Tier 4 applications. It is of particular relevance to new advisers. However, before attending this course, delegates will be expected to have attended the ‘Tier 4 basics’ course (see page 5) or already understand the principles of Tier 4 of the Points Based System. Please check the objectives of this course and feel free to contact the Training Administrator to discuss. If your role in a student’s application is more administrative (eg issuing a CAS, monitoring the outcome of applications, ensuring institutional Home Office compliance) rather than advising on making Tier 4 applications then we do not advise attending this course. You may wish to attend the UKCISA training course ‘Tier 4 and sponsor compliance’ (see page 6) instead. Dates, venues and course codes: —— Tuesday, 4 December 2018, London (P902) —— Tuesday, 26 March 2019, London (P922) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Discussing the theory and putting it into practice with exercises was very helpful.”
Advising on Tier 4 applications - II Course aim: To enable advisers to consider how to deal with complex applications, and problems which may occur through the process of the application. Having attended the course, you will know: —— how to advise on certain complexities arising before or during a Tier 4 application (including knowing where general grounds for refusal might have an impact —— options for those who wish to vary the grounds of their application —— what leave the student has at various stages after they apply for further leave and how to establish if leave has expired —— how to advise a student whose leave has expired —— how and when to inform the Home Office of changes
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Immigration
Courses: immigration for advisers in a student’s circumstances which occur before an application has been decided
This course is suitable for: experienced immigration advisers. Therefore, advisers must: —— have attended our ‘Basic Tier 4’ course and followed by either ‘Advising on Tier 4 applications part I’ or —— have at least 2 years’ worth of experience of advising on, and helping students to make, immigration applications within the framework of the Office of Immigration Service Commissioner’s (OISC) requirements Dates, venues and course codes: —— Thursday, 14 February 2019, London ((P912) —— Tuesday, 4 June 2019, London (P933) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“I gained confidence to use the immigration rules and an understanding of deadlines, overstay and disregards.”
GDPR & immigration work in the education sector (half day)
NEW
This course is tutored for UKCISA by Penningtons Manches LLP. It runs from 9.30-1.00. In the context of your immigration work with the Home Office and/or your agents, your students and all other parts of your institution - including third parties such as accommodation and catering providers - managing your students’ data has become an even greater and more complex ongoing challenge for you and everyone else handling and/or storing your students’ data. The course will offer you a structure for you to manage your data protection responsibilities without getting overwhelmed.
By the end of the day you will be able to: —— identify which you you need to manage —— identify what needs to be done with the students’ data at each stage throughout the ‘student journey’ from the start of recruitment until after they have finished their studies at your institution Date, venue and course code: —— Friday, 16 November 2018, London (P898) Fees: £130 members, £230 non-members
Students’ dependants
Tier 4 refusals
Course aim: To enable advisers to advise on the immigration requirements family members of students must meet in order to enter and stay in the UK.
Course aim: To enable advisers to advise students on their options when Tier 4 applications have been refused and to help them apply for administrative review of refusals.
By the end of the session, attendees should: —— know which family members can apply to be in the UK with Tier 4 students —— know what requirements family members must meet in order to apply, and what restrictions will apply to their stay —— be able to advise family members on how to make their immigration applications
By the end of the session, attendees should : —— be able to recognise a general ground for refusal and its likely consequences —— know how to help students apply for administrative review —— understand when a student’s leave expires following a refused leave to remain application
This course is suitable for: international student advisers who give one-to-one immigration advice to students or their family members. Delegates will be expected to already have a good understanding of Tier 4 of the Points Based System. Date, venue and course code: —— Friday, 23 November 2018, London (P899) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
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This course is suitable for: experienced advisers. Therefore, advisers must: —— have attended our ‘Tier 4 basics’ course and our applications courses, or otherwise be familiar with the matters covered on those courses, and —— have at least 2 years’ worth of experience of advising on, and helping students to make, immigration applications within the framework of the Office of Immigration Service Commissioner’s (OISC) requirements
Immigration
Courses: immigration for advisers We will not be going over the Tier 4 Immigration Rules and guidance; detailed knowledge of them will be assumed and required for the refusals course.
Date, venue and course code: —— Friday, 15 March 2019, London (P919) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Continuous reference to rules and policy means I will be able to navigate this on my own when presented with cases. Very useful.” Challenging credibility refusals This course will give experienced immigration advisers the practical skills they need in order to help international students challenge credibility refusals with confidence. This is an interactive course and participants are encouraged to share their experience of refusals on the ‘genuine student’ ground in a confidential setting.
By the end of the session, advisers should have: the tools required to analyse a decision notice in order to identify the points that can be challenged the knowledge gained from others’ experiences to enable them to assess realistically the chances of success such challenges might have an awareness of the extent to which they can help students at their institution knowledge of some methods of attempting to balance the need to avoid credibility refusals with competing priorities within institutions This course is suitable for: experienced immigration advisers. Therefore advisers must: —— have attended our ‘Tier 4 basics’ course and our applications courses, or otherwise be familiar with the matters covered on those courses, and —— have at least 2 years’ worth of experience of advising on, and helping students to make, immigration applications within the framework of the Office of Immigration Service Commissioner’s (OISC) requirements
Date, venue and course code: —— Wednesday, 28 November 2018, London (P900) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“It was very helpful being able to discuss problems with colleagues from other institutions who are experiencing the same/similar issues.” Stop Press: recent changes and issues This course is designed to provide participants with updated information on, and a digest of, recent changes to relevant law and any corresponding government guidance and procedures. The course is intended for advisers who already have a good understanding of existing regulations affecting international students. Over the last few years, changes to the immigration system have dominated the agenda for this course exclusively.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: demonstrate familiarity with recent developments relevant to advising international students. This course is suitable for: experienced advisers only. Dates, venues and course codes: —— Thursday, 9 May 2019, Manchester (P929) —— Friday, 17 May 2019, Edinburgh (P930) —— Thursday, 23 May 2019, Birmingham (P931) —— Thursday, 30 May 2019, London (P932) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Great event, providing up to date information on the most recent issues.”
We will not be going over the Tier 4 Immigration Rules and guidance; detailed knowledge of them will be assumed and required for this course.
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Immigration
Courses: immigration for advisers Work rights and options for international students This course is tutored for UKCISA by Penningtons Manches LLP. It will be of interest to anyone involved with advising international students about immigration and careers options at any stage of the ‘student journey’ (ie at recruitment, during their course and around the end of their course). This includes those working for private sector institutions once they have obtained Office for Students (OfS) registration. It will include the range of after-study work options that exist within Tiers 1, 2, 4 and 5.
By the end of the day you will be able to advise students about: —— their work rights during their studies —— their post-course work options —— their applications for the range of such options, such as the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme, the Tier 1 routes, working as a students’ union Sabbatical Officer under Tier 4 and the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility), (Government Authorised Exchange), UK Ancestry and family routes Date, venue and course code: —— Friday, 7 December 2018, London (P904) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Course timings, structure and content - perfect. I really enjoyed the entire session today. It was clear, informative and very well delivered. Excellent!”
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Fees, finance and student support Courses
Choosing the right framework for fees courses for you There are different fee regulations for each country in the UK, and differences between further and higher education. We run three different variants of our Framework for Fees course, and it is vital that you choose the right one for your situation. Please use the diagram below to determine which course is right for you.
Sliabh Dรณnairt (850m)
Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon (1,085m)
Ben Nevis (1,344m)
Scafell Pike (978m)
You work in...
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
You assess fees...
Which course?
for HE courses
Framework for fees (HE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
for FE courses
Framework for fees (FE in England)
for HE courses
Framework for fees (HE in Scotland)
for FE courses
Framework for fees (Scotland)
for HE courses
Framework for fees (HE in England, Wales and Northern
for FE courses
Contact our Training Administrator to discuss your needs
in an HE institution
Framework for fees (HE in England, Wales and Northern
in an FE institution
Contact our Training Administrator to discuss your needs
See page 12 for courses
Contact our Training Administrator at training@ukcisa.org.uk or telephone 020 7288 4330 11
Fees, finance and student support Courses
Framework for fees (higher education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) This course offers a structure for determining who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged ‘overseas’ fees. It sticks to the basics and there is no time allowed for exploration of the ‘grey areas’ such as those related to ‘ordinary residence’ (these are addressed in the ‘Residence requirements’ workshop).
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: —— identify students entitled to pay ‘home’ fees This course is suitable for: those who are new to assessing or advising on fee status in higher education; it is ideal for those who are new to their job and who will be involved in fee status issues at or around enrolment time. Dates, venues and course codes: —— Friday, 19 October 2018, London (P896) —— Wednesday, 12 December 2018, Manchester (P905) —— Friday, 25 January 2019, London (P908) —— Friday, 15 February 2019, Birmingham (P913) —— Friday, 8 March 2019, London (P917) —— Wednesday, 24 July 2019, London (P938) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Very informative, concise and easy to follow. Gave a great overview of the regulations.” Framework for fees (further education in England) This course offers a structure for determining who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged ‘overseas’ fees. It sticks to the basics and there is no time allowed for exploration of the ‘grey areas’ such as those related to ‘ordinary residence’ (these are addressed in the ‘Residence requirements’ workshop). The course will cover the provisions for FE courses in England only.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: —— identify students who are covered by the funding provisions for FE courses in England This course is suitable for: those who are new to assessing or advising on fee status in further education in England. It is ideal for
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those who are new to their job and who will be involved in fee status issues at or around enrolment time.
Date, venue and course code: —— Friday, 19 July 2019, London (P937) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Good advice, clear explanations, approachable trainer, good all round.”
Fees, finance and student support Courses
Framework for fees (Scotland) This course offers a structure for determining who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged either the ‘Rest of UK’ or ‘overseas’ fees for courses in Scotland. It sticks to the basics and there is no time allowed for exploration of the ‘grey areas’ such as those related to ‘ordinary residence’ (these are addressed in the ‘Residence requirements’ workshop).
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: —— identify students entitled to pay ‘home’ fees —— identify where the ‘Rest of UK’ fee would apply This course is suitable for: those who are new to assessing or advising on fee status in higher and/or further education; it is ideal for those who are new to their job and who will be involved in fee status issues at or around enrolment time. Date, venue and course code: —— Thursday, 7 February 2019, Glasgow (P910) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“The breakdown between policy and framework in assessing fee payer status was really clearly laid out.” Residence requirements (for fees) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Workshop When assessing fee status or advising on it, there are cases where issues around residence requirements need careful consideration. For many students there are two key residence requirements: ordinary residence in a particular area and the purpose of that residence in that area. While in the majority of cases these requirements can be decided upon quite easily, the minority of cases where judgements are more difficult (or appear to be) can cause much anxiety and end up being very time consuming for those working with students. Participants on this workshop will work with the facilitators to identify processes that are fair and effective for dealing with these more difficult issues. This is a highly participative workshop. If you are only doing fees work for further education (FE) courses in England, this workshop would be of limited value to you.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: —— identify appropriate processes for deciding whether or not someone has been, or should be treated as having been, ordinarily resident in the relevant ‘residence area’ —— identify appropriate processes for deciding whether the main purpose for being ordinarily resident in the relevant ‘residence area’ has been for receiving fulltime education PLEASE NOTE: There will be no time on this workshop to cover the basic frameworks for assessing fee status. Only those who have already attended a UKCISA fees course, such as our framework courses, should consider booking on to this workshop. This workshop does not deal with any issues concerning immigration status or nationality. This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants.
Dates, venues and course codes: —— Friday, 30 November 2018, London (P901) —— Friday, 22 February 2019, London (P914) —— Wednesday, 17 April 2019, Birmingham (P927) —— Thursday, 6 June 2019, London (P935) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Ties in well with the framework session. Engaging tutor, case studies and feedback very wellstructured.” Residence requirements (for fees) in Scotland Workshop This workshop is for those who: —— are assessing or advising on fee status in higher education and further education; and —— have attended UKCISA’s ‘Framework for fees (Scotland)’ course within the last 3 years and/or who are already familiar with the prescriptive elements in the Scottish fees regulations relating to ‘ordinary residence’; and —— need to engage with processes to navigate the various judgement calls around ‘ordinary residence’ – mainly temporary absences, residence in more than one country, temporarily working or studying ‘abroad’ and whether the ‘main purpose’ of residence in the residence area was for receiving full-time education 13
Fees, finance and student support Courses
While in the majority of cases these requirements can be decided upon quite easily, the minority of cases where judgements are more difficult (or appear to be) can cause much anxiety and end up being very time consuming for those working with students. Participants on this workshop will identify processes that are fair and effective for dealing with these more difficult issues. This is a highly participative workshop.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: —— identify appropriate processes for deciding whether or not someone has been, or should be treated as having been, ordinarily resident in the relevant ‘residence area’ —— identify appropriate processes for deciding whether the main purpose for being ordinarily resident in the relevant ‘residence area’ has been for receiving fulltime education PLEASE NOTE: There will be no time on this workshop to cover the basic frameworks for assessing fee status. Only those who have already attended the UKCISA’s Framework for fees (Scotland) should consider booking on to this workshop. However, please contact us if you would wish to discuss the suitability of this workshop for you and/or colleagues. This workshop does not deal with any issues concerning immigration status or nationality. This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants.
Date, venue and course code: —— Friday, 22 March 2019, Glasgow (P921) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“It was very clearly structured. Time was taken to break down each category, to relate to real life cases. It was useful to hear other institutions’ assessments and how we would tackle these.”
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The student experience Contents Courses
Orientation for international students An international student’s first experiences of the UK and your institution are crucial. As well as offering a welcome, orientation offers a basis for successful adaptation to life as a student at your institution and is all the more effective if it reflects its true ethos. This course is highly participative.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to: —— clarify what their orientation programme is aiming to achieve —— identify resources needed and how to obtain them —— identify the stages involved in planning an event and develop an action plan to help with delivery (this will be done by populating a template offered at the course) This course is suitable for: those who have recently taken responsibility for, or a key role in, organising their institution’s orientation programme. The course might also be useful for more experienced staff who may wish to consolidate their experience and share their own ideas and strategies. Date, venue and course code: —— Thursday, 21 March 2019, London (P920) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Everything was well organised and the facilitators were great.”
Basic advisory skills Increasingly heavy work pressures for international student advisers may have led to a narrower (eg Tier 4) focus with client care becoming increasingly marginalised. This course helps to identify the benefits of holistic advice and to look at ways of achieving the balance between the needs for providing accurate advice and client care.
This course aims to help you: —— to identify and reflect on your advice and interviewing skills —— to be confident that you are dealing with international students holistically and thereby giving more effective advice and support Course objectives: to identify the main objectives of the advice process to identify the key stages of the advice process to define your role and boundaries (as an adviser) to develop your interviewing skills This course is suitable for: anyone giving advice to international students. Date, venue and course code: —— Thursday, 17 January 2019, London (P907) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“The venue was perfect for this course – food was excellent. Instructors were knowledgeable and very engaging.”
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Immigration
The student experience Courses
Frontline responses to the mental health needs of international students A hands-on training course in developing basic skills to respond to the mental health needs of international students especially at times of confusion and crisis.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to use case material and exercises to help develop: —— familiarity with the signs of, and ways of coping with, serious mental illness —— engagement with the link between stress, isolation and psychological difficulties which increase the risk of an episode of mental illness —— skills in linking with combined sources of help with minor, sudden or recurring and serious mental health problems —— reflection upon values and beliefs about the common and distinctive features of the international student experience which relate to mental illness and health This course is suitable for: international student advisers, counsellors, wardens, tutors, medical and welfare staff working with international students. Date, venue and course code —— Thursday, 11 April 2019, London (P925) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
“Excellent facilitators. I felt that there were excellent opportunities for discussion about relevant and difficult topics. I am really grateful to you all for you expertise.”
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NEW
Effective cross-cultural communication If your role involves interaction with international students, you are regularly navigating cross-cultural communication. Much of the time it may seem routine but occasionally it can be confusing and even difficult, especially if your role involves advising on or ensuring compliance with complex immigration legislation or institutional policies.
This course aims to help you in the context of your busy day-to-day work. It will provide a space for reflection and help you be confident and assertive in crosscultural interactions with international students, students generally, colleagues and those beyond your workplace.
Course objectives: —— to recognise how our own cultural identity and perceptions influence our responses in communication —— to identify ways of overcoming barriers to communication and be able to apply these to real life scenarios This course is suitable for: —— advisers and compliance staff working with international students —— staff working in admissions and recruitment —— staff working face to face with international students Date, venue and course code —— Thursday, 28 February 2019, London (P915) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
The student experience Courses
Training for trainers Institutions may often look to international student advisers for training because of their expertise in dealing with international students. This requires effective communication and training skills whether for a presentation to a finance committee to seek resources for certain work areas or projects, or for a training event for colleagues or a group of student helpers. This interactive course will help to build both skills and confidence in the delivery of training events or presentations.
Please note that the deadline for booking on this course is 1 February 2019. Once you have booked onto the course, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about any experiences you may have had of training (attending or delivering).
Date, venue and course code —— Friday, 1 March 2019, London (P916) Fees: £230 members, £150 students’ union members, £450 non-members
This course aims to help you: —— gain more confidence about the whole training process and —— to develop your knowledge about the training process —— to reflect on you as a trainer somewhat independent of what you might be training on —— to articulate the needs to be met for any training event Course objectives: to offer a structure for designing, developing, delivering and evaluating training events.
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PG Cert International Student Support and Advice In partnership with the University of Nottingham, UKCISA offers a Postgraduate Certificate in International Student Advice and Support. This is a one-year part-time course which has run since January 2013. It is suitable for all colleagues delivering international student advice and support and includes four residential modules on: §§ §§ §§ §§
Cross-Cultural Aspects of Advice and Support Advice-Giving and Client Care Ethical and Legal Frameworks and the Role of the International Student Adviser Managing Complexity: Enhancing Student Adviser’s Influence and Impact
The PG Cert is ideal for you if you are working (or aiming to secure a role) in student support services or international offices in higher education, further education or the independent sector.
“
It was a challenge - they don’t just give away the qualification – you need to work for it! But I feel that if it was easy, and you could just slot it into your spare time, it wouldn’t be so valuable. It was an interesting experience to put myself in student shoes at my own institution. And then I got promoted! I wouldn’t be doing my job today if I hadn’t done the course. But that’s not all – I built up a good network of people that I can speak to if there’s an issue I’d like to discuss - to get a second opinion for example. I also got an insight into the type of jobs that exist in international education – it opened my eyes to future possibilities. I know
“
I took part in the PG Cert because I wanted my career to progress and I wanted to gain a greater breadth of knowledge of the international student agenda in the UK. As well as gaining a safety net of colleagues I can go to for support, it has had a positive impact on me personally. I recently put forward a case for the value of my own work within the institution and my role has now been reviewed. This resulted in us taking on another member of staff. The PG Cert gave me the boost I needed to ask for a higher value to be placed on the work I do.”
quite a few of us have moved jobs since the course.”
Daniel Tasker (2017 cohort)
Find out more and how to apply at www.ukcisa.org.uk/pgcert
Ally Layton-Bennett (2016 cohort)
ISSA PG
UKCISA Conference 2019 Keele University, 3-5 July 2019 We will open for session proposals in the autumn. Deadline for receipt of proposals: January 2019 Visit our website to find out more: ukcisa.org.uk/proposals
Training events calendar Date
event title
venue
page
18 Oct Tier 4 basics
London
5
2018
19 Oct Framework for fees
(HE in England, Wales & Northern Ireland)
London
12
24 Oct
Assigning CASs: all you need to know
London
6
16 Nov GDPR & immigration work
London
8
23 Nov Students’ dependants
London
8
28 Nov Challenging credibility refusals
London
9
30 Nov Residence requirements (for fees)
London
13
4 Dec
Advising on Tier 4 applications - I
London
7
5 Dec
UKVI audits: preparation and survival
London
7
7 Dec
Work rights & options for international students
London
10
(HE in England, Wales & Northern Ireland
Manchester
12
16 Jan
Tier 4 and sponsor compiance
London
6
17 Jan
Basic advisory skills
London
15
12 Dec Framework for fees
2019
25 Jan Framework for fees
(HE in England, Wales & Northern Ireland)
London
12
5 Feb
Tier 4 basics
London
5
7 Feb
Framework for fees (HE in Scotland)
Glasgow
13
8 Feb
Preparing for enrolment
London
5
14 Feb Advising on Tier 4 applications - II
London
7
15 Feb
Framework for fees
(HE in England, Wales & Northern Ireland)
Birmingham
12
22 Feb
Residence requirements (for fees)
London
13
28 Feb
Effective cross-cultural communication
London
16
1 Mar
Training for trainers
London
17
8 Mar
Framework for fees
(HE in England, Wales & Northern Ireland)
London
12
13 Mar
Tier 4 and sponsor compliance
Manchester
6
15 Mar
Tier 4 refusals
Lonodn
8
20
21 Mar
Orientation for international students
London
15
22 Mar
Residence requirements (for fees) in Scotland
Glasgow
13
26 Mar Advising on Tier 4 applications - I
London
7
29 Mar
Tier 4 basics
Manchester
5
2 Apr
Assigning CASs: all you need to know
Manchester
6
11 Apr
Frontline responses to the mental health needs
of international students
London
16
16 Apr
Compliance: problem areas
London
6
17 Apr
Residence requirements (for fees)
Birmingham
1 May
Assigning CASs: all you need to know
London
6
9 May
Stop press: recent changes & issues
Manchester
9
17 May Stop press: recent changes & Issues
Edinburgh
9
23 May Stop press: recent changes & issues
Birmingham
9
30 May Stop press: recent changes & issues
London
9
4 Jun
Advising on Tier applications - II
London
7
5 Jun
Compliance: problem areas
Manchester
6
6 Jun
Residence requirements (for fees)
London
13 Jun
Tier 4 basics
Birmingham
5
3-5 Jun UKCISA Annual Conference
Univ Keele
19
19 Jul
Framework for fees (FE in England)
London
12
24 Jul
Framework for fees
(HE in England, Wales & Northern Ireland)
London
13
13
12
Book online at ukcisa.org.uk/training
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The UK Council for International Student Affairs is the UK’s national advisory body serving the interests of international students and those who work with them.
UKCISA 9–17 St Albans Place London N1 0NX T +44 (0)20 7288 4330 F +44 (0)20 7288 4360 www.ukcisa.org.uk @ukcisa UKCISA is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company Number: 4507287) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity Number: 1095294). Its registered office is at 9 –17 St Albans Place London N1 0NX.
UKCISA gratefully acknowledges the financial support it receives from the Department for Education, and from the Scottish Government.