It’s that time of year again. The National Student Survey (NSS) will launch on 30 January and again offers final-year students the chance to critique their time at university.
From the quality of teaching and feedback to the learning resources available, the survey will cover all aspects of the student experience.
Responses will then be used to help Schools and the University improve that experience, while the results will go on to have a significant impact on national league tables and prospective student choices.
Following year-on-year improvement since the survey began eight years ago, Nottingham has seen its overall satisfaction score rise to 87%. However, with targets to attain a score of 90% and a top 20 place in each question area by 2015, the University is aware that more needs to be done to improve student satisfaction.
The University has listened to previous NSS responses to make changes, including the refurbishment of Hallward Library, a new system of teaching which guarantees prompt feedback on all assignments, and upgraded sports facilities across all three campuses.
These and more changes have been publicised through the Proud to be Nottingham campaign, and Schools are encouraged to do all they can to highlight the improvements made as a result of past surveys.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Saul Tendler, said: “The significance that the NSS has on the standing and reputation of each and every School will only continue to rise in parallel with the expectations of our students.
“It is therefore imperative that School staff do all they can to promote the survey, while being mindful not to directly influence students’ responses. It is only with honest feedback, that Nottingham can maintain its place as one of the UK’s leading universities.”
To find out more about the NSS and what your School can do, visit: www.thestudentsurvey.com or email: studentcommsoffice@nottingham.ac.uk. Alternatively, see what improvements have been made across the University at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/proudtobe.