Project Overview

The SURFY project partners (UCD, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences & University of Southern Denmark ) will create a database to outline student support systems and innovative initiatives happening at each university. It will do this by collecting, describing, and sharing existing practices at each respective university.

It is envisaged that the database can be a resource where colleagues can search by theme or group to access information on innovative initiatives/cases studies. Once finalised the database will be shared across two European networks with the aim of spreading what works, how it works, why it works and how to implement it. 

Why is it important?

• We want to learn and spread what works, how it works, why it works and how to implement it. 
• It is an opportunity to collaborate, inform practice and share initiatives/projects/services that could help other universities become more inclusive.
• It will enable us to shape higher education, shape the supports and influence policy makers.
• The goal is to increase access, participation & success of students from under represented groups/disadvantaged backgrounds.

What are the benefits?

• Build the capacity, knowledge and skills of staff to make their guidance and support initiatives & systems more inclusive.
• Create a database that outlines student support systems/programmes/projects & inititaives.
• Opportunity to showcase expertise and raise the profile and status of student support.

Project Steps

• Project partners design a format to describe student support systems/initiatives/projects & map student supports.
• Work with key student support practitioners at each university to collect the required information for the database.
• Appraise the described practices and systems with staff & students– what works well?/even better if?
• Work with students to pilot a new initiative or adapt existing practices.
• Develop a guide on how to incorporate the student voice into the design & delivery of student support services/initiatives.
• Collect lessons learned and make policy recommendations.

SURFY Database Collection

What key areas of information are we looking for? 

1. Description of the initiative/project/support service – main idea, purpose, how is it delivered, resources required, could it be transferred to another setting? 
2. Impact of initiative/support/project – what is the impact of the service? how does it benefit students? has the service/initiative been evaluated? How do you evaluate it? What were the outcomes?
3. Resources - documentation & relevant readings, is there any resources/documents that you could share that would help other institutions implement similar supports in their settings? For example:
   • Presentations on the subject
   • Slides, documents, support materials you use
   • Templates
   • Background information

If you would like to contribute to the SURFY database please complete this (opens in a new window)expression of interest form or contact us on the below details. 

For further information on the SURFY Project please contact:

• Project Lead: Bairbre Fleming, (opens in a new window)bairbre.fleming@ucd.ie
• Project Officer: Therese Fitzgerald, (opens in a new window)therese.fitzgerald@ucd.ie