Student voice improvements

• In response to student feedback, opening hours at the Kedleston Road Library have been extended to provide greater access throughout the week. Continued investment in the digital library means most resources are now available online at any time and can be accessed via Library Search or resource lists.
• Library support has been expanded across Derby campus. Library staff are now based in the Library Space at the Cavendish Building to help with enquiries, bookings and reservations.
• Access to resources has been improved through an enhanced reservation service, allowing students to request items from across the full loanable library collection. Reserved items can be collected and returned at multiple locations, including the Cavendish Building, Britannia Mill and St Helena, Chesterfield, making it easier for students to access resources locally. 
• Issuable power banks are also available, giving students greater flexibility when studying in spaces without fixed power points.
• Skills development support has been strengthened through expanded in-person sessions across Derby sites and Chesterfield, alongside the launch of a refreshed Develop@Derby website. Further investment in SAGE Student Success and streamlined Resource List processes has improved access to academic support and learning materials.

Safety

A free safety app called SafeZone, which is available to all students, has been implemented. The mobile app can be used to alert the University Security if you ever need urgent assistance or first aid while on campus.

Catering

• In response to feedback calling for greater diversity in campus food, the Student Takeover programme was introduced in partnership with Aramark UK. This initiative has given students the opportunity to help design and prepare menus inspired by global cuisines and cultural heritage.
• Menus across campus now change more frequently, with themed days and a wider variety of food choices available throughout the year.
• To offer more convenience, two self-serve tills have been introduced at Kedleston Road, alongside a Pranzo ordering kiosk that mirrors the high-street restaurant experience.
• Popular home comfort dishes returned in September following positive feedback from students and staff.
• On the first Tuesday of every month, a pop-up street food vendor now visits outside the main entrance at Kedleston Road, offering food from different cultures each month.
• Student employment opportunities have also increased, with a group of students now employed across Kedleston Road and the Cavendish Building. Hospitality students have gained valuable work experience supporting large-scale university events, including a charity dinner.

Sustainability enhancements

• The Sustainable Travel Hub has been designed to encourage greater access to sustainable modes of travel. It includes a new secure cycle storage space, further electric vehicle charging spaces, landscaping and way-finding signage.

Campus facilities

• The Doctoral College has opened on the Upper Ground Floor of the Library, and the space comprises of extensive social, networking, and casual working areas. It has facilities for individual and group working, supervision meetings, a Viva Voce Examination room, bookable meeting rooms, as well as kitchen facilities, providing a dedicated space to support PGR Students and a home for a vibrant research community. 
• In response to student feedback, a social study space has been created on the lower ground floor of Britannia Mill and a quiet study area with small group rooms on the second floor. 

• As a result of student feedback, the digital learning environment has continued to be enhanced. A new-look Blackboard has been introduced, offering a simplified, mobile-friendly user experience that supports connectivity, collaboration and inclusion.
• Investments have continued to be made in LinkedIn Learning, which offers University of Derby students free access to over 24,000 industry-led courses to support skills development and employability.
• Support for digital skills and AI literacy has been expanded through Develop@Derby. This includes a wide range of new Blackboard and digital learning guides covering tools such as Microsoft Copilot and AI-Powered Coaching.

• The Student Hubs have been established to provide a one-stop shop service for students requiring guidance from a variety of university services.
• The Student Hub at One Friar Gate Square has recently been refreshed to enhance the service offered to students at the city-based sites and halls of residence.

• A communications review has been launched across Student Services improving clarity, consistency and compassion throughout the student journey.
• Access to support has been made simpler, with online booking for all Student Life appointments and workshops, a fully online Discretionary Support Fund application, and redeveloped Student Support webpages to help students understand the support and services available.
• Support for disabled students has been strengthened through a new Disabled Student Empowerment Programme and earlier access to Disability Services via a bespoke pre-entry process. Changes introduced have increased early access to DSA-funded support and improved the accessibility of campus information, including the introduction of an Accessible Toilet Checklist.

• Programme induction sessions have been introduced to highlight the Careers and Employment Service and opportunities for students to develop their careers. 
• To support students with their career planning, tailored communications have been initiated throughout the student journey, including new digital event guides which are shared with students before each Careers Fair. 
• At Careers Fairs, there is now a ‘quiet hour’ at the start of the event. This is for students who want to attend the event in a less busy environment.
• In response to student feedback, the Careers and Employment Service and alumni have been working with programme leaders to increase workshops with guest lecturers and links to industry.