Bridging the Border: Using an empathetic lens to support BAME commuting students' transition into university

The reasons for the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) poorer learning experience, the degree attainment gap and their reduced employability are complex and multifactorial (Richardson 2008 ; Allen, (2016); Newbold et al, (2011). This poster will share how we have used staff colleague ideas for developing a more inclusive learning culture by asking them to propose creative ideas for improving transition into university for commuting BAME students. I reflect on the facilitation of meaningful learning that allow staff to pivot between the borders of their own professional practice and identify with students’ real-life issues and aim to demonstrate how best practice is not ad hoc, but programmatically designed and implemented in partnership with students.