Advance HE's Associate Director for Knowledge and Innovation, Charles Knight, introduces ‘Beyond the Classroom’, a series of case studies highlighting the vital role of third space professionals in enhancing higher education by integrating holistic support, employability skills and digital innovation.
At Advance HE, our core commitment to enhancing higher education is paramount. Therefore, we understand that the student experience and the transformational power of higher education is not simply about what happens within the classroom or traditional experiences. We must understand the broader ecosystem that shapes outcomes to ensure the student experience is as powerful and impactful as possible.
“Beyond the Classroom”, a project we commissioned via our Collaborative Development Fund (CDF), is an example of this approach.
Beyond the Classroom highlights the significant contributions of third space professionals - those whose roles straddle the academic and administrative domains - towards enriching the student experience and outcomes.
These professionals, often operating in areas such as outreach, student support and digital teams, play a crucial role in guiding student progression, retention and ultimate success post-graduation.