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Lancaster Success Programme

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Overview

The Student Success Team at Lancaster University offers a programme of activities to enable students from widening participation backgrounds to thrive during their studies and successfully progress into graduate employment or postgraduate study. The Lancaster Success Programme (LSP) is designed to support students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented at university, who may not always be aware of the breadth of support and opportunities available to them.

To be eligible to join this programme, students must satisfy one of the following criteria:

All eligible prospective students will be invited onto the programme in the summer (around mid June) before starting, via the email address that you provided when you applied for your place at Lancaster University. Current students can also be referred by members of staff during their studies.

Please contact: studentsuccess@lancaster.ac.uk if either of the following apply to you:

  • you are a prospective student and think you are eligible to join the LSP but haven't heard from us yet
  • you are a current student and think you might be eligible to join the programme

What to expect from the LSP

The programme offers several avenues of support to LSP members, please read below to find out more!

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What support does the LSP provide?

Students stay with the LSP for the duration of their degree, and by taking up a place, you will join a growing, supportive community of students and have access to a range of bespoke support. We work closely with other departments and support services across the University such as Careers; Transitions; Learning Development; Global Futures; Counselling and Disability. By getting to know you as an individual, we can help you to access the right opportunities to enable you to get the most out of every stage of your university journey. Find out more below:

What to expect from the LSP (Accordion) Accordion

Application timeline

Here is the timeline for applications for the 2022/23 intake to the Lancaster Success Programme:

Students who are eligible to apply for a place on the Lancaster Success Programme will be contacted by email on 13th June 2022 and invited to complete a short online application form. You will also get the chance to register for an information event. Several online information events will take place between June 2022 and July 2022 which will explain in detail about what to expect from the LSP. You can attend one of these either before or after applying for a place.

Applications to the Lancaster Success Programme close on 20th July 2022. You will be informed by email about the outcome of your application shortly afterwards. If your place is confirmed, you will be invited to join the LSP Teams space where you can begin to connect with other LSP students straight away. The Student Success team will keep in contact with you by email over summer.

Eligible clearing and confirmation offer holders will be contacted in September 2022 with an invitation to apply for a place on the LSP. Places will be confirmed by email no later than the end of September 2022.

All students accepted on to the LSP will receive an invitation to attend a "Prepare for Lancaster" orientation event. We are offering an event on campus on 15th September 2022 with an online event being held on 22nd September for those unable to attend in-person. This day will introduce you to the University, the LSP, your department and the range of services available to Lancaster University students. There will also be the chance for participants to get to know each other.

Your induction to the LSP will take place in the first two weeks of term; the emphasis will be on getting to know LSP staff and students. Our LSP welcome event gives you an opportunity to meet other students on the LSP, Student Advocates and staff in an informal setting. Pizza is usually involved!

Student Stories

Hear what our students think about their experience on the Lancaster Success Programme

Meet LSP Student Emily

Hi, I’m Emily and I’m a third year Sports and Exercise Science Student. Throughout my time at university so far, the LSP has provided a great support network. I joined the programme in my first year, hoping that it would be beneficial while settling into university, and it did not disappoint. My Success Coach has been a fantastic point of contact outside of my course to answer questions, help me access additional opportunities to progress in the degree and enhance employability skills, and just be someone to check in with each term.

Being part of the programme gave me the opportunity to become a Student Advocate, a role that I chose to take on to try and help other students get the most out of the programme by liaising with the staff members. The LSP is a great thing to be a part of and is always evolving to fit the needs of those who are part of it, so you can get out of it what you want to. The programme is great at providing a variety of opportunities to suit you; for example, I was able to access funding towards completing a Gym Instructor qualification alongside my degree.

Meet LSP Student Weng

The Lancaster Success Programme has been a great help to me throughout my years here at Lancaster. The 1:1 meetings are a place where my Student Success Coach and I can truly dive deep down and work on my personal growth, and self-reflection as well as to further plan ahead for the future. I have gained invaluable skills that have helped me in both academics and extracurricular during my time here at Lancaster. Not only was it a chance for self-improvement but it serves as a needed break away from academics and allows you to sit back and appreciate your progress throughout the term.

The Lancaster Success Programme isn’t all about academics! The programme has really helped with developing my confidence, problem-solving skills and generally becoming a better well-rounded person!

The Lancaster Success Programme couldn’t be more insightful, supportive and approachable, I could not be any more grateful for all the help I’ve received and is something I often look back on when reflecting on my time here at Lancaster. It is definitely something I would recommend joining here in Lancaster.

Meet LSP Student Ela

Hi!  

My name is Ela and I am a 2nd year Psychology student in Bowland College, and I’m also a mature student (26). I joined the LSP because I wasn’t very confident before starting university, and I thought the extra support would be really helpful with getting settled in with my degree. I wasn’t wrong – the extra support I’ve received through 1:1’s and Action Learning Sets has been invaluable to me, as I’ve been able to discuss any issues and worries with people who are happy to listen and help.

Another great perk of the LSP is the socials! I’ve met so many different types of students but connecting with other mature students especially has made me feel more at home in Lancaster. I love the little community we all share in the Lancaster Success Programme, which includes the staff, and I also love the teas, coffees and lunch provided during our socials!  

Meet LSP Student Luke

Hi, I’m Luke, a second-year Media and Cultural Studies student. Before coming to Lancaster, I studied at a different University for just over two years. I had a great time, but due to Covid and some other reasons, I realised it wasn’t for me and made the big decision to move elsewhere.

Starting first year again whilst being older than my peers was a daunting experience but enrolling on the LSP helped boost my confidence and allowed me to meet others who experienced similar rocky journeys before coming to Lancaster.

Coming to Lancaster, I knew that I wanted to amend for my lack of engagement at my previous University and sought to participate in as much as possible. Having the enrichment fund allowed me to do this and gave me the funding to join all the societies I wanted to try out.

The LSP also provides all students with a Student Success Coach. This was highly beneficial to me and gave me a friendly face to chat with whenever I had any concerns or needed advice on anything going on.

My favourite part about being a part of the LSP is the Action Learning Sets (ALS) that take place a few times a term. These provide an opportunity for me to converse with others on the programme and help one another overcome any problems we may be facing at that time.

LSP student feedback

"The LSP has been a fantastic source of support since I started at Lancaster University. My Success Coach has advised me brilliantly as to the avenues of support tailored to my personal situation."

"The one-to-one meetings are great, the enrichment fund is very helpful, the communication between the staff members and the students in the LSP through newsletter, social media or Microsoft Teams is great too."

"During meetings it helped me realise that I wasn’t alone in how I was feeling."

"Supporting, helped with the transition into university, informative."

Opportunities for LSP Students

Undergraduate Research Internships - The Research Internships are paid work experience opportunities for Lancaster University undergraduate students who meet widening participation criteria.

GROW Your Future - Offers you the opportunity to take part in activities that support the development of key employability skills, professional networks and guided careers support.

Undergraduate Research Conference - Each year we host a conference where undergraduates from across all Lancaster Partners and all disciplines come together to showcase and celebrate their research.

Meet the Student Success team

Kate Dunbavan, Student Success Manager

I’ve worked in Higher Education for over 12 years in various roles, supporting students to succeed and have a positive experience whilst they’re at university. I have managed the Lancaster Success Programme since it started, working with a team of Student Success Officers to shape and develop the programme and I also have a small cohort of LSP students who I support.

I love to see students do well; essentially that’s what drives me to do the work that I do! Helping students to find mechanisms to overcome obstacles, however small or otherwise, is very satisfying. To then watch students learn from their experiences and develop in their confidence, knowledge and skills is inspiring to see.

In my spare time I make the most of the beautiful countryside we have on our doorstep and will mostly be found outside!

Kate Usher, Student Success Officer

I joined Lancaster University in 2013 after previous careers in secondary school teaching (Languages) and export sales and marketing. I have been working as a Student Success Coach on the Lancaster Success Programme since March 2020 and I love my job! My passion is to enable students to get the very best out of their university experience and to connect with others in a mutually supportive way. I enjoy finding out what makes each individual student tick and encouraging them to work towards their personal goals, whether that is finding a dream placement, developing good revision techniques or starting a new pastime. The self-confidence which emerges in students through reflecting on and learning from all experiences is inspiring! I love the fact that I get to meet with the same students throughout their time at Lancaster; it’s a real privilege to be part of their student journey.

When not working, you’ll usually find me outside avoiding doing the housework: up a mountain, paddle boarding, swimming and cycling. I also sing in a choir and do yoga and I took up Lindy Hop dancing a few years ago, which I recommend to anyone as a brilliant mood booster and a really social way of keeping fit.

My background is varied: I've previously worked in export sales and marketing and as a secondary school teacher of German and French. I was also employed in a learning and teaching development centre at another university and during the past 9 years at Lancaster University I have held a number of student facing roles.

In my free time you will usually find me outside – fell walking, cycling, and swimming in cold water in all weathers! When indoors I prefer calmer activities, such as yoga and reading.

Joanna Gray, Student Success Officer

I joined the friendly community at Lancaster in June 2020 and spent a rewarding year supporting prospective students with their plans for when they leave school or college. I’m delighted to now be part of the Lancaster Success team, supporting current Lancaster students to positively engage with their education and wider experiences at university.

I strive to facilitate students in building positive relationships with their peers, teachers and support staff, and their own self-chatter; this is one way to help students notice, explore and challenge the way they think about themselves and the world. I’ve seen students build self-confidence and make fantastic progress towards a life they love, by making friends with the processes of reaching out, critically observing their feelings and thoughts and taking advantage of the resources around them, including other people, who can listen, ask questions and share experience.

I am personally and professionally always close to some form of learning; I’m currently completing an apprenticeship in coaching, I’ve worked as a tutor and lecturer at universities and performing arts schools, taught English language abroad, and even taught Yoga for a spell! It’s a real privilege for me to work with, and learn from, people from diverse, global backgrounds.

Things that get me out of bed, aside from my work, include spending time with friends and family, moving my body in all kinds of ungraceful ways (I’m currently loving being back at the gym!), music, theatre, audiobooks, film and tv, and food!

Beth kneeling down with a Labrador

Beth Kendrick, Student Success Officer

I first joined Lancaster University in 2016 and have worked as part of the wider delivery team on the Lancaster Success Programme since 2021. I am happy to have now joined the team as a Student Success Officer. I am passionate about coaching students to realise their full potential and I enjoy getting to know each student’s values and how these feed into their personal goals. I want to help each student get the most out of their time at University and achieve whatever their version of success looks like. In my spare time I am a (very amateur) musician and enjoy walking up hills with dogs and watching live music.

Hannah standing with her hand on her waist

Hannah Critchley, Student Success Officer

Joining the wonderful community of Lancaster University in October 2022, I am looking forward to empowering students to get the most out of their University experience and realise their full potential for successful future careers.

I always strive to be the best I can be with a positive attitude and a smile. I hope this will motivate and inspire those I work with and can't wait to meet lots of friendly new people who I can learn from too.

In my spare time, you will find me spending time with my family and friends or lost in a good book. I also love a challenge, so much so, I once completed a triathlon!

Luke standing in front of a waterfall

Luke Ravenscroft, Student Success Assistant

I have joined the team in September 2022 after finishing my Undergraduate degree from Lancaster. I’ll also be studying a Master’s degree alongside my role in the team too! I’ve had a lot of experience within widening participation at Lancaster, as a student and staff member, so I’m excited to bring my experiences to the team.

My day-to-day duties involve running the Enrichment Fund, answering student queries and helping the Student Success Team on various events and projects aimed at LSP students.

In my free time you’ll find me involved in sports- I play korfball and I’m a big netball fan. A fun fact about me is that I was the captain of the Welsh Wheelchair Basketball Team.

Meet the Student Success Coaches

Alongside the core Student Success team, we also have a team of eight Student Success Coaches who provide 1:1 coaching sessions for members of the LSP.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Get in touch:

Student Success, University House, Lancaster University LA1 4YW

studentsuccess@lancaster.ac.uk

My advice to anyone joining university would be to grab every opportunity that you can. The Lancaster Success Programme is a great opportunity for anyone joining university who is eligible.

A quote from LSP student, 2021