YSIWDI 09/11

» Business, Computing and Law

• You said that you wanted detailed feedback from your assignments: We've made sure that a three week turn around of assignments with detailed feedback is in place.

• You said there were too many programming modules within Computing courses:
  We've reduced the number of these modules by listening to your opinions about what works.

• You said you wanted more one to one support from tutors:
  We've allocated a personal tutor to every student. They can point you in the right direction for help and support, helping you to achieve your potential.

• You said you wanted additional specialist equipment for your Computing programmes:
  We've purchased additional network equipment for you and placed it in B202.

• You said there was not enough contact time with tutors:
  We've introduced extra drop-in clinics to help with any difficulties you might be having on your course.

• You said you appreciated specialist staff on your programmes:
  We've recruited additional industry professionals to deliver and develop content for your Computing courses, as well as giving current staff access to ongoing opportunities for knowledge development.

• You said you would like more relevant library resources:
  We've brought in books and DVDs which relate to the Computer Games course specifically and ensured we have multiple copies of books that are on reading lists.

» Arts, Design and Technology

• You said you wanted more facilities for Theatre Arts; 
  We bought the Derby Theatre!
  
• You said that you wanted better studio and workshop facilities;
  We made major improvements to the open plan studios and Britannia Mill sheds over the summer.
  
• You said you only have limited access to the film and TV studio;
  We've given you direct access to the booking system for this studio.
  
• You said you had difficulty in accessing resources in the evening and at weekends;
  We've improved security at Markeaton Street so you're able to access the resources you need to, when you need to.

» Joint Honours Scheme

• You found it difficult to work out your timetable:
  We've created new, easy to read, single subject timetables which are available in hard copy and on the web.
   
• You wanted more one to one support:
  Every first year Joint Honours student has a personal tutor in one of their subject areas and we've scheduled more bookable academic counselling appointments. 
   
• You wanted more help in understanding what referral means:
  Our Student Liaison Officer contacted all students with referrals to explain what you need to do. We also included useful information about referrals on our web pages. 
   
• You wanted fewer timetable clashes:
  The University timetabling system uses the Joint Honours subject zoning system so that prescribed modules in Joint Honours subjects should never clash.

» Education, Health and Sciences

• You said you want clearer advice on assignments and a quicker return of work:
  We've tightened all our procedures and think we're getting there. But we need you to tell us if it's working.

• You said you wanted your feedback to be constant throughout the year:
  We've reviewed our approach to student feedback and will be asking you for your opinions.

• You said you wanted to know what we were doing about the issues you raise:
  We've produced an action plan in response to your feedback which student reps will be able to keep us accountable to in our meetings.

• You said you wanted better access to resources in the Library and more digital resources for 24/7 access:
  We've made more core textbooks and journals available for each module, particularly online journals and e-books.

» University of Derby, Buxton

• You said you wanted more creative ways of receiving your teaching:
  We've offered all our staff additional training and opportunities for sharing ideas.
  
• You said that you wanted assignments back faster with detailed feedback:
  We've made sure that a three week turn around of assignments with detailed and effective feedback is in place.
  
• You said that you wanted to be informed sooner if any changes took place on your programmes:
  We've put systems in place to make sure we notify you of any changes through UDo as soon as we know about them.
  
• You said that you wanted to be informed earlier who your lecturers and tutors are:
  We're making sure this is in place before you return so you're able to contact your lecturers and tutors.
  
• You said you wanted access to more of your library resources when you're studying off-campus:
  We've increased the variety and number of e-books and journals online for you to access whenever you need to.
  
• You said you wanted your timetable to be more 'fixed' and available earlier:
  We've confirmed our timetabling earlier this year and made the timetables available for you to review before you enrol.
  
• You said that you wanted more career information as part of your course:
  We've created more opportunities for you to develop employability skills within your programmes.
  
• You said you wanted free water available on site:
  We've installed new water fountains.

» General University improvements

• You wanted a quiet space at Markeaton Street.
  We've set aside MS029 as a quiet space for reflection or prayer.
  
• You wanted more career information as part of your course:
  We've put more career skills straight into your programmes.
  
• You wanted a new and better email system:
  We've now put Unimail in place with enhanced applications such as a calendar.
  
• You asked for better and faster notifications when your lecturers can't attend:
  We've improved our 'red alert' system - we'll text you with details of work your lecturer has left and put a notice on your teaching room door.
  
• You felt that the car park at Markeaton Street wasn't working for you:
  We introduced the Markeaton Park, park and ride scheme alongside a free shuttle service between sites within the Derby Campus. The shuttle goes from Kedleston Road, calls at the new Markeaton Park 'park and ride', Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill.
  
• You wanted different types of study spaces:
  We've made some big improvements to the Library, adding more study and social areas.
  
• You said you wanted the University to make environmental changes to be more energy efficient
  We've invested £266,442 in wind turbines and solar panels to generate 31,854 kilowatt hours of energy that is generated through 'green' means. That's enough power to boil 31,000 kettles or run 91 laptops all day, every day, for a year.