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WAP DATA

The University collects and analyses a wide range of student data in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This data is used to make data-informed decisions that guide educational interventions which can lead to student success and can be measured by improved student satisfaction, retention, attainment and/or learning gain.

WAP data is used for decision-making related to target setting, performance monitoring, identifying areas in need of additional support for students and ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed.

The various stakeholders in WAP across the University require different levels and modes of WAP data. A collaborative approach is consequently of high value in the design, collation, interrogation and visualisation of the data to ensure that it is robust and meaningful, fit for purpose and appropriately used.

Key WAP DATA Aims/Objectives

  1. Understand the student profile and socioeconomic backgrounds
  2. Analyse trends in access, participation and success
  3. Promote equity and inclusivity in admissions and student performance
  4. Ensure consistency and robustness in defining and measuring targets to enhance WAP
  5. Safeguard objective profiling of schools and areas of low participation for support
  6. Enhance the design of interventions to improve student success
  7. Safeguard identify and support of students at risk of dropout
  8. Facilitate the effective and consistent use of learner analytics during the entire student lifecycle from pre-entry through to employability.

Widening Access and Participation (WAP) Analytics Working Group

A WAP Analytics working group representing all key stakeholders which reports to the Fair Access, Participation and Student Success Sub-Committee has been established.

  • Membership
    • Catherine O'Donnell (Chair), Widening Access Policy and Reseach Unit/ADDL
    • Barbara Hunter, Widening Access Policy and Reseach Unit/ADDL
    • Shane Crothors, Planning
    • Jennifer Clements, Quality Enhancement and Audit Unit
    • Claire Drummond, Student Support
    • Rob Ware, Employability
    • Jennifer Hamilton, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
    • Nicola Ayre, Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
    • Owen Barr, Life and Health Sciences
    • Shirely Barrett,  Ulster University Business School

JISC/HESA Analytics Lab Projects

During 2018, Ulster University staff took part in national Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) and Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) analytics labs projects.