The document summarizes a presentation about The Alternative Guide (TAG), which provides information to support students from application to first assessment at UCLan. The presentation covered milestones in building TAG and its content, challenges in communicating with staff and students, and solutions to those challenges. It also discussed the challenge of moving TAG from being funded by JISC to being supported by UCLan after funding ended, and the solutions that addressed this. Finally, it prompted discussion on engaging students in extracurricular activities and communication issues within institutions.

1. TAG – The Alternative Guide (to UCLan) Elluminate Nov 12, 2009 Lucy Warman & Louisa Dignan

2. Today’s Session Introduction Milestone for today’s presentation Challenges and solutions Discussion

3. Introduction The Alternative Guide - what UCLan is really like Supporting students from application to first assessment Written by those who know it best – our students Ultimate aim is to aid retention

4. Milestones TAG built Services content Student content Moving from JISC to UCLan

5. Challenges and Solutions Challenge - communication with staff No one reads it! Getting people to take time out Solution Target senior staff Offer them something Bring in a “celebrity” / something that impacts them

6. Challenges and Solutions Challenge – communication with students Unclear paths Desirable students harder to reach Solution Site live before ready Direct emails to selected groups Competitions / give aways Used as client for assessment

7. JISC to UCLan Challenge – what happens after the funding? People not understanding project Talking to the right people Solution JISC Realisation and Benefits funding UCLan’s reputation Project’s reputation

8. Discussion Is it difficult to engage students in extra curricular activities? Is communication and issue within your institution?