University of St Andrews

Aurora and FAQs

Advance HE Aurora guidance

In November 2017 the University, with funding and support endorsed by the Principal, made a commitment within its Athena Swan Institutional Action Plan, action 4.2(a) for: Annual participation in the Aurora programme.

Statement of support from Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor:

‘I support and advocate the Aurora programme. It is part of a suite of equality initiatives in the University of St Andrews. It affords women in grades 6-8 support, comment, and good networking opportunities in the sector at an important stage in their careers, and it can be a good launching point for academic women for our in-house Elizabeth Garrett programme. We have seen great advances in women’s representation in higher education over the past forty years, but there is still more progress to be made, and the Aurora programme is a way of moving that along. If you are interested in exploring your career options, building contacts in the sector, and testing yourself in a supportive environment, do consider undertaking this programme.’

About Aurora:

Aurora is Advance HE's leadership development initiative for those who identify as women. It is a unique partnership initiative bringing together leadership experts and higher education institutions to take positive action to address the under-representation of women in leadership positions in the sector. 

Further information and dates are available from the Advance HE webpages‌

Expectations of participants:

• Committed to the full Aurora process:
  • attending introduction to Aurora event and mentoring training at the University
  • attending all four Advance HE delivered online development days and the in-person event, plus the two action learning set days
  • prepared to undertake some self-directed study.
• Undertake all pre-work set for the course in advance of attending each development day.
• Liaise with a Mentor within the University to communicate progress or issues during the programme.
• Ready to embrace the mentoring relationship, and actively work with their mentors to address their personal development and build their self-reliance.
• Committed to a career in HE and prepared to devote some time to thinking about and planning their career.
• Prepared to embrace the extensive networking opportunities and participate fully in Aurora.
• Willing to undertake projects or assignments for their institution in order to build on their developing leadership skills.
• Prepared to participate in a longitudinal study to gauge the effectiveness of Aurora.
• Willing to act as mentors or role models to future participants.

FAQs:

How do I apply?

A call for participants will be made by the central EDI Team in advance of the programme. Applicants will be requested to submit a completed application form that outlines why they would like to join Aurora and indicates the support of their line manager.

Recruitment for the 2023/24 Aurora Programme is now closed. Please contact diversity@st-andrews.ac.uk if you would like to register your interest for future calls. The next call will be made in summer 2024. 

Who is the programme for? 

As stated by Advance HE: Aurora is for those who identify as women up to senior lecturer level or professional services equivalent in a university or higher education college, who would like to develop and explore issues relating to leadership roles and responsibilities.  Therefore the programme is suitable for University staff at Grade 6, 7 or 8, and not as a head of school or director of a unit.  

How will staff be selected?

Staff selection is conducted by the central EDI Team, including an Aurora Champion. 

Who are the University of St Andrews Aurora Champions?

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone (Principal and Vice-Chancellor), Rebekah Widdowfield (VP People and Diversity), Sukhi Bains (Head of E&D)

Karen McGregor (EDI Team) manages the administration of the programme at St Andrews.

How much does it cost?

The costs for 2023/24 are £1025 per participant, which are fully funded by the University's Diversity cost centre. Travel expenses to the in person session in Edinburgh will be covered by the University.

What are the programme requirements and time commitment?

Aurora consists of seven interlinked days with additional self-directed learning throughout the programme. Each participant is required to attend one of each of the four development days: Identity, Impact and Voice; Politics and Influence; Core Leadership Skills; and Adaptive Leadership Skills. You will also attend two action learning set days organised by participants within your assigned group. An in-person meeting will take place in Edinburgh.

The University also holds a welcome event for participants which includes an introduction to mentoring, and Advance HE provides an  introduction session to support participants taking the programme.

A series of optional online enhancements for informal networking will run throughout the programme (dates/times to be announced).

What are the proposed start and finish times for the activities?

The development days and action learning sets will run from 10am and finish by 3.00pm. The in person event will run from 10am and finish by 4.00pm. The introduction/information sessions are part-day (timing to be announced).

It is suggested that you block the whole day in your calendar to allow time for relection on the activities and learning.

Can I attend other development days in another cohort?

Ideally, participants will undertake all of their Aurora activity on the same cohort, which for St Andrews participants will be the Scotland cohort to facilitate the formation and maintenance of regional networks. Subject to availability of space in the alternate cohort, participants are able to transfer one of the development days to another cohort.

How does Aurora relate to University diversity awards, such as Athena Swan?

Career development and mentoring for women is a major part of Athena Swan. An action to support staff advancement under the programme is one of the ways in which the University and/or schools can support the career development of women in the workplace to progress into senior roles. 

Is a women-only programme legal?

Under UK legislation and the Scottish Specific Duties (2012) resulting from the Equality Act (2010) it is lawful to take positive action to address under representation and minimise workplace disadvantage. 

Who were supported by the University in  previous cohorts?

2023/24 cohort (22 supported):

2022/23 cohort (18 supported):

2021/22 cohort (36 supported):

2020/21 cohort (14 supported):

2019/20 cohort (24 supported):

2018/19 cohort (23 supported):

2017/18 cohort (24 supported):

2016/17 cohort (10 supported):

 2015/16 cohort (10 supported):

2014/15 cohort (5 supported):