Outline the projects outcomes within the institution and beyond with relevant supporting evidence or testimonial. Processing Rates We have traditionally had a substantial number of students who have not completed the funding process. This was highlighted during our Education Scotland Review which was carried out in December 2015. At that point we had 145 outstanding applications for Funding. This was due to students being unaware of how to complete applications and due to the lack of clarity which they had around the whole process. This lack of clarity directly impacted on students taking the next step in terms of handing in their funding evidence and closing off the process. Following the initiatives which we have put in place we only had 8 students in Dec 2016 who had outstanding funding evidence. We have had positive feedback from the Head of Student Services who is clear on the positive impact our initiatives have had on students - The initiatives which the team have put in place around funding to holistically improve the process have had a directly positive impact on the ability of our students completing their applications and closing them off / getting funding in place. Funding is such a critical part of the student journey and the team have looked at the entirety of the process, from pre-entry to frequency of funding runs, to ensure that the process is student led. We are delighted to also receive positive feedback from students on the changes which we have made as part of this improvement project – My application was dealt with quickly and efficiently, I was able to commence learning with all my funding in place. When I contacted funding they were very helpful. The funding officers have been very helpful and assisted in helping me get SAAS funding quickly Across College Partnership Working with Care Experienced Leavers We have also received positive feedback from other staff members including Barbara Brown our Transitions Officer - As transition coordinator at Inverness College UHI I support care experienced students and student carers. These students often have chaotic lives and can miss days in college as a result which can inevitably impact on bursary payments. These students rely heavily on their bursary, so having the support of the college to understand their situation is critical. The IC UHI Admissions and Funding Team have become a key link for me when liaising with students regarding their absences and authorised hours. The team have individualised the support given to these students, working out plans to suit their situations that will cause as little disruption to their studies and bursary. The team are very understanding and support the students sensitively to ensure efficient resolution. If the
Outline the projects outcomes within the institution and beyond with relevant supporting evidence or testimonial. Processing Rates We have traditionally had a substantial number of students who have not completed the funding process. This was highlighted during our Education Scotland Review which was carried out in December 2015. At that point we had 145 outstanding applications for Funding. This was due to students being unaware of how to complete applications and due to the lack of clarity which they had around the whole process. This lack of clarity directly impacted on students taking the next step in terms of handing in their funding evidence and closing off the process. Following the initiatives which we have put in place we only had 8 students in Dec 2016 who had outstanding funding evidence. We have had positive feedback from the Head of Student Services who is clear on the positive impact our initiatives have had on students - The initiatives which the team have put in place around funding to holistically improve the process have had a directly positive impact on the ability of our students completing their applications and closing them off / getting funding in place. Funding is such a critical part of the student journey and the team have looked at the entirety of the process, from pre-entry to frequency of funding runs, to ensure that the process is student led. We are delighted to also receive positive feedback from students on the changes which we have made as part of this improvement project – My application was dealt with quickly and efficiently, I was able to commence learning with all my funding in place. When I contacted funding they were very helpful. The funding officers have been very helpful and assisted in helping me get SAAS funding quickly Across College Partnership Working with Care Experienced Leavers We have also received positive feedback from other staff members including Barbara Brown our Transitions Officer - As transition coordinator at Inverness College UHI I support care experienced students and student carers. These students often have chaotic lives and can miss days in college as a result which can inevitably impact on bursary payments. These students rely heavily on their bursary, so having the support of the college to understand their situation is critical. The IC UHI Admissions and Funding Team have become a key link for me when liaising with students regarding their absences and authorised hours. The team have individualised the support given to these students, working out plans to suit their situations that will cause as little disruption to their studies and bursary. The team are very understanding and support the students sensitively to ensure efficient resolution. If the