UCAS update for the 2011 application cycle and beyond. Alan Jones Professional Development

Transcription

1 UCAS update for the 2011 application cycle and beyond Alan Jones Professional Development

2 Changes, developments and challenges Scheme for 2011 entry Tariff Review The post-browne future UCAS the organisation

3 2011 UCAS Apply & Track statistics 2011 Comparison to 2010 Number of applications registered on 2011 Apply 827, % Number of 2011 Apply applications received at UCAS 350, % Number of Track logins 6, 102, % All figures as at 17 December 2010

4 The 2011 Application scheme Following the substantial changes made for the 2010 cycle (e.g. simplification of Art & Design application route) the number of changes for the 2011 cycle has been kept as low as possible General changes x2 Minor changes x6 Major changes x3

5 General changes Application fee Increased by 2 to 21 ( 11 single choice) part of 3 year increment strategy Applicant identifier 10 digit Personal ID number (and scheme code) e.g (UC01) 6 I am not a number. I am a free man!

6 Minor changes Nominated person(s) details Now provided to HEI choices who can use if they wish Declaration of highest level qualification expected to be held at start of course Selected from Honours degree level or above Below honours degree level No formal qualifications Option for HEIs with courses that start mid-cycle to carry conditional offers through to next cycle

7 Minor changes continued Help text relating to inappropriate referees updated It is not permitted for family, friends, partners or ex-partners to write your reference. If we find this to be the case, your application may be cancelled. Changes to some fee codes Option to enter ISA registration details in personal details section

8 Major changes Option for applicants who have given their nationality as outside the EU to provide passport details at point of application rather than through Track after an offer is received Essential that applicants who hold dual nationality give details of the particular passport they will use to enter the UK study and give this nationality as their first nationality Details required: Passport number Date of passport issue Date of passport expiry Place of passport issue

9 2011 Apply: Independent applicant online reference collection process Only for applicants NOT applying through an Apply centre Referee will NOT see the rest of the application Details entered for referee MUST include a valid telephone number and address (validated only symbol, so HEI vigilance still required) Option exists for an applicant NOT to provide referee details... but a warning message appears

10 If agrees completes reference & applicant ed New procedure for online references for applicants registered as individuals 2011

11 Some further details Before entering details in Apply, applicant should check prospective referee is: willing to act as a referee willing to complete the reference online Reference must be added online in a single login Option to give predicted grades if qualifications with future completion date(s) entered showing results pending Once the reference section is marked as complete the referee cannot re-enter to edit / applicant cannot edit referee details The applicant can only pay for/send the application once the reference section is complete

12 Communication when a reference request is generated by the applicant Referee and the applicant are sent s An option in Apply gives applicant the ability to nominate an alternative referee and send a new reference request if they wish to (the old referee logins would then become redundant) s would be sent to the applicant and the old referee to explain, as well as to the applicant and the new referee as with the original choice

13 Tariff review Comprehensive review announced 1 July 2010 to be completed in 2012 Over 50% of 2009 UK-domiciled applicants applied with a combination of qualifications other than the traditional 3 A levels* Need to future-proof the Tariff and ensure it is fit for purpose in the future * Based on 2009 UCAS total applicant statistics (UK domiciled only)

14 Challenges Not universal - currently, not all qualifications used to apply for HE (both within the UK and internationally) are on the Tariff Used in a variety of ways for which it is not really suited Currently a relatively blunt tool Issues around the process of getting qualifications onto the Tariff Could this be streamlined?

15 Process Scoping and extensive research into options for a new evaluation tool undertaken Series of focus groups with key stakeholders on all aspects of the Tariff undertaken These are informing a wider consultation process which is currently underway? tariffqueries Modelling of new mechanism throughout 2011 (current system still operating and supported to protect customers while review is underway) Updates on Enquiries to tariffqueries@ucas.ac.uk

16 The post-browne Future Changes to applicant numbers and/or application trends (move away from traditional f/t attendance learning / declining y.o. Demographics over next decade) Statistical comparisons Information provision (Course info for prospective applicants / transparency issues / contextual data ~ Big Guide book & Entry Requirements CD 2010 cancelled) UCAS Tariff Review

17 Developments at UCAS New CEO in 2010 (Mary Curnock Cook) G2G programme New vision and corporate strategy UCAS at the heart of connecting people to HE Helping people make the right choices for the right reasons with the right outcomes Restructure 8 units (and Executives) instead of 6 Units and teams re-aligned or newly formed (and renamed where appropriate)

18 UCAS Customer Strategy Unit The Customer Strategy Unit will oversee the strategic management and direction of all UCAS products and services. It s purpose is to understand UCAS customer needs in the market informing : the development of new products and services enhancements to existing products and services improved benefits realisation ensuring projects deliver real benefits across the HE sector Ensuring all product enhancements are aligned to UCAS corporate objectives and offering best value to our members.

19 Strategic themes for portfolio strategy Customer Strategy recommends that the products and services portfolio strategy should be underpinned by a number of core principles that will guide all future delivery. UCAS should: be the gateway to higher education for all applicants across all modes of learning engage with applicants, parents and advisers, earlier (and later) in their journey develop unparalleled customer insight to its audiences The products and services portfolio has been clustered around 6 strategic themes

20 Strategic themes (1) Consolidate and build the UK higher education admissions business in support of Members, providing an admissions service that caters for all undergraduates, postgraduates, distance learners, and full and parttime admissions. Consolidate and build an international higher education admissions business in support of all recruitment routes. Develop propositions in information and advice that reach potential applicants earlier, and in smarter and better ways, that support students in making the right choice. This will position UCAS as the single, central gateway for UK higher education information and advice

21 Strategic themes (2) Create value for Members through the introduction of additional shared services developed in collaboration with members and stakeholders, allowing efficiency savings to be made. Build a presence rapidly in commercial digital markets using UCAS premium data sets and audience access, and away from traditional paperbased products. Building rapport with commercial partners to allow revenue generation to reduce subscription charges. Targeting West End media buyers and six corporate segments. Engage at a strategic level with stakeholders and embed UCAS position in the sector and consider partnerships with those who will want to work with UCAS because of its datasets that will facilitate technological advancements in service provision

22 Questions Alan Jones Professional Development