University of Sussex Wins 2024 National Award for Outstanding Student Support

New doughnut model aims to provide students with an inter-connected circle of support covering everything from academic support to careers and emotional support.

The University of Sussex has been recognized for outstanding student support in a national competition hosted by the UK Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT). The award celebrates outstanding commitment to supporting students and to student success through academic advising.

Learn more about the “doughnut model” approach to student support

The award was given for an innovative approach to student support termed the “doughnut model”, developed by the Central Foundation Years team. The model aims to provide students with an inter-connected circle of support covering everything from academic support to careers and emotional support.

Students can often be hesitant to seek support when needed, for a multitude of reasons, the result of which is that they can “fall through the hole” leading to either academic failure or withdrawal. The doughnut model aims to prevent this by using an active out-reach method.

Academic advisers use a 1-9 system to assess student wellbeing at regular intervals, reaching out to students who respond with anything less than a 5 to meet and connect students with relevant support. This could include CFY Academic Success Advisors and/or central support services. Academic advisers can put students in touch with individuals within those support services, rather than students initiating contact. Where appropriate, and always with the student’s consent, information can then be shared with relevant named individuals in other support services within the “doughnut” to ensure a rounded and integrated approach is taken.

”Doughnut model” reduced withdrawals and increased number of students accessing support

Not only has this model boosted the number of students progressing from their foundation year rates, it has also reduced permanent withdrawals, increased the number of students successfully accessing support, and as a result empowered many students to achieve at levels that even they thought were not possible.

Ruth McDonald, a Disability Advisor in the Student Advice & Guidance team, said: “I am very honoured to be part of the team who have been given this award, it really highlights all of our dedication to guiding and supporting students. The doughnut method has allowed us to remove some barriers to accessing support, especially in Foundation. It has also given students confidence to utilize that support in a way that positively impacts their studies and wider university experience.”

Mathew Watts, a Student Centre Advisor said: “The award truly reflects our team’s passion and hard work in supporting students on their academic journey. It is immensely fulfilling to witness the positive impact of this new approach on so many students, and I feel very proud of the work the whole team is doing.”

Wendy Garnham (Director of Student Experience, CFY) and Heather Taylor (Admissions Tutor, CFY) collected the award on behalf of the University, on Monday, April 8 at the UKAT annual conference, University of Greenwich.