The Student Partnership Conference is an opportunity for staff and students across UWS to share best practice, create innovative solutions to issues and stregthen partnership activities.
The next Student Partnership Conference will be held on Wednesday 28th January at Paisley Campus. You can register to attend the conference here - Student Partnership Conference 2026 – Fill out form (please register before Monday 19th January by 12pm
If you would like to submit a proposal for the conference, please use this form - Student Partnership Conference 2026 - Call for Proposals – Fill out form (proposals can be for a poster or exhibition display in keeping with the Theme of the Conference, or an interactive workshop aligned to one of the Parallel Sessions)
Student Partnership Conference 2026 - Programme
09:30-10:00 Welcome Coffee & Community Building - Chancellors Hall
10:10-10:30 Opening Address: Professor Rachel Cragg, UWS Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning, Teaching and Student Success and Timiebi Oyinpere, UWS Student Union Vice President Education - P118
10:30-11:15 Keynote Address: "Maximising Student Success: Partnership, Innovation, and Belonging" - Jack Hogan, Lecturer in Academic Practice, AbLE Academy, Abertay University - P118
Jack Hogan is a Lecturer in Academic Practice in the Abertay Learning Enhancement (AbLE) Academy. His current focus is around personalised learning, diagnostics and how microcredentials can be used to support student transitions. Jack leads the Abertay Welcome Week and contributes to staff development activities. His pedagogic research interests include the first-year student experience, transitions, retention, and employability. Jack is a member of the European First Year Experience International Committee.
11:15-11:30 Comfort Break - Chancellors Hall
11:30-12:30 Panel Discussion: "The Future of Student Success: Technology, Community, and Voice" - P118
Panel members:
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Student Representative - Christopher Anderson-Monaghan, Sports Development, UWS School of Health and Life Science.
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Professional Services Staff: Dr Kevin Wilson, Lecturer (Learning Futures), Learning Transformation
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External Partner: Amy Monks, Development Consultant, SPARQS
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Student Union Staff: Sinead Daly, UWS Student Union Chief Executive
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Academic Staff: Dr Christopher O’Donnell, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, UWS School of Education and Social Science
12:30-13:15 Lunch and Poster Showcase - Chancellors Hall
13:15-13:30 Best Practices Exploration: "What Works: Partnership Success Stories” - Mark Carey, Programme Leader, Computer Animation Arts and Caitlin Reid, Graduate, Computer Animation Arts 2025 - P118
13:30-14:30 Parallel Sessions: D128, D143, D147 and P118 (rooms will be noted on sign up sheets)
- Track A: Generative AI for Student Success (D128)
- Join this interactive workshop to explore how Generative AI is shaping university studies. Working in small groups, participants will discuss real assessment scenarios, share perspectives on appropriate and critical use of GenAI, and reflect on evolving UWS guidance.
- Track B: Community and Belonging Partnerships (P118)
- Join this interactive workshop to explore how Societies and Student Groups can create a sense of community and belongning, supporting all students to feel campus is a place that belongs to them. Explore what works well and what the challanges are, including overcoming barriers to involvement
- Track C: Amplifying Student Voice
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Workshop 1 (D137) - Discover the creative power of zines in this hands-on workshop! Participants will learn to craft personal, handmade booklets using simple prompts, then share their creations to celebrate individuality and community. The Library team will also explore their vision for a growing “community zine archive” that reflects the diverse voices of UWS and fosters a lasting sense of belonging.
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Workshop 2 (D143) - This workshop will explore how UWS can better track and close the feedback loop from Student Staff Liaison Group meetings. The team will share a new pilot system designed to amplify student voice and link it with other feedback sources, inviting participants to discuss ideas for improving processes and shaping recommendations that strengthen partnership and impact.
14:30-14:45 Comfort Break (delegates should make their way to P118 for conference close)
14:45-15:15 Feedback from workshops: P118
15:15-15:30 Closing remarks: Timiebi Oyinpere
15:30-15.45 Conference Close: Professor James Miller, UWS Principal and Vice Chancellor
If you have any questions regarding the Conference, please contact the Vice President Education, Timiebi Oyinpere on UnionVPE@uws.ac.uk
You can view highlights from the Student Partnership Conference 2025 here - Student Partnership Conference 2025 - Resources