Supporting students through clearing: HSCE academic highlights

This year, colleagues from across Middlesex University came together to support prospective students through Clearing. Alongside the admissions and marketing teams, academics played an important role in speaking directly with applicants, answering questions about their courses and helping students understand their next steps.

For many students, Clearing can be a time of uncertainty, whether they are exploring their options after receiving their results, reconsidering their plans or simply looking for reassurance about their next steps. Academics from the faculty of health, social care and education recount their experiences being on the other end of the Clearing process, providing support and advice to prospective students.

Dave Cousens, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, reflected on the experience:

“Being part of the Clearing team was a genuinely rewarding experience. From the moment I arrived at the Fenella Hub, I was welcomed by colleagues who were always ready to help with IT, course, or student-related questions, ensuring we could provide the best possible support to prospective students beginning their journey with us.

The most rewarding aspect was speaking with applicants, helping them explore their options at what can be an exciting but nerve-racking time. Hearing their enthusiasm and being able to guide them towards the next step in their education was very fulfilling.

Equally rewarding was the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from departments across the university. The energy, teamwork and shared sense of purpose created a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day.

I would encourage anyone who can get involved in Clearing next year to sign up. It is a great chance to support future students while connecting with colleagues from across the university. My thanks go to the Admissions and Marketing teams for their excellent organisation and hard work in making the event such a success.”

While Clearing can be an exciting opportunity, it can also be an emotional experience for students and their families. For academics speaking directly with applicants, providing reassurance and helping them feel that there is a way forward, whatever their decision, was an important part of the day.

Cariona Flaherty, head of the department of nursing and midwifery, discusses her experience with both the lighter moments of Clearing and the responsibility that comes with supporting students through an uncertain time:

“I arrived at the office feeling well prepared to be involved in Clearing, but during the initial "getting started" meeting, I quickly realised I was in the wrong room and had absolutely no idea what I had, or had not, logged into. Lesson number one: if you're going to be involved in Clearing, it helps to read your emails beforehand. Fortunately, the rare combination of fully functioning IT systems and an abundance of IT staff on hand meant that my dramatic failure to ensure I was logged in before Clearing Day seemed almost entirely reasonable.

Lesson number two: Clearing is emotional. You play a pivotal role in supporting each student and often their parent(s) too, helping them navigate their options and ensuring they feel there is always a way forward. It's a significant responsibility, but one that Middlesex University and its staff approach with both experience and passion. It was wonderful to speak with so many students, offering reassurance and guidance during what can be an uncertain time. I was even congratulated by a parent on my pronunciation skills, which was certainly a first for me! Alongside this, I was profoundly inspired by the collective effort of everyone involved in Clearing. The positive and supportive atmosphere, the energy across the teams and the genuine commitment to helping students succeed created an environment that was both uplifting and motivating. It was a real privilege to be part of Clearing and witness such a collaborative effort in action.

I also ended up with a sore face from smiling. Considering I was only talking to people on the phone, that probably says a lot about how much I enjoyed the experience!”

These conversations are also an opportunity to go beyond the information available on a course page. We were delighted to welcome students onto campus for a Clearing information and tours day on 17^th August. It was an opportunity for attendees to explore options, get a feel for the campus and decide if it was the right fit for them. By talking to prospective students directly, academics were able to provide further context of the programme and support them in understanding what their university experience could look like.

Jo Killingley Maddick, lead midwife and director of programmes for education, was on hand to support students at the Clearing information and tours day:

“I found the Clearing event to be a positive and enjoyable experience. I particularly enjoyed talking to prospective students, hearing about their interests, aspirations and helping them understand more about the programme. It was rewarding to see their enthusiasm grow as we discussed what the course involves, the opportunities available and what they could expect from their studies.

I enjoyed being able to answer their questions, reassure them about any concerns, and share my enthusiasm for the programme. Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with potential students and help them feel excited and confident about their next steps.”

The experiences of colleagues across the university play an important part during Clearing, from answering questions and offering reassurance to sharing their enthusiasm for their subjects. Their involvement helps prospective students feel informed, supported and more confident about taking their next step. The enthusiasm, collaboration and commitment shown by colleagues across Middlesex helped make this year's Clearing experience a positive one for prospective students.

Visit our Clearing hub.