Essex has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Support for Students category of the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2013.

The shortlisting is in recognition of the way Essex integrates innovative schemes such as the unique work placement scheme Frontrunners into effective support services for students. This is the third time in four years that the University has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students award.

Paula Rothero, Deputy Director of Student Support (Advice), said:” We are delighted to be shortlisted for a THE Award in recognition of our support for students.

“At Essex we believe that our students are better supported than at any other time in their lives and we work hard to ensure that all services meet their needs. We have always prided ourselves on high quality and accessible support services helping students to succeed in their studies.”

Frontrunners is the first scheme of its kind in the UK and is transforming the opportunities and support available to students, while also having a positive impact on the culture of the whole University. No other university in the UK has embraced so comprehensively a strategy of this kind.

In 2011-12 Frontrunners became part of the newly established Employability and Careers Centre and received a budget increase of 33 per cent to £600,000 plus a dedicated project officer.

Frontrunners embodies the University's founding ethos of ‘living and learning’ and strengthens the support we offer. It helps students get the most from university by developing their confidence and employability skills.

The University benefits from integrating the ‘student voice’ into its work – including their enthusiasm and insights, while students benefit from challenging paid placements where they receive extensive support and feedback to help their personal development plus training before, during and after placements.

Frontrunners includes some peer support roles and the scheme has helped Student Support focus even more effectively on the needs of students.

Placements have covered everything from feedback and marketing of Student Support services to supporting the Residents’ Support Network. In 2011-12, the period covered by the award, seven Senior Advice Centre Advisers were also appointed through frontrunners.

Frontrunners is just one of the extensive range of services offered to students at Essex which also include the Residents Support Network, Students’ Union Advice Centre, University Skills Centre and Employability and Careers Centre.

Now in their ninth year, the Times Higher Education Awards celebrate the excellence and amazing achievements of UK higher education institutions. This year’s final will take place on 28 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

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Note to Editors

For more information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 872400 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.