UKCISA Conference 2018 planner by UKCISA

UKCISA 50th Anniversary Conference 2018 University of Edinburgh Conference Planner

Gold sponsors: With additional support from:

#ukcisa2018

Conference overview JMCC= John McIntyre Conference Centre

Wednesday 27 June 08:30-17:00 12:30-13:30

Conference registration open, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) Newcomers welcome and introduction to UKCISA Conference Prestonfield, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) Left luggage available at Kirkland, South Hall

12:30-13:45

Welcome lunch, South Hall

14:00-15:30

Welcome to conference and welcome to Scotland:

Exhibition open, South Hall Professor Koen Lamberts, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of York and Chair of UKCISA’s Board of Trustees John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in the Scottish Government and MSP for Perthshire North OPENING PLENARY: Changing lives for good – The US experience: triumphs and challenges

Keynote: Dr Esther Brimmer, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA (Association of International Educators, USA) Chair: Professor Koen Lamberts Pentland Suite, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) 15:45-16:45

PARALLEL SESSIONS A (1 hour), JMCC and St Leonard’s Hall

16:45-18:00

Check-in to accommodation Exhibition open, South Hall

16:45-17:45

Choir practice Prestonfield, JMCC

19:00

Buses to evening reception at Playfair Library Depart from Pollock Halls Main Reception

19:30-21:30

#ChangingLivesForGood 50th anniversary evening reception Playfair Library

20:30-22:00

Buses return to Pollock Halls accommodation

Thursday 28 June 07:00-10:00

Breakfast, JMCC Restaurant or Masson House Breakfast Room

07:45-08:30

Early morning activities (self-directed): Commonwealth Pool, Arthur’s Seat walk

08:00-17:00

Conference registration desk open, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC)

09:00-17:00

Check-in to accommodation

09:30-12:30

PARALLEL SESSIONS BC (3 hour sessions), JMCC and St Leonard’s Hall

09:30-10:45

PARALLEL SESSIONS B (1 hour 15 min sessions), JMCC and St Leonard’s Hall

10:45-11:15

Refreshment break and exhibition, South Hall

11:15-12:30

PARALLEL SESSIONS C (1 hour 15 min sessions), JMCC and St Leonard’s Hall

12:30-14:00

Lunch. Exhibition open, South Hall

13:00-13:45

AISA and ICN Meet ups – all welcome! Find out about two important peer networks: AISA and ICN, and how to join Kirkland, South Hall

13:00-13:45

Choir practice, Prestonfield, JMCC

Conference overview

Thursday 28 June (cont’d) 14:00-15:15

PARALLEL SESSIONS D (1 hour 15 min sessions), JMCC and St Leonard’s Hall

15:15-15:45

Refreshment break and exhibition, South Hall

15:45-16:45

MID-CONFERENCE PLENARY: Why mobility matters

Keynote: Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive, British Council Chair: Dr Alastair Niven, formerly Principal Cumberland Lodge and former Chair (1987-1992) of UKCISA’s Executive Committee/Board Pentland Suite, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) 16:45-18:30

Free time

17:00-18:00

Choir practice, Prestonfield, JMCC

18:30

Buses to evening reception at Assembly Rooms

17:00-18:00

Highland Hustle (Scotland’s answer to Zumba) (pre-booked), Kirkland, South Hall Depart from Pollock Halls Main Reception

19:00-19:30

Drinks reception

21:30-00:00

Ceilidh and disco

19:30-21:30

#ChangingLivesForGood 50th anniversary conference dinner Assembly Rooms

22:00-00:15

Buses return to Pollock Halls accommodation

Friday 29 June 07:00-10:00

Breakfast, JMCC Restaurant or Masson House Breakfast Room

07:00-08:00

Early morning yoga (pre-booked), with Alison Barty, yoga teacher and counsellor at SOAS Kirkland, South Hall

08:00-14:15

Registration, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC)

08:30-09:30

Choir practice, Prestonfield, JMCC

08:00-09:30

Left luggage available, Kirkland, South Hall

09:45-10:45

PARALLEL SESSIONS E (1 hour), JMCC and St Leonard’s Hall

10:45-11:15

Refreshment break and exhibition, South Hall

11:15-11:55

PARALLEL SESSIONS F (40 min), JMCC and St Leonard’s Hall

12:15-13:15

CLOSING PLENARY: Changing Lives For Good – panel session and UKCISA choir! Reflections on the past and challenges for the future

Chaired by, and in conversation with, Dominic Scott, Chief Executive of UKCISA Followed by a performance by the UKCISA Choir Pentland Suite, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) 13:15-14:15

Farewell lunch, South Hall

14:15

Close of conference

Introduction and welcome

Message from the President I was thrilled to hear that so many delegates had registered for this year’s very special 50th anniversary conference and I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your support on this occasion and indeed over the years. As I said in our Annual Review last year – and which I say on each and every possible opportunity - the benefits which international students bring to the UK are both ‘enormous’ and ‘priceless’. And I am increasingly convinced and encouraged to find that this is a view which is widely shared not only by an increasing number of leading politicians but also by the British public in general. International students enrich our campuses and communities, bring talent and new perspectives to our lives, build links for us all around the globe and help us to contribute to a more prosperous and indeed more peaceful world. But for us all to benefit, those hundreds of thousands who come to the UK need to have the best possible welcome and support to ensure they succeed and I know that it is those in the UKCISA community who are at the heart of this process. And so on this special occasion may I salute the work you do and thank you all, not only for contributing to this conference, but also for helping to make the UK such an attractive destination and for helping so many to ‘change lives for good’. Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL

Welcome from the Chief Executive As Karan Bilimoria says, this is indeed a very special 50th Anniversary occasion for us and can I thank not only the delegates for attending but also the Scottish Government who have encouraged and enabled this event to be held here in Edinburgh, our sponsors and exhibitors who also help to ensure the success of the conference and of course so many of you who have so kindly volunteered to present at sessions. This year, fittingly, we have more delegates (well over 450) than I think ever before. We have leading keynote speakers both from the UK and overseas. We have over 60, yes 60, parallel sessions covering every single facet of the international student experience. We have Opening Receptions and Anniversary Dinners – and yoga and dancing and walking and so many other opportunities to meet and relax and to network. And I understand anniversary cakes and anniversary mugs for you to take away as memories and souvenirs! Because we are celebrating the growth and success of quite a remarkable organisation and community, held I believe in very high regard by so many and dedicated to the very highest standards of professional support to students from all parts of the world. So, on behalf of my colleagues in the UKCISA team – and there are 10 of us here at the conference wearing differently coloured badges so that you can spot us and ask any questions if you need any help - can I, like Karan, thank you for all your support, encourage you to meet as many of your colleagues as possible and take maximum advantage of the sessions. And, perhaps above all, enjoy what we all hope will be a really successful, inspiring and memorable conference. With very best wishes, Dominic Scott OBE

Newcomers welcome Wednesday 27 June, 12:30-13:30, Prestonfield, JMCC

Welcome and introduction to the UKCISA conference If this is your first UKCISA conference, you are invited to join us for this special event. This session is pre-booked. Speak to In Conference at registration if you have not booked but would like to attend. This is an opportunity for you to: §§ meet UKCISA staff §§ find out more about the work of UKCISA §§ find out about how UKCISA can support you §§ get tips on how to make the most of the conference §§ meet other delegates who are also new to the event Come along and meet us, ask questions and get ready for an exciting UKCISA Conference 2018!

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Opening plenary Wednesday 27 June 14:00-15:30, Pentland, JMCC All plenary sessions take place in Pentland in the John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) Conference opening and welcome Professor Koen Lamberts Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of York and Chair of UKCISAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Trustees

Koen Lamberts is Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of York. He is Chair of the N8 Research Partnership and Chair of the Employers Pension Forum for Higher Education. He is also Deputy Chair and a Board Member of The Russell Group, the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, Universities and Colleges Employers Association, the White Rose University Consortium, the Worldwide Universities Network and Yorkshire Universities. Koen was born in Hasselt, Belgium, he holds undergraduate degrees in Philosophy (1985) and Psychology (1987) and a PhD in Experimental Psychology (1992) from the University of Leuven. Following a research appointment at the University of Chicago, he became a lecturer at the University of Birmingham in 1992. He was Professor of Cognitive Science at the University of Warwick from 2000 to 2013. At Warwick, he served as Faculty Chair for Science, Pro-ViceChancellor for Research (Science & Medicine) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Provost. Koen has a track record of experimental research into cognitive processes in perception, memory and decision making, and of mathematical and computational modelling of these processes. He has collaborated with commercial and industrial partners in applied research that has focused on consumer behaviour and product design. He was a recipient of the British Psychological Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cognitive Award (1996) and of the Experimental Psychology Society Prize (1997).

Welcome to Scotland John Swinney Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in the Scottish Government and MSP for Perthshire North John Swinney was educated at Forrester High School and the University of Edinburgh. He graduated in 1986 as a Master of Arts with Honours in Politics. Prior to his election to the Westminster Parliament in 1997, John was employed as Strategic Planning Principal with Scottish Amicable and was a business and economic development consultant for five years. John joined the SNP in 1979 at the age of 15 and has held a number of posts within the Party at local and national level. He has been the National Secretary, Vice Convener for Publicity and Deputy Leader before leading the party from 2000-2004. John was elected as the Member of Parliament for North Tayside on in 1997, and in 1999 he was elected as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for North Tayside. He was re-elected in 2016 as MSP for Perthshire North. John is a member of the SNP Scottish Government and was the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth from 2007-2014. In November 2014 he was appointed as Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and the Economy. After the Scottish Parliament election in 2016 John was re-appointed as the Deputy First Minister and is now the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills. @JohnSwinney

Opening plenary Wednesday 27 June 14:00-15:30, Pentland, JMCC

Keynote address Changing lives for good – The US experience: triumphs and challenges Dr Esther Brimmer Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators (USA)

Dr. Brimmer is the Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. She has been the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

She served in the Department of State three times, including as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs. Earlier in her career she was Deputy Director and Director of Research at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. She has published numerous articles and edited eight books on transatlantic relations. Her work has been translated into five languages. She is a member of the Department of Defense National Security Education Board and the Executive Board of the Atlantic Council. She received her doctorate and master’s degrees in international relations from Oxford University and her bachelor’s degree from Pomona College. @EstherAtNAFSA

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Mid-conference plenary Thursday 28 June 15:45-16:45, Pentland, JMCC Keynote address Why mobility matters

Sir Ciarán Devane Chief Executive, British Council Chair: Dr Alastair Niven Formerly Principal Cumberland Lodge and former Chair (1987-1992) of UKCISA’s Executive Committee/Board The world is a challenging, interdependant space and tomorrow’s young people, young learners and young leaders will need all the skills they can acquire to navigate an increasingly complex world. Sir Ciarán will outline some of these challenges, some of the ways in which British Council is helping to ‘change lives for good’ internationally, how and why the UK can and must continue to be a magnet for overseas study and why, at a time when the UK is adapting its place in the world, ‘mobility matters’ perhaps now more than ever before. Sir Ciarán Devane became chief executive of the British Council in January 2015. Ciarán has focused on aligning the British Council behind key themes important to the UK, demonstrating the contribution of cultural relations to the UK’s security, prosperity and influence, and strengthening the organisation’s capacity and capability across its network in over 100 countries. Prior to his current role, Ciarán was chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support where he transformed the scale and impact of the charity (NGO) both on its own and in collaboration with other organisations. He was awarded a knighthood in 2015 for his services to cancer patients. @CiaranDevane

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Closing plenary Friday 29 June 12:15-13:15, Pentland, JMCC Changing Lives For Good panel session Reflections on the past and challenges for the future Featured panellists: Nicola Carter, Lizzie Huckle, Alan Mackay, Dr Alastair Niven, Vivienne Stern, Yinbo Yu,

leading immigration lawyer and commentator Head of International Student Support, Imperial College London and Chair of UKCISA’s Advisory Committee PVC International and Director of Edinburgh Global, University of Edinburgh and UKCISA Board member former Principal of Cumberland Lodge and former Chair of UKCISA’s Board of Trustees Director, Universities UK International (UUKi) International Officer, NUS

Chaired by, and in conversation with, Dominic Scott, UKCISA Chief Executive After two intensive days of debate on current issues and concerns we close with a lively panel discussion with colleagues and leading commentators from sector bodies, law firms, university management, advisors and student representatives reflecting on the most important recent achievements but also challenges and opportunities in the future. Where will Tier 4 go? What will Brexit bring? Are advice and compliance working together or drawing apart? Are there sufficient resources allocated to support services? In what aspects of the international student experience are we leading the world and in which are we letting students down? Is internationalisation and student mobility on the up or on the wane? Do our local communities and politicians accept and understand the value (and values) - and if not what more do we need to do? What are the key strengths of the UKCISA community, what have we achieved over so many years, what should be our main priorities for the coming years enabling us to continue to ‘change lives for good’?

and

UKCISA scratch choir A bold, lively and highly experimental collection of brave volunteers - who will have rehearsed (very briefly) during the conference – will send us home on a (possibly) musical but doubtless inspirational high, final note (or notes) celebrating the UKCISA community, the ways we each help each other and the strength and comradeship, after 50 years, of quite an extraordinary organisation. And farewell and good fortune as we depart and look forward to another highly successful 50 years!

Social programme Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Choir practice

Prestonfield, JMCC A unique opportunity in this special 50th anniversary year! Delegates who enjoy singing are invited to join the UKCISA conference choir. The choir will rehearse with a professional choirmaster during the conference and perform at the closing plenary on Friday 29 June. Rehearsals are currently scheduled during breaks at the following times:

Weds: 16:45-17:45 Thurs: 13:00-13:45 17:00-18:00

Fri: 08:30-09:30

It’s not too late to take part! If you haven’t booked but you’d like to join, please speak to In Conference on Wednesday before first practice – you must be able to join all the rehearsals.

Wednesday 27 June

19:30-21:30 #ChangingLivesForGood 50th anniversary reception Playfair Library We will be welcomed by Prof Peter Mathieson, Vice-Chancellor, University of Edinburgh to the beautiful Playfair Library. Delegates will have the chance to relax and network in fabulous surroundings. Drinks and light food will be served. Buses will take you to the reception, leaving from Pollock Halls Main Reception (see map on page 47).

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Immigration Compliance Network

Peer Group Meet Up – all welcome! Find out about the AISA and ICN Networks and how to join. 13:00-13:45 Kirkland, South Hall

Social programme Thursday 28 June

07:45-08:30 Early morning self-directed activities

Why not take a swim or go for a walk?

Holyrood Park You can find maps and self-directed walks on the Historic Scotland website: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/holyrood-park/maps-and-guides

Arthur’s Seat within Holyrood Park You would need a couple of hours to enjoy a leisurely climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat. There is a shorter steep climb which you can do from the conference centre but there are rocks at the top and it is the most difficult way to reach the top. For this reason this is only for those of you who have a good head for heights and are fit. You will need good walking shoes and walking gear – even in summer it can be very windy and cold. UKCISA are not guiding the walk. This is not a formal part of the conference and so take no responsibility for climbers. You can find more details online: www.edinburghspotlight.com/2013/04/photowalk-arthurs-seat-and-holyrood-park-edinburgh/ www.geowalks.co.uk/iarthurwalks.html#purple

Remember to download the UKCISA Conference app

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Social programme Thursday 28 June (cont’d) Royal Commonwealth Pool This is open from 05:30 and is located about a five-minute walk from the accommodation, so you have plenty of time to go for a swim before breakfast. A single entry is £6. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/royal-commonwealth-pool

See map page 47

17:00-18:00 Highland Hustle Kirkland, South Hall

See map on page 40 and 47

De-stress after the conference sessions and get energised in preperation for the ceilidh with Scotland’s version of Zumba inspired by Scottish Highland Dancing! The class will be led by a professional teacher. This is an opportunity to experience something truly unique. The class is fully booked – speak to In Conference if you’d like to go on the waiting list to join.

19:00-21:30 #ChangingLivesForGood 50th anniversary reception and dinner Assembly Rooms Buses depart from outside Pollock Halls Main Reception (see map on page 47) from 18:3018:45 to take us to the drinks reception in the ballroom followed by dinner at the fabulous Assembly Rooms in the centre of Edinburgh. We will then have dinner followed by a ceilidh and disco. The ballroom will be available after dinner for delegates who prefer a quieter space to relax and network.

Friday 29 June

07:00-08:00 Early morning yoga Kirkland, South Hall

See map page 40 and 47

Early morning yoga with experienced yoga teacher Alison Barty. Yoga mats are not provided. Pre-booked, but limited places are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Sponsors and exhibitors Gold sponsors

INTO University Partnerships INTO University Partnerships is an independent organization focused on expanding higher education opportunities for students worldwide. Key to our mission is to help universities create a rich and globally diverse campus environment for teaching and learning, and to extend the global reach and impact of the university’s research and engagement. Through innovative partnerships with leading universities, we expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring success and transforming the lives of our students and staff.

www.intoglobal.com

Penningtons Manches Penningtons Manches LLP is a leading UK law firm which provides high quality legal advice. Our education group comprises a multidisciplinary team of corporate, commercial, charity, dispute resolution, employment, immigration, real estate, regulatory, pensions and tax lawyers. Working closely together to provide an integrated service, we support HE, FE and other education clients across a wide range of issues including sponsor licensing, student contracts, disputes, reorganisations, joint ventures, student accommodation issues, property transactions and employment tribunals.

www.penningtons.co.uk

Supporting sponsors

British Council

STAND 8

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Our International Education Services provide a comprehensive set of solutions, tailored to cater to UK educational institutions’ diverse international marketing needs.

www.britishcouncil.org

https://education-services.britishcouncil.org

THE PIE

STAND 12

The PIE is an independent media, recruitment and events company offering a market-leading portfolio of services for Professionals in International Education. Keep up with industry news via www.thepienews.com, read our analysis of hot topics and trends in the quarterly The PIE Review magazine, find new staff or your next move through our jobs board www.thepiejobs.com and specialist executive search consultancy The PIE Talent, and make business connections through The PIE Plus. Sign up to The PIE Weekly newsletter to receive a weekly update on news and jobs in the sector directly to your inbox. The PIEoneer Awards celebrate innovation and achievement in international education each year. The PIE is the only targeted media platform that can boast a truly global audience of senior stakeholders involved in international education from around the world. We reach over 55,000 unique readers per month.

www.thepienews.com

Supporting sponsors (cont’d)

Study Group Study Group works with some of the world’s most respected universities and higher education institutions to offer international students a route to degree success. We support universities to attract international students through customised, codeveloped pathway programmes on-campus as well as providing high school and university preparation programmes through Bellerbys College. Experienced Study Group staff teach students the language, academic and cultural knowledge required for degree study. In 2017, Study Group taught more than 60,000 students from 150 countries. We work with universities and colleges in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and prepare students for academic success and rewarding careers.

www.studygroup.com

UniZest

STAND 14

UniZest provides a bank account with a Visa debit card and an integrated foreign exchange service that the students can open and start using before they leave home. Meaning that they can avoid all the problems associated with trying to open their accounts after they arrive in the country. There are already over 1,000 accounts open with students from 134 different countries benefiting from the service. UniZest was selected for the 2018 Barclays Techstars fintech accelerator and has just completed the 13-week programme. We want to meet with University international departments to discuss how this service can be communicated to the students.

www.unizest.co.uk

Validate ID

STAND 6

Validate ID Ltd is a privately-owned business specializing in Document Forensics and ID Verification whose origins date back 25 years. Developed in close partnership with the UK education sector, our VALIDATE software is the market leading Right To Study and Right To Work solution. VALIDATE is delivered via both Desktop and Web versions and provides an “onboarding” module which, enables remote ID Document capture; verification & storage within a SQL Database. Most of our customers have integrated Validate with their Student Records Systems. Straightforward integration can also be accomplished with 3rd party HR & Payroll Systems irrespective of platform.

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With additional support from:

Exhibitors

Cambridge Assessment English

STAND 5

Cambridge Assessment English is part of the University of Cambridge. We develop and produce the most valuable range of qualifications for learners and teachers of English in the world. Over 5 million Cambridge Assessment English exams are taken each year in more than 130 countries. Around the world over 20,000 universities, employers, government ministries and other organisations rely on our exams and qualifications as proof of English language ability. Cambridge Assessment English exams are backed by the work of the largest dedicated research team of any English language test provider. Cambridge Assessment English – a not-for-profit organisation.

www.cambridgeenglish.org

Cambridge Assessment International Education

STAND 4

Our Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success from age 5 to 19. Schools can shape the curriculum around how they want students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways to offer them. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives them the skills they need for life, so they can achieve at school, university and work.

www.cambridgeinternational.org/cambridge-for/universities-and-colleges

Doyle Clayton

STAND 10

Visas and Tier 4 Sponsor Licences – study/work/live in the UK? We specialise in helping students, academics and their families get the visas and permits they need to be in and stay in the UK as well as educational institutions get and keep their Tier 4 Sponsor licence. “refreshingly straightforward”.… “they made the process as smooth as possible” .… “standout lawyers”…. “a great help” .… “they were excellent!” – some of the things our clients have said about us. Please come and meet Shyam Dhir and Anna Blackden, two of our education immigration experts during the UKCISA conference or get in touch with them on +44 (0)207 329 9090 or email immigration@doyleclayton.co.uk. Doyle Clayton – not all law firms are the same.

www.doyleclayton.co.uk

Endsleigh

STAND 11

With over 50 years’ experience within the youth and student market, we understand your students’ needs can be wide ranging and diverse. Our knowledgeable team will work with you to develop flexible cover which is based on feedback from our customers and partners in the international student market. As a partner, you will receive a dedicated account manager, and have access to additional services such as risk and claims management, helping you to protect your needs.

www.endsleigh.co.uk

ETS TOEFL

STAND 13

The TOEFL® tests for student success - When you use the TOEFL® tests, you get the accurate and comprehensive information you need to confidently guide students to the next step of their English language learning journey. The TOEFL Family of Assessments - TOEFL iBT®, TOEFL ITP®, TOEFL Junior® and TOEFL® Primary™

www.ets.org/toefl_family

HOST UK

STAND 3

Working with over 1,500 volunteers across UK, HOST aims to promote international understanding and friendship and to help international students feel welcome in the UK. HOST UK does this by providing international students in the UK the opportunity to spend a day, a weekend, or three days at Christmas in the homes of volunteer hosts across the country. A memorable highlight of many international students’ stay here, the visit offers cultural exchange, language practice, and a warm welcome to the UK.

www.hostuk.org

IELTS / British Council

NSURE 2 STUDY - BRAND SHEET

STAND 9

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, the world’s proven English language test. IELTS is accepted as evidence of English language proficiency by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including UK Visas and Immigration. In the past year, over 3 million tests have been taken in more than 140 countries. IELTS is recognised as a secure, valid and reliable indicator of true-to-life ability to communicate in English for education, immigration and professional accreditation.

www.takeielts.org

OGO VERSIONS

Insure2Study

INSURE

STUDY

OVERSEAS

STAND 15

Essential medical, travel and personal insurance policy for students studying overseas. §§ Worldwide coverage §§ Best priced student insurance §§ 24/7 365 days a year multi-lingual help/claim line §§ 860,000 medical providers §§ 100,000 student clients §§ Underwritten by Lloyds of London §§ Ideal for inbound or outbound ERASMUS students.

INSURE

www.insure2study.com

STUDY

OVERSEAS

PTE Academic

PTE Academic is the world’s leading computer-based test of English for international students seeking to demonstrate their language proficiency. Results are accepted by governments for immigration applications and thousands of institutions worldwide already accept PTE Academic scores for study abroad, including the prestigious Harvard Business School, INSEAD and Yale.

OLOURS

CMYK: 1, 60, 96, 0 RGB: 238, 125, 20 HEX: #EE7D14

MYK: 53, 42, 40, 24 B: 110, 117, 119 X: #747577

ONTS

STAND 7

CMYK: 6, 4, 3, 0 RGB: 238, 239, 238 HEX: #eeefee

PTE test sessions are run over 360 days a year in more than 50 91,Academic 79, 62, 97 CMYK: 0, 0, 0 RGB: worldwide including: India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, Saudi Arabia #000000 HEX:Turkey. For the full listing of test centres, and to learn more, visit

www.pearsonpte.com

HEADLINE - NEBRASKA BOLD

countries and

Exhibition plan South Hall

Catering area 8 9

1 UKCISA

9 IELTS / British Council

2 UKCISA

10 Doyle Clayton

3 HOST UK

11 Endsleigh

4 Cambridge Assessment

12 PIE News

International Education

5 Cambridge Assessment English 6 ValidateID 7 PTE Academic

13 ETS TOEFL 14 UniZest 15 Insure2Study

8 British Council

Support networks for UKCISA members

As a member of UKCISA, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be able to join specialist networks for further support and best practice. Whether you work in an HE institution or work in FE, there are a number of groups that may be of interest.

Association of International Advisers (AISA)

AISA is a professional network providing regional and online networking opportunities, support and training to colleagues working with international students. www.aisa.org.uk

Find out more at the AISA Meet up on Thurs at 13:00-13:45 in Kirkland, South Hall.

I N

Immigration Compliance Network

Immigration Compliance Network (ICN)

Established in 2014, the Immigration Compliance Network (ICN) provides a safe and supportive forum within which colleagues can share their ideas and concerns about compliance with (primarily) the Tier 4 sponsor requirements. www.immigrationcompliancenetwork.org

Find out more at the ICN Meet up on Thurs at 13:00-13:45 in Kirkland, South Hall.

STRATOS

STRATOS is an informal network of advisers from HE and FE institutions across Scotland. It two or three times per year to discuss arising issues and best practice in the area of international student support and immigration matters.

Parallel sessions A

Wednesday 27 June, 15:45-16:45

Home Office update (repeated as B4) Prestonfield, JMCC

Category: Immigration

UK Visas and Immigration will present the latest developments affecting the education sector. This will include changes to in-country application services and how the Home Office is working with the newly established Office for Students. There will be plenty of time for discussion with UKVI staff and delegates will be encouraged to share their experiences of working with UKVI; in particular, UKVI are keen to gain feedback about operating a Tier 4 sponsor licence to build into future service improvements. Presenters: Steve Fisher, Acting Head of Sponsorship, Carly Gill, Tier 4 Operations; Paul Jeffrey, Head of Student Policy

Viva La Visa! Developing an online module to facilitate successful visa applications St Trinnean’s, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

In 2017 City, University of London, trialled an online, compulsory pre-CAS module to instruct new students on the Tier 4 visa requirements. Over 3,000 students took the module, and the visa refusal rate subsequently dropped by over 50% on the previous year. The session focuses on how the module was implemented and delivered, including the challenges faced during the process, how the Advice and Compliance teams at City worked together to achieve the final result, and what was learned from the first year. The session will include a presentation and interactive group activities. It will be useful for anyone involved in immigration advice or compliance looking for innovative ways of instructing large groups of students on the visa process. Presenters: Polly Penter, International Advice Manager, City, University of London; Jelena Culum, Visa Compliance Manager, City, University of London

Staff-student partnerships and group work activities with LEGO® Serious Play: reflections on UKCISA-funded projects Holyrood, JMCC

Category: Student experience

had learnt or improved, as well as the positive effects that the project has had on their attitudes towards their UK studies. Staff participants also gathered fascinating insights that will irrevocably change their views of international students. Both staff and student lives were indeed changed for good, demonstrating the benefits of working in partnership. The session will appeal to administrative and support staff as well as to academic support staff working with international students. It will help delegates reflect on how the findings could impact work with international students. LEGO® Serious Play: Delegates will learn the outcomes of the University of Strathclyde’s UKCISA-funded research project. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage hands on with the LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) methodology and be supported in exploring how they might apply it to their context. The session is aimed at any staff involved in providing advice to students including those in professional services roles. It will offer individual support to allow individuals to examine how they might apply LSP in their own context to enhance the student experience. Presenters: Terri Edwards, Assistant Professor (teaching), Durham University; Suzanne Faulkner, Teaching Fellow, University of Strathclyde

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent: a well-kept secret? Bonnar, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

The International Student Support Team is responsible for running the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme at Imperial College London. Their experience has shown that the two years under the scheme does not always sufficiently prepare graduates and their businesses to transition into the main Entrepreneur route, and the Exceptional Talent Scheme provides a viable alternative for some graduates. This session will detail the requirements of the Exceptional Talent Scheme and include case studies of Imperial graduates who have been granted a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa. This session will be of interest to staff wanting to understand more about the requirements of the Exceptional Talent route. Presenter: Christian Adams, International Student Adviser, Imperial College London

This joint session by Durham University and University of Strathclyde focuses on staff-student relationships following their UKCISA-funded pilot projects. Staff-student partnerships and group work activities: English Language Centre (ELC) at Durham University ran a UKCISA pilot project in 2017. The objective of the project was to improve an academic writing course: however, enhanced curriculum/materials were not the only outcomes. The international students described life-changing skills that they

Parallel sessions A

Wednesday 27 June, 15:45-16:45

The student voice: Scottish student panel Arthursley, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

In celebration of the conference theme, Changing Lives For Good, students from across central Scotland will talk about their experience of living and studying in Scotland, followed by Q&A. What works well? What have been the challenges? What next? This is a great opportunity to set aside the usual task of support and problem-solving to just listen to what students have to say about what it’s like to be an international student in the UK in 2018.

Chair: Yinbo Yu, International Students’ Officer, NUS Student Panel:

Jie Zhang, doctoral researcher, School of Education, University of Glasgow. Chelsea Raymond, PhD student, University of Stirling. Maria Divya Sahayaselvan, MSc Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde. Vanessa Ombura, MasterCard Foundation scholar and Civil Engineering undergraduate student, University of Edinburgh.

The perfect Tier 4 student file (repeated as B7) Nelson, St Leonard’s Hall Category: Immigration compliance

Preparing student files for presentation is key to a successful HEAT inspection. But what does the perfect file look like? The aim of this session is to help identify how best to prepare, keep updated and present Tier 4 student files. Practical advice and assistance will be offered on what the file requirements are and how best to present them to be successful at inspection. This involves consideration of how best to evidence: §§ paper or electronic files §§ appendix D documents §§ credibility assessments §§ right to study documents §§ study cap and academic progression §§ attendance data You will also have an opportunity in groups to work through example student files, picking out what you think is wrong, right and best practice. You will also have an chance to pull together the perfect student file and receive helpful and constructive feedback on your efforts. Presenters: Esyllt Martin, Paralegal, Eversheds Sutherland LLP; Maire Gibbs-Jones, Registry Manager, Policy and Compliance, University of Leicester

Nottingham Trent University and Trinity College Dublin: how to enhance the student experience with a ‘Global Lounge’ Pollock, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

This session features presentations by Trinity College Dublin and Nottingham Trent University, focusing on creating a global space within a university to integrate international and home students.

Trinity College Dublin: This presentation will focus on the development of Trinity College Dublin’s Global Room initiative which began in 2012. The Global Room is a student support and event space, with a focus on the international student community. The activities and events in this multi-functional space encourage and facilitate students to meet and connect in a way that contributes to positive integration of all students at Trinity. Objectives: §§ Learn about the development, aims and objectives of the Global Room §§ Theory of internationalisation at home and student integration as a key factor §§ Overview of activities and events showcasing student and wider college community engagement §§ How to do something similar in your institution

Nottingham Trent University: Nottingham Trent University’s award-winning Global Lounges are at the heart of the university’s internationalisation at home strategy. They are multi-functional spaces for UK and international (including EU) students and staff that promote integration and sharing of cultures and languages, as well as offering a range of opportunities for students to develop into global citizens. Join this session to meet the staff who set up and manage the Global Lounges, hear their story on how they started, the challenges they faced, and their tips on setting up your own Global Lounge. The presenters will share some ‘quick win’ ideas which you can take straight back to your institution. This session will consist of a presentation, discussion involving participants, and the sharing of best practice. Presenters: Louise Staunton, International Student Experience and Global Officer Manager, Trinity College Dublin; Dr Cheryl Rounsaville, Global Student Experience Manager, Nottingham Trent University

Parallel sessions A

Wednesday 27 June, 15:45-16:45

‘We all have the same difficult minds’; teaching mindfulness to international students CANCELLED

Perspectives on EU: a discussion forum Salisbury, JMCC Category: Student experience

This session provides an opportunity for delegates to discuss concerns being raised by current EU students, concerns of potential students and consider how delegates are supporting EU students during this period of uncertainty. What further assurances might be requested or required from institutions or government as we move towards and through the transition period? Bethan Ovens and Stephen Williams will lead the session with perspectives from LSE and NTU and there will be plenty of time for group discussion on how we establish new policies on EU students and what best practice in EU student support might look like. Presenters: Bethan Ovens, International Student Visa Advice Manager, The London School of Economics and Political Science

A10

A11

Hate hate crime? How KeeleSU and Keele University are tackling hate crime and online harassment Brewster, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

The session will explain how this HEFCE-funded project is tackling the issue of hate crime and online harassment of international students post-Brexit on and off campus. It will discuss how this initiative can transform the lives of those experiencing hate crime and how it can be replicated in delegates’ institutions. It will bring unique insight from students from key liberation groups and considering intersectionality. The session will provide information and guidance and group activities to look at local resolutions. Delegates will be able to look at the cost and benefit of being a local hate crime reporting centre as well as hopefully test proposed reporting mechanisms being piloted as part of the project. The session is aimed at colleagues working in student support, student experience, student advice, student officers or residential support. Presenter: Fay Harris, Head of Student Voice & Advocacy, KeeleSU

The international Muslim student journey Cowan, St Leonard’s Hall Category: Special interest

The religion of Islam is a complete way of life for many Muslims, and the combination of transition to study in the UK and adhering to the faith can be challenging for both students and universities. Based on practical experience at two very different universities, Muslim Chaplains from the Universities of Salford and Leeds will provide insights into how these challenges have been addressed. It will explore some key topics to help colleagues respond confidently to the needs of Muslim students to enable them to have a better sense of belonging and so enhance their student experience. Areas covered will include worship, culture shock, segregation, social activities, faith support, interfaith dialogue through unity work, etc. There will be plenty of opportunities to share experience and solutions. In the current political climate, Muslim students face a unique set of challenges; this is an opportunity to help make their study journey transformative. Presenters: Farhat Yaqoob, Muslim Chaplain, University of Leeds; Rashid Musa, Muslim Chaplain, University of Salford

Parallel sessions BC Thursday 28 June, 09:30-12:30

Sessions BC are 3-hour sessions. B and C are 1 hour 15 minutes. They run at the same time.

BC1 Stop Press Pentland 1 & 2, JMCC BC2 (We are running two Stop Press sessions at the same time. They have the same content)

Category: Immigration

Based on our Stop Press course, this session is designed to provide participants with updated information on international and EU student issues and changes in the law over the last 12 months. As in previous years, the breadth and depth of immigration changes are likely to provide most of the agenda. This session is for experienced advisers who already have a good understanding of existing provisions affecting international students. Participants who attended a Stop Press training event earlier in the year are advised not to attend this session as it may cover the same material. Presenters: Advice & Training Officers, UKCISA

BC3 EU law and Brexit – considerations for EEA students and their family members Prestonfield, JMCC Category: Immigration

This session covers EU law relating to students who are EEA nationals or EEA family members in the UK and will consider the various impacts of Brexit on these two groups. Presenter: Deepa Chadha, Advice & Training Officer, UKCISA

BC4 Back to the source: the Immigration Rules for dependants of students Salisbury, JMCC Category: Immigration

Learn to navigate your way around the Immigration Rules for the partners and children of students. Who can come? What requirements do they need to meet? What are they allowed to do? This is an interactive session that aims to help delegates find their own way around the Immigration Rules on all these points. Presenter: Kate Handforth, Advice & Training Officer, UKCISA

BC5 Bafa Bafa: a cross-cultural simulation experience Nelson, St Leonard’s Hall Category: Staff support

Bafa Bafa was originally designed as a training exercise to enhance people’s sensitivity whilst visiting ‘overseas’ locations. The session comprises: introduction, formation of two cultures, the experience of visiting another culture and debriefing opportunity to reflect upon the implication.

This workshop has run over many years at UKCISA conferences and provides an opportunity for delegates to gain an insight into how cultural groups form and what it means to belong (or not). Presenters: Colin Lago, retired, former Director of Counselling Service, University of Sheffield; Alison Barty, Senior Student Counsellor, SOAS, University of London

BC6 Breaking the ice and energising in crosscultural training: share our trusted favourites, try something new! Bonnar, St Leonard’s Hall Category: General interest

If you’re involved in running cross-cultural workshops how do you break the ice with a group of participants who don’t know each other? How do you keep energy levels up when you had to book the only room left in the university, a dark basement room with no windows? Come and share your trusted favourites with us! Novice and old-hand trainers all welcome! By the end of the session delegates will have: §§ shared some of your go-to activities either in theory or in practice (if you are willing to go live!) §§ discussed the strengths/downsides of different types of icebreakers and energisers §§ explored general good practice and the things to avoid when using icebreakers and energisers §§ explored sources for further ideas §§ had some fun (hopefully!) Presenters: Jo Bloxham, Director, Kynfolk; Kathryn Eade, founder of Up+thrive. Both presenters were formerly partners at thinkingpeople.

Parallel sessions B

Thursday 28 June, 09:30-10:45 Sessions B and C are 1 hour 15 minutes. Sessions BC are 3-hour sessions. They run at the same time.

245ZV(k) the first hurdle. Helping overseas applicants prepare for credibility interviews using digital communications Duddingston, JMCC

Category: Immigration

Credibility Refusals. We all dread them. Stressing about refusal rates, seeing good applicants having their dreams destroyed. We agonise over what went wrong. This session looks at how Middlesex University Immigration Advisors use a range of digital communications tools to tackle the issue, working with agents and university staff globally to develop their capacity to prepare applicants as well as working with applicants directly. Starting from individual Skype interviews with paper records, the team has developed a range of interactions including Facebook live sessions, podcasts, webinars and group Skype calls. The immigration advisors are now developing a digital system for managing hundreds of interviews, including a digital interview form linked to the university’s management information system. The session looks at the technologies used, the data recorded and the impact, as well as the dilemmas faced in balancing preparation and “coaching”. Presenters: Gethin Roberts, Interim Manager International Student Advice Team, Middlesex University; Manuela Vittori, International Student Advisor, Middlesex University

Hear about their plans to meet international students’ needs as they transition into university; to exploit the opportunities that an all-student Welcome offers in terms of greater student integration and friendship-making beyond national groups, whilst at the same time, helping all new students settle into life as a student at Warwick. The session will include: §§ project management approach: how we have consulted with and are coordinating hundreds of staff across all academic and professional service departments §§ the plan: events and activities to integrate home and international student communities §§ learning points for the rest of the student lifecycle Presenters: Christopher Hunt, Communications and Operations Manager, London School of Economics & Political Science; Lydia Halls, Communications and Orientation Officer, London School of Economics & Political Science; Claire O’Leary, Assistant Director, International Student Office, University of Warwick; Chris Luck, Head of Welcome and Student Internationalisation Manager, University of Warwick

ICN presents an exploration of real life challenges in ensuring sponsorship compliance Holyrood, JMCC

Category: Immigration compliance

Rethinking welcome: integrating international and home student communities from day one St Trinnean’s, St Leonard’s Hall Category: Student experience

This is a joint session by LSE and the University of Warwick about integrated orientation programmes. It is aimed at any advisers or staff working with international students. LSE: 69% of LSE’s students are international but the team deliberately do not run a separate international orientation programme.

LSE: The session will explore how LSE approaches specific issues such as homesickness and culture shock without having a specific international programme. The session will discuss about what orientation at LSE is for; what “LSE Welcome” entails and the data used to make decisions. LSE found that good recruitment and training of temporary staff and getting other areas of the institution on board are key for the successful implementation of this model. Different factors will affect an institution’s decision on whether to have an international orientation programme. Participants will be encouraged to join in the debate about whether separate orientation programmes are necessary and for whom.

Led by the Immigration Compliance Network, this session is a no holds barred look at compliance corners, nooks and crannies that can make themselves known and a discussion on how they were dealt with. Whilst we in compliance spend our time working extremely hard to ensure the institution meets the full askance of the some 3,000 pages of legislation and associated guidance, we are subject to the wider institution working around us and keeping compliance and university compliance policy in their purview. When you are a lone voice this is certainly not an easy task. In some cases the compliance staff are the last to know and we are in the unenviable position of having to decide to action reports or policy that have far reaching implications. During this session we will be discussing real life case studies of tricky compliance conundrums featuring reporting, ATAS, work placements, sites and partnerships and working; and workshopping an ‘in case of emergency’ plan based on lessons learned – in the spirit of the Immigration Compliance Network, this session is a safe space, and Chatham House rules apply. Presenters: Sophie Ferguson, Head of International Student Support, Bath Spa University; Richard Melia, Head of Home Office Compliance, University of Salford; Naheeda Kauser, Visa Support Manager, University of Bradford

University of Warwick: 2018 sees the University of Warwick’s inaugural Welcome Week for all new international and UK students, a departure from the traditional orientation programme for international students.

continues on page 26

Benchmarking survey snapshot Thanks to all our members who took the time to complete our benchmarking survey of international student support. The full report will be available in the autumn.

How is orientation organised? 2%

Responses

The survey received 131 responses, representing a 26% response rate:

45%

53%

6% 13%

Orientation for all students

73%

Orientation for international students only No orientation activities HE public

FE public

Private providers

Other

§§ 61% respondents provide free English language support for international students during their studies §§ 95% respondents accept the IELTS test to assess English language with 41% also using their own diagnostic English language test §§ 70% respondents help prospective students link with current students or alumni §§ 61% provide support for late-arriving students (workshops/ face to face meetings) §§ 75% respondents provide institution-run accommodation for international students and 55% (instead of or in addition) offer accommodation from private providers §§ 70% allow students to pay tuition fees in instalments §§ Around one third of respondents provide advice to students on finding part time work but one third do not provide any specialist support for international students §§ 70% do not provide specific support to aid international students’ transition home §§ 46% of students’ union respondents has an elected International Students’ Officer but only 17% are full time sabbaticals

How do members organise advice and compliance support? 40% 38% 32%

30% 24%

20%

10% 6%

0 Advice service and compliance work in separate teams

Advice service & compliance work within the same team

Same member(s) of staff responsible for both services

None of these/ Don't know/ Not applicable

What percentage of members subscribe to the Premium Customer Service Team?

Who is responsible for issuing CAS in institutions? (Multiple answers were possible)

55%

Immigration compliance staff

16%

29%

International student adviser

21%

Compliance/advice staff 61%

Registry

13%

70%

Dept administrators

8% 1%

Advice staff

11% 3%

Admissions

International Office staff

Don't know/N/A

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t subscribe Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

What provision are members making for EU students post-Brexit? (Multiple answers were possible)

Advice service will advise on future EU student immigration (no additional resources)

24% 2%

Advice service will advise on future EU student immigration (with additional resources)

10%

Erasmus office will advise all EU students (no additional resources)

We will set up a new 'EU' student support office

62% 6%

We will make plans when there are details of any new rules for EU students There will be no changes to our current service provision

11%

We haven't thought about it yet

11%

Don't know/not applicable

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 25

Parallel sessions B

Thursday 28 June, 09:30-10:45

Home Office update (repeat of A1) Pollock, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

Get audit ready!

I’m an international student advisor; get me out of here! An exploration of unconscious psychological games advisors and students often play Cowan, St Leonard’s Hall

CANCELLED

Category: Staff support

Advisers use their empathy, experience, expertise, good faith, creativity, humanity and many other things to support students. This interactive, participatory session emerges out of the acknowledgement of this, and out of a wish to support the long-term wellbeing of advice practitioners in what is often physically and emotionally challenging work. The workshop aims to provide a space for reflection about the experience of advice work and is an invitation to participants to explore how we can get pulled into games with our students in ‘out of awareness’ dynamics. Do you notice yourself rescuing others, or being pushed beyond your comfortable boundaries? Do you get the sense of ‘why does this keep happening to me?’ We will think about how games get triggered, how to recognise and deal with them so that we can develop successful strategies for self-care and healthy self-awareness. Presenter: Jennifer Raper, International Student Adviser, University of Sussex

The perfect Tier 4 student file (repeat of A6) Arthursley, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration compliance

Parallel sessions C

Thursday 28 June, 11:15-12.30 Sessions B and C are 1 hour 15 minutes. Sessions BC are 3-hour sessions. They run at the same time.

Advising on Entry Clearance refusals Holyrood, JMCC

Category: Immigration

At QMUL more than 85% of the applicants who sought advice following an Entry Clearance refusal in the summer went on to enrol on their course in September. How can we help applicants who have received an EC refusal, particularly with time pressures and a high demand on our service? What is the best way for advisers to support applicants in challenging EC refusals? What other options are there? What can we do (if anything!) if an incorrect refusal is upheld? The session will consider these questions through case studies and will discuss some practical tips. Presenter: Rachel Hacking, International Student Adviser, Queen Mary University of London

approaches and creating a genuinely meaningful graduate employer network, so that practitioners can really help international students to utilise LinkedIn to its fullest. Aspects covered include how international students can: §§ reach alumni working in their preferred sector/country §§ make appropriate and effective approaches to HR personnel §§ write effective introduction messages §§ use rapport-building strategies such as ‘follow and request’ and comment-making Presenters: Dr Tim Cooper, International Student Support Officer, University of Sheffield; David Gee, Global Employability Manager, University of The West of England

C3 C2

Preparing international students for work placement and the essential guide to LinkedIn Lessel, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

This is a joint session featuring presentations by the University of Sheffield and University of the West of England. It will cover work placement toolkits and workshops and how international students can use LinkedIn to kick-start their graduate careers. Preparing international students for work placement The School of Education at the University of Sheffield runs an undergraduate course in Education Culture and Childhood that is proving increasingly attractive to international students, especially from China. The course includes a compulsory second-year work placement in local pre- and primary schools and other educational institutions. The work placement environment is a challenging one both for the students themselves and placement providers. This academic year the School of Education has collaborated with the University’s International Student Support team in a pilot project seeking to improve outcomes, primarily through a pre-placement workshop aimed at enhancing the inter-cultural confidence of both students and staff. The project is also developing a toolkit that can be applied to other work-placement contexts. The session will be of interest to anyone involved in working to improve the international student experience outside of the formal academic environment. The essential guide to LinkedIn LinkedIn is an essential tool for international students looking to kick-start their graduate careers. The platform enables them to make important links with employers overseas, whilst making crucial contacts with employers in the UK. The awardwinning GradLink careers site is about to launch its new “GradLINKedin” course, a unique online module designed specifically to help international students get the most from LinkedIn.

Raising the profile of Tier 4 attendance monitoring – an opportunity for compliance best practice and improving student retention and success St Trinnean’s, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration compliance

How to change perceptions around monitoring of Tier 4 students, what can be done to change this? This session will explore how ensuring good compliance can be an opportunity by sharing initiatives for student integration with home students, overcoming homesickness, improving student retention and learning about the wider services available. This session will look at internal schemes that can be implemented for Tier 4 students including buddying, mentoring and bespoke briefings and workshops that will be of high interest to students. Delegates can hear how the teams at Kingston University and University of Essex have evolved to take advantage of such opportunities and how they are shaping up compliance for their students. The session will give delegates: §§ an overview of the attendance monitoring processes in place at other institutions with an emphasis on the interventions in place to support student success §§ a chance to ask questions about other universities’ approaches to Tier 4 attendance and engagement monitoring - an opportunity to share good practice from across the sector Presenters: Sarnjit Dhillon, CAS & Visa Compliance Manager, Kingston University; Paula Rothero, Senior Compliance Manager, University of Essex; Gemma Harris, Compliance Manager, University of Essex

This session goes beyond the rudimentary advice of simply building a profile to get to the nitty-gritty of making effective

Parallel sessions C

Thursday 28 June, 11:15-12.30

Building on success- a whistle-stop tour through immigration options for new graduates Pollock, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

A whistle-stop tour of the immigration options for international graduates seeking to stay in the UK. The aim is to give advisors an overview of the range of opportunities that graduates can take advantage of. This will, of course, cover Tier 2 of the PBS but will also look at the following: §§ Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) §§ Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) §§ Tier 1 (Investor) §§ Tier 4 (graduate extension) §§ Tier 5 It will include changes to the Immigration Rules affecting Tier 4 students switching into Tier 2. Many graduates find it difficult to persuade employers to consider them due to the need for sponsorship. This is potentially unlawful race discrimination. This presentation will highlight the various advantages that new Tier 4 graduates have over other sponsored workers, and which make the process of sponsoring a Tier 4 graduate less daunting than it might be otherwise. Presenter: Lydia Watkinson, Associate Solicitor, Paragon Law

Sharing best practice 2018 - International at Further Education Institutions Arthursley, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: FE interest

This session takes the form of a workshop, for FE colleagues to share and discuss useful areas of best practice in International covering the following relevant areas: §§ §§ §§ §§ §§ §§

Tier 4 in the FE Sector Tier 4 Compliance Visa Refusals and measures on curbing them Administrative Reviews Working with Recruitment Agents Short Term Study Visas

Presenters: Mervyn Adams, International Compliance Manager, City of Glasgow College; Laura Rose-Troup, Head of International Development, Newcastle College

A blueprint for providing engaging student trips and Internationals GoGreen Cowan, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

This is a joint session by Don’t be a Tourist and Bangor University. It will explore ways to create engaging trips for international students as well as promoting environmental issues. Don’t be a Tourist: This session will feature a step-by-step guide to help international office, welfare and students’ union staff provide fun, engaging weekend excursions for their students -without the hassle. This session will share tried and tested ‘copy and paste’ methods for planning, promoting and running safe, successful day trips. Delegates will benefit from take away templates include a simple costing spreadsheet, example risk assessment, leader checklist, promotional poster and more. It will also include useful tips and tactics (eg, choosing trip destinations, selecting a coach supplier, encouraging early bookings) and plenty of opportunities to share best practice and ask questions. Bangor University: Bangor International Support put together a new project for the 2017/18 academic year, called - Internationals GoGreen. The project consists of a series of trips and events aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues, sustainability and wellbeing among international students. The project’s aims were to help local communities and promote ways of ensuring a greener present and future, whilst contributing to Bangor University’s aim of becoming ‘The Sustainable University’. Presenters: Nevil Owen, Owner/MD, Don’t Be A Tourist; Alan Edwards, Head of International Student Services, Bangor University; Marcel Clusa, Clerical Officer, International Student Support Services, Bangor University

GDPR - what the education sector needs to know Duddingston, JMCC

Category: General

University cyber security breaches have doubled to 1,152 in the past two years, and as such the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is having a significant impact across the sector. Universities need a detailed understanding as to why information is held, how it is collected, when it will be disposed of and who can access it. As universities evolve, understanding data and the lifecycle of how and why information is collected, stored and destroyed is increasingly vital. This session will cover: §§ Issues with the GDPR in an education context §§ Explaining the similarities between the 2018 Data Protection Bill and the existing UK Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), and describing some of the new and different requirements §§ How to extend the data protection by design approach to existing systems §§ How to manage data breaches Presenter: Hilary Aldred, Partner, Penningtons Manches LLP

Parallel sessions D

Thursday 28 June, 14:00-15:15

How to help students lose their BRP! A journey through ‘reverse assumption’ and creative thinking (repeated at E8) (This session is 60 minutes) Pentland 2, JMCC

Category: Staff support

“I’ve lost my BRP!” “Can I work full-time?” “Where’s my visa?” “How long will it take?” Are these familiar phrases? Do you hear yourself responding in the same way? What if you had a different way to reply? What if you tried thinking differently? What if you considered how to make problems worse, or information less clear?! Intrigued? This session will be based around the idea of “reverse assumption” and how thinking in new and somewhat strange ways may encourage new and exciting ideas. Often by thinking about how we could make a problem worse (“how can we make sure students lose their BRP more frequently?”), we are forced to consider the issue from a new and unexplored angle. In a profession where so much of our world is black and white, this session will encourage attendees to explore things differently, and to help develop new and unconventional thinking in order to apply new and fresh solutions to familiar challenges. Presenter: Robert Young, International Student Adviser, Royal Holloway, University of London

Compliance insights: know your stuff, identify your weaknesses, avoid sleepless nights Prestonfield, JMCC

Category: Immigration compliance

The interactive presentation will draw on Penningtons Manches’ extensive expertise on Tier 4 and will be of interest to heads of compliance, senior management and anyone dealing with compliance in their organisation. The session will include case studies of compliance issues raised by UKVI and those encountered by the team on their compliance audits and helplines within the last 12 months. It will also cover how to balance compliance and UKVI errors, with international student experience. The team will be sharing their expert knowledge and providing practical tips, helping delegates acquire knowledge of the compliance areas most commonly encountered in the education sector.

It’s not us it’s them: universities and unions changing lives together, for good Salisbury, JMCC

Category: Student experience

This is a joint session by Queen Mary University of London and University of Sussex about the benefits of universities and students’ unions working together to improve the international student experience. The session will encourage attendees to think about how, when, why and who they would contact within a students’ union to discuss international student matters. Examples of best practice will be discussed to encourage attendees to begin building similar working relationships. The session will feature a quiz, dispel some common myths about students’ unions, case studies and a Q&A session. It is suitable for staff from any role within a university or students’ union especially those that work closely with international students or are interested in enhancing a working relationship with their university’s students’ union and vice versa. Presenters: Helen Quin, International Student Experience Officer, University of Sussex; Helena Collins, International Student Experience Officer, Queen Mary University; Natalie Sacks, Student Voice Manager, Sussex Students’ Union; Sophia MacBlain, Communities Co-ordinator, Queen Mary Students’ Union

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (repeated as E12) Brewster, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

ATAS is designed to ensure that those applying for postgraduate study in certain sensitive subjects do not acquire knowledge that could potentially be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Students applying for certain postgraduate courses need to obtain an ATAS certificate before applying for a visa. This session will provide an opportunity to hear about the scheme from staff who administer the ATAS scheme. Delegates can bring queries they have based on their own students’ experiences. It will be suitable for both new and experienced staff. Presenters: James Stopford, Desk Officer, MTCR and ATAS Policy, Conventional Arms Policy Team, CPACC

Presenters: Pat Saini, Head of Immigration, Penningtons Manches LLP; Hazar El-Chamaa, Partner, Penningtons Manches LLP; Penny Evans, Associate Director, Penningtons Manches LLP

Parallel sessions D

Thursday 28 June, 14:00-15:15

Students in crisis: balancing compliance and support Holyrood, JMCC

Category: Immigration compliance

As institutions we work hard to support the welfare of our students, but as Tier 4 sponsors we also have an obligation to ensure that we remain compliant when it comes to our sponsorship duties. How do we ensure we can support students through crises such as personal, family, health, financial hardship, and even immigration problems whilst ensuring that we continue to meet our obligations as sponsors? This interactive session will give participants the chance to discuss best practice and experience in supporting students through crisis. This session is aimed at compliance, advice and support staff. Presenter: Christina Peters, Head of International Student Support & Tier 4 Compliance, University of Hertfordshire

Compliance isn’t just about the UKVI! Creating practical advice tools and systems to comply with OISC requirements Nelson, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

Aimed at colleagues offering immigration advice, this session will look at the new advice system Aston University created in collaboration with the OISC and many of the weird and wonderful problems experienced along the way. Delegates will be encouraged to bring their own advice templates and policies with them for open and helpful discussion. It will look at the OISC rules, the systems developed and the discussions the team had with the OISC. It will then demonstrate interactive advice templates and show how they can be adapted. Presenter: Gemma Zebedee, Senior International Student Adviser (policy), Aston University

the enrolment process for our students. We will particularly focus on our use of barcodes, checklists and online appointment booking to enable students to fly through our enrolment event. Presenters: Rachel Hay, Visa Compliance Coordinator, Northumbria University; Alison Russell, Welfare, Funding and Immigration Adviser, Northumbria University; Emily Zieba, Student Visa & Immigration Advisor, University of Southampton; Hazel Carling, Immigration Advisor, University of Southampton

How do higher education institutions make their own assessment of English language? Bonnar, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration compliance

In line with current Tier 4 policy Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are able to make their own assessment on an applicant’s English Language, if the course is degree level or above. This session provides the open forum to explore universities approaches to assessing English Language, from all overseas markets, in accordance with Home Office policy and through the experiences/assessments of Tier 4 audits by the Home Office Higher Education Assurance Team. As added value Non-SELT providers will incorporate how their English Language Assessment is a viable option for this level of entry to study at a HEI. Presenters: Sara Smith, Assistant Registrar (UKVI Compliance), University of Portsmouth; Sandy Bhangal, Associate Director, ETS Global; Petra Olsson, Cambridge Assessment English; Fleur de Haas, Recognition Services Manager, Pearson Test of English Academic

Using Attachment Theory to understand student beginnings and endings Pollock, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

Navigating the enrolment journey: remaining compliant while cutting the queues St Trinnean’s, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration compliance

This is a joint session by the University of Southampton and Northumbria University. First impressions are important so how can you manage an efficient and lean enrolment process while ensuring that your new arrivals feel welcome? Discover the secrets to our successful enrolment process, which includes BRP collection (ACL), university ID card collection and police registration appointment booking. In this session we will give an overview of our use of technology, targeted communications and co-ordination between teams across the university to plan, run and improve

This session will introduce the principles of Attachment Theory and use these to understand how individual students manage beginnings and endings. Attachment theory links early life experience, in particular how secure or stable early care experience and bonding is, to how an individual manages later connections. When international students arrive in the UK, they are separating from the familiar environment and are required to form new relationships and bonds, with peers, staff, the institution, the location. For some this will be easier than for others. Similarly, on leaving bonds get broken and what was once the familiar home environment may feel more distant. The session will help participants to recognise different attachment ‘styles’, what they might evoke in the advisor and what approach may be helpful. It will also address wider

Parallel sessions D

Thursday 28 June, 14:00-15:15

considerations for the service and the institution in supporting students effectively. The session is aimed at any staff in face-to-face contact with international students, for example in an advisory, wellbeing, academic or administrative role. It is suitable for new or experienced staff. Presenters: Alison Barty, Senior Student Counsellor, SOAS, University of London; Emma Nabavian, Head of Student Advice and Counselling, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

D10 International student experience and the importance of a positive housing hunt Arthursley, St Leonard’s Hall Category: Student experience This is a joint session by student.com and the University of Sussex. Student.com This session aims to share practical experience of how the process of finding the right place to live impacts on the wellbeing of all students, particularly those from overseas. Drawing on our experience of helping students from over 130 countries, we’ll give an overview of the impact the process of finding and settling in to a new home has on student satisfaction and their relationship with their institution, mental health, and retention. Working with institutions and private providers gives us a unique insight into the efforts of both sectors in putting student wellbeing first, which we can share, together with success stories and best practice. This session will benefit all those working directly with international students, as well anyone involved in planning overall student experience. University of Sussex With recent political and legislative changes in the UK around Right to Rent and Brexit, coupled with the removal of the recruitment cap, international students could potentially be facing new challenges when it comes to renting accommodation in the private sector. This session aims to share the key findings from our research, funded via a UKCISA grant, with current University of Sussex students, who have shared their experiences of searching for, securing and living in the private rented sector in Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas.

D11 Making the most of Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route Cowan, St Leonard’s Hall Category: Immigration

The London Business School and the University of Edinburgh have been successfully sponsoring an increasing number of students under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme since 2012. In this session, they will cover their experience of working with this immigration route, focusing on the policies and processes they have put in place, and on the challenges and the successes they have come across. They will also discuss how the scheme has been valuable in raising their institutions’ profiles. Presenters: Helen Foley, Associate Director of Visa Compliance and Financial Aid, London Business School; Avani Sawant, International Compliance Manager, London Business School; Erika Sella, International Student Adviser, University of Edinburgh; Alison Gee, Enterprise Development Manager, University of Edinburgh; Paulo Coelho Mendes Bueno Barbosa, Tier 1 graduate entrepreneur, Founder, Serendipity Lab Insight Technologies

D12 Tier 4 Pilot: considerations and challenges Duddingston, JMCC Category: Immigration

The Tier 4 Pilot was introduced in July 2016 to a very small group of institutions selected by the Home Office. Staff in those institutions have been working closely with the Home Office on the implementation of the Pilot and working with Home Office Analytical staff to monitor the outcomes. The pilot is now being rolled out to a further 23 institutions. This session will provide an overview of the scheme and the initial roll out, highlight issues and what the original institutions in the pilot scheme have learned along the way. There will also be an opportunity to discuss best practice and ask questions. The session will be of particular benefit to those working in institutions who will be included in the Pilot this year. Presenters: Lizzie Huckle, Head of International Student Support, Imperial College London; Jessica Scott, Head of Student Immigration, University of Bath

Objectives of the session include: §§ Understanding what the key issues are, have there been any Right to Rent barriers faced? §§ Discussing any unexpected challenges that students experienced §§ Looking at how we will update and tailor our resources to better help international students Presenters: Luke Nolan, Founder and CEO, Student.com; Rebecca Nash, Housing Services Manager, University of Sussex; Lucy Walker, Housing Officer, University of Sussex

Parallel sessions E Friday 29 June, 09:45-10:45

Tracking perceptions of the UK as a study destination St Trinnean’s, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: General interest

A joint session by Hotcourses and the University of Dundee. Each month Hotcourses track all their websites around the world to see from (and about) which countries traffic is increasing or decreasing. This can give fascinating insights into what is influencing views and affecting vital decisions about where to study, which subject and at what level. Brexit, Trump, TEF or the UK immigration debate – not to mention the value of the pound – can have immediate and often substantial influence on decision-making. This session will demonstrate what has recently had most impact, which factors are of most importance and where perceptions of the UK (and other major destinations) will impact amongst tomorrow’s international students. A second presentation by the University of Dundee will introduce participants to a recent study that looks at how international students from outside the EU view Scotland as a study destination and the implications that independence might have on Scotland’s attractiveness as a study destination. The study involved a survey of 350 students from across the various Scottish universities, probing issues around why students come to Scotland. Presenters: Aaron Porter, Director of Insights, Hotcourse Group; Fahd Asif, Senior International Officer, University of Dundee

Diversity awareness: drawing the line Pentland 2, JMCC Category: Staff support

Education institutions are rich with diverse cultures and diverse age groups between students, practitioners and faculty. An understanding of diversity helps to identify individual biases and draw a clean line to the ‘why’, leading to acceptance, enhanced relationships and healthy engagement with others. Bias can occur across a vast range of thinking and behaviour. With regards to education and international studies, most often bias occurs related to age, cultural and sometimes gender. Jacqueline is a specialist in helping people identify where bias might impact their own behaviour; where judging age (from both directions) and judging cultural differences can hinder our ability to form meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships. This engaging presentation provides delegates with education and practical tools to: §§ understand the concept of diversity and how it relates to age/generation and culture §§ understand how cultural differences influence values, beliefs and behaviour and how this transcends to external situations §§ empower people to strive for clarity and draw their own line towards their own ‘why’ and to approach situations with confidence

§§ promote an environment that enhances understanding, engagement and harmony Presenter: Jacqueline Cripps, Author and Speaker, Independent Consultant

E3: Advice and compliance working hand in hand Prestonfield, JMCC

Category: Immigration

This is a joint session by the University of Exeter and Liverpool John Moores University. It will highlight good practice in collaborative work between institutions’ advice and compliance teams. Jointly presented by staff based in advice and compliance roles at two universities, it will include delegate participation using case studies and group discussions. The student experience can be enhanced by advice and compliance teams working harmoniously, giving timely comprehensive advice to students, and developing innovative ways to utilise various systems (e.g. SITS, SID) to streamline processes. The presenters will explore the ethical dilemmas that can arise between compliance and advice and ways that both institutions have overcome them with a focus on crossover processes such as change of course, re-sits, visa applications, visa tracking, and refusals. This session is most useful for delegates from institutions with separate advice and compliance roles who wish to explore harmonious and productive ways of working together. Presenters: Stephen Fitzell, Immigration Compliance Officer, University of Exeter; Amelia Mansfield, International Student Support & Immigration Officer, University of Exeter; Rebecca Higgins, International Adviser, Liverpool John Moores University; Helen Brady, Compliance Officer, Liverpool John Moores University

Working and communicating effectively with Chinese students Salisbury, JMCC

Category: Special interest This practical, interactive session is designed for anyone who wants to get a better insight into Chinese culture and to have a greater understanding of Chinese students. It will also show you how to use different Chinese social media platforms to engage with Chinese students prior to their arrival, and give a taste of Mandarin. It will cover a few basics about the Chinese education system, and highlight the differences between university life in China and in the UK. The session will touch on the issue of culture shock and the challenges Chinese students may face during their transition to life in UK universities as well as communication issues that can arise when working with Chinese students. A short, fun Mandarin lesson will help you to greet your Chinese students

Parallel sessions E Friday 29 June, 09:45-10:45

and introduce yourself. You will have an opportunity to learn the pronunciation of 20 commonly used Chinese names. Presenter: Victoria Li, International Student Adviser, City, University of London

Unpacking the social transition experiences of international postgraduate students and international student web video information project Holyrood, JMCC

Category: Student experience

This joint session by University of Dundee and the Open University will explore recent UKCISA-funded projects into transition and international student identity. International student web video information project Learn about this collaborative UKCISA-funded project which aims to give realistic expectations and cultural orientation to new international students before or on arrival. Delegates will view the series of short web videos created with the assistance of international students from different cultural backgrounds studying at University of Dundee. Find out what our students had to say about the challenges, differences, positives and personal experiences of living and studying in Scotland/UK. Unpacking the social transition experiences of international postgraduate students STRIDE (Social Transition Research into International Doctoral Experiences) was a year-long, UKCISA-funded project that unpacked the role of holistic social support networks in international postgraduate students’ educational transitions. In doing so, the research dynamically engaged with international postgraduate students’ identities and how social supports within and outside their university departments impacted their transition experiences. The project employed a variety of research methods, including longitudinal reflective diaries, social network analysis, focus groups and interviews. Students also wrote reflective essays on a public-facing project blog (https://strideresearch.wordpress. com). The results were compared cross-institutionally and internationally between two universities in the UK and one university in China. The session will outline the project’s final findings, along with tips for supporting postgraduate students as they form social support networks. Altogether, this research contributes to the sector resources that are needed to promote positive social transitions for diverse groups of postgraduate students. This session will be of interest to anyone supporting international students with the transition to living and studying in the UK.

Presenters: Joan Muszynski, Student Support Adviser, University of Dundee; Susan Scott, International Support Adviser, University of Dundee; Dr Jenna Mittelmeier, Research Associate, Open University

Design thinking across the globe Duddingston, JMCC

Category: Student experience

This session will provide delegates with the opportunity to interact with and experience an innovative problem-solving framework known as ‘Life Design’ that was founded at the renowned d.school, Stanford University. Delegates will gain insight into how steps in design thinking for product creation (empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping and feedback) can be applied to designing their own life and helping others with theirs. The focus will be on professional development, but delegates will come to see that the Life Design methodology can be applied to a wide range of questions/problems (eg, undertaking a degree in a new country) and can flex with the needs and priorities of individuals irrespective of background or situation. This workshop is for those who want an introduction in the use of a powerful and flexible problem-solving tool that can be applied to issues surrounding the international student experience and/or their own lives! This session is based on the 2016-17 UKCISA-funded project ‘using design thinking to enhance the international student experience and their understanding of employability’. Presenters: Dr Helen Standage, Senior Employability Education, University of Essex; Dave Stanbury, Director of Employability, University of Essex

HEI immigration compliance reviews. The top 10 compliance breaches we see and how to avoid them Pentland 1, JMCC

Category: Immigration compliance

Getting it wrong when it comes to Tier 4 sponsorship can have severe consequences. Management, academics, compliance teams, international student advisers and international students all have a key role to play. In this session, Nichola will outline the main compliance breaches her team comes across when performing immigration compliance reviews on UK universities and provide tips on how your institution can strengthen compliance. Presenter: Nichola Carter, Principal Solicitor, Carter Thomas Solicitors

Parallel sessions E Friday 29 June, 09:45-10:45

How to help students lose their BRP! A journey through ‘reverse assumption’ and creative thinking (repeat of D1) Nelson, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Staff support

Mental health and wellbeing of global access students Pollock, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh provides full scholarships and leadership training to educate and support bright African students who come from backgrounds with few educational opportunities. The dual aim of this UKCISA-funded research project is to explore the psychological and emotional needs of this group of international students and consult them to develop cultureappropriate mental health support provisions for them – as well as the wider population of international students who come from diverse backgrounds. This session will provide an overview of the research, together with the key findings and insights gained through this project. It will consider how these findings can be implemented to influence the university’s wider global access strategy to recruit and support students from diverse backgrounds, as well as informing other universities’ work in this area across the UK and through the Mastercard Foundation network. Presenter: Christina Sachpasidi, Student Development Co-ordinator, University of Edinburgh

E10

The PG Cert changed my life! Brewster, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Staff support

Join Lizzie Huckle from Imperial College London who completed the PG Certificate in 2015 and now teaches on the course, to find out more about the programme: §§ How is it organised? §§ What topics are covered? §§ What will you gain from the qualification? (Many past students have gained promotions) This is an opportunity to ask questions and find out how studying with the University of Nottingham and UKCISA could impact on your professional career and on your life. Deepa Chada, Advice and Training Officer at UKCISA, who teaches on the course, will also be on hand to answer your questions. Presenters: Lizzie Huckle, Head of International Student Support, Imperial College London

E11

Strength to care, an introduction to compassion fatigue Arthursley, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Staff support

This session will help delegates reflect on the personal impact their work can have, share tips on how to manage this and have the theoretical context to share with colleagues. Presenters: Nicola Ross, Immigration & Welfare Manager Counsellor, Manchester Metropolitan University; Jackie Williams, Counsellor, Jackie Williams Training

E12

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (repeat of D4) Bonnar, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

Parallel sessions F Friday 29 June, 11:15-11:55

2,000 pre-sessional students? Piece of cake! Prestonfield, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration

In the summer of 2017, the English Language Teaching Centre received a record number of applications – 2,000! Despite needing to issue over 1,400 single CAS and over 250 combined CAS to our pre-sessional students, the CAS team worked exceptionally hard to ensure a low refusal rate. Our efforts paid off with only one refusal. To help our summer school students extend their visa’s within the UK to continue onto their main course, we offered a week-long document checking session at the end of their English course. In this session, we will share the ways in which we paired the use of new technology with traditional methods to ensure that our record number of students were prepared for the checking sessions, and ultimately, their visa application. Presenters: Azadeh Madanian Mohammadi, Immigration and Visa Adviser, University of Sheffield; Matthew Wong, Visiting Student Officer, University of Sheffield

Learning from complaints St Trinnean’s, JMCC

Category: Student experience

While 19% of UK students are from outside the UK, around 29% of OIA complaints come from international students. International students can have particular difficulties being further from their families and existing support networks, dealing with an unfamiliar language and culture. In this session we will look at the insights we have gathered from over 15,000 student appeals and complaints. We will consider how delegates’ practices and procedures can further support international students and improve their experience. Presenter: Anne Lee, Adjudication Manager, OIAHE

Studying in the UK is like ‘boiling an egg’: exploring Chinese international students’ transitional experience in the UK Duddingston, JMCC

Category: Student experience

Wellbeing of Chinese international students at UK universities: reports from a representative sample survey Holyrood, JMCC

Category: Special interest

This presentation draws on newly-collected survey data from the first nationally representative sample of Chinese UG and PGT international students in UK universities, conducted for the Bright Futures project. Following an introduction to the project, we will present some key findings on wellbeing. We identify the main factors that affect these students’ general life satisfaction and psychological well-being, analysing how these are related to language skills and social integration in university life. While Chinese students report high satisfaction levels overall, a proportion of them appear to suffer from depression-related symptoms. English language level and isolation from the broader student population are significant factors, while academic adaptability and discrimination are less significant. We also illustrate some of the issues of language and how they vary across subject areas drawing on a small-scale qualitative study of language needs among Chinese PGT students in varying disciplines at a research intensive university. Presenters: Dr Sophia Woodman, Chancellor’s Fellow (lecturer), University of Edinburgh; Dr Dorothee Schneider, Senior Researcher, University of Edinburgh

This session will report on research led by the University of Glasgow, exploring Chinese international postgraduate taught students’ transitional experience in the UK. In this longitudinal study, 35 interviews were conducted at the beginning and near the end of the study programme using a photo-elicitation technique and social network diagrams. In relation to the conference theme ‘Changing Lives For Good’, this session will cover three emergent themes from the findings: approaches to thinking, independent learning and reformed dispositions. More specifically, students have gained a better understanding of critical thinking, divergent thinking and logical thinking. Likewise, there is greater recognition of the importance of independent learning and self-regulation, and an evolved perception of life enjoyment and openness. Presenter: Jie Zhang, Doctoral Researcher, University of Glasgow

We’re all in this together. CSE: help or hindrance? Brewster, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

In 2016, the International Support Service was one of many teams at the University of York who achieved Customer Service Excellence (CSE) accreditation. The team were initially sceptical about the outcomes and felt daunted by the task, but on closer examination it transpired that much of what we were already doing met the criteria and was great evidence for the bid. CSE provided the opportunity to take stock of what we were doing, discuss what worked well, what could be improved and the practice has become embedded in the culture of our organisation which means we continually work to improve the international student experience.

Parallel sessions F Friday 29 June, 11:15-11:55

In this session you’ll learn more about CSE accreditation, get the opportunity to reflect on the good practice already in place and pick up ideas on how to improve further.

Setting standards in international student safety and wellbeing Bonnar, St Leonard’s Hall

Presenters: Alison Learwood, International Student Adviser, University of York; Jill Ellis, Deputy Director Student Services, University of York

Category: Student experience

Intercultural induction workshops for students Nelson, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

In September 2017 the University of Leeds ran intercultural workshops for over 500 taught postgraduate students, within the induction programmes in six academic schools. Designed to feel relevant and interesting for home and international students with a broad range of prior experiences, the team used a combination of icebreakers, interactive activities and discussions to provide a structured yet fun opportunity for students to get to know course-mates and share experiences; explore cultural influences and differences in a safe space; and prepare for their intercultural experience at Leeds. This session will share their experience of the benefits and challenges of planning and delivering these workshops. It will discuss why it was important to do it; how the materials were tailored for different group sizes and demographics; and what was learned from the sessions and the student feedback. Presenter: Jenna Isherwood, Project Manager, University of Leeds

Using a wiki to further the understanding of immigration compliance - one year later Pollock, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Immigration compliance

This is a follow up to last year’s presentation about the implementation of a wiki to distribute up-to-date guidance to staff on compliance. This session will look at the situation one year on; how staff have interacted with the wiki, challenges that have been faced and how these have been overcome. Presenter: Martin Donkin, Immigration Compliance Officer, Queen Mary University of London

Evidence suggests international students are increasingly concerned about safety. They may rely on online articles when choosing where to study, including off-putting headlines about crime rates or student suicides. Naturally, these issues can affect students at any university, and prevent them from reaching their potential. Prospective students therefore need a way of differentiating between universities regarding the standard of support offered. ProtectED is the first national accreditation scheme for student safety, security and wellbeing at UK universities. The scheme requires universities to have measures in place to address key student safety and wellbeing issues, including those affecting international students. This is verified by trained assessors before accreditation is awarded. The presentation will discuss how ProtectED membership will raise standards in student support, encouraging partnership working and data collection – just some of the required initiatives – to create lasting change that will enable international students to flourish, academically and personally. Presenters: Dr Lucy Winrow, ProtectEd Communications Manager, The University of Salford

Overcoming barriers to participation in volunteering and community engagement activities Arthursley, St Leonard’s Hall

Category: Student experience

The headline of a Guardian article reads ‘being a volunteer can transform your life – but not enough people know that yet’ (3 January 2018). Evidence suggests that volunteering has many benefits, including positively influencing wellbeing, reducing loneliness, developing skills and self-confidence and aiding integration of marginalised groups. As part of development work towards University of Leeds’ new Volunteering Strategy, we conducted a series of focus groups with international students to understand their perceptions of the role that volunteering could play in supporting their transition and experience of life in the UK, and their aims for the future. This session will share findings about students’ perception of potential benefits and barriers to volunteering, and explain how we are using these learning points, in collaboration with colleagues across our institution and in our local community, to tailor specific interventions as well as ensuring our crossinstitutional volunteering provision is inclusive of international students. Presenters: Katy Gregg, Project Officer, University of Leeds; Dulcie Huwew, Project Assistant, University of Leeds

Parallel sessions F Friday 29 June, 11:15-11:55

F10

#Pieceofme campaign Cowan, St Leonardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall

Category: Special interest

Coventry Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #pieceofme campaign used social media to promote, celebrate and recognise the enormous contributions made by international students to the campus, staff members, fellow home students and the community. It helped bring more awareness about the economical, social and cultural experience international students brought to the city of Coventry and also the university. This was a student-led campaign and they took an exceptional interest in showing the city and the campus a piece of them. The session will discuss how a university can run a successful campaign and how they can use the same #pieceofme social media handle to celebrate their students. Presenters: Hassan Azeez, International Student Adviser, Coventry University

F11

Happy Apping Salisbury, JMCC

Category: Student experience

The International Experience Team developed an app that has revolutionised how we prepare for and run our inductions. From acceptance to arrival and into the semester we are able to provide our students with up-to-date information, and the ability to connect with us and each other from one place: their beloved mobile phone. We have instant feedback from the students and metrics to analyse how well the app was used and how well attended the sessions were. Our stats showed a demonstrably higher take up of mandatory and optional induction events and a high level of satisfaction. Our session will include a demonstration of making last minute adjustments to the timetable, sending push notifications and analysing the data. We shall invite participants to download the app and take part in a QR code game as a demonstration. There will be discussion and questions. Presenters: Deborah Graddon, International Student Adviser, University of Worcester; Catherine Hyde, Head of International Experience, University of Worcester

Room locations plan

John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) To South Hall

REGISTRATION DESK

REGISTRATION Salisbury

Holyrood

Entrance from ground floor

All plenaries

Pentland

Prestonfield

Duddingston

All plenaries are in Pentland

= Conference plenary hall and parallel sessions rooms 38

Newcomers welcome Weds 27 June 12:30-13:30

Choir practice Wed 16:15-17:45 Thurs 13:00-13:45 17:00-18:00 Fri 08:30-09:30

Room locations plan

St Leonard’s Hall, ground floor and 1st floor

St Trinnean’s Nelson

Pollock

1st floor for:

Brewster

Cowan Bonnar

Stairs to 1st floor

Arthursley Lessel

Ground floor 1st floor: – Brewster – Cowan – Pollock

Ground floor: – Arthursley – Bonnar – Lessel – Nelson – St Trinnean’s

Room locations plan

South Hall and Kirkland See page 17 for exhibitor location floor plan

South Hall

Kirkland room

Exhibition, lunches & refreshments during breaks

Yoga Fri 29 June 07:00-08:00

Highland Hustle Thurs 28 June 17:00-18:00

To John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC)

AISA and ICN Meet ups Thurs 28 June 13:00-13:45

Practical information

Registration and Information Desk All delegates will receive their badge holder with lanyard, ordered tickets and all relevant conference information upon arrival at conference. Registration desk is in John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) and will be open at the following times: Weds 27 June 08:30 – 18:45 Thurs 28 June 08:00 – 17:45 Fri 29 June 08:00 – 14:15 In Conference contact telephone: 07966 767 808. This number can be used for the entire duration of the conference.

Messages, updates and changes to the programme There will be a message board at the Conference Registration Desk where updates and late changes to the programme will be posted. If you use the app, you will also be able to receive direct messages.

Room locations: breakfast, breaks, exhibition and sessions The plenaries will be held in the Pentland Suite, John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC). The parallel sessions will be held in St Leonard’s Hall (in the grounds of Pollock Halls) and the John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC). Lunch and refreshments will be served in South Hall, a short walk from both St Leonard’s Hall and the JMCC, and will be clearly signposted. Breakfast for delegates staying in Chancellor’s Court will be served on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 June from 07:00 - 10:00 in the JMCC Restaurant (ground floor) (please show your UKCISA delegate badge). Those staying in Masson House go to Masson Breakfast Room.

Parallel sessions Your allocated sessions are confirmed in your registration pack for ease of reference. If you are using the conference app, you will need to add your sessions to your agenda. Numbers for each session are limited by room size and format of the workshop or presentation. If you wish to swap sessions, please enquire at the registration desk but this will only be possible if spaces are available. This is the busiest UKCISA conference we’ve ever had, so, out of courtesy to presenters and other delegates, please only attend the sessions you have booked.

Social events All social activities are pre-booked. If you wish to book or change your choices, please speak to In Conference. Changes will only be possible if spaces are available.

Internet access Wi-Fi is available throughout the university including bedroom accommodation. The network is called Keysurf and will not ask for a password in the venues. For access in the bedrooms, a code will be provided upon arrival. You will be asked to register with your email address and phone number.

Practical information

UKCISA Conference app The conference app lists the full programme information. You will need to select your own session choices that you have booked to attend. You can use the app to take notes, search for delegates, presenters and exhibitors, send messages and tweet. If you have downloaded and accepted push notifications, you will receive live updates. If you have chosen not to receive push notifications, all messages will still appear in the notifications section of your activity feed. If you have not already downloaded the app, you can do so by typing https://crowd.cc/s/ukcisa18 into your web browser.

Twitter and Facebook Please tweet during conference! Connect via #ukcisa2018 and, if character space allows, please add #changinglivesforgood. Facebook is at www.facebook.com/UKCISA

Handouts To save paper, handouts will not be provided at sessions unless they are needed as part of the session activities. Powerpoint presentations and any other handouts will be posted in the members’ area of the UKCISA website after the conference.

Sponsors and exhibition, South Hall Please take time to visit the exhibition where you will meet organisations offering services for your work in your institutions or which you may be interested in offering to students. The exhibition will be open in South Hall at the following times: Weds 27 June 12:30 – 18:00 Thurs 28 June 10:45 – 17:15 Fri 29 June 10:45 – 14:15

Insurance UKCISA, University of Edinburgh and In Conference cannot accept any liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to delegates, either during, or as a result of the conference. Please check the validity of your own personal insurance.

Photography A photographer will be taking photos during the conference which will be used on the UKCISA website and UKCISA publications. Any delegates who would prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer and/or the UKCISA Web and Communications Manager, Jane Woodley, know at the time photos are being taken.

Conference etiquette Please: §§ wear your badge at all times (but you can leave it behind for the conference dinner) §§ ensure you arrive in good time for sessions §§ observe Chatham House rules during sessions §§ switch mobile phones to silent §§ tweet #ukcisa2018 §§ welcome new attendees §§ take the opportunity to talk to UKCISA staff but please don’t ask for immigration advice.

Venue information

Meals and refreshment breaks See pages 2-3 for the conference overview, which lists all meal times and locations.

Campus facilities §§ The Shop @ JMCC is located in the John McIntyre Conference Centre and is open from 07:00 - 21:00 daily. §§ The Campus Bar is also located in the John McIntyre Conference Centre and is open from 11:00 - 23:00 daily. §§ The University of Edinburgh has an ATM available 24hrs on campus and is located at the side of the John McIntyre Conference Centre.

Taxis There is a taxi rank outside Pollock Halls Main Reception run by City Cabs, telephone number 0131 228 1211. Also, mytaxi are offering one-third off taxi trips in Edinburgh until 30 June. Download the app at https://uk.mytaxi.com/edinburgh

Accommodation, check-in and check-out Arrivals on Weds 27 June Accommodation check-in will be available between 16:45 and 18:00. On arrival to the conference, please go to the Conference registration in the John McIntyre Conference Centre to collect your badge. The registration staff will direct you to the left luggage at the Kirkland, South Hall. You can collect your key and your luggage after the plenary session and first workshops and check in to Chancellor’s Court accommodation between 16:45 and 18:00. If you have booked accommodation in Masson House, please check in with your luggage at Masson House reception, check in is available from 14:00, however Masson House can store your luggage for you until after the plenary and first workshops. Arrivals on Thurs 28 June Please check in to accommodation at the Pollock Halls Main Reception (see map on page 47). Check-in date Weds 27 June Thurs 28 June

Open Times 16:45 – 18:00 14:00 – 17:00

Check-in location Kirkland, South Hall/Masson House Reception Main Reception/Masson House Reception

Check-out is at 10:30 on day of departure. Please return your key to Pollock Halls Main Reception on the day of departure. If you fail to return your key by 10:30, you may be charged an additional night’s stay.

Left luggage A staffed left luggage facility will be available at the following times: Wednesday 27 June Thursday 28 June Friday 29 June

12:00 – 18:00 All day 08:00 – 14:15

in Kirkland, South Hall at Pollock Halls Main Reception in Kirkland, South Hall

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

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.

got promoted! I wouldn’t be doing my job today if

I recently put forward a case for the value of my

I hadn’t done the course. But that’s not all – I built

own work within the institution and my role has now

up a good network of people that I can speak to if

been reviewed. This resulted in us taking on another

there’s an issue I’d like to discuss - to get a second

member of staff. The PG Cert gave me the boost I

opinion for example. I also got an insight into the

needed to ask for a higher value to be placed on the

type of jobs that exist in international education

work I do.”

– it opened my eyes to future possibilities. I know quite a few of us have moved jobs since the course.”

I took part in the PG Cert because I wanted my career

Ally Layton-Bennett (2016 cohort) PG

Daniel Tasker (2017 cohort) Lizzie Huckle who completed the course in 2015 will be talking about the PG Cert on Friday

Find out more and how to apply at www.ukcisa.org.uk/pgcert

(session E10) and look out for delegates with a ‘PG Certificate’ sticker on their badge. They are current or past students who can answer any questions you have about the course.

See you next year!

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: www.ukcisa.org.uk/proposals

30 YEARS OF UKCISA CONFERENCES 1992, 2018 Edinburgh University of Edinburgh 2013 Glasgow University of Glasgow

2000 Edinburgh Heriot-Watt University

2005 Coleraine University of Ulster

2010 York University of York

2008 Lancaster Lancaster University

2007 Manchester University of Manchester

2016 Sheffield University of Sheffield

1996 Manchester UMIST

2014 Liverpool University of Liverpool

1997,1998 Durham Durham University

1991 Manchester Manchester Polytechnic

2001 Nottingham University of Nottingham

2009, 2012 Coventry University of Warwick

1993 Keele Keele University

1989 Cambridge Churchill College

1988 Solihull St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swallow Hotel 2003 Cheltenham University of Gloucestershire 2006 Swansea University of Wales, Swansea

1994 Oxford St Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College

2011 Bath University of Bath

2017 Exeter University of Exeter

1995, 1999 Oxford Keble College

1990 Southampton University of Southampton

How many conferences have you attended? 46

2004 Reading University of Reading

2002 Guildford University of Surrey

2015 Brighton University of Sussex

Map of venue and accommodation

Weds 19:00 for Playfair Library Thurs 18:30 for Assembly Rooms

POLLOCK HALLS, CHANCELLOR’S COURT Accommodation

d oo yr ol rk H Pa

POLLOCK HALLS MAIN RECEPTION Assemble for buses on:

Chancellor’s Court

ST LEONARD’S HALL Sessions Reception

JOHN McINTYRE CENTRE Sessions & Plenaries Conference Registration desk

John McIntyre Centre St. Leonard’s Hall

Royal Commonwealth Pool Masson House

To: City centre Bus station Train station Airport bus

MASSON HOUSE Accommodation

South Hall

KIRKLAND Yoga Highland Hustle AISA and ICN Meet ups

SOUTH HALL Exhibition. Lunches & refreshments.

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.