Supporting Student Diversity
AfC has contributed to discussion papers on the need to support student diversity at the Centre for Education in the Built Environment (CEBE) Studio cultures| national conferences.
Copyright: Welsh School of Architecture
AfC/RIBA coordinated a CEBE 'Special Interest Group' research and development project by a group of specialist academics into ways to promote good practice in 'Supporting Student Diversity in UK Schools of Architecture' (2005/6).
The results were published in a guide for teachers of architecture and address issues of exclusive design studio cultures, Eurocentric cultural context curriculum and teaching methodologies. The outcomes promote inclusive student learning support frameworks and provide guidance on good practice in strengthening equality of opportunity for work-based students.
Supporting Student Diversity|
Professional Experience Employment Guidance
CABE's 2004 Architecture and Race research| study identified that the periods of professional experience employment are particularly vulnerable stages for BME students. In response, the RIBA introduced a new web-based guide on professional experience employment - the Professional Education and Development Resource (PEDR)|
Developed by RIBA Education, working with RIBA Publications and employment specialists Workplace Law, the site provides free information and guidance that can be easily accessed by all students during their periods of professional experience employment.
Supporting Good Practice for Students
Model student employment contracts, developed by RIBA Education and Workplace Law, are now incorporated into the RIBA PEDR as downloads that employers and students can customise. They are accompanied by detailed guidance on obligations and entitlements for both parties, and web-based information on fair pay and good practice in student employment.
PEDR Model contracts |
Monitoring Diversity and Inclusion
The RIBA has embedded Diversity considerations in RIBA validation procedures |and introduced equal opportunities briefing for 'Part 3' Professional Examiners (2004).
The RIBA also gathers and publishes annual statistics| to give an overall picture of recruitment, progression and retention rates in UK schools of architecture. Since 2001 the RIBA's statistics have monitored progression and retention rates amongst minority ethnic students (as they have for female students since 1993) to identify where additional support/resources may be required.
Free RIBA Student Membership
RIBA Student membership is now free and students can access essential advice, tailored information and discounts. To qualify for membership candidates will need to be studying on an RIBA validated Part 1 or 2 course (including year out) at a school of architecture in the UK or overseas.
RIBA Student Membership.
Student Groups
Archaos is a student architecture society that was founded in 1999 by the two student representatives on RIBA Council who saw that there was a need to create a society which represented students and gave them a means of communication with the RIBA. Membership of archaos is automatic and free for all students of architecture in the UK.
Student representatives are elected to chair archaos and act as mediators between the students, professional bodies and the press.
For further information visit: http://www.archaos.org/|
In addition to Archaos, many Schools of Architecture also have their own student-led associations providing additional support and representation for students.
RIBA Education Fund
The
RIBA Education Fund|, is a vital contributor to student diversity, through its funding for students who would otherwise be unable to complete their course due to financial hardship.