Chapter 8 Enabling Institutional Transformation to Engage a Diverse Student Body: Necessary Conditions and Facilitating Factors

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter draws on the previous chapters and institutional case studies to identify and discuss the necessary conditions and facilitating factors which contribute to institutional transformation to engage a diverse student body.

Methodology /approach – This chapter is based on thematic analysis of the previous chapters and institutional case studies. It utilises national contextual information, details of changes undertaken and reflections on the process of change. The key ideas are illustrated by quotes from the case studies.

Findings – The following necessary conditions and facilitative factors are identified and discussed:i.Commitment to a transformational approachii.Sharing understanding and meaningiii.Institutional strategy for change: senior leadership, policy alignment, creating a facilitating infrastructure across the student lifecycle and co-ordinating changeiv.Engaging staff and creating an inclusive culturev.Developing students' capacity to engagevi.Taking an evidence-informed approachvii.Linking change to other institutional priorities and developmentsviii.An enabling policy and funding context

Research limitations – It is based on the chapters and case studies presented in this book rather than a wider analysis.

Practical implications – This chapter offers institutions insight into the conditions and factors that enable and smooth institutional transformation.

Social implications – This chapter is designed to support the promotion of social justice in higher education.

Originality/value – This chapter draws on international research and institutional examples and identifies common conditions and factors which contribute to managing change to engage a diverse student body. Its value is practical insights into change from an international perspective.

Citation

Thomas, L. (2011), "Chapter 8 Enabling Institutional Transformation to Engage a Diverse Student Body: Necessary Conditions and Facilitating Factors", Thomas, L. and Tight, M. (Ed.) Institutional Transformation to Engage a Diverse Student Body (International Perspectives on Higher Education Research, Vol. 6), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 279-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3628(2011)0000006027