In the joint report from the National Union of Students (NUS) and Universities UK (UUK), it was revealed that a student’s ethnicity could have an impact on their degree outcomes. Authors of the report stated that the gap between the possibility of white students or black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students from getting a first or a 2:1 grade was 13% from 2017/18 students.
The report stated, “Many universities have made a considerable effort to address this gap over several years with collaborative work between university leaders, staff and students’ unions, but there is still a long way to go. Eliminating these attainment differentials and transforming the university experience for BAME students will require sustained work from across the higher education sector.”
The report collected its research from 99 universities and student unions; they also organised six regional roundtable evidence sessions discussing how the attainment gap should be tackled among 160 attendees.
There have been five steps have been identified to improve BAME student outcomes, including having conversations based on race and cultures and also providing strong leadership. The following three recommendations state to develop a racially diverse environment and collect data and evidence to understand and evaluate ‘what works’.
Baroness Amos, director of SOAS, said, “Our universities are racially and culturally diverse, compared to many other sectors, but we are failing a generation of students if we don’t act now to reduce the BAME attainment gap. While many universities are proactive in the issue, this report and its recommendations aim to deliver transformation in our sector.
It is vital that universities act and are transparent in their approach so black, Asian and minority ethnic students are given the best chances of success. Inaction is not an option.”
Vice president for higher education at the NUS and UUK, Amatey Doku, commented on the situation in saying; “From decolonising the curriculum to more culturally competent support services, many students and students’ unions have been fighting and campaigning for action in this area for years. This report highlights good practice and clear, practical steps for universities to take to begin to respond to many of the concerns raised.”
Navkiran Bains
