Abstract/Summary

This Case Study outlines the way in which a Resilience Programme was designed and implemented at the University of Reading in 2016, and it contains the results of the initiative. The Case Study discusses the motivation for the new Programme and explains some of the problems faced by my School, these informing the need to evolve a new student support resource. The Case Study presents the content of the Resilience Programme and offers advice about avoiding 'rookie' errors in devising a similar Programme. The Case Study makes a strong argument for involving 'experienced' students to help deliver the Programme and for constructing student/staff partnerships. The Case Study lists resources to guide readers in their development of a similar Programme, and it provides the results of our own initiative using available measurables (levels of suspension requests, levels of 'Extenuating Circumstances' requests, and so on). The key insight of this Case Study involves the argument that HE institutions can and should be focusing on student resilience in order to enhance student attainment, wellbeing, and employability. It also suggests that the most effective way of approaching this issue is proactive (rather than reactive) and collaborative.