University of Arts, London: Driving Black success

Under the stewardship of Aisha Richards, Mark Crawley- Dean of Students- and his senior team, there is a quite revolution being undertaken at the University of Arts in London.

They are, perhaps, one of the first universities in the country which has not only undertaken a comprehensive study that outlines clear race inequality in the assessment of Black students, but has also engaged in a public, student and staff debate about how to best tackle this particular challenge.

I was invited to a public debate ‘Shades of Noir’, part of a series of discussions within the University about how the arts can best express Black talent, and institutions can offer greater equality at all levels within higher academia. The panel included Carolyn Bew - Academic Lead Art and Design Higher Education Academy, Nixi Cura - Course Director, Arts of China Christies Education, Kanja Ibrahim Sesay - Attainment Officer, University of Bradford, Charlene White -News Presenter ITV1 & ITV London. The event was chaired by Anthony Ebanks.

Opening the discussion, Mark Crawley outlined that their findings about assessment of Black staff made uncomfortable reading. Whilst they were pleased that 55% of Black students reached 2/1 or higher, this was still way short of white students reaching nearly 75%.

Unpicking the problem further was Kanja Sesay who made the point that:

We know there’s a problem because Black students are often starting university with good if not better grades than white students, but coming out the other end with an inferior degree.’

Anthony Ebanks, the Chair, directed the panel to find solutions. A number of proposals came to the fore including: blind marking; effective training for staff to understand better those cultural aspects, such as non-European important individuals, different ways to think about and tackle problems which at times are dismissed by some as irrelevant.

My advice to the Black students was the need:

not just to be academically good, but also smart. Inequality still exists so mitigate it as best as you can: Avoid unnecessary confrontation, be calm; go the extra mile; and have a collective voice.

My attention then turned to Mark and his team:

This is a brave, but necessary endeavor. One that is motivated by unlocking talent and being the very best university. But we should test your resolve to deliver. If/when you do, everyone benefits.’

We wish the University well on its journey. This could well an important blue-print for other institutions to follow.

http://shadesofnoir.org.uk

Simon Woolley