What Students Want – Needs and Expectations Professor Shirley Pearce Vice-Chancellor Thursday 12 th May 2011
The Context: Unparalleled change and uncertainty for universities AND students Reductions in HEFCE T income…..exactly how much will this be? Increases in tuition fees………what will this do to demand and expectations? Do not yet understand what will drive students decisions and their willingness to pay. New market place - modes of delivery, diversity, private providers. And at the same time we must deliver excellent research and enterprise We must manage the expectations of all our stakeholders
What do our students say they value? A high quality learning and teaching environment Curriculum profile – attractive and relevant programmes Employability – explicit links between their courses and employability…….placements Rewarding Employability Skills….employability award Careers Guidance – well co-ordinated activities and information on opportunities Professional support for student enterprise initiatives
What do our students say they value? Excellent physical resources for learning (library, teaching rooms, access to IT etc) and easy access Staff available and regular contact Feedback and discussion Excellent recreational resources A friendly campus environment
How to develop a great student experience? All institutions are different and provide different kinds of student experience At Loughborough we believe we must: Maintain the mutual respect between students and staff Recognise the value of the Students Union to the student experience (eg Our Lufbra) Continue the excellent partnership between the University and Students Union Enable academic departments to listen to student views Deliver the responsive support services which students really value
How to develop a great student experience? Enrich student learning by providing opportunities linked to academics research/enterprise connections Look for even more ways to improve employability of students Quality Assurance procedures Good induction and transition programmes for students Keep students in touch with us when they leave to build on the fondness for their institution and friendships they have made
Implications of rising student expectations: Information and engagement will become key Better information required on what differentiates your institution Promotional statements need to be supported by evidence KIS good start Student Charter – focus on mutual expectations and partnership in learning Address the contact and feedback questions Keep the student experience at the centre of our minds At Loughborough we are committed to continual improvement. No room for complacency
A Great Student Experience One university seems to have the edge when it comes to an excellent all-round experience. Top of the poll – for the fifth year in a row – is Loughborough University... Times Higher Education 17 th February 2011
Students are at the core of a successful university