At Derby we’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the THES University of the Year award.
Here’s part of our official entry, which gives you a taste of what we’ve been trying to achieve over the last year:
Putting students at our heart
Devonshire Campus, Buxton
The first cohort of students graduated from the University of Derby’s new campus in Buxton in 2006/07. This was a symbolic manifestation of the University’s mission to be the learner’s first choice for quality and opportunity.
The campus has won historic building conservation awards but it is the purpose to which buildings are put that is key to a University’s success. The University has extended high quality opportunity with a distinctive orientation to Buxton and the High Peak. Over 5,000 learners in both FE and HE now choose the unique setting of Buxton for their study and the University locally is pivotal in the economic as well as cultural regeneration of the town.
The Buxton success is emblematic of the University’s enormous progress delivered by its staff putting the learner at its heart and embracing our core values. Student need drives what we do. By focusing upon academic and vocational achievement of high quality with a first class, rounded student experience we enjoyed our highest ever student population in the very year that the introduction of higher fees may have been expected to dampen demand.
Improving the student experience
Our groundbreaking Student Experience project, underpinned by research, has driven success, demonstrated in measures of performance consistent with our clearly defined character.
- Student achievement improved
- Progression between levels increased by almost 3 percentage points
- Attendance increased at open days by 28% and at visit days by 35%
- Applications have risen ahead of our benchmark group
- Current acceptances for 07/08 are up 19% on last year heralding further student growth.
Greater flexibility in provision has been developed. The assessment of collaborative provision from QAA was outstanding, building on the excellent institutional review, as were inspections from OFSTED and professional bodies. The University won national awards and new corporate clients of distinction. Over 1700 students received awards at ceremonies overseas.
Partnering with the Students' Union, the University invested to put them at the physical heart of our main campus resulting in greater positive student engagement. Their support was vital to our Fairtrade status, environmental and green gown awards and in campaigns to deliver enhanced student services and improved retention. Our subsidised Unibus service had record student journeys. In 2006 we were the fastest rising institution in the National Student Survey.
Every Derby student is an individual not a number – a person not a statistic. Our entire focus reflects that from first contact, and we listen and respond to the student voice.
Demand for better academic support and facilities led the University to:
- invest in academic staff, reducing the Staff Student Ratio by 10%
- upgrading all existing teaching facilities includingopening a showcase campus for Arts Design and Technology in 2007.
Staff engagement is up 3% and pride in the institution has improved measurably (72%-78%) and is reflected in the quality of service they give to our students.
The University has had an outstanding year, is well configured for further success and has achieved this whilst delivering a sector leading improvement in financial stability.