You said it. We did it.

» 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 established a virtual induction for new first year students called 'Preparing to Start Uni'. This provides new  detailed information, maps and contact details and gives you a chance to get to know more about Uni before you arrive. 

• You said you wanted a guide when you enrolled.
  We've produced a 'Getting Started' guide that was given out at enrolment that covered freshers, UDo, Unimail, your timetable and lots of other useful information.
• 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 and we also introduced a poll on UDo for you to give your feedback.

» Business, Computing and Law

• You asked that you wanted more practical activities in certain programmes.
  We've introduced practical activities on as many modules as possible, giving you a more hands-on, real world experience.
  
• You said that you wanted some international help on the faculty reception desk.
  We now have an international student who provides a helpdesk in the first two weeks of term.
• You said that you wanted more help and information for seeking employment after you've graduated.
  We've introduced a comprehensive approach to careers and employability, using student input, to give you more support, advice and guidance on successfully getting employed.
• You said that you didn't always understand the marking criteria.
  We've produced clearer briefs and an improved structure to explain marking criteria in a more consistent and comprehensive way.
• You said that you wanted more specialised texts to be available in the library.
  We've worked closely with the Librarians to ensure the most relevant texts and eBooks are available to you. The fully electronic resources offer more guided reading that is available whenever you need to access it.
• 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 that there wasn't enough study space at Markeaton Street.
  We've placed cutting edge 'study pods' at a range of locations throughtout the building. They contain a range of audio-visual equipment for informal learning or for relaxing between lectures.
• You said that the equipment for practical use was limited in certain programmes.
  We've invested in more lab equipment that can be used on site, at live events or in the Derby Theatre. This provides a more hands-on learning experience so you can gain an understanding of the types of equipment you'd use in industry or your career after you've graduated.
• You said that you were unhappy with evening classes in the Autumn semester.
  We've rescheduled as many classes as possible, taking into account your concerns about attending classes in the evening.
• You said that work was sometimes returned late.
  We've put into place a system to ensure that all marked work is returned within the University guide. Failing this, we'll communicate any delays that may occur giving you a new date and a reason for the delay.
  
• 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 more access to Joint Honours academic counselling appointments.
  Our Joint Honours academic counsellors are now available for 6 hours each day during term-time, a total of 30 hours each week. You can book an appointment through the Programme Advisory Service in the Student Centre at Kedleston Road.
• You said that you got too many Joint Honours announcements through Course Resources that weren't always relevant to your subjects.
  We've created groups so that your Joint Honours Subject leaders can make announcements to you based on your subjects. The only blanket announcements now should be ones that are relevant to all Joint Honours students.
• You said that you wanted us to improve our communications to you. We now send out an electronic newsletter four times a year to keep you up to date with all the Joint Honours information that you need to know.

» 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 said that you wanted better access to resources in the Library, including electronic resources.
  We've made more core textbooks and journals available for each module and have introduced new digital resources that you can access online 24/7. We've also purchased more key texts and increased the amount of books available for short loans.
• You said that you wanted more subject specific information about employment opportunities.
  We've introduced a series of departmental research seminars that focus on employment opportunities and we've a greater diversity of external speakers who can tell you about their career journeys.
• You said that you wanted the specialist facilities to be improved.
  We're built a whole new series of specialised labs for you to study and research in, providing an insight and experience of the types of environments you may work in after you graduate.
• 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 would like to have more events and activities in Buxton.
  We have produced an events brochure detailing a number of new events and activities throughout the year. These include clubs and societies, conferences and social events.

• You said that you would like more opportunities to visit the Derby campuses.
  We have arranged free transport on the Trent Barton's Trans Peak bus service between Buxton and Derby so you can visit the Derby campus whenever you want.

• You said that some programmes weren't challenging or stimulating enough.
  We have included opportunities for you to be more actively engaged in your modules with more hands-on real-world activities, discussions and debates.

• You said that some members of staff weren't as good as others at explaining things.  We have asked staff not to use jargon and explain things more clearly.

• You said you wanted more support from your Students' Union.
  We are asking the students' union to provide more activities in Buxton.

• You said you that you were not clear on markign criteria for your assessments.
  We have asked staff to explain how the assessment criteria in the module handbook relates to the marking criteria and how marks are awarded.

• You said you would like more feedback on your performance. We have included electronic feedback and an opportunity for you to discuss your feedback with your personal tutor.

• You said you would like more academic support.
  We have introduced personal tutors who meet with you regualry to provide support for your studies.

• You said you'd like better communication about changes to your programme.
  We'll use UDo to communicate all changes to your programme.

• You said that you'd like more books in the library.
  We'll use interactive reading lists that will be used to inform the library on the books required for your programme.

• Yousaid you wanted an events venue in Buxton for band nights. We have arranged "Locked in the Vault" band nights with the Vault bar in Buxton.

• You said you wanted to be informed of what is going on across the Buxton campus.
  We have installed TV screens in the Dome and launched Dome Radio. We are transmitting important messages and information on what's happening in the faculty and Buxton.

• You said that you wanted the library to be open later around deadlines. We've extended the late opening hours around key assignments hand in times so that you are able to access the library resources for longer periods during hand in times.

• You said that you wanted the transport to Harpur Hill to be improved with extra buses. We've taken this on board and have now arranged for free transport on the local bus service to Harpur Hill throughout the day. Additionally we've also put on evening buses that link the Dome, Halls and Harpur Hill.

• You said that you would like to have more events and activities in Buxton. We've produced an events brochure detailing a number of new events and activities throughout the year. These include sport clubs, societies, conferences and social events.

• You said that you were not always clear on the marking criteria for your assessments. We've asked staff to explain how the assessment criteria in the module handbook relates to the marking criteria and how marks are awarded accordingly.

» General University improvements

• You said you wanted a better way to hand in assignments.
  We've made more core textbooks and journals available for each module and have introduced new digital resources that you can access online 24/7. We've also purchased more key texts and increased the amount of books available for short loans.
  

• You saidthat you wanted cheaper transport between Buxton and Derby. We've introduced free transport on Trans Peak bus service to Derby to make travelling between sites cheaper for you.

• You said you wanted marking to be recorded as percentages instead of Alpha grades (A,B,C). We've introduced percentage marking on all programmes and assessments, meaning that your grading is easier to understand and is in line with other universities. A percentage figure helps you to understand how you're doing after each assessment and also how you're improving.

• You said that you didn't like th timetable system on UDo.
  We're currently introducing a brand new system that will be available for September. This system will give you a personalised timetable and will make it easier for you to understand your timetable.

• You said you wanted to see more healthy choices from the University catering outlets.
  We've installed the Goodness Me self-service salad bar at both Kedleston Road and Britannia Mill. We've also increased the range of vegetarian meals and sandwiches on offer at our outlets.

• You said that you didn't want to wait for letters to be printed. We've introduced a system so that if you need a confirmation letter or council letter, these can be done while you wait, saving you from coming back at a later date to collect it.

• You said that you liked the University of Derby mobile phone app.
  We've gone through all the content and updated the app so you can access useful information quickly at all times of the day. There are also plans to be able to access Course Resources through the app in the near future.
• You said that you wanted cheaper sports facilities and offers from the University. We've worked hard to update and improve the pricing structure. You can now pay as little as £1 per week if you play every week. The Team Derby fitness suite also offers monthly membership for £19.50.
• 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 to see a wider range of healthy and international cuisines in the University catering facilities.
  We've teamed up with Chartwells, the University's catering supplier, to introduce the new Noshi Noodles Bar. Served with a choice Meat & Vegetarian options, Rice or Noodles, together with a plethora of sauces & extras!

» Accommodation

• You said you wanted more social activities and events in halls.
  Each hall now arranges social nights including film, games and jamming sessions. Organised events have included the annual Christmas Market and the Christmas Day meet up.
• You asked for better disability information including building access details.
  We now provide access information on all our halls and approved properties.
  
• You asked for better information for international students.
  Our welcome pack now has a section specifically for international students.
  
• You asked for more green activities in halls. This year we launched Student Switch Off - the inter-hall energy saving competition to improve energy efficiency. We continue to recycle more and more and our charity bag collection scheme at the end of each academic year, has proved really successful. Thank you to all those you've made these initiatives a success.
  
• You said you wanted halls staff to collect parcels delivered by couriers to you. Our staff from Student Living will now sign to receive parcels on your behalf.
  
• You asked for rewards for loyal halls customers. This year we launched incentives for those of you that reapplied to live in halls again next year.
  
• You said you wanted better facilities in the common rooms.
  We've brought in lots of new additions after understanding what you'd like to have available in the common rooms. Recent additions include table tennis tables, table football and arcade machines.

» Library

• You said that the library had out of date books in certain sections and programmes.
  We went through a rigorous system of replacing the older stock and have implemeted a rolling programme in all our libaries to review stock with updated titles and to reflect your module reading lists.
  
• You said you wanted a drinking water supply to be available in the library.
  We have placed a water cooler on the ground floor in the flexible learning zone.
• You said that you were unsure which library areas were for silent study and which were for group work.
  We've made Kedleston Road's library zoning system clearer by the use of traffic light colours and clear notices. Carpets have been redone and the stairwell painted to reinforce which Zone you're moving to. Similar zoning is being put into place at the Britannia Mill and Devonshire libraries.
• You said you wanted longer opening hours for the library.
  We've extended opening hours over Christmas, Easter, the summer vacation and are now open earlier in the morning at Derby and Buxton. At Buxton we've also extended late night opening around key assignment hand in times.
• You said that required books weren't always available.
  We've maintained funding to purchase books and e-books. We're also working with academic staff to make dynamic reading lists available so you'll start to see links to your module reading lists on Course Resources. We have worked with lecturers to put books on short and restricted loan in order to increase availability at busy times.
• You said that there wasn't enough group study space at Britannia Mill, and that noise could be disruptive.
  The library is being refurbished to provide a more flexible study environment with clearly defined group study and quite study areas.
• You said that signage to find the Devonshire Library isn't very clear on campus.
  We've put up a new sign, in the form of a cloud tag, next to the entrance to increase visibility.