Peer mentoring and welcome workshops
At Nottingham Trent University (NTU), we are seeking to increase engagement and retention through student peer mentoring and the delivery of a new Welcome Workshop. This workshop, has been co-created and co-facilitated by our student mentors, is designed to instil a sense of belonging and student agency in all undergraduate first-years starting in September 2018.
Rethinking student services at Salford
In 2015 the University of Salford’s student services was completely redesigned with students and staff members from other parts of the university co-creating the the new facility. In this blogpost, Victoria Owen, a customer services manager, reflects on the process and how the redesigned service works in practice.
“It’s all standard behaviour.” So what is all the fuss about?
There has been a lot of awareness raised recently around gender based violence and questions around the idea of standard behaviour. In this opinion piece,...
University libraries need to start putting the student first
A good library is an important weapon in keeping student satisfaction levels high, writes Ben Hickman from consultancy Alterline. But in an article for the Guardian Higher Education Network he adds that all too often they don't reflect the needs of the student of 2017 and like other parts of universities, must change their culture.
Survey shows facilities a key factor in students’ choice of university
Research released by AUDE shows that facilities are key for two thirds of UK students when choosing university, with the library being cited as the most used university facility. Some 85% of the 2,000 surveyed say they are learning, socialising and living in clean and well maintained university buildings.
The modern day student and the ever changing university life
Earlier this year Ben Stone, university student, introduced the Student Coin, sharing his experience as a university student, demonstrating that there are opportunities outside of a course that could assist career progression and personal achievements. In this blog Ben explains where the business is now, shares their app teaser and introduces their Initial Coin Offering (ICO).
John Lacey: ‘my perception of value for money has definitely improved’
Some 20 universities have joined forces to create a more defined path for graduates interested in a career in higher education with the Ambitious Futures programme. John Lacey, who has had placements at two universities in the north west of England, describes how these experiences have offered him new perspectives on the student journey.
15 October: Westminster Higher Education Forum, London
This event focuses on improving student experience and includes speakers from HEFCE and the Times Good University Guide. Students' rights at universities will be explored, following a shift to greater focus on 'value for money', as well as measures for dealing effectively with complaints.
Trying to come up with a nuanced view of ‘Value for Students’
Value for students is a hot topic. In this blog Eric Stoller discusses how enhancing a student’s experience can add value to their investment as a paying customer.
Change agents: students driving curriculum innovation
Working with students to stimulate positive change in universities is increasingly becoming standard practice across the sector. Sarah Knight has overseen the development of Jisc's Change Agents' Network (CAN) which was set up in 2013 to support that. She reflects on this year's CAN conference and the benefits the network has spawned since its launch.