We are really proud of each and every one of our alumni.
You are the evidence of the OU’s success. As such we want to keep you firmly in touch with your university, your subject interests, and your fellow students and alumni. This section of Platform is just one place in which we aim to do that. You'll find more on the full range of our services for alumni below and on our services page.
£196k hits the iSpot
iSpot is a website aimed at helping anyone identify anything in nature. Once you've registered, you can add an observation to the website and suggest an identification yourself or see if anyone else can identify it for you.
Launched in 2008 with a five-year, £2 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund for England, iSpot has built a nationwide community of tens of thousands of people who are helping each other to observe and learn more about the natural world around them. There are currently over 17,000 registered users who have submitted more than 95,000 observations of about 5,500 species.
The next phase of the project will see several exciting new developments for users of iSpot, building on the foundations iSpot has established.
These include:
- Rapid-ID: a picture browser for beginners
- Mobile: iSpot in the hand and in the field
- Biodiversity Mentors: Outreach for the whole UK
- Personal: Customization for each user
The many eyes of the iSpot community have proved so keen, that hundreds of rarities have been recorded and two species new to Britain have been discovered.
iSpot’s award winning website has been designed to help remedy the gap in the general public’s identification skills. It is pioneering in its approach to supporting learning across the boundary between the informal and formal, using a combination of social networking, informal access to expertise and accredited learning opportunities. Anyone can upload a photograph of animals, plants, fungi or any living organisms they have seen. The photo is then displayed on the iSpot home page where other users can agree with the identification, attach a comment, or add a revised identification.
Find out more
• iSpot
• Support ISpot and find out about other Open University projects
• The Garfield Weston Foundation
The OU’s award-winning project iSpot has received a £196,000 boost from the Garfield Weston Foundation so people can learn about and improve their local environment for biodiversity. iSpot is a website aimed at helping anyone identify anything in nature. Once you've registered, you can add an observation to the website and suggest an identification yourself or see ...
Progressing on to PhD
Hi, I'm a mature student (52) hoping to achieve BA(Honours) Humanities next year with a view to moving on to study for a PhD. I'm currently trying to gather as much info as possible as I have no idea of what to expect regarding study, applying for a placement or what the process is in choosing a research subject. Can anyone give me an idea of what life is like as a post grad doing a PhD? How many hours do you work? How do you come to a decision regarding your research subject, do you need to present a very specific subject or a broad idea that can honed down? My specialities are music and English and I have some good ideas (I think!) for a subject but I haven't fine tuned anything yet. As you may gather I know very little on this subject so any info would be gratefully accepted!
Hi, I'm a mature student (52) hoping to achieve BA(Honours) Humanities next year with a view to moving on to study for a PhD. I'm currently trying to gather as much info as possible as I have no idea of what to expect regarding study, applying for a placement or what the process is in choosing a research subject. Can anyone give me an idea of what life is like as a post grad doing a PhD? How ...
OU golf challenge open to students and alumni
It will take place at the OU's home course, The Millbrook Golf Course, in Bedfordshire, on Tuesday 22 May 2012.
The format will be unchanged from previous competitions – in the morning there will be a fun nine-hole scramble of teams put together on the day.
The main event in the afternoon will see an individual, full handicap Stableford over 18 holes for the OU Challenge Trophy. There will also be nearest-the-pin and longest drive prizes.
There have been both male and female previous winners, which include staff, current students and alumni.
The event is supported by both the OU Club and The Millbrook Golf Club, so the day’s golf plus coffee, bacon (or egg) butty, lunch and prizes costs only £25.
Students and alumni, with current handicaps, can obtain full details and enter by contacting Andy Harding, Faculty of Maths, Computing and Technology at The Open University in Milton Keynes by emailing a.v.harding@open.ac.uk or calling 01908 653328.
This is essentially a fun event, but it is restricted to golfers with handicaps. The event is popular and therefore places will be allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis.
Picture credit: Thinkstock
For the 11th year, students and alumni are again invited to join current staff for a day of golf at the Annual Open University Staff and Student Golf Challenge. It will take place at the OU's home course, The Millbrook Golf Course, in Bedfordshire, on Tuesday 22 May 2012. The format will be unchanged from previous competitions – in the morning there will be a fun ...
Poetry competition win leads to published collection for Caroline
Caroline's collection was recently published. Platform caught up with her to find out more about her OU studies and her experiences as a result of winning the competition….
Caroline’s winning poem: An Apple Tree Spouts Philosophy in an office car park can be read on the Ward Wood Publishing website.
Her short collection An Apple Tree Spouts Philosophy is now on sale, with all £3 of the cover price going to raise funds for ‘The Cold Weather Shelters’, the same charity. The winner is chosen on the strength of just one poem, and as part of the prize they will be helped to complete a short paperback collection with 20 pages of poetry. Caroline has also had the opportunity to take part in a launch event and Open Mic night.
You gained a BA in Literature with the Open University? Why did you decide to study with the OU?
I’ve always loved books and literature but somehow I ended up studying accountancy and becoming an auditor. After spending several years in the corporate world, I became attracted to the idea of doing something different and I decided to study with the OU to give me a creative outlet. Getting a qualification wasn’t the most important thing for me though – I would have been quite happy just to go on with more courses really, but I suppose you have to stop somewhere? I’m fascinated by psychology, so maybe one day.
Have you been writing poetry long/When did your interest in writing poetry develop?
I’ve written some poetry in the past, but nothing much. I really started taking poetry more seriously when I first studied Creative Writing with the OU about four years ago. I completed both the level 2 and the level 3 Creative Writing courses. I remember feeling apprehensive about studying the subject at first, because I didn’t think I was particularly creative. But the courses were excellent for stimulating creativity and imagination, with techniques such as freewriting, and cluster diagrams.
How did you feel when you found out you had won the competition?
Quite shocked. I don’t think you ever expect to win something.
Can you share your experiences of :
Producing & getting An Apple Tree Sprouts Philosophy published?
This has been an exciting experience. I never felt time pressured to produce more poems for the pamphlet before I was ready. There was quite a lot of polishing and editing to do, even for such a small book. Adele Ward has been great - very helpful and encouraging all the way. It was a very valuable prize – far better than cash.
Doing a reading at Open Mic night?
I was quite nervous about the idea if I’m honest, but on the night I actually enjoyed myself. I suppose my worry was that people wouldn’t like the poems, and I would be faced with rows of stony faces. Of course it wasn’t like that at all. I attended poetry evenings leading up to the event, and took the opportunity to read at these whenever I could.
What you plan to achieve now after/alongside studying for you MA?
I would really love to publish a full collection when I’m ready. I have to produce poetry on a regular basis to take along to the MA workshops, which is a real incentive, so I’m building up a store. Not that I need the push, as writing poetry is something I always do. The only problem is that they all need more work after being critiqued at the workshops! It can take quite a lot of time and editing to get the poem to where it needs to be. It’s my aim to get up early and spend an hour or so editing before work. I managed it today for the first time.
Anything else you would like to share
One of the great things about studying for the MA is getting to read some fantastic poetry, from the classics to modern and contemporary poetry, some poets I’ve never even heard of before. Everyone says it, don’t they, but if you want to write poetry you have to be a reader of it first and foremost.
The poetry competition, judged by Carol Ann Duffy was introduced to raise funds for ‘The Cold Weather Shelters’ and organisers say they couldn’t survive without the contribution made by poetry. Events held and the competition are the brainchild of the poet Ruth O’Callaghan, who has been running the Lumen and Camden Poetry series of open mics and performances for five years.
Adele Ward of Ward Wood publishing said “I have no say in the judging of the competition, and I was delighted to see an OU student win because I also got back into studying by doing an MA in Literature with the OU and some of the Creative Writing courses. So the OU played a major part in the steps that led up to me starting Ward Wood Publishing.
Being able to publish an OU student felt especially rewarding, and I enjoyed working with Caroline on compiling her first short collection. Caroline won against incredibly tough competition, including published authors and poets from the best creative writing courses in the UK, Ireland, and around the world, so it’s interesting to see how the OU courses inspired and developed her skills.”
The prize is publication of a short collection, 50 copies and good promotion of the published collection including an invitation to read in the London venues if the poet wishes. The winner is chosen on the strength of one poem and will also be helped towards completing the short collection with free mentoring if needed. The entry fee is low to make it accessible to everybody (£2.50 per poem or £10 for 6) and all proceeds go to help the homeless in two London cold weather shelters. The judge is Carol Ann Duffy. No income is taken by any of the organisers or the judge from this competition.
The closing date is Tuesday 14 February and gives the author a foot in the door of publishing and a way to get their name widely known.
Find out more:
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Enter the competition with Ward Wood Publishing
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The open mic events are held in the two venues where the homeless sleep in the Cold Weather Shelters.
The Lumen and Camden Poetry competition 2011 has been won by OU BA Literature graduate Caroline Squire. Her poem was chosen from more than 1,000 entries by judge Carol Ann Duffy, and the prize was to have a short collection of poems published. Caroline's collection was recently published. Platform caught up with her to find out more about her OU studies ...
Security vs privacy: OU receives £450k to investigate
Privacy and security have always had a controversial relationship. On one hand security requires the collection of information about citizens, but on the other, it can be seen as infringement of their privacy.
Kirstie said: “Surveillance has many positive uses, including law enforcement and investigating criminal activity, but it can also affect human rights and civil libertarian issues. Public perception and technology change over time, so surveillance techniques need to be reviewed to ensure they are still relevant and not infringing on people’s lives.”
Kirstie will be involved in two European Commission Framework 7 projects commencing in February 2012. The first, Surveillance, Privacy and Security: A large scale participatory assessment of criteria and factors determining acceptability and acceptance of security technologies in Europe, will re-examine the relationship between security and privacy. This relationship, both at state and citizen levels, has informed policymakers, legislative developments and best practice guidelines concerning security developments across the EU. Current security policy, however, needs to be reviewed in light of new research questioning the validity of the security-privacy trade-off, suggesting it may have over-simplified the impact and acceptability of current security solutions.
The second European project, Increasing Resilience in Surveillance Societies will use public attitudes towards surveillance to identify its impact on everyday life and gauge trust in political institutions. The focus will be on the effects of surveillance in combatting crime and terrorism, and how it affects citizens in open and democratic societies.
A third project, The New Transparency, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, investigates the role of technology companies in promoting surveillance internationally. The team will look at factors contributing to the general expansion of surveillance as a technology of governance and the social consequences for both institutions and ordinary people.
Find out more:
Dr Kirstie Ball, Reader in Surveillance and Organisation at The Open University, has received funding totalling £450k to investigate whether people view surveillance and the collection of information as acceptable in return for enhanced security - commonly positioned as a trade-off. Privacy and security have always had a controversial relationship. On one hand security ...
Update from Senate rep: Dr Petrina Stevens
Dr Petrina Stevens, the graduate representative on Senate updates on the latest meeting.....
Unfortunately, the paper on the Open Media Operating Policy was withdrawn from discussion in Senate yesterday, so I can’t update you on the latest issues. I hope we can get back to it when Senate has time.
It is difficult to select topics which specifically interest Graduates and Alumni, unless they refer to return to study. For this reason I want to take this opportunity to ask you as Graduates and Alumni members, what OU issues you would like to discuss and have reported, should they arise in Senate.
Despite having a number of people view the Platform Graduate rep’s report, there were no comments. As a lone voice in Senate I can’t make great changes but each voice is heard, and with support from other Senate members it is possible to have issues addressed and modified.
As the request for comments comes only a few days before Senate, I wonder if you feel you do not have the time to respond. Unfortunately there is not much we can do to change that, but if we could have comments on-going, then when those issues arise in Senate I am well versed as to your opinions and won’t have to rush you to respond. This means you will have more time to think about issues which affect or interest you.
Having previously studied with the OU, you may now in hindsight, have an opinion on how the approach of the OU could have helped you in a more relevant way. You may have ideas on how the OU can offer relevant Professional Development input, or support you in other areas of training. As some of you may be thinking of returning to study for your own interests and self-development, registration and enrolment issues may be an appropriate topic to cover.
Perhaps you can comment on the types of qualification offered, funding and financial support for returning students, tutorials (both actual and telephone), assignments and a heap of other things on which I am sure you have an opinion.
The ideal place for all these discussions is through Platform in the Graduates' and Alumni Forum Group where you can start our own topic or comment on others. I really look forward to hearing your ideas.
Dr Petrina Stevens, the graduate representative on Senate updates on the latest meeting..... Unfortunately, the paper on the Open Media Operating Policy was withdrawn from discussion in Senate yesterday, so I can’t update you on the latest issues. I hope we can get back to it when Senate has time. It is difficult to select topics which specifically interest Graduates and Alumni, ...
OU student Nicci chosen to carry the Olympic Torch
Action for Children worker Nicci was selected by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) after being nominated by her manager, Eve Chinnery.
Nicci is looking forward to her Olympic role, which will see her carry the torch along a part of the 70-day Olympic Torchbearer Relay around the UK. Nicci said: "I don't know where I will be carrying it yet, but I have been told I will have it on May 27th somewhere between Swansea and Aberystwyth. It could be anywhere on the route, but I hope it's close to home!"
She added that when she received the confirmation email from LOCOG, she couldn't believe it. “I was gobsmacked but absolutely delighted to be chosen as I thought the chances of actually being picked were so minimal. I couldn't be more pleased.”
The keen runner has raised hundreds of pounds for charity by completing the Cardiff Half Marathon and is set to compete in this year’s London Marathon. Eve Chinnery, Action for Children Service Manager, said: “Nicci thoroughly deserves to take part in this historic sporting event. She is a hardworking and dedicated member of the team at Powys Community Support Service and also dedicates her spare time to the disabled children outside of working hours, as well as studying for an Open University degree and bringing up to two teenage sons.”
Nicci certainly has some exciting times ahead. “2012 is going to be a good year with my Graduation, the London Marathon and of course being a torch bearer which I am very honoured to be doing, and to top it all I was one of the lucky people to get Olympic tickets so will be going to the stadium with my sons to watch the Athletics on 10th August too.”
With such a busy lifestyle the OU’s study path was the best option for Nicci who is currently studying for an Open Degree.
“I am very excited to be attending my graduation ceremony in the Barbican at the end of March! I really enjoyed my studies with the OU, I like the flexibility, the support was excellent and I could fit it in around everything else to suit my schedule. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.”
Find out more:
OU student Nicci Shrimpton has been selected as one of the 8,000 runners who will be carrying the Olympic torch on its nationwide tour ahead of the games in London. She was chosen for her work with disabled children as well as many extra fundraising efforts for a variety of charities. Action for Children worker Nicci was selected by the London Organising ...
OU led autism research project in Ethiopia funded by Autism Speaks
Beginning with a study of current levels of awareness, attitudes to mental health and service provision to adults and children with mental health problems in Ethiopia, the project will also conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of Ethiopia's community health worker (CHW) training in mental health issues. This training is based on new learning resources, written by Ethiopian health experts with support from the OU as part of the OU's HEAT (Health Education and Training) programme. Following evaluation, these learning resources will be revised and the new materials integrated into ongoing CHW training in Ethiopia.
The project is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of children with autism and raising autism awareness in one of the most underserved areas in the world, with effects continuing to last well beyond the life of the project.
The co-investigators on this project are Lesley-Anne Long (International Development Office), Dr Basiro Davey (Faculty of Science) and Drs Charlotte Hanlon, Yonas Baheretibeb and Abebaw Wassie from Addis Ababa University.
Find out more:
- Autism Speaks: details of the project
- Study with the OU SK124 'understanding the autism spectrum'
- OpenLearn: What is autism?
- OpenLearn: Dispel some myths around autism and talent
- Test your knowledge in the Autism quiz: busting the myths
The OU has been awarded of $199,750 from Autism Speaks to conduct a two-year research project in Ethiopia. Led by Dr Rosa Hoekstra (Faculty of Science), a team of researchers from the OU and Ethiopia will collaborate in this initiative which intends to raise awareness around mental health issues and about autism in particular. Beginning with a study of current levels of ...
Alumni Senate rep wants your views
It is no wonder that the OU sees itself in the forefront of Open Media public broadcasting, freely providing educational materials to the public. Before the arrival of the internet it was noted for its television broadcasting which now seems very dated, but these programmes had a following outside of the OU’s student population. Even from the start the OU was making material freely available.
The arrival of the internet offered even more opportunity to reach its audience, not only in the UK but worldwide. The internet was also available as a media tool for other educational institutions, so it was essential that the OU provided a unique service. As media was the main public face of the OU, it was essential that it remained distinctive in its media usage. Having provided educational materials to the public for forty years, and through the BBC, also supported online activities, the OU had a head start in its experience of utilising media opportunities. However, there have been many changes over the years and the OU has had to adapt to new technologies and cope with many financial fluctuations.
The changes in funding are of course in the forefront of issues the OU is addressing. The development of Open Media is now essential to promoting the OU brand and fulfilling the commitment to education in its charter, which states that through ‘means such as broadcasting’ (and other technologies) it will, ‘promote the educational well-being of the community generally’. For this reason one of the chief roles of Open Media channels is to support this mission.
Open Media offers greater public awareness of the OU, hopefully making it one of the obvious considerations for those who wish to continue their education. It would be helpful to know from you as OU graduates, if you are aware of the OU’s role in Open Media. Perhaps you have noticed it mentioned in a number of television programmes, or discovered OpenLearn.
As a graduate, did you know for example that you could also access OU materials through YouTube, iTunesU or Google Book store and Apps store? If this is all new to you then it would be great if you could let us know. It would be helpful, for example, to know what percentage of the 6-8 million visitors who engage with OU educational materials through Open Media, are OU graduates.
Those of you who have accessed these sites, you may like to tell us if this engagement encouraged you to take on further courses with the OU. It is hoped that the taster material offered will encourage some ‘conversion’ to courses, especially for graduates and alumni,
but if you are unaware of its availability then the opportunity is lost.
As usual I haven’t given you much time to respond, so apologies, but this is due to the fact that the minutes cannot of course be available until close to the meeting date, to ensure they have the latest information available. Further comment on this subject by the end of Tuesday 24th January would be gratefully appreciated, however, the discussion is on-going, so even if the date has passed your contributions will be really appreciated.
Any other issues on which you wish to comment are also very welcome. I suggest you join Graduates’ Forum in Platform and then we can have a good debate!
Dr Petrina Stevens is the alumni representative on Senate. Here she reports on the issues which will be covered in the next Senate meeting and asks for your views..... It is no wonder that the OU sees itself in the forefront of Open Media public broadcasting, freely providing educational materials to the public. Before the arrival of the internet it was noted for its ...
Psychology degree to published author with a little help from the OU
Why I chose to study with The Open University (OU)
I always regretted not being able to stay on for higher education after school, instead I ended up getting a job in a bank. It was years later when I was a house wife with two young children that The Open University adverts that I had seen in local media attracted me to send off for a prospectus.
I chose the OU as I am registered disabled, and I wanted to work at my own pace, fairly flexibly and to fit my studies in with my own personal circumstances. I also thought that the fees were reasonable, and the way the prospectus described the different levels and paths of subjects you could take to eventually achieve your goal, was easy and accessible.
Getting advice and support to study
The one thing that worried me was whether the demands the studying needed outweigh my own personal limits. I looked at the higher levels to see if it was a necessity to attend a residential school, as I knew that it would be inappropriate for my personal circumstances, although when I read the reviews I regretted that I would not be able to attend. My worries were not necessary as there was alternative learning experience (ALE) program in place, and I also read with interest the support that the OU was able to give to disabled students.
I was taken back with the friendly response, motivation and eagerness of the disability department to come out and visit me to talk about my personal requirements. I was very apprehensive, but was soon put at ease by the gentleman who visited me, and his advice was so valuable, I was also fortunate to receive financial help as well as an adaptation in my learning and studies to help suit my needs.
Successful studying
Initially I studied Understanding Health and Social Care (K100) as I was always interested in helping others and at one stage had wanted to work with the elderly or children. I realised that if I was to commit myself to study I wanted to achieve a significant goal such as a degree. I was able to work out that in my first course in Health and Social Care I could gain a Certificate after the first level which would be an achievement in itself, and if I wanted to continue I could count the level towards a degree.
As I could not attend tutorials the OU arranged telephone contact, from my tutors, and I was even told that I was eligible for a home exam. The Invigilator was a very kind and professional lady who I nicknamed in my head ‘The Sergeant Major” as we had to synchronise watches after her first visit. I should not have worried as in my very first course I managed to achieve a distinction, and was so proud of my achievement. This also spurred me on to enroll in the next course towards a degree.
A degree in psychology to focus on long-term writing ambitions
I decided to pursue psychology, as my son had dyslexia, and I had suffered from mental health problems and wanted to learn more about them. I was also trying to work hard on my book that was a true account of my past called ‘A Fine Line A Balance to Survive by Lisa WB'. I had suffered from extreme child abuse and was interested in learning more about psychology to not only improve my expertise but to also help with my writing.
As I studied with the OU my confidence increased, and each time I had to study a new course, I initially worried about whether the new tutor would understand that I couldn’t attend tutorials and be empathetic towards my needs as my illness is unpredictable. At some stages I would be unable to study for a few days or even weeks. I tried to combat this by working as hard as I could when able to keep ahead in case I was ill.
Once again I am still astonished at the response by the Open University staff, all my tutors were very friendly, understanding and supported my needs. At the ALE they even let me promote my book in one of the forums at the end of the course.
It was in December 2011 that I received my results and I was fortunate to have achieved a 1.1 First Class (Honours) Degree in Psychology.
I will always be grateful to the Open University, as I believe it was because of the University’s willingness to support my disability and the way they helped me manage my studies I was able to achieve what I did. One of the tutors even endorsed my book when it was published.
I was so sad when I took my final exam as I felt I was leaving a friend behind, although, through the Open University I have made many new friends.
Becoming a published author
The University helped me with my confidence to finish my book: A fine line, which has been praised by The British Psychology Society, and the ebook has been a best seller in many categories for over a year.
I am now writing a sequel called The Survival, and am hoping to include some of the expertise learnt from my psychology degree.
I hope if other people are thinking about studying, they give the Open University a chance, as it has been one of the best experiences in my life.
Find out more:
Lisa Whenham-Bossy chose to study with the Open University as she is registered disabled. She believes the support she received from the OU during her time as a student, enabled her to ‘spread her wings’ and achieve not only a First Class (Honours) Degree in Psychology, but go on to become a published author. Why I chose to study with The Open University (OU) I ...
OU Degree Ceremonies – volunteers needed
What does it involve?
Our volunteers assist OU staff in congratulating graduates on their special day as well as handing out information on the Alumni Association. Your help will ensure that we are able to speak personally to many more graduates, both about their experiences of studying with the University, and their plans for the future.
If you would like to come and help us on the Alumni stand, please email alumni@open.ac.uk (Title DC volunteer) or telephone +44 (0)1908 653815 for more details.
* Please note lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day where applicable but volunteers are responsible for their own travel costs to and from the venue.
Find out more:
Can you spare a few hours or a whole day to help on the OU Alumni Stand at one of our 2012 degree ceremonies?* What does it involve? Our volunteers assist OU staff in congratulating graduates on their special day as well as handing out information on the Alumni Association. Your help will ensure that we are able to speak personally to many more graduates, both about their ...
OU psychology graduate gets MBE for services to children and families
It was a double accolade for Clive Cumming and his wife Sharon, from Bristol, who were both named MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list, having fostered 150 children over 35 years.
Clive graduated from the Open University in 2000 with a BA (Hons) in Psychology and says his OU studies helped him both in his job as a commercial manager with the Ministry of Defence and as a foster parent.
He said of his OU degree: “Aside from giving me a better understanding of human behaviour (particularly useful during commercial negotiations!) the main benefit has been in relation to the fostering work which my wife and I undertake.
“Many of the young people who come into our care have experienced emotional trauma in their early life. An understanding of how this affects their subsequent development helps us to understand behaviour which they may present whilst in our care.”
Clive started his OU student journey in 1993 with a social science foundation course and progressed with further studies to achieve graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.
He said he and his wife Sharon were delighted to be appointed MBEs and think of it as a reward and recognition for the good work that all foster carers do.
For more information read this story in the Bristol Evening Post.
An OU graduate has been awarded an MBE for his services to children and families – and says his psychology degree helped him get there. It was a double accolade for Clive Cumming and his wife Sharon, from Bristol, who were both named MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list, having fostered 150 children over 35 years. Clive graduated from the Open University in 2000 ...
Graduate rep reports from Senate meeting
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the last Senate due to a clash with work, but I have now received the minutes of that meeting and hope you’ll forgive me for this short précis of a major issue.
I remember well when the OU came into being, it was often commented that anyone from any financial background would be able to study for a degree and how wonderful it was that these educational opportunities would be available. I had my very early courses in the 1970s paid for by my local authority and without that I wouldn’t have afforded them. Many people who had thought themselves unlikely university students were encouraged by the financial support to study for a degree. More importantly, the open door policy of the OU meant that people with limited or no qualifications, were accepted for study.
In those days the starter, or foundation courses as they were known, were few; probably no more than half a dozen to choose from. As a consequence there was a waiting list to enrol so it was essential to apply on the first day of applications to have a hope of getting a place. However it is not now the limit on places which holds us back from further study but the financial outlay.
The OU is not to blame for the founding model becoming unobtainable, but its aim is to keep as near to the original ideal as possible, in these difficult times. The precedent has always been to offer a good student experience and this is still priority for the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Tait.
The ‘Study Experience’ programme, also driven by Will Swann (director, Students) sees an intensive period of work ahead, if the proposed changes are approved by Senate. The focus on developing named degrees, which were introduced twelve years ago, needs to ensure students make the best decisions when taking on study leading to qualifications. There are great cost implications for incorrect or regretted choices, as the price of choosing the wrong course will now be so much higher. Consequently, clear information, advice and guidance are all essential, to help students in making correct decisions.
Professor Tait also recognises the OU will be judged, in particular by those making future loans, on the way in which it delivers on promises made to students. The main aim is to improve the student experience, qualification completion rate, and the effectiveness of study on employability not only in vocational areas but throughout the whole curriculum.
There are two models of delivery, which are linked with the reasons for students taking up OU study. One is for students who study for personal development, where they may only study a single module if they wish. These students do not necessarily want to progress to a degree qualification but may be either studying for their own interest or personal development, without wanting to take on any further study. These students also want the flexibility offered by the OU to take a break in study due to family or work commitments. Their decision to stop studying should not be seen as a failure to complete as it may never have been their intention to do so. They need to be viewed differently from those in the second model of students who register for qualifications, and commit to completing the whole course.
I hope I can report of further progress from the next Senate later in January, but meanwhile please contact me if you have anything you wish to comment upon or comment via the Graduates' forum on Platform. I would also be interested to know if there are any other issues that you as graduates may be particularly interested in, as I realise the current issues around student experience may not be particularly pertinent to you.
Last but not least, I hope you all have a great 2012 and that some of you think about returning to the OU as students, even if it is to sample a short course on something new, or to use the free OpenLearn website, which offers you courses for free – now that is truly in the spirit of the originators of the OU!
Find out more:
Dr Petrina Stevens, the graduate representative on OU senate, reports from the last Senate meeting of 2011… Unfortunately I was unable to attend the last Senate due to a clash with work, but I have now received the minutes of that meeting and hope you’ll forgive me for this short précis of a major issue. I remember well when the OU came into being, ...
OU telephone campaign: £85,000 raised for students and projects
With constant changes to the current economic climate and funding in higher education, fundraising income and money from philanthropy is becoming increasingly important for the University. The telephone campaign is a key part of supporting this.
But who is being called and why, what is it like being a caller and how do you motivate a team of callers throughout a campaign?
Platform caught up with Sophie Hoyle, Legacy & Fundraising Assistant in the Development office to find out more.
Who are you calling and why?
We call Open University alumni and current donors. The reason we fundraise is basically to help us in our mission to provide education to all – so by providing other forms of income for the University means that we can do so much more for students or projects that need our help.
How many calls have been made?
We’ve called over 6,000 people in the last year alone
That is a high number. Is it cold calling?
No, not at all. We write to people in advance to let them know about the telephone campaign and they can opt out at that stage from receiving a call. The response from many of the alumni we speak has been very positive, they enjoy getting the call from the OU. There are many who also share great stories with us about their studies or relationship with the university.
What is the money raised used for?
Access to Success Fund
The fund is a new initiative, set up to help us to provide financial support for those students who would not otherwise be able to study with us and who wish to take their first steps into higher education. In this first instance, we are helping to subsidise Openings modules. Openings are short access and taster modules designed as an introduction to study which can help build a students’ confidence and develop their study skills.
TESSA (Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa)
The TESSA programme aims to improve the availability and quality of primary education for children in Africa by bringing together teachers and teacher educators. Launched in 2005, it is a research and development programme creating Open Educational Resources to support school based teacher education and training.
The TESSA programme is now being used in at least 12 countries and has in the last month received global recognition in the form of a WISE aware (World Innovation Summit for Education).
Disabled Students/Access Bus
The Open University’s dedicated Disabled Student Services team (DSS) offer support on all aspects of studying including specialist equipment, study resources, and assistive technology. The OU Access Bus is equipped with a wide range of assistive technology including specialist software and ergonomic hardware and furniture which students can try out. The bus is staffed by OU Access Centre staff who are on hand to offer expert advice and training. The rising costs of maintaining the current Access Bus have led to the decision to build its replacement and equip a new bus.
Alongside the role of the donors a key part to the success of a telephone campaign are the calling team.
How do you motivate callers throughout the campaign?
Calling shifts are anywhere between 3 and 6 hours but there can be times when callers are struggling with not getting through to people or speaking to a lot of answer machines - so we organise games throughout the shifts where callers can take part and win prizes kindly donated by OU staff and local external companies. Many of our callers will also be working full or part-time, as well as studying and juggling childcare commitments, so it is vital that we recognise the dedication required and help reward their support. Providing prizes, vouchers and incentivising the calling team is a great way to motivate our callers, encouraging them to have fun at the same time as raising money to help more students.
We would like to thank the following companies for providing prizes for the campaigns in the last year:
Purely Banking, Hilton: Milton Keynes, Hi-Tech Flooring Ltd, Jaipur, MK DONS Sport and Education Trust, Ranstad Recruitment, Saks Hair & Beauty, SGL Resourcing Ltd, Tate Recruitment, Calcutta Basserie, DiscountVoucherSite.com.
What is it like being a caller?
Find out more:
The OU telephone campaign takes place several times a year to support OU students and projects. In the past 12 months the campaigns have raised over £85,000 and the OU has raised £2.4m in fundraising income in the last year. With constant changes to the current economic climate and funding in higher education, fundraising income and money from philanthropy is ...
OU telephone campaign: a caller's view
Marie is currently studying for her BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management with the OU.
How long does a telephone campaign last and what hours do you have to work as a caller?
The telephone campaigns tend to last between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the type of campaign. The hours typically involved are 2 evenings in the week just for 3 hours a night and then one weekend day. It is really flexible and you can work as many or as few of those as you like, it’s great.
You currently work full-time so is this is an extra job?
Yes, I have my own business in insurance so because of the hours with the business, the evenings are really good to earn some extra pocket money.
What was your main reason for applying for the role of telephone caller?
I’ve been studying with the OU on my BA Hons degree since 2009. In my first year I had a lot of support financially because in your first year in business there isn’t much money coming in. I really wanted to give something back to the OU because without it I wouldn’t have been able to get onto the path of studying. I do telephone calling a lot in my job and wanted to do something that was making a difference.
Is there a lot of training involved to become a caller?
You have to be competent and have a certain level of confidence to go on the phone for the first time. The first training was over a weekend and then refresher training tends to be half a day to a day after that. So it’s not a lot of training but they do make sure you’re confident and you’re happy to go on the phones. It’s also on going during the campaigns as well.
Is it difficult to ask for donations? And does it get easier?
I don’t find it hard to ask for donations because you’re having a conversation with somebody who studied with The Open University and if you can really have a good conversation with them it’s just a natural progression. At first you are thinking ‘oh gosh I have to ask for money’ and as you get more confident I wouldn’t say it gets easier but you do get better at handling any questions should any arise. It’s not particularly hard to start with as long as you do what you’ve been shown the training is there to make it easier for you.
What kind of questions do you get asked?
You get asked if you’re a student yourself and what it is you are styudying/studied. So it’s good to have a recap of the courses you’ve done. You’ll often get asked where the money is going (that’s a big one) although you’ll explain campaigns to them. They want to know what their money is going to do. Is it going to go on just admin, does it pay the callers or does all of it go to the causes?
Do you have crib sheets to help you?
Yes you have prompts so if for example someone says “I already give to charity I really can’t do something how do you expect me to find the money?” There are ways of being able to reassure people. And we get asked “how do I know you are calling from the OU?” and there are ways of managing that as the information we have only the OU would know.
How would you sum up your experience as a caller?
Working on the first campaign really changed my life around. When you work on your own or just have a team of 2 or 3 people working remotely for you, you don’t have a lot of human contact so it’s really easy to become quite cold and icy towards people. Being on the calling team formed me. It helped me to be more personable and made me remember why I went into business in the first place. I’ve got a lot more confidence. From a study point of view I’d taken a break after a particularly difficult 2010 and it gave me the little push to go back and study again which I’m doing now.
Has doing this role changed the way you feel about the OU? (If so, how?)
The OU always in my mind has always been unique but the campaign has reinforced that it’s just a really amazing community to be around and it is unlike any other form of studying. There’s nowhere else you can go to be able to keep doing what you’re doing and still work towards a degree. If you need help it’s there. So it’s just reinforced my belief in the good work that it does and especially with everything changing in the next year how important that is going to be because without the OU there would be hundreds, thousands of people who wouldn’t be able to get a degree.
Why do you think those in the OU community should give calling a try?
Find out more:
- Telephone campaign: become a caller
- Giving to The Open University
- BA (Honours) Leadership and Management
One of the keys to a successful telephone campaign is its callers. Student Marie Coles is currently working on her second campaign and told Platform what it’s like to be a caller and why she recommends giving it a try. Marie is currently studying for her BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management with the OU. How long does a telephone campaign last and what hours do you ...
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Photo by: Karen Parker
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Date: 14 February 2012
This event will be held at Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU.
More information and booking details.
This course will help you to find out about:
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- The major differences between the courses offered
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- Writing a successful application form and support statement
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Medical schools represented last year included:
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- Imperial College London
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Are you interested in starting a medical career with entry at graduate level. Accelerated medical courses are designed specifically to train graduates with a non-medical degree as doctors. Date: 14 February 2012 This event will be held at Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU. More information and booking details. This course will help you to ...
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Find out more:
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What does it take to be a top Olympian or Paralympian? OpenLearn have created a game that will let you discover your perfect sport - Try Olympisize Me. As we count down to London 2012, give yourself a special insight into the world's most exciting sporting event with The Open University's collection of exciting interactives, academic insights and lots of free ...
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If you are interested in researching volcanoes for study, work or personal interest join The OU's Professor Hazel Rymer and her team who are conducting groundbreaking project in Nicaragua.
Recent data analysis from previous volunteer efforts in the field suggests we may be close to achieving better methods for predicting volcanic eruptions.
This is your chance to play a part in the cutting edge project, exploring the rim of Nicaragua's spectacular Masaya volcano.
To find out more and begin your adventure visit Earthwatch , call us on +44 (0)1865 318831, or email the team.
If you are interested in researching volcanoes for study, work or personal interest join The OU's Professor Hazel Rymer and her team who are conducting groundbreaking project in Nicaragua. Recent data analysis from previous volunteer efforts in the field suggests we may be close to achieving better methods for predicting volcanic eruptions. This is your chance to play a ...
