You said: It was hard to remember how and where to access all the services and support available from the University...
We did: We created a Welcome File for all UPC students that provides a one stop shop for all this information.
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You said: It was difficult to manage two email addresses relating to our Higher Education studies...
We did: Students can now change University email passwords with local assistance and guidance has also been provided to allow University email to be forwarded to College accounts.
You said: You wanted team-building activities to build relationships...
We did: We introduced welcome back meetings/social outgoings. We have been awarded monies from a grant and have developed a stage 1 field trip for 2011, in addition to a Stage 3 Gambia trip.
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You said: We needed more variety of assessments...
We did: We have listened over the last 2 years and now have a greater range of assessments, eg, poster presentation, group work, work-based learning projects and portfolios.
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You said: We wanted better information and preparation for placements...
We did: We have set an electronic system in place called ARC/POPPI.
You said: You didn't understand your lecturer's feedback...
We did: We helped you translate it into achievable goals.
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You said: You felt your opinion didn't count for anything...
We did: we helped you see how your well-informed, well-substantiated opinion counted for nearly everything.
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You said: You wanted more support in our programmes...
We did: We introduced a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme in selected programmes to provide regular discipline-specific group sessions.
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You said: You wanted more flexibility and availability for Learning Development one-to-one tutorials...
We did: We started the Drop-In Zone in the library where someone is available to offer guidance two hours daily.
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You said: You didn't understand the assignment brief...
We did: We worked with you and your lecturers to rewrite it.
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You said: You were worried that dyslexia might hold you back...
We did: We showed you tools that help you systematise creative thinking.
Music
You said: You wanted more open and frank discussion time outside of formal teaching on modules...
We did: We now hold 3 ‘Clinics’ per year group per term (2 tutors), optional attendance, no topic off-piste.
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You said: As Music students you wanted more opportunities to perform in public...
We did: We placed students in a range of residences with local businesses.
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You said: You wanted more financial support for away day workshops/music conferences etc...
We did: We ensured that the proceeds of a gift to the subject are used to support such things via a committee including student membership.
Theatre and Performance (including Dance Theatre)
You said: You needed more support in preparation for a career in performance...
We did: We founded an 'employees' forum', bringing together performing arts in the area with students.
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You said: You felt that at times during the year your focus was split between different performance outcomes...
We did: We have timetabled modules with major performance outcomes to allow students to work in intensive blocks leading up to the final production, facilitating a focus entirely on your rehearsal and performance.
You said: You wanted more learning facilities...
We did: We gave you more access to photocopying and computers in 2011. We gave you access to specialist business and language resources and library.
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You said: You wanted more choice in your study...
We did: We provided the option to study Mandarin, French, Spanish or German with us, and we pay for it.
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You said: You wanted to meet staff and make friends in your 1st Year...
We did: We give you a welcome party every year on the Hoe.
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You said: You wanted more say...
We did: We have trained your course representatives.
You said: You wanted more career information / opportunity for volunteering...
We did: We gave you the Law Fair in 2010/11 and CJS for professional networking. The Law and CJS careers event was re-introduced. Coming soon - a Law clinic in the community to provide community access and volunteering opportunity for students.
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You said: You wanted better feedback...
We did: We brought in national experts to talk to you and improve our practice.
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You said: You wanted professional speakers...
We did: This happens every year across our Law and CJS programmes.
You said: Not enough of the core texts in the library...
We did: All first-year students in 2011/12 will receive free electronic access to twelve first year textbooks, worth over £500. We have increased purchasing of electronic books and increased use of electronic offprints of chapters in module sites.
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You said: Handing in and collecting coursework can be a frustrating experience at busy times...
We did: We are introducing a system of online submission and return of coursework - a pilot with one module last year found that feedback was available faster than for paper-based submissions.
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You said: Some of the deadlines for second year coursework are too close together...
We did: We have reviewed the course to spread the coursework load out more evenly.
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You said: It would be great to have more support with our academic skills in our second year, as you can feel quite anxious as you move on from the first year...
We did: We have introduced a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme, where final year students work with groups of second years to help them with any problems that they encounter and to give the benefit of their experience.
You said: You would like Student Reception opening hours to be extended.
We did: We extended the Student Reception opening hours so that your enquiries can be answered from 8.30– 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30– 4.30 every Friday.
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You said: You would like to be able to hand in coursework 24/7.
We did: We opened an out-of-hours facility in the library whereby coursework can be left in a secure drop box*.
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You said: You would like your coursework hand-in and coursework return times to be more flexible.
We did: We extended the opening hours of the coursework hand-in and coursework return office so that your coursework can now be handed in or collected from 8.30– 5pm, Monday to Thursday and from 8.30– 4.30pm every Friday.
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* This scheme is being piloted by the Faculty on a temporary basis, and if successful will be made permanent.
You said: You wanted more programme choice, eg, international tourism and international hospitality from 2011/12...
We did: We added international fieldwork at every stage form 2010/11.
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You said: You wanted more industry speakers...
We did: We gave you speakers from airlines, ferries, cruise and hotels to enhance your experience.