Widening Access and Student Success

The Widening Access and Student Success (WASS) team supports young people and university learners from under-represented/under-recognised groups to access and be successful in higher education.  The work of WASS is guided by the commitments and targets set out in the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP).

WASS is a friendly and forward-thinking team, which is passionate about empowering student success, challenging inequalities and transforming lives. It is comprised of four sub-teams. Data, Evaluation and Impact which supports the delivery of our Access and Participation Evaluation Strategy and drives our ‘What Works’ approach to access and participation; Widening Access and Uni Connect which support pupil aspiration and attainment through their outreach work in targeted primary and secondary schools across Hertfordshire; and Student Success which works collaboratively with colleagues across the University to close gaps in outcomes by addressing the barriers that contribute to lower rates of attainment, continuation, and progression for under-represented groups.

At Herts, we have a strong record in increasing access and participation. We draw on evidence and evaluation to identify where gaps in student outcomes are widest and design interventions in partnership with staff and students which aim to achieve equality of opportunity for all students.