YSIWDI 11/12

» Enrolment

• You said you had to queue for too long to complete enrolment.
  We've introduced a single ID card that lasts for the course of your study so you'll only have to queue for it once.

• You said enrolment wasn't organised very well.
  We hired 16 mystery shoppers to analyse trends and to improve all aspects of our service.

• You wanted more information before you arrived at University.
  We've produced an innovative guide to enrolment guiding you through each step of the process.

• You said you were struggling to find enrolment locations.
  We've improved 'on campus', 'inside the buildings' and 'at enrolment' signage and employed students to help guide you around the sites.
• You wanted to tell us about your experience of enrolment.
  We've worked hard on our Welcome Survey to give you the chance to tell us exactly what you think.

» Business, Computing and Law

• You asked for specialist texts to be available in the Library.
  We've collaborated with the Librarians to ensure the most relevant texts and ebooks are available for you.
  
• You asked for better communication when teaching events are changed or postponed.
  We've worked with your programme teams to make sure anything changed or postponed is communicated across to you as quickly as possible.
• You requested further details about staff availability.
  We've now got our availability displayed and available either on our office room doors or at faculty reception on the fifth floor of East Tower (or both).
• You asked for better and more timely turn-around for assessments.
  We've put in place clear guidelines about turn-around time with relevant feedback.
• You asked for the amount of group work to be reduced.
  We've embedded more opportunities to develop team skills in each module, but reduced group-based assessments from the curriculum.
• You asked for better guidance on Independent Studies.
  We've assigned each of you a tutor for your Independent Study to make sure you have a port of call whenever you feel you need any sort of guidance.
• You asked for more practical and placement opportunities.
  We're currently working to make sure you receive a variety of teaching styles to meet your needs.
  

» Arts, Design and Technology

• You said you were struggling to meet your coursework deadlines.
  We've reviewed feedback deadlines for all programmes and created assessment programmes for all staff.
• You said you wanted a range of employability and Personal Development Planning (PDP) events.
  We've worked closely with programme teams to develop a cross-school programme of PDP and employability events.
• You asked for better teaching space and resources.
  We've now established a professional style newsroom for the Journalism Programme, providing better facilities for you.
• You asked for access to specialised equipment and facilities.
  We've now installed pattern cutting tables into the Textiles Studio to allow for directed study in modules.
  
• You asked for better technical support specific to your work.
  We've appointed a new member of staff to increase the technical support available for you at Derby Theatre.
• You mentioned a lack of 'blackout' in teaching rooms.
  We've worked closely with different departments to improve blackout facilities and asked all programme leaders to liaise with timetables so that modules requiring 'blackout' are timetabled in suitable rooms.
• You asked for better timetabling with CAD classes.
  We've transfered all CAD classes from the Kedleston Road campus to Markeaton Street or Britania Mill so they can be held at times that work for you. Please do be aware that your fellow students may have different preferences to timetabling than you, making it very difficult to meet everyone's needs.
• You've asked for further information on staff availability.
  We now display staff availability on notice boards and on UDo in Course Resources under each module  .
  
• You asked for better feedback on assignments and coursework.
  We've introduced an assignment feedback staff monitoring system to internally monitor and moderate all feedback given by staff. 
  

» Joint Honours Scheme

• You said you wanted fewer timetabling clashes.
  The University timetabling system uses the joint honours subject zoning system so that prescribed modules in joint honours subjects should never clash.
• You said you wanted better communications.
  We 've reviewed processes for gathering handbook and timetabling information to make sure that the information you get is 100% accurate.
  

» Education, Health and Sciences

• You wanted more support and guidance on your personal development.
  We've introduced further use of Personal Development Planning (PDP) modules to focus on personal development. We're working with the Career Development Centre to help you make the most of your transferable skills.
• You asked for more learning resources.
  We've invested in e-books, more information on UDo under Course Resources, increasing short loans and buying more books.
• You've mentioned our academic support is one of the best.
  We've arranged for programme teams to meet regularly to elicit feedback and discuss programme matters for internal moderation across the board and ensure consistancy. We're here to support you and will help you to be the best, check out our availability and come and see us.
• You told us the teaching on your programme was excellent.
  We're looking into areas where you're telling us this and sharing good practice across all our programmes in order to become even better.
• Some of you said you weren't satisfied with our overall performance.
  We've worked closely with the leader of each programme along with our senior management team to draft an action plan in order to improve your satisfaction. Each programme will meet with students to evaluate the situation. 
• You said our assessment and feedback process was excellent.
  We've been sharing our good practice across the programmes to ensure consistency and make every module even better! 
• You highlighted some issues with the 'organisation and management' of certain programmes.
  We've reviewed the programmes with each Head of School and Head of Subject and arranged for each programme to be 'buddied' with more sucessful programmes to share practice and develop ideas. Successful programme leaders (from each school) have been asked to draft a 'what works for us' guide.
  
  

» University of Derby Buxton

• You said you wanted easy access to improved sporting facilities.
  We've opened the new Harpur Hill sports hall in Buxton complete with new changing facilities, a 15 station fitness suite and an outdoor climbing wall. We've also provided transport from the Devonshire campus to Harpur Hill.

• You asked for immediate feedback on assessments and clear guidance on how the assignment could be improved.
  We've introduced assessment criteria at module level in all handbooks and published a return date for assessments. We're also monitoring the quality of feedback provided to students.

• You said you wanted more books in the Library.
  We've increased the number of e-books and e-journals so the book you want is always available.
  

• International students:
  You said you'd appreciate further language development sessions.
  We've set up weekly conversation groups and reading groups to develop your communication skills, listening skills and researching approach.

• International students:
  You said you wanted more things to do in Buxton.
  The International Student Advisor organises monthly activities and trips and circulates a monthly newsletter promoting events in the local area.

• You said you wanted more contact with the Chaplaincy.
  We've a dedicated full time Chaplain who organises monthly activities including walks and film clubs, and we've recently appointed a Muslim Faith Advisor.

• You wanted a standard process you should follow in order to contact staff.
  We've set up a system for making appointments with academics and introduced personal tutors. We've also increased the number of staff and introduced Assistant Subject Managers with responsibility for the quality of your student experience.

• You wanted better communications.
  We've created facebook pages, newsletters and a staff appointment system to improve communication.

• You found it hard to identify specific resources for your Independent Studies.
  We've developed Information Skills sessions for third year students. These sessions will encourage alternative search strategies for resources.

• You asked for more Personal Development Planning advice.
  We introduced an employability portal providing Personal Development Planning opportunities and we'll continue to monitor and refine our approach in response to your feedback.

• You asked for more placement and employment opportunities.
  We've set up an employers fair for February where you can get placements and jobs. We've also put more part-time employment opportunities on the employability portal

• You asked for more social activities.
  We've introduced a programme of evening events at the sports hall, introduced sports coaching courses, started a film club and provide social activities at the Lee Wood Hotel

» General University improvements

• You said you wanted a Halal selection of foods available.
  Chartwells are supplying a range of halal sandwiches and salads at the Amigo's Grab and Go station at Kedleston Road. They're also providing the same at Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill. Halal burgers are also available.
  
  

• You said you wanted more virtual processes.
  We developed an online module change form.

• You said you wanted easy access to sporting activities and facilities.
  We've created the new Team Derby Fitness suite - open from 7.00am-10.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am-5.00pm on weekends.

• You said you wanted a wider range of fitness and exercise classes.
  Our new Team Derby Fitness suite offers a wide range of fitness and exercise classes included in the monthly gym membership price of £19.50 for students or £180 annual fee (some classes will incur an additional fee, where an external trainer is required).

• You said you weren't satisfied with the standard of the sports facilities.
  We've made sure our new fitness suite has high class facilities. The suite has new male, female and disabled changing which include touch power showers, individual cubicles, lockers and hair drying provision. We've also created changing rooms in the Kirtley building for those cycling or jogging to work who require a shower

• You asked for greener halls with more recycling opportunities.
  We've increased our recycling to include batteries and clothing.

• You said you wanted a second cash machine on site.
  We've put a new cash machine in the Students' Union Quarter.
  
• You asked for more help with finding private housing.
  We've managed to publish our housing list earlier than ever before and our Landlords' Day saw a huge increase in attendance with over 30 landlords available for students to speak to.
• January starters: You said you wanted to start your top up in January right after completing your HND.
  We've made sure that students starting in January on a two year course will have the opportunity to progress to a top up degree in January.
• You felt that the car park at Markeaton Park wasn't working for you.
  We're allowing Markeaton Park permit holders onto the Kedleston Road site (subject to space being available) from 3.45pm to allow those attending 4.00pm lectures to get on site without needing to get back to their cars after 6.00pm.
• You wanted the shuttle bus to be available after 6.00pm.
  We're now running a timetabled minibus service between 6.20pm- 9.00pm Monday to Thursday following the normal shuttle route. This service will also stop at Markeaton Park on request.
• You said you wanted a bus service that goes through Markeaton Park after 6.00pm.
  The 6.05pm number 5 service will now call at Markeaton Park.

» Accommodation

• You said you wanted more recycling provision in halls.
  We've now provided more recycling bags and specialist bins and we're even trialling food recycling at Laverstoke Court.
• You said you wanted longer office opening hours:
  We've extended the opening hours of the Student Housing Centre to be more flexible for you.
  
  
• You said you wanted more advice on private accommodation:
  We now produce a guide to finding private accommodation.
  
  
• You said you wanted similar students living together:
  We're now placing all postgraduate students together.
  
  
• You said you wanted better common rooms:
  We refurbished all our Derby common rooms and equipped them with new large screen TVs, Wi-Fi, pool tables and soft furnishings.
  
  
• You said you wanted to apply for halls earlier:
  You can now apply for halls much earlier than before.
  
  
• You said you wanted us to be greener:
  We brought in a team of environmental consultants to help us devise a green plan. We'll be focusing on energy use and waste and recycling, so keep your eyes peeled for our environment-friendly campaigns.

» International students

• You said you wanted more events which would appeal to all audiences.
  The International Student Centre works with the students societies to support and promote their events and activities.
  
• You said that you wanted a smoother Meet and Greet airport pick up.
  We continue to review the meet and greet and orientation programme based on your feedback.
  
  
• You said you wanted more access to PCs.
  We've put PCs in the International Student Centre for you to access.
   
• You said that you wanted a smoother Meet and Greet airport pick up.
  We've put more resources behind this and built in a review process to airport pick ups this year.
  
  
• You said that you were worried about getting jobs in the UK.
  We've set up a series of workshops about getting jobs in the UK and also about future employability after graduation.
  
  
• You said that letter request turnaround time was too long.
  We've developed an automatic letter generation system for international student documentation.
  
  
• You said that you would appreciate further language development sessions.
  We've set up language development sessions on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

» Library

• You said you wanted more power sockets in Kedleston Road Library.
  We've put more sockets on the lower ground and also first and second floors at Kedleston Road.
  
• You said it was difficult to get attention of staff if you required help to reach books on high shelves.
  Some library staff in Kedleston Road Library are being deployed as rovers, wearing 'Can I help?' t-shirts.
• You said it was difficult to navigate to eJournals.
  We're working on improving our help guides and web page navigation.
• You said you wanted access to more PCs.
  We've made Netbook computers available for loan in the Kedleston Road Library.
• You said that required books weren't always available.
  We've put more funds during 2009/10 to purchase books and e-books. This funding has been maintained during 2010/11. We're also working with academic staff to improve reading lists to ensure that books recommended are available in the library.
• You said that computers needed updating.
  We're moving to Windows 7 and Office 2010, ready for September 2011.
• You said that computer workstations weren't always suitable for wheelchair users.
  We've provided some electrically operated height adjustable workstations.
• You said that there was too much use of Facebook by students so those who needed to work were unable to.
  We've restricted access to Facebook on the first and second floors at Kedleston Road. We're looking into extending this restriction.
• You said you were unsure of which library areas were for silent study and which for group work.
  We've made the library's zoning system clearer by the use of traffic lights colours and clear notices. We're planning similar zoning at the Britannia Mill Library.
• You said you wanted longer opening hours.
  We've extended opening hours over Christmas and Easter.