Lancaster Success Programme

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What to Expect

The Lancaster Success Programme (LSP) prides itself on empowering eligible students to fulfil their potential through a variety of personalised, coaching-led development activities:

  • 1:1 Coaching​ blocks
  • One-off Coaching Sessions
  • Group Coaching​
  • Action Learning Sets​
  • Peer Support
  • Collaborative workshops​
  • ​Social Events​
  • The GC Index

Students who join the LSP will have a place for the duration of their undergraduate degree, and be part of a growing, supportive community of students.

Kate Usher (Success Officer) and a graduating LSP student in 2024

1:1 Success Coaching

If you select the option to have a 1:1 coaching block of 4 sessions, then subject to availability, you will be allocated a personal Success Coach who will meet with you regularly on a 1:1 basis. Students are encouraged to develop core skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, planning for the future, resilience, managing new situations and communicating effectively.

If you don't opt for a block of coaching sessions, it is also possible to have a one-off 1:1 coaching session.

Success means different things to everyone, therefore the 1:1 meetings are entirely student-led, discussing whatever they’d like to work towards or reflect on. The conversations are designed to help students talk through what's on their mind and come up with their own ideas to make positive changes. These meetings empower students to reflect and build on their current strengths and learn from their experiences, whether positive or negative.

A typical 1:1 may include discussions on: settling into life at university; improving time management and understanding how personal values influence decision making. Many students set goals to work towards during their meetings, but this is not a requirement – sometimes they might just want to talk something through in a non-judgmental, safe space.

Students are also encouraged to make to most of other opportunities available at the university and through external agencies, such as access to internships, societies, and career development.

Students meeting with facilitator

Action Learning Sets (ALSs)

ALSs aim to build a supportive environment in which students can speak openly by providing an opportunity to talk, uninterrupted about an issue which is affecting their university experience. Students commit to attending 3 meetings of one hour for one term with the same group. They are similar to group coaching, but have a more rigid coaching framework.

Through active listening and coaching style questions, presenters are empowered by their peers to dig deeper and work out their own solutions and actions. ALSs have fixed membership, which allows trusting relationships to form, often leading to long-lasting friendships. Actions can be followed up in the next meeting, providing a great opportunity to be part of everyone’s ongoing development. ALSs are a fantastic way to develop key communication and team-working skills. Some organisations like the NHS use Action Learning Sets as part of their staff development, so you'll definitely build some good employability skills by taking part.

LSP students and staff having a discussion round a table during a peer support session

Peer Support Sessions

Peer Support Sessions provide students with the opportunity to share experiences, tips, and advice with fellow LSP students in a relaxed environment. Sessions are usually attended by around 8-12 students, with relevant staff members present (LSP staff and occasionally visitors from other services such as Careers or the Library).

Peer Support Sessions are themed, and students are encouraged to chat and compare experiences. They provide a regular opportunity to network with other LSP students/staff and support each other. Themes include: exam stress, academic skills development and preparing for the future. There is no fixed membership and no commitment to attend every meeting, so it can be tailored to attending students’ individual needs at the time.

LSP students sat round a table during an end of year social event

Social Events

Providing a welcoming, friendly environment, our social events give LSP students the opportunity to widen their social circle and have some down time! Events are usually catered, and students are free to drop in for as long as they want.

Examples of past events include: pizza and games night; afternoon coffee and cake; a walk in the Lake District for mature students; quiz evenings; cinema nights; craft sessions and the annual summer celebration.

An LSP social with students sitting around benches

Student Advocates

Student feedback is integral to the Lancaster Success Programme (LSP) and it drives the work we do to ensure the highest quality programme for our students. To promote a strong sense of belonging and student representation, the LSP Student Advocates are responsible for representing the LSP cohort at termly Student-Staff Committee meetings. In addition to this, Advocates have the opportunity to develop their professional skills by minuting meetings and creating and presenting reports for the committee meetings.

Our Student Advocates can also be found supporting the Student Success Team on activities such as: attending pre-arrival events (online and in-person), planning social events and student takeovers on our Instagram page.

Enrichment Fund

As an engaging member of the LSP, you will have access to an enrichment fund which you can spend on items to support your student experience. Typical purchases include: books, stationery and electronic equipment (such as a contribution to a printer or laptop). You can discuss possible purchases and how to claim with your Student Success Coach.

Career Opportunities for LSP Students

Career Opportunities for LSP Students accordion

Get in touch:

Student Success, University House, Lancaster University LA1 4YW

studentsuccess@lancaster.ac.uk