ABSTRACT
The combined effect of the massification, wideification and diversification of the student body in higher education (HE) presents considerable challenges for staff. The traditional ‘one size fits all’ template for support provision for our diverse student body is no longer a viable concept for higher education institutions (HEIs) to follow, neither is the belief that students have the same support needs as 20 years ago. For example, the increase in issues affecting the general populace, such as mental health and concerns about debt, are also reflected in the student population today. Also, more first-generation students (first in their families to go to university) are entering HE, and for those students where there is family experience of HE, the changes that the sector has experienced means that any previous HE experiences may no longer reflect today’s reality. As a result of these changes, students from diverse backgrounds are likely to need a range of support and assistance in making the transition into university life and throughout the student lifecycle.
