Student engagement is evolving. From the rise of commuter students to the growing importance of placements and work-integrated learning, universities are rethinking how they support, engage, and assure student success.
Simac IDS is hosting two free lunchtime webinars bringing together sector experts to explore practical, student-centred approaches to engagement across higher education.
Supporting Commuter Student Engagement in Taxing Times
Friday 6 February 2026 | 12:00–13:00
While university study remains the preferred route for many young people in the UK, the traditional residential student model is changing. Increasing numbers of students are choosing to commute rather than relocate, reshaping expectations of engagement, support, and campus life.
Driven by the cost-of-living crisis, the lasting impact of the pandemic, and changing social behaviours, commuting students often engage differently with academic and support services. This presents new challenges for universities seeking to support belonging, participation, and success.
This webinar will explore how institutions can respond to the needs of commuter students, with a particular focus on widening participation and student engagement. Speakers will share insights, examples of good practice, and practical approaches to supporting commuter students in today’s higher education environment.
Panel
- Tom Lowe, Assistant Head of School (Student Experience), University of Westminster, and Chair of RAISE
- Mia Stevens, Undergraduate Education Officer, University of Bristol Students’ Union
- Janette Alvarado-Cruz, Associate Director EDI – Students and Campus Life, University of Nottingham.
👉 Register here for Supporting Commuter Student Engagement in Taxing Times Webinar
Tracking Student Engagement during Professional Placements in Industry
Monday 2 March 2026 | 12:00–13:00
Understanding student engagement, alongside a growing emphasis on employability and work experience within the curriculum, has become an increasing priority for UK universities.
This webinar explores how institutions can understand and track student engagement during work experience, placements, and internships. Bringing together leaders in placement delivery, the session invites participants to consider how engagement can be measured while students are based in diverse professional settings, from hospital wards and construction sites to laboratories and remote workplaces.
Hosted by Simac IDS, this session will share practical, low-cost approaches to supporting employers while assuring student presence, participation, and engagement in work-integrated learning.
Panel
- Tom Lowe, Assistant Head of School (Student Experience), University of Westminster, and Chair of RAISE
- Mike Head, Careers and Employability Professional with 18 years’ experience across teaching, placements, and employer engagement
- Fran Rimmer, Employability specialist with 20 years’ HE experience and Highly Commended recognition at the Bill Law Awards (2023)
👉 Register here for Tracking Student Engagement during Professional Placements Webinar
