Students as partners projects

Student-staff partnership case studies

There are a number of successful initiatives at Plymouth University which have involved students and staff working together in partnership to deliver a range of exciting projects, some of which are detailed below and opposite.

Plymouth University re-branding project

The new 'with Plymouth University’ brand is a revolutionary concept in the higher education sector, and one that captures the institution’s pioneering spirit, its collaborative approach to working, and its forward-thinking community.

For more information on this project:
The branding journey of Plymouth University

(PDF)

The Nursing Challenge

The Nursing Challenge is a 'Dragon's Den' style competition for Nursing students to develop innovative solutions to address problems or issues faced every day by nurses. Our students are the healthcare workforce of the future and the Nursing Challenge provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate their commitment to innovation in nursing practice and their enterprise.

To find out more please visit the Nursing Challenge Website.

The Howard League and CrimSoc

Both are working in partnership with Choices, which is a prison charity working with the families and children of offenders in Channings Wood, Exeter and Dartmoor prisons. The project aims to raise consciousness in schools and in the community about Choices and the issues children of prisoners are facing.

About 30 students have signed up to participate in the project. The project will include the development of a website, producing a video, conducting a survey of children and families, creating posters and leaflets and general fundraising.

Choices Website

Student Partnership Projects

Plymouth University has recently launched a Student Partnership Projects scheme, whereby the University invited bids for funding for specific projects led by partnerships of staff and students that will have a positive impact on University life. These range from a subject-level project to a university-wide project, some are already completed, whereas others are on-going projects.

There was an end of term Showcase on 29th May in Babbage which was open to all staff and students.

SSTAR Awards

Students and staff recognising and rewarding great teaching, support and student representation at Plymouth University.

Drake’s Place Audio Trail

Theatre and Performance students are working with staff to develop an audio trail (downloadable to MP3 players) for historic Drake’s Place Reservoir and Gardens. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the University aims to revitalise Drake’s Place as a welcoming, vibrant green space for the whole community to enjoy, with opportunities for learning, training and volunteering as well as leisure.

View a presentation about the project (Powerpoint slides)

Law Clinic

This will be student-led, appropriately supervised, and aim to build partnerships with a variety of organisations.

‘What Just Happened?’

The idea is to provide financial support for the families of students who have been taken into hospital unexpectedly.

Adopt a Staff Member

This is a project to promote partnerships between students and staff. Adopted staff will have regular meetings with students in order to share experiences, enabling staff to learn more about student life.

Campus planting of trees, herbs & flowers

Students and staff at the University are working together to enhance the green spaces around the campus. Various planting projects are underway to develop a more attractive environment for students and staff to enjoy.

Extend and develop the pilot version of the Languages Café in the Cultural Café

The purpose of the Languages Cafe is to provide students, staff and interested others with an opportunity to practise their target languages with native speakers and with each other in an informal and friendly setting that facilitates inclusion and integration. The Languages Cafe supports Plymouth University's Internationalisation strategy which promotes greater cultural awareness of students and staff.

PALS@Plymouth

A pilot scheme run by Learning Development in the Teaching &Learning Directorate in association with specific academic programmes.

Re-designed Business Ideas Challenge

Real student input to the shaping and marketing of the competition, helping to ensure student ownership and engagement now, and in the future.

150th anniversary sculptures/murals

Art students to create sculptures/murals to incorporate the 150 year anniversary and the history of Plymouth.

Library services

To employ students to deliver a range of short-term 24/7 library service initiatives
Improve library services for placement students

150th Anniversary celebrations

The Student Partnership Project

Proposes to work collaboratively with students, staff and members of the public to take Plymouth University’s sustainability agenda forward. The partnership will do this by displaying innovative and engaging images of the carbon footprint of buildings around campus and opening dialogue with people around carbon usage.

nEW ELEment within peninsula arts

This new addition to the shop gives the opportunity for Peninsula Arts to collaborate with students, giving them the ability to showcase and market their artwork permanently. The proposal aligns with the university’s agenda of spirited, enterprising and empowering students and staff with an innovative learning experience.

Bill with the Art Students Shop Refit project.jpg