The results of the National Student Survey 2017 were released in August and plans are already underway to take action on the feedback students submitted. We’re committed to working with you to bring about change to your student experience based firmly on your opinions, views and reviews.

The NSS is a survey for all final year undergraduate students in the UK. The survey gathers opinion from students about their experience of their course and covers topics around teaching, learning and student support. The results are intended to help to ensure that we are achieving the high standard we set for ourselves and to help future students decide which university will be right for them.

Four strands of university-wide NSS feedback are now in the process of being assessed and improved, including timetabling, academic support, student voice and assessment and feedback.

Academic support

Most finalists felt that they were able to contact personal tutors and staff when they needed to, but some felt that the advice and guidance in relation to their studies could be improved upon. The Dean of Students Office is currently leading a Personal Tutoring Review and has recently revamped and rolled out improved Induction Training. 96 new Senior Tutors have received the training. Three Senior Tutors have been appointed for each undergraduate faculty and they hold networking events for personal tutors for sharing best practice throughout the year. Student feedback has been central to all the changes made via surveys, Staff-Student Liaison Committees and other routes.

Timetabling

Generally, our students thought their course was well organised and ran smoothly, however several students across various departments felt that their timetable could work more efficiently. The Timetabling Improvement Programme is now looking at how progress can be made following the NSS and a student survey conducted last year. There is student representation on that group, to make sure we get it right. The new My Warwick app makes it easier to check your timetables and get to the right place on campus for your classes.

Student Voice

Most students felt that staff valued their views and opinions, but some were unclear about whether course feedback had been acted on. A new Student Learning Experience and Engagement Committee, co-chaired by SU Education officer Liam Jackson and Academic Director of WIHEA, Professor Gwen van der Velden, now meets regularly to ensure student feedback is acted upon. The university and the SU work together to improve learning experience and engagement within this group, which reports to the Academic Quality and Standards Committee. The SU is revising its representation system and we’re working together on improving SSLCs and the support available to address student concerns. More broadly, departments have been asked to ensure students have input into the ‘action planning’ in response to the NSS and other surveys, so as to make sure any enhancements will be genuinely relevant and effective for students.

Assessment and feedback

Although final year students generally felt that they received timely feedback, some felt that the marking criteria could be clearer in advance of assessment. Departments are now required to make University assessment requirements and departmental practices clear in welcome and induction handbooks and websites. One of the major university committees, the Academic Quality and Standards Committee, has just proposed that an assessment review is to take place which will review regulations, conventions and other assessment information. Again, student representatives are involved in the review.

What’s next?

Your Department or School will share course-specific NSS results with your Student-Staff Liaison Committee and discuss departmental actions in addressing priorities for development, so look out for further improvements, and do keep feeding in your ideas, your comments and your feedback through the student reps and the SSLCs.

Your feedback

This year alone you’ve helped us improve study space, develop the My Warwick app, and improve lecture capture capabilities and course reading lists. During your time at Warwick, you’ll have a number of opportunities to give your feedback.