Articles

The BAME Awarding Gap Project Steering Group

TLDRoffon

The Awarding Gap has replaced the Attainment Gap, here we share why we have changed the name and the work we are achieving.

The BAME Awarding Gap Project Steering Group resumed in January this year, as part of the University’s commitment to eliminate the gap in student outcomes between BAME and White students.

This is our time

The new University strategy means that this is cemented at the heart of the University’s strategic priorities. We are reviewing the project elements to ensure that these are working to meet this obligation. We acknowledge that the responsibility for the existence of the gap lies with the University and not with students which is why we have retitled this  ‘Awarding Gap’ from the deficit-modelled term, ‘Attainment’.

Continuing our progress

In 2019-20, the University recorded an improvement in the graduate outcomes for BAME students which indicated that - for the first time - degree awards were in line with sector expectations.

All of this has taken place against a backdrop of slow, but steady progress, in the outcomes for all White and BAME students.  Although the figures indicate that there has been some progress over the lifecycle of the project, the gap stubbornly persists. This is a small testament to the work that has been undertaken by staff and students, but we know there is still a long way to go - an Awarding Gap still remains and continues to present a challenge.

Strength in collaboration

We have made some changes. The project partnership with Greenwich Students’ Union forged in the early days of the project will continue, but there will be a renewed focus on supporting Programme Leaders and Module teams. This will be directed through GSU’s Inclusivity Consultants and academic staff in their roles as Inclusivity Champions.  There will be changes to the scope and remit of both of these teams as the project progresses with scope for further staff and student involvement.  There are also close links into the University’s developing Curriculum Framework and the new University Strategy, both of which are under development.

As we galvanise the work that has been started and continue to push for change, we will scrutinise our provision, identify any discrepancies and eradicate gaps in our awarding outcomes. We will ensure that all students receive awards that reflect their aspirations in all their diversity and that the University presents no barriers to student excellence, opportunity or outcome.