Degree Classification

Dr. Neil Sutherland, David Allen, and I have started work considering the interaction of degree classification algorithms with grade inflation.

Smith, S., Sutherland, N. & Allen, D. (2024) Opening the black box of degree classification algorithms: towards a research agenda, Teaching in Higher Education, DOI: 10.1080/13562517.2024.2302555

Smith, S. & Sutherland, N. (2024) Do degree algorithms fuel grade inflation? Wonkhe

Personal tutoring

I am a trustee of UK Advising and Tutoring (UKAT) and Chair of the Finance Committee.

At Sussex, I reconfigured academic advising in the Business School creating a specialist team – the student academic success advisors.

Smith, S. (2022). Moving from distributed to centralised academic advising: making the case for change. In Lochtie, D., Stork, A., & Walker, B. The Higher Education Personal Tutor’s and Advisor’s Companion. Critical Publishing. https://www.criticalpublishing.com/the-higher-education-personal-tutors-and-advisors-companion

Postgraduate taught students

The pandemic disrupted the established model of postgraduate-taught dissertation supervision and brought to light new possibilities. in this idiosyncratic and often imbalanced relationship.

Smith, S. & Smith, C. (2022). Navigating the supervisory relationship. Covid-19 as a catalyst in displacing entrenched practices. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice. Vol. 10 No.1, pp.2-11. https://doi.org/10.56433/jpaap.v10i1.531

BA/Leverhulme grant

Dr. Sarah Watson and I undertook a research project to understand contributors to the international awarding gap.

Smith S. & Watson S., (2022) Establishing a sense of belonging at University, ICAEW Academia and Education Community.

Smith, S., & Watson, S. (2022). Experiences of belonging: A comparative case study between China-domiciled and UK-domiciled students. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 19(4). https://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol19/iss4/12

Narrowing awarding gaps

In addition to initiating a range of practical measures, I have worked to raise awareness of differential student outcomes and a lack of transparency across the sector related to postgraduate outcomes. Along with colleagues Gabriella Cagliesi and Denise Hawkes we have explored how institutional policy can influence degree awarding gaps.

Cagliesi, M. G., Hawkes, D., & Smith, S. (2023). Narrowing awarding gaps: the contributory role of policy and assessment type. Studies in Higher Education, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2023.2209597

Smith, S. (2020). What about me? International student attainment in UK higher education. Higher Education Policy Institute. https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2020/02/20/what-about-me-international-student-attainment-in-uk-higher-education/.

Smith, S. (2022). Shining a light on taught postgraduate student outcomes. Higher Education Policy Institute. https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2022/03/21/shining-a-light-on-taught-postgraduate-student-outcomes/