Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students): Dr Rachel Penny (acting)

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About the role

The PVC (Students) portfolio ensures the needs and concerns of students are represented at the most senior level of the university and shared and addressed throughout The Open University (OU). The objective is to deliver:

  • High quality student outcomes (completion of modules, continuation through a programme of study and progression to further study or employment).
  • An improved student experience.
  • The OU’s Access and Participation and Success Strategy, reducing outcomes and awarding gaps between students with different characteristics and backgrounds.

The portfolio works very closely with the Open University Students Association (OUSA) on Student Voice and Student Engagement activities to achieve this, and with other key stakeholders across The OU, focussing on specific areas such as Assessment, Tuition, Readiness to Study, Quality Enhancement, Digital Inclusion, Employability, and Access.

Rachel’s background

During her 20 years at The Open University Rachel has held a wide range of roles including Associate Dean, Student Success and Scholarship (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences), Director of Teaching (Psychology and Counselling), Staff Tutor and Associate Lecturer.

Rachel gained an MA in Psychology from the University of Aberdeen and holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Surrey which explored children’s understanding of nationality. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) with the British Psychological Society.