Good communication is an essential component of a good student experience, yet it can be challenging to see how teams can achieve this with tight budgets across the sector and increasing competition for students’ attention. Hear how the student communications team at Birmingham have approached this, and their plans to continue to seize every opportunity and stretch resources to deliver engaging communications for their students.

Explore two years of collaboration with academic and professional staff. Simple initiatives enhance local communications and drive engagement, but equally influential are the relationships built along the way, resonating with colleagues across the institution and beyond. We’ll also explore utilising ‘non-comms’ colleagues and creating impact with innovative approaches to messaging

The University of Southampton is replacing its existing mobile application, "MySouthampton App", with a customised solution designed to better serve the student population of over 24,000.

Inclusive teaching practices are essential to creating equitable learning environments within higher education institutions. This presentation explores effective communication strategies that a teaching and learning unit, such as the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT), can employ to showcase its contributions to fostering inclusivity. By emphasising storytelling, data-driven insights, and digital communication techniques, the session will highlight how CILT supports educators in adopting inclusive teaching practices in the classroom and how these efforts indirectly enhance student engagement and success. Attendees will gain practical insights into amplifying the role of teaching and learning units in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the classroom.

With the rise and success of unhinged mascot content across everyone’s algorithm, how does a Faculty of Engineering at a public institution channel Duolingo in the best way for our brand and content? Introducing Flare, our Faculty mascot and the content gift that keeps on giving. At McMaster Engineering (Mac Eng), we like to do things differently. Not only do our engineering students explore their own innovations, but innovation and creativity are in abundance on our communications team. Leaning into meme culture is an important way for our Faculty to connect with prospective and current students, showcasing what Mac Eng life is like in a relatable way. Part of our distinctive brand includes a recognizable symbol (a fireball) in bright colours (yellow and red). Naturally, we decided to bring this symbol to life by procuring a giant, custom-made fireball mascot to further our engagement with students. What's resulted is a myriad of content possibilities, increased engagement on our social media and a lot of fun! In this session, you'll learn about the importance of adding personality to your content, gain insights to lessons learned and takeaway key, actionable ideas to try on your owned channels.

The challenges facing young men, and the impact their attitudes and behaviour have on young women, are incredibly topical right now with the subject of toxic masculinity at the forefront of the national conversation. This session explores UWE Bristol’s approach to tackling this sensitive issue, as well as the challenges they faced and the lessons learnt along the way.