Leading University of Ulster academics Dr Damian O’Kane and Dr Chris Finlay, have been invited to deliver a presentation at the prestigious Action on Access Annual Conference in London this week.

The joint presentation titled ‘Widening Participation: a Northern Ireland Perspective’ will specifically highlight the efforts of the University of Ulster to provide enhanced educational opportunities for those currently underrepresented in Higher Education.

The presentation will outline the significant progress and success that has been achieved since the implementation of the University’s Widening Participation Strategy in 2003 in terms of outreach activities; improvements in course provision and accessibility; revised admission policies; student support structures and measures to embed widening participation in the institutional culture.

Dr Damian O’Kane said  “the conference provides a unique opportunity to showcase the success of the University of Ulster in promoting widening participation in Northern Ireland. The key message is that significant progress can be achieved if there is institutional commitment, strategic and operational, to widening participation”

The conference will be attended by 230 widening participation experts from across the United Kingdom and is organised by Action on Access, the National Co-Ordination Team for Widening Participation.

Among the invited speakers are Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Education and Professor David Eastwood, Chief Executive HEFCE. 

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young