IMPROVING YOUR
EDUCATION: Our plan 2015-18
Our vision for Northumbria
Welcome
We believe Northumbria should be a vibrant and innovative University, shaped by students in partnership with staff, where all are given the support and learning opportunities to grow academically, personally and professionally.
From Joe Holt
Northumbria students are passionate about their education, so we are passionate about improving it. We work to enhance the Northumbria experience for students through lobbying, campaigning and empowering course, faculty, postgraduate and equality reps. Based on consultation with over 1,000 students, this document sets out our vision and priorities for the next three years. It highlights areas which we believe can improve, and sets out some of the work we will do to achieve this. We hope you agree with the vision it sets out, and that students, staff and University managers can unite to make Northumbria the best learning and teaching institution it can be.
Key themes
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Vice-President Academic Affairs 2014-2015
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Outstanding teaching Better inductions Finance and resources Support and community Flexible learning Practical learning
1.
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Outstanding teaching It’s the top priority for Northumbria students, so it’s the top priority for us. We come to Northumbria to learn and we want the best teaching available.
WE WILL WORK FOR: • Guaranteed drop-in hours with lecturing staff and supervisors
Each year we celebrate outstanding teaching in our Student Led Teaching Awards. We’ll look at what more can be done, from developing the role of students in recruiting and training teaching staff, to enhancing opportunities to feed back on the quality of teaching. We’ll share what we know about the outstanding teaching that already happens, and we’ll challenge the University to provide better access to teaching staff and meaningful feedback on work submitted for assessment.
• Group feedback sessions after assignments, as well as individual feedback • • Better opportunities to feedback on the quality of teaching students receive • Best practice in teaching to be better spread across the University
2.
Better inductions The first few weeks at Northumbria are crucial to students settling in, adapting to a University environment, and understanding what to expect while they’re here. From distance learners to students with non-traditional qualifications, we’ve heard that a one size fits all approach to early teaching simply will not work, and from students right across the board we know that the information given on course and support services could be clearer, more student-friendly, and more accurate.
WE WILL WORK FOR: • A more consistent approach to providing accurate course information before arrival • Early teaching to be adapted according to the needs and prior learning of new students • The development of an ethos where students and staff are valued as equal partners in a dialogue about how they can best learn and shape their experiences • Improved inductions on University support services, in particular for distance learners and students joining after the first year of their programme
3.
: Finance and Resources Successive government reforms and developments in the economy and cost of living have placed a huge financial burden upon students across the UK. Students paying huge fees should benefit from the best available resources, and the University should do all it can to ensure that unnecessary and unfair additional costs do not exacerbate the financial difficulties faced by most students.
WE WILL WORK FOR: • Better availability of core texts within the library • The removal of remaining hidden course costs • Better online access to e-books and journals • A fair and transparent process for postgraduate scholarships
4.
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Support and Community Students want to be welcomed and made to feel part of a Northumbria learning community.
WE WILL WORK FOR:
While many University support services do outstanding work, there is still inconsistency in support processes across the University, and some students are at a clear disadvantage. We must also do more to ensure that the University is an inclusive environment where all students can feel they belong within Northumbria.
• Better links to alumni, and employability-focused networking
• A University-wide system of guidance tutors
• Better integration of international students within the Northumbria community • A review of the Personal Extenuating Circumstances process that ensures students facing difficulties are not subjected to unnecessary and painful barriers in seeking University help
5.
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Flexible Learning With such diversity across Northumbria, it’s important that different working patterns and learning styles are accommodated. With technology-enabled learning developing at pace, there are exciting opportunities to be more flexible and creative, and further work around timetabling and 24 hour access to resources could make the University more responsive to the individual needs of its students.
WE WILL WORK TO: • Better understand and advocate for the timetabling needs of students – including the removal of clustering in assessment deadlines • Secure a broader range of module choices where they are limited • Improve the quality of resources provided to students in advance of lectures • Increase 24 hour access to buildings and learning resources
6.
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Practical Learning We believe the best learning comes from a combination of theory and practice. The practical component of this should include opportunities for meaningful research at all levels of study, as well as chances to work in groups and in settings beyond the classroom. By making practical experience a key part of the learning process, we believe students will be more skilled, more confident and ultimately more employable.
WE WILL WORK TO: • Secure the option for students on any undergraduate degree to have a placement year • Embed volunteering within the curriculum • Clarify opportunities for students to collaborate and provide peer support in their learning • Develop a support system for when dissertation and research supervisors are on leave
Help us make this happen Become an NSU rep
Recognise Great teaching
We need reps to speak up for students and the things that will improve their courses and University.
Each year our Student Led Teaching Awards celebrate outstanding contributions from Northumbria staff. Look out for nomination forms and promotional details in February and March, and make sure you take the opportunity to nominate someone who’s made a real difference to your education.
Each year over 1,000 students serve as course, faculty and equality reps. They voice student needs across campus, in the wider community, and on the national stage. They listen to students, liaise with University staff and other decision-makers, and when appropriate they campaign to create pressure for change. If you’re interested in taking on one of these roles, please email su.coursereps@northumbria.ac.uk.
Interested in leading the teaching awards? They’re run by a student committee and you could be part of it. Email su.coursereps@northumbria.ac.uk to find out more.
‘A positive impact on the lives of all our students’