"Hack My Support Networks" App: Enhancing Student Support Provision in Higher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Effective Student Success Interventions

Abstract

This paper draws on a large-scale research project that investigates undergraduate student support networks for academic and wellbeing purposes. By drawing on the social network analysis methodology and implementing and evaluating an innovative app ‘Hack my support networks’ in one UK university, we will discuss the ways in which student support networks differ across students’ social backgrounds (e.g., home/international; study year, ethnicity, gender, age, disability), and how informal and formal support intersects in student experience. Furthermore, we will introduce and reflect on the value of this innovative app (and opportunities for international collaboration) in raising student awareness of support available and improving university practices in student support provision.

Authors

• Rille Raaper, Durham University

• Chris Brown, Durham University