Student Voice Campaign Report

REPORT JUNE 2011

UCASU.COM

Table of Contents Page 2

I. Methodology and Key Findings

Page 3

II. The Student Experience at UCA: Expectations and Satisfaction

Page 10

III. Academic: Timetabling, Course Organisation, Communication

Page 12

IV. Student Costs at UCA

Page 14

V. Communicating Student Opinions and Concerns

Page 16

VI. SU Campaigns and wins 2011/12

Page 17

VII. Appendices

I. Methodology and Key Findings Methodology In March 2011 UCA Students’ Union hosted ‘SU XL’ which saw the elected Campus Officers spend all day on each campus talking to students about the Union and surveying them about what life is like at UCA. Six hundred and thirty four students completed the survey both on paper and online.

Key Findings Students’ current satisfaction with key factors to the student experience is substantially lower than the importance they place on those factors.

25% of students said that their current student experience does not fulfil their expectations.

81.9% of students had timetabled sessions cancelled in semester 1 of this academic year.

33.2% of timetable alterations are communicated on the day.

Timetable alterations are mostly communicated through myUCA; however, students preferred method of communication is email or text.

FE students spend on average £16-30 per month on additional course costs; HE students spend on average £46-60 per month. Nearly half of students we surveyed did not expect this level of additional cost.

63.6% of students are in employment to supplement their finances while studying, with 55.9% of students believing that working has a neutral or negative affect on their work.

36.5% of students said that their concerns, when expressed to university staff, had not been listened to and acted upon with 23.6% of students saying they did not know.

In addition, 41.4% of students do not know if they have confidence that their concerns would be listened to and acted upon.

II. Student Experience at UCA We asked students to rank a range of factors using a 1-5 scale with 1 being not very important and 5 being very important as to how important the factors were to their student experience. We then asked students to rank their current satisfaction with the same factors with 1 being very unsatisfied and 5 being very satisfied. We have calculated these results as a weighted mean in order to provide a more accurate analysis.

The table below shows a comparison of the importance ranking that students place on the factors and their current satisfaction with the factors. The factors are ordered in the table below by importance.

Factor Quality of Teaching Course and Course Content Course Facilities Tuition Links with Employers and Industry Reputation of Course and University Safety and Security Employment of Graduates Social Community and Interaction on campus Provision of other facilities Location Profile of Academics Night Life (bars and clubs) Study Abroad Opportunities Additional Opportunities

Importance 96.2% 95.8% 92.2% 87.2% 84.4%

Satisfaction 76.2% 75.8% 75.6% 65.2% 64.2%

Difference 20.0% 20.0% 16.6% 22.0% 20.2%

84.2%

74.8%

9.4%

83.8% 83.4% 80.6%

74.8% 62.4% 64.8%

9.0% 20.9% 15.8%

78% 76.4% 71.8% 69.2% 63.4% 61.2%

65.9% 65.9% 48.4% 49.4% 55.8% 47.4%

12.0% 10.4% 23.4% 19.8% 7.6% 13.8%

From the table we can see that current satisfaction for each factor is never higher than the importance they place on those factors. In addition, the factors students rank as the most important have the lowest satisfaction levels. The average importance is 80.5% while average satisfaction level is 64.4%. The average difference is 16.1%.

It is noted that academic factors feature in the top four in level of importance, profile of academics is also an academic factor but it features at number 12 in importance. It is therefore noted that many students did not understand this factor and many asked for clarification on its meaning, this may account for its low ranking in importance.

- Quality of Teaching Importance to S.E: 96.2%

UCA Satisfaction: 76.2%

We are working with UCA on the student engagement project including the redevelopment of the student representative system which once in place will provide students with a platform to communicate concerns over teaching quality.

UCA Students’ Union also plays an active role in the QAA review and is committed to continuing this role.

Student satisfaction with the quality of teaching is good at 76.2%; we seek to ensure that current standards are maintained, particularly through periods of increased pressure on academics.

- Course and Course Content Importance to S.E: 95.8%

UCA Satisfaction: 75.8%

Officers sit on the credit scheme review and will continue to play an active role.

We have lobbied the Executive Dean (Farnham & Epsom) to commit to carrying out student consultation on courses.

Student feedback across the institution is fragmented. Student feedback is vital for the development and continued improvement of courses and there should be parity across all campuses and courses. A standard feedback form should be created and circulated to all courses with guidance and procedures on how to evaluate the results. We would also like to see clear action plans created resulting from student feedback and any changes being feedback to students so that they are aware of the positive impact of their feedback.

- Tuition Importance to S.E: 87.2%

UCA Satisfaction: 65.2%

We have responded to HEFCE’s KIS consultation and also fed into UCA’s own response to the consultation.

We are working in partnership with UCA in the development of the student charter.

We are redeveloping the student representative system so that students have an adequate mechanism to communicate issues.

We recommend that UCA publish clear guidance to students on how UCA works out class sizes including publishing ratios of lecturers and technicians to students. Clear contact hours need to be given to students so they know what they can expect. Although in the future the student charter and the KIS will detail some of these, current students also need to be made aware of this information.

The current student representation system does not work adequately across all campuses; we would like a commitment from UCA to adopt the proposed model of student representation.

- Links with Employers and Industry Importance to S.E: 84.4%

UCA Satisfaction: 64.2%

We have been sitting on the GEEG group and although we are relatively new to this group we are committed to continuing activity in this area.

The careers service needs to be more linked in with courses and assist students with work experience during their course.

The newly created Graduate Employability & Entrepreneurship Strategy that was agreed at the last Learning Teaching & Assessment Committee should be embedded into every area of the University.

After discussions at the last LTAC, it was agreed for the Business & Community School to assist courses to embed employability into the curriculum and therefore UCA should be looking to make sure the B&C School are a driving force within the University.

UCA need to recognise that there are vastly different reasons students attend their Institution. Some come to become practitioners, some for the education and art’s sake and therefore be flexible in their employability teachings throughout the courses.

- Reputation of Course and University Importance to S.E: 84.2%

UCA Satisfaction: 74.8%

25% of students said that their current student experience does not fulfil their expectations of those advertised on the UCA website, prospectus and interview as prospective students.

10% of students would not choose to study their course again at UCA. While 25% would choose either their course or UCA, but not both.

11.3% of students are proud either of their course or of UCA, but not of both, while 7.1% of students said they were not proud of either their course or UCA.

Being proud of UCA is a concept which develops with an increased reputation on a national scale, but also internally. Internal marketing at UCA can be dramatically improved.

Students buy into the brand of UCA through such things as merchandise which is especially important during freshers and graduation. Externally, UCA marketing is very strong, but these strengths are not used internally. Multiple social media accounts are just one example of watered down internal marketing by UCA as these create different messages.

UCA is very good at celebrating what the institution has accomplished, but ultimately it is the students who are responsible for these successes. The institution should celebrate its students and their achievements in order to raise aspirations for all students and instil a sense of pride at being a student at UCA.

- Safety and Security Importance to S.E: 83.8%

UCA Satisfaction: 74.8%

We have successfully lobbied to ensure students and staffs wear their ID cards at all times on campus.

We have created a Community Engagement Committee which will run welfare and awareness events across all campuses.

We have created a health and safety group which will examine health and safety within the Union.

We have increased our interaction on UCA’s internal health and safety groups.

We have distributed safety and security devices to students and will continue to ensure that students are equipped with personal alarms.

UCA need to draw up the moral duty of care that the institution has for students in the vicinity of campus.

Better security is needed on every campus, an SIA registered security guard is needed on every campus during out of office times.

- Social Community and Interaction on Campus Importance to S.E: 80.6%

UCA Satisfaction: 64.8%

The Kent bars are due for refurbishment starting this summer with Rochester and Maidstone and Canterbury receiving a refurbishment next academic year.

In the future we are looking to secure a commitment from UCA to prioritise the development of the Epsom bar.

We are seeking to ensure a commitment to invest in the Epsom bar space.

The creative community is a phrase which is used regularly throughout the institution and is a mission enabler in the strategic plan, “sustaining a supportive creative community which has a positive impact on society, culture and the economy�. However, the concept of a creative community is fragmented; no department has ownership over the development of the creative community. The project should be assigned to one department who will be responsible for the development and implementation of the creative community. In addition, the key performance targets and measures in the draft strategic plan relating to the mission enabler make no mention of student satisfaction. One measure is an improved performance in the staff survey as a measure through which the internal communications group will be assessed. There is no mention of the student internal communications group or assessing the impact of the creative community on the student body. Nine of the measures relate to money and investment while there is not a single measure relating to student satisfaction. We would like to see the student internal communication group used

as an additional key performance target alongside the staff internal communications group and for ISS and NSS results to be used as a measure.

- Provision of other facilities Importance to S.E: 78%

UCA Satisfaction: 65.9%

Some facilities undertake surveys to gather student feedback on the service, an example of good practice is catering; they carry out surveys of students and staff and report back on the changes with you said we did. This good practice should be shared amongst other services in order to increase satisfaction.

- Location Importance to S.E: 76.4%

UCA Satisfaction: 65.9%

It is clear from our survey results that location is an important factor in creating the student experience. UCA has a unique opportunity to engage and consult with students in the process of the development of a single Kent campus.

- Nightlife Importance to S.E: 69.2%

UCA Satisfaction: 49.4%

The Union has employed a new Entertainments manager who has extensive experience in Student Unions.

We are undertaking a strategic review of nightlife and the role that UCA Students’ Union plays in the facilitation of nightlife on campus. This is linked to the change in culture we are witnessing across the Student Union movement.

We urge UCA to understand that the SU do not have the facilities or the budget to run bars and clubs. Our core priority is representing students on academic issues.

- Study Abroad Opportunities Importance to S.E: 63.4%

UCA Satisfaction: 55.8%

We are currently working with students who wanted to study abroad, but due to a lack of communication from UCA they missed the deadline.

Communication of study abroad opportunities needs to be improved and parity of communication across all sites needs to exist. Studying abroad offers excellent opportunities for students, but also for UCA’s internationalisation agenda and therefore it is in students and the institution’s best interest to market these opportunities effectively.

- Additional Opportunities Importance to S.E: 61.2%

UCA Satisfaction: 47.4%

We have developed a new set of procedures for clubs and societies to ensure that they are accessible for all students.

We have created a Community Engagement Committee which will be chaired by one officer which will develop additional opportunities such as volunteering and charity fundraising and engage students in these activities.

Lobbying for a student version of ‘The Edge’. We are starting work on a service whereby students can register their details and examples of their work and then can be employed by both other students and University departments such as marketing to use the amazing creative talent located within the student body instead of employing external creatives. The proposal has already been welcomed by many university departments.

The work undertaken by student ambassadors, widening participation and outreach activities and entrepreneurial societies with the Business Community School is positive and provide excellent examples of good practice. However, many more students could be involved in these activities which need to be more widely publicised.

III. Academic: Timetabling, Course Organisation and Communication 81.9% of students had at least one timetabled session cancelled in the first semester of this academic year, while nearly 25% of students had 4 or more sessions cancelled.

44.8% of students had over half of their timetabled course content delivered, 11.3% had half, or less than half delivered.

Develop explicit procedures for all courses on cancelled sessions including ensuring that all cancelled sessions are fully rescheduled and delivered.

We know that UCA is investing into a new, online timetable system, but this investment is not being communicated to students. We suggest that communications in this area are used to detail the changes, the level of investment and the positive effect it will have for students.

33.2% of students were informed of timetable alterations on the day of the alteration while 26.1% were informed the day before.

28.6% of students said they were not satisfied with the notice period given for timetable alterations.

Satisfaction with the notice period greatly decreases the less notice is given. The table below shows the comparison of notice period against satisfaction.

We also asked students how timetable alterations are communicated, 42% said that they were communicated through myUCA. However, we also asked students which form of communication they would prefer and only 8% of students said that they would prefer myUCA. This demonstrates that timetable alterations are not being communicated in ways which students want. An example of this is text; only 8% of students said that timetable alterations are communicated via text, whereas 34% of students stated that text was their preferred choice of communication.

Nearly 20% of students are not satisfied with the form of communication used to inform students of timetable alterations. Students showed a clear preference of communication, 39% said they prefer email and similarly 34% said text.

The Union has successfully lobbied for the creation of the student internal communications group which will look at a review of myUCA, a text system and the use of social networking and online blogs.

UCA need to ensure that the decisions made as part of the student internal communications group are successfully implemented.

IV. Student Costs at UCA Overall, 19% of students stated that they spend between £16-30 per month on additional course costs such as books, materials, exhibitions, trips and production costs. If we take the medium of this category at £23 we can estimate that based on a 9 month academic year students will spend £207 in additional course costs. 30% of students spend over £90 per month which amounts to £810 per academic year in additional costs.

When we compare FE to HE additional costs we can see a marked difference. The largest category of expenditure for FE students is £16-30 while for HE students this increases to £46-60. In addition there are higher percentages of HE students who spend more, on average each month. For example, in the £91-105 category 3% of FE students spend this much compared with 7% of HE students. Similarly, in the £151-200 category 1% of FE students spend this much compared to 5% of HE students.

The bar chart below provides a comparison of FE and HE student additional course costs.

In addition, nearly half (47.6%) said that they did not expect the level of additional cost.

Although FE students spend less on average than HE students a larger percentage of FE students did not expect the level of additional cost, 49.2% compared with 44.4% of HE students.

We have facilitated 11 fundraisers in Farnham through The Venue.

The creation of the SU Community Engagement Committee will enable us to examine how the SU can facilitate and support student fundraisers.

Additional course costs should be published in prospectuses and advertised on open days so that students are fully aware of the level of additional costs before they begin their

studies. Although this information will be necessary for the KIS it is also important to inform current students of costs they should expect so they can adequately plan their finances.

63.6% of students work to supplement their finances while at UCA, 55.9% of these students work between 1-20 hours per week with 7.8% of students working over 20 hours per week. Of the students who work 41.4% said that working had a very negative or negative effect on their university work.

Committed to working in partnership with SDS to develop a ‘job shop’ for students.

We fully support UCA’s proposal to utilise students as staff within UCA and the SU wish to be involved in the process. UCA could employ student’s in a variety of settings including; cleaning, library, security, catering/bar work, print bureau and equipment stores.

V. Communicating Student Opinions and Concerns 43.2% of students said that they had voiced an opinion or concern within any area of the university. Students who responded yes to this question were then asked if their concerns had been listened to and acted upon. Of these students 39.9% said that they had while 36.5% said that their concerns had not been listened to and acted upon. 23.6% of students, nearly a quarter said they did not know.

Students answering don’t know to the question suggests that the communication loop is not being completed and therefore students are unaware of changes happening.

Students who responded that they had not raised an opinion or concern were asked if they had the confidence that should they raise an opinion or concern that this would be acted upon. 41.4% of students said that they did not know thus also suggesting that because changes which do occur due to student involvement are not being communicated to all students other students do not have the confidence that their concerns would make a difference and be acted upon sufficiently. 36.1% of students said they did have confidence that concerns and opinions would be listened to and acted upon while 22.5% said they did not.

Officers work continually throughout the year to support students, offering them advice and resolving issues both in the informal stages and representing students through the formal complaint procedures. Students approach the SU for advice on non-academic issues and through partnership with SDS we are able to ensure that students are directed to the correct service.

In conjunction with actions tasked to UCA the SU will make advice available online, with examples of how students can tackle problems in the first instance.

In addition, officers sit on the following committees to ensure student representation at all levels; Academic Board Academic Policy, Quality and Standards Committee Annual Academic Monitoring Working Group Kent and Surrey Board of Study Credit Scheme Working Group Equality and Diversity Committee Further Education Forum Learning, Teaching and Assessment Committee School Boards of Study Student Experience Task Group Student Forums University Health and Safety Widening Participation and Fair Access Campus Operational Groups Graduate Employability and Entrepreneurial Group Board of Governors Enhanced fees Working Group Internal Communications Group (students)

Fortnightly meetings with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor meetings Validations Panels Review panels Academic year review Enhanced fees working group LTA Intelligent Card User Working Group Single Equality Action Plan Task Group Institutional Review Steering Group Student Charter Group SDS/SU Development Days

Commit to the proposed new model of student representation system and continue to partner with the SU to implement a successful new system.

Many of the concerns and complaints that the Students’ Union responds to could be resolved through the informal complaints procedures, but generally students do not know how to solve their complaints and concerns at this level. To improve students’ satisfaction and confidence in the process we suggest the following; -

Ensure the student regulations are accessible to students and written in plain English.

Publish a list of courses and the correct person to contact in the event of a concern including their email address.

Every issue needs to be responded to even if the issue can not be resolved coupled with an explanation of the response. This is to ensure that students are fully aware of the course of action taken and to complete the communication loop.

VI. Overview of SU Campaigns and Action 2010-2011 Union impact on UCA Successfully lobbied for the establishment of and are playing an active role in the Students Internal Communication Group.

The SU are working in partnership with UCA to redevelop the course representative scheme.

We have ensured that 80% of fines generated from the administration charges for late payments will be put into the hardship fund for students.

In partnership with UCA we contributed to the Widening Participation Annual Plan.

The SU have contributed to the development of the Access Agreement.

Via the AAM process the SU have contributed to the introduction of student feedback on their courses.

Through the Student experience groups the SU have ensured that the student view has been represented in a key area of university strategy.

We have successfully lobbied and have agreement from University to develop the social spaces in Kent.

Through the Student Voice campaign the SU have undertaken research of both students and the institution. As a result of this research we are taking student opinion direct to Executive members of the institution with suggested changes which if implemented could dramatically affect the student experience.

Within the Union The SU now has a complete compliment of staff in line with the new staff structure including the appointment of specialist staff.

The Trustee Board is now complete following the appointment of external trustees which will enable scrutiny of governance of the SU. We have developed and implemented an annual plan and a three year strategic plan.

An Equality and Diversity policy has been written and will be implemented in the next academic year.

We have written new procedures for clubs and societies and for the Student Council.

A communications strategy has been written and is being implemented.

We responded to the HEFCE consultation on KIS and contributed to UCA’s response.

A fully operational Student Council is now in place at each campus.

Canterbury Campus We are continuing to lobby UCA to make improvements to the print bureau and equipment store opening times and to employ students for work in these departments.

We created a forum with students and catering for students to raise their opinions on the cafĂŠ and bar. This resulted in positive change in both areas which students thoroughly appreciate. ‘UCA day’ at Canterbury provided an opportunity for students to relax and de stress during hand in time and come together as a community.

Facilitated 75 students to attend the student demonstration in London and engage in political debate.

Epsom Campus Facilitated 60 students to attend the student demonstration in London and engage in political debate.

Farnham Campus Secured significant funding for and undertaken a refurbishment of the Venue at Farnham with stage 2 of the refurbishment due for completion summer 2011.

Overturned a longstanding rule that now allows students to book previously staff only rooms, to enable better facilities for clubs and societies Increased the number of Clubs and Societies from 7 to 22 Secured a Multi-faith room on campus Facilitated 11 Student Fundraiser events for course degree shows Facilitated 80 students to attend the student demonstration in London and engage in political debate.

Maidstone Campus We successfully lobbied for student consultation on the future of courses and the Maidstone campus.

When the first announcements were made about the possible collaboration with MidKent College the SU held an emergency meeting to inform students and carried out a survey which was completed by over 90 students to gauge opinion.

A gallery society has been established so that students can display their work, since it was established in January there have been six exhibitions including a display of 2nd year Graphic Design work.

Facilitated 50 students to attend the student demonstration in London and engage in political debate.

Rochester Campus We have supplied students with personal alarms following the spate of crime at the Rochester campus and developed a good relationship with the local PCSO to ensure visibility of police on campus.

The SU facilitated 70 students to attend the student demonstration in London and engage in political debate.

Conclusion The results of our student voice survey give us an insight into student views and opinions on studying at UCA; it has given us an opportunity to understand which given factors are most important to the student experience. Our suggested changes can be summarised in five words; communication, parity, ownership, accountability and action. By enacting our suggested changes both the SU and UCA have an opportunity to considerably improve the student experience.

VII. Appendices

Student Voice survey UCASU are surveying students to find out about key issues which affect every student as part of our Student Voice campaign. The results of this survey will be used to inform and develop the 2nd stage of the campaign to lobby for real change in the areas that matter to you.

Please tell us about yourself: Age________ Gender___________________Ethnicity_____________Disabled? Yes/No International student? Yes/No Course______________________________________ What year are you in? Please tick Further Education Year 1 [ ] Undergraduate Year 1 [ ] Further Education Year 2 [ ] Undergraduate Year 2 [ ]

Undergraduate Year 3 [ ] Postgraduate [ ]

For the following, please state: a. how important you feel each factor is to your student experience 1=Not Very Important 5=Very Important b. currently how satisfied are you with what UCA offers 1=Not Very Satisfied 5=Very Satisfied Important to my How satisfied I am with student experience what UCA offers (scale 1(scale 1-5) 5) Additional Opportunities (Volunteering, Clubs & Socs) Course and Course Content Course Facilities Employment of Graduates Links with Employers and Industry Location Night Life (bars and clubs) Profile of Academics Provision of Other Facilities (accommodation, catering etc) Quality of Teaching Reputation of Course and University Safety and Security Social Community and Interaction on Campus Study Abroad Opportunities Tuition (class sizes and contact hours Has your current student experience fulfilled your expectations which were advertised to you such as on the UCA website/prospectus/interview?

Yes [ ] No [ ] Don’t Know [ ]

Based on your current experience would you choose to study your course again at UCA? Please tick Yes [ ] Would chose my course, but not UCA [ ] No [ ] Would chose UCA, but not my course [ ] Don’t Know [ ] Are you proud to study at UCA? Please tick Yes [ ] Would chose my course, but not UCA [ ] No [ ] Would chose UCA, but not my course [ ] Don’t Know [ ] On average, in semester 1 of this academic year (September 2010- February 2011) how many of your timetabled sessions were cancelled? Please circle 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11+

Other (Please state)

In Semester 1 of this academic year (September 2010-February 2011) how much of your timetabled course content was delivered? Please tick None [ ] Less than half [ ] Half [ ] More than half [ ] All [ ] Other (Please specify) On average, when are timetable alterations communicated? Please tick When session was due to start [ ] before [ ]

After session was scheduled [ ]

3-6 days before [ ] 1-2 weeks before [ ] No notice [ ] N/A [ ]

2-4 weeks before [ ]

Same Day [ ]

Day

4+ weeks before [ ]

Other (Please state)

Are you satisfied with the notice period for timetable alterations? Please tick Yes [ ] No [ ] Don’t Know [ ] How are timetable alterations most often communicated? (Email, Text, MyUCA, Noticeboards etc) Please state Are you satisfied with this form of communication? Please tick Yes [ ] No [ ] Don’t Know [ ] What form of communication would you prefer? Please state

Approximately, how much do you spend (not including tuition fees) on your course each month? (books, materials, exhibitions, trips and production costs) Please state

Did you expect this level of additional cost? Please tick Yes [ ]

No [ ]

Don’t Know [ ]

How many hours a week do you have to work to supplement your finances while at University? Please tick 0[ ] 36+ [ ]

1-5 [ ]

6-10 [ ]

11-15 [ ]

16-20 [ ]

21-25 [ ]

26-30 [ ]

31-35 [ ]

What effect do you feel working has on your University work? Please tick Very Negative [ ] Know [ ] N/A [ ]

Negative [ ]

Neutral [ ]

Positive [ ]

Very Positive [ ]

Don’t

Within your course, do you feel respected and valued by University staff? Please tick Yes [ ]

No [ ]

Don’t Know [ ] Other (Please State)

Outside of your course, in interaction with the University do you feel respected and valued by University staff? Please tick Yes [ ]

No [ ]

Don’t Know [ ] Other (Please specify)

Have you ever voiced an opinion or concern within any area of the University? Please tick Yes [ ]

No [ ]

Don’t Know [ ]

If yes: Have these concerns been listened to and acted upon? Please tick Yes [ ]

No [ ]

Don’t Know [ ]

If no: Do you have confidence that your opinions and concerns would be listened to and acted upon?

Yes [ ] No [ ] Survey results

Don’t Know [ ]

Are you male or female?

Male 28.3% Female 71.7% Prefer not to say 0% How old are you?

16-18 25% 19-21 54% 22-24 13% 25-27 2% 28-31 0% 32-34 0% 35-37 0% 38-40 0% 40-45 0% 4651 0% 52-57 0% 58+ 0% Not stated 1% What is your ethnicity?

African 1% Asian 2% Black 3% British 58% European 2% Mixed 1% Other 1% Prefer not to say 6% White 45% Do you consider yourself to have a disability?

Yes 6.7% No 87.9% Prefer not to say 5.4% Are you an international student?

Yes 6.5% No 82.4% Which campus are you based at?

Canterbury 14.9% Epsom 21.9% Farnham 21.6% Maidstone 14.8% Rochester 26.8% Which course are you on?

Animation 3% Architecture 1% Crafts 6% Fashion and Textiles 14% Film 7% Fine Art 5% Graphics and Illustration 9% Journalism 3% Not answered 4% Photography 5% Pre-degree 37% What year are you in?

FE year 1 32.8% FE year 2 10.3% Undergrad year 1 18.6% Undergrad year 2 23% Undergrad year 3 13.9% Postgraduate 1.3% For each of the following, how important do you feel each factor contributes to your student experience?

Additional Opportunities (volunteering, clubs and societies) 1 14.1% 2 16.3% 3 34.6% 4 19.3% 5 15.3% Don’t Know 0.3% Course and Course Content 1 0.2% 2 16.3% 3 34.6% 4 19.3% 5 79.1% Don’t Know 0.3% Course Facilities 1 0.5% 2 1.1%

3 6.1% 4 18.6% 5 73.6% Don’t Know 0.2% Employment of Graduates 1 2.8% 2 4.8% 3 13.8% 4 20.3% 5 57.2% Don’t Know 57.2% Links with Employers and Industry 1 3.1% 2 5.6% 3 10.7% 4 24.7% 5 54.9% Don’t Know 1.0% Location 1 4.3% 2 6.8% 3 26.1% 4 27.9% 5 34.9% Don’t Know 0% Night Life (bars and clubs) 1 8.9% 2 12.9% 3 24.9% 4 27.8% 5 24.8% Don’t Know 0.6% Profile of Academics 1 3.8% 2 8.7% 3 31.6% 4 30.6% 5 23.6% Don’t Know 1.7% Provision of Other Facilities (accommodation, catering) 1 5.2% 2 4.9% 3 24% 4 33.8% (207) 5 31.4% Don’t Know 0.7% Quality of Teaching

1 0.3% 2 4.9% 3 4% 4 15.7% 5 78.5% Don’t Know 0.2% Reputation of Course and University 1 1.5% 2 4.4% 3 16.3% 4 33.6% 5 44.1% Don’t Know 0.2% Safety and Security 1 2.4% 2 5.7% 3 14.5% 4 30.2% 5 46.8% Don’t Know 0.3% Social Community and Interaction on Campus 1 2.3% 2 5.8% 3 17.2% 4 36% 5 38.1% Don’t Know 0.5% Study Abroad Opportunities 1 11.9% 2 13.7% 3 28.0% 4 23.2% 5 21.9% Don’t Know 1.3% Tuition (class sizes and contact time) 1 2.8% 2 4.1% 3 11.7% 4 26.9% 5 54.0% Don’t Know 0.5% Currently, how satisfied are you with the following? 1=Not Very Satisfied 5=Very Satisfied Additional Opportunities (Volunteering, clubs and societies) 1 25.6% 2 25.4% 3 27.5% 4 15.9%

5 3.9% Don’t Know 1.6% Course and Course Content 1 4.2% 2 8.3% 3 23.6% 4 42.6% 5 21.0% Don’t Know 0.3% Course Facilities 1 4.7% 2 8.9% 3 23.9% 4 40.1% 5 22.2% Don’t Know 0.2% Employment of Graduates 1 5.9% 2 14.2% 3 44.8% 4 23.1% 5 6.6% Don’t Know 5.4% Links with Employers and Industry 1 10.3% 2 18.0% 3 34.6% 4 25.1% 5 8.8% Don’t Know 3.2% Location 1 9.7% 2 14.6% 3 30.1% 4 25% 5 20.3% Don’t Know 0.3% Night Life (bars and clubs) 1 25.6% 2 23.4% 3 26.7% 4 16.4% 5 6.4% Don’t Know 1.5% Profile of Academics 1 4.6% 2 13.2% 3 42.8%

4 27.7% 5 8.6% Don’t Know 3% Provision of Other Facilities (accommodation, catering etc) 1 7.8% 2 15.9% 3 35% 4 29.5% 5 10.1% Don’t Know 1.7% Quality of Teaching 1 4% 2 8.6% 3 25.9% 4 36.6% 5 24.6% Don’t Know 0.3% Reputation of Course and University 1 4.5% 2 9.1% 3 28.3% 4 36.9% 5 20.1% Don’t Know 1.1% Safety and Security 1 4.2% 2 7.6% 3 18.5% 4 38.2% 5 30.6% Don’t Know 0.8% Social Community and Interaction on Campus 1 9.8% 2 14.3% 3 33.2% 4 25.9% 5 16% Don’t Know 0.8% Study Abroad Opportunities 1 13.9% 2 21.4% 3 31.6% 4 19.5% 5 9.3% Don’t Know 4.2% Tuition (class sizes and contact hours) 1 9.3%

2 15% 3 32.1% 4 28.3% 5 14.5% Don’t Know 0.8% Has your current student experience fulfilled your expectations which were advertised to you such as on the UCA website/prospectus/interview?

Yes 58.6% No 25.2% Don't Know 16.2% Based on your current experience would you choose to study your course again at UCA? Yes 51.5% No 10.5% Would chose UCA, but not my course 7.4% Would chose my course, but not UCA 18.1% Don't Know 12.4% Are you proud to study at UCA? Yes 65.3% No 7.1% Proud of my course, but not of UCA 7.9% Proud of UCA, but not of my course 3.4% Don't Know 16.2% On average, in semester 1 of this academic year (September 2010- February 2011) how many of your timetabled sessions were cancelled?

None 18.1% 1 25.5% 2 15.4% 3 16.6% 4 10.5% 5 6.8% 6 3.0% 7 0.5%8 1.2%9 0.8% 10 0.5% 11+ 1.0% In semester 1 of this academic year (September 2010-February 2011) how much of your timetabled course content was delivered?

None 1.0% Less than Half 3.7% Half 6.6% Over Half 44.8% All 43.8% On average, when are timetable alterations communicated?

4+ weeks before 0.3% 2-4 weeks before 1.5% 1-2 weeks before 7.4% 3-6 days before 15.7% Day before 26.1% Same Day 19.1% When session was due to start 11.1% After session was scheduled 3.0% Not informed of alteration 2.4% Not Applicable 13.3% Are you satisfied with the notice period for timetable alterations?

Yes 46.9% No 28.6% Don't Know 24.5% How are timetable alterations most often communicated?

By tutor 14% My UCA 42% Not Answered 0% Not Communicated Note on door 1% Noticeboards 23% Other 5% media 3% Word of mouth 7% Email 32% Ical 0% Text 8% Timetable 0%

1% Social

Are you satisfied with this form of communication?

Yes 67.9% No 18.4% Don't Know 13.7%

Which form of communication would you prefer?

Email 39% Letters 2% My UCA 8% Not Answered 4% Note on door 0% Noticeboards 8% Other 11% Media 4% Through tutor 14% Word of mouth 0% Ical 0% Text 34% Timetable 0%

Social

Approximately, how much do you spend (not including tuition fees) on your course each month? (books, materials, exhibitions, trips and production costs). £0 1% £1-15 6% £16-30 19% £31-45 10% £46-60

16%

£61-75

6%

£106-120

1%

£121-150

5%

£251-300

2%

£301+

3%

£76-90 £151-200

1% 7%

£91-105

£201-250

1%

11%

Did you expect this level of additional cost?

Yes 37.9% No 47.6% Don't Know 14.5% How many hours a week do you have to work to supplement your finances while at University?

0 36.4% 1-5 8.5% 6-10 18.8% 11-15 16.8% 16-20 11.8% 21-25 5.1% 26-30 1.0% 31-35 0.5% 36+ 1.2% What effect do you feel working has on your University work?

Very Negative 4.6% Negative 24.0% Neutral 31.9% Positive 7.3% Very Positive 2.1% Don't Know 1.7% Not Applicable 28.4% Within your course, do you feel respected and valued by University staff?

Yes 68.3% No 15.6% Don't Know 16.1% Outside of your course, in interaction with the University do you feel respected and valued by University staff?

Yes 61.3% No 12.5% Don't Know 26.2% Have you ever voiced an opinion or concern within any area of the University?

Yes 43.2% No 48.4% Don't Know 8.4% If yes students answered question 28, if no or don’t know students answered question 29.

Have these concerns been listened to and acted upon?

Yes 39.9% No 36.5% Don't Know 23.6% Do you have confidence that your opinions and concerns would be listened to and acted upon?

Yes 36.1% No 22.5% Don't Know 41.4%