The information day for people with foreign education is a relatively new initiative that Uppsala University carried out for the second time in mid-February together with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Uppsala Municipality. Naturally, this year’s edition was entirely digital. Both this year’s and last year’s editions received positive reviews from visitors.
“This year, almost 90 percent answered ‘yes’ when asked whether they would recommend participation in a similar digital information day to others,” explains Nina Nesset, Study and Careers Counsellor at the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division and member of the working group behind the information day.
Showing opportunities and inspiring
Broadened recruitment means that higher education institutions need to actively strive to increase recruitment of underrepresented student groups. This mission has been integrated in the Higher Education Act since 2001. Social background is usually analysed, i.e. parents’ level of education, Swedish and foreign background, gender, geographical background and age.
“We hope that the information day will highlight opportunities for students to continue their studies or supplement their foreign education. Many newcomers to Sweden already have a high level of education, with both an upper-secondary diploma and academic studies under their belt,” says Nina Nesset.
The focus of the information day was therefore on information about the education system, qualifications, admissions and guidance on different educational pathways.
“In order to find the most relevant content possible, we developed the programme based on interviews and surveys with people in the target group,” says Nina Nesset.
Evaluation of broadened recruitment
The Swedish Higher Education Authority is currently conducting a thematic evaluation of the work on broadening recruitment at Swedish higher education institutions on behalf of the Government. The university's self-evaluation is due in early May.
“There is an internal self-image at Uppsala University that we are not among the best HEIs in the country in terms of broadened recruitment. But there is a lot to highlight and be proud of, and that is what we are doing in the self-evaluation, while also pointing out opportunities for development,” says Cecilia Edin, Head of Unit at the Study Counsellors and Career Office and member of the team that created the University's self-evaluation.
The Scifest science festival, the Esmeralda diversity centre, the Day of the Skeleton at Campus Gotland, and the campaign message “Don’t worry, it will all work out” used in student recruitment, are all examples of efforts to broaden recruitment at Uppsala University.
Broadened participation – a better term
The term “broadened recruitment” is actually too narrow for the work being done at Uppsala University. “Broadened participation” is a much better description of what it is all about.
“We look at broadened recruitment as a much broader concept. It’s not just about reaching those who would not normally apply to the University. It actually involves the big picture, with recruitment, reception, retention and work-life connection. It’s all connected like links in a chain,” says Cecilia Edin.
“It is of course important that the University takes care of the students that come in the best possible way so they feel welcome and are given the conditions to complete their studies,” says Eva Söderman, Head of Unit for Student Health Service and the convenor of the working group for the self-evaluation. “This includes, for example, using inclusive language and ensuring that we, as a university, take advantage of the diversity in the classroom.”
They both note that the issue of attracting more applicants from underrepresented groups is one that the University cannot tackle alone.
“University application patterns are established at an early age, so it takes efforts from many different players,” says Cecilia Edin.
A matter of quality
“I see broadened recruitment as an opportunity for the University to improve the quality of the programmes,” says Eva Söderman. “For example, making use of the students’ different backgrounds in teaching and learning can improve the quality of education, and will ultimately benefit all students.”
Want to focus on broadened recruitment
They are calling for a clearer organisation and a focus on broadened recruitment at Uppsala University.
“A lot is being done, but broadened recruitment is still a rather quiet issue internally. For example, we lack a common view of why we should work with broadened recruitment and what the benefits are,” says Cecilia Edin. “I think we need a lively dialogue, a forum for discussion, and clear joint monitoring of the development we see at Uppsala University.”
After the self-evaluation has been submitted to the Swedish Higher Education Authority, an assessment group will provide recommendations.
“Once we have received the recommendations, I think the University can move forward and develop concrete proposals for a continued focus on broadening recruitment,” says Eva Söderman.