Exeter hosts BUCS Conference: 10-13 July 2012

Professionals who work in sport in Higher Education know how important sport is to student satisfaction, the health and welfare of students and staff, the reputation of the University and its potential as a recruitment tool. To reflect this, ‘Enhancing the Student Experience through Sport’ is the theme of this year’s conference and will consider and debate the impact of participation, employability and leadership, and the business of sport. Attendees include student athletes, athletic union staff, sports officers, as well as professional sporting staff, coaches and volunteers from over 161 institutions in membership of BUCS.

Exeter was chosen to host the conference following a highly competitive application process, and speaking after the decision was announced, BUCS CEO Karen Rothery said: “Our annual conference, AGM and Awards Dinner is a highlight of the year for us and our members, and we are genuinely delighted to be going to the University of Exeter in 2012. Exeter’s bid was genuinely outstanding, and we are delighted that we will be amongst the first to use the excellent new facilities in the Forum. We are confident that our delegates, partners and guests will have a fantastic week. And showcase all that is great about sport in higher education at one of the UK’s most exciting conference facilities.”

Building on the success of last year’s programme, this year’s programme has broad appeal and will include seminars of interest to Sabbatical officers, Administrators, Sport Development staff, Senior Managers, Health & Fitness staff, Facility Operators and those involved in Marketing & Business Development. The conference provides an opportunity for discussion for all BUCS members to help shape the future of university sport and the Awards Dinner is a celebration of the successes of student sport, from the athletes and teams taking part right through to the volunteers whose work allows BUCS to deliver such a wide range of opportunities.

The opening keynote speech on Tuesday 10 July was delivered by Professor Van Gore, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, and considered how sport can be embedded in a university strategy, while on Wednesday 11 July delegates learnt about the challenges and pressures on Higher Education from Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, past President and current Board member of Universities UK.