University signs nationally recognised Stand Alone Pledge
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has made a public commitment to support students estranged from their families to enable them to succeed in higher education.
It has signed the Stand Alone Pledge, launched in October 2016 by Universities UK to support institutions in helping students without a family network by making a public declaration to do so through established polices. As a leading university in aiding students from under-represented groups to succeed in higher education, Central Lancashire places a big emphasis on breaking down the barriers students may face to achieve their educational goals. In the case of students who lack family care, this may be financial burdens, accommodation issues or a lack of emotional support.
UCLan Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Lynne Livesey said: “We are proud to register our support for the Stand Alone Pledge and show the importance we place on helping students who are estranged from their family for a variety of reasons.
“Traditionally, these students are more likely to drop out of education so it is crucial that universities put extra measures in place to support them. To do this, we offer a whole host of initiatives including a Care Leavers Bursary, access to internships and other employment opportunities, dedicated assistance from a named Student Services contact, flexible accommodation contracts and priority access to all student support services.”
"By developing an institution-wide approach to working with estranged students to overcome the barriers they may face, we hope to guide and support them through their educational journey."
Dr Livesey added: “The first of the University’s strategic aims is to create an inspirational student experience, enabling people, irrespective of their backgrounds, to fulfil their potential, develop as global citizens and meet their life and career goals. By developing an institution-wide approach to working with estranged students to overcome the barriers they may face, we hope to guide and support them through their educational journey.”
Central Lancashire also has an extensive outreach programme to reach estranged students in high schools and colleges, raising their aspirations of how well supported they would be in higher education.