University of Birmingham

We had a quick session to wrap up at Royal Holloway and learned that student services are drifting ever close to the American model. We met for roundtable discussions with their Director of Student Experience, Community Action Volunteer Manager, Representation and Engagement Coordinator, and Societies Officer for the Student Union. All of these sound very much like what you might find in a division of Student Affairs. They are quite different really. 

The academic experience is entirely separate from the co-curricular experience, which prevents credit from being awarded for things like service learning or internships. That is evolving as emphasis is placed on skills development. Faculty are feeling the government pressure to innovate a bit more and go more in depth with students to help them articulate learning and become more reflective. I do sense they will drift closer to our model and are not going to be able to rely as heavily on the model where they assign a list of books and give a written or oral exam at the end. The student residences are the most similar in that they have similar programming and do intervene in terms of discipline or student welfare. But I would hesitate to call them the same. 

Our coach ride up to the University of Birmingham took longer than expected and we arrived just in time for a luncheon. (Still no bad meals here) They gave us a campus tour, showed us 2 very special archive collections--including ancient papyrus and illuminated manuscripts, and gave a great overview of some of the career services activities taking place. The staff here are very welcoming and it has a nice relaxing feel. With all of the red brick architecture, comprehensive academics, and the close ties to industry, it reminds me a bit of North Carolina State University. The campus has some impressive buildings such as the Great Hall and this enormous clock tower. We timed it right to hear it ring just before our tour. 

After checking into our accommodation, we were invited to a garden barbecue. Although the weather was a bit chilly we chose to sit outside rather than inside so we could enjoy the garden. I had another chance to try Eaton Mess and it was just as delicious.

I will admit we are all starting to slow down a bit. It is hard to keep up this pace. Tonight was great because we wrapped up at 9 pm and our rooms are next to the garden. It was quick to head home and wind down. We are enjoying every minute and so happy to be here, but tomorrow afternoon's free time is much awaited. I have hopes to head into the Bull Ring area and do some shopping or grab dinner at Wagamama's if I can.