BETTER PORTSMOUTH SURVEY
BETTER YOU!
TOP 5 SERVICES
We asked: In order of preference, what services would you like the Union to offer to benefit you?
1. Part time jobs advertising 2. 2nd Hand book shop 3. Computer repair service 4. More student events and nights out 5. Student focussed trips and holidays Followed closely by: 6.Find a housemate or housing service, 7.Cycle hire/repair centre, 8.Smoothie bar, 9.Travel centre, 10. Hair dressers, nail bar, beauty salon Additional comments: Representation, Laptop lockers for general use, Ideas of what there is to see and do in Portsmouth, Car Pool, University Supermarket, More outdoor seating on campus, work experience office & Charity clothes shop - for fancy dress outfits etc!
OVERWHELMINGLY OUR STUDENTS HAVE A NEED FOR VOLUNTEERING PROJECTS THAT DIRECTLY RELATE TO THEIR COURSE AND/OR THEIR FUTURE CAREER PATH!
VOLUNTEERING PROJECTS
WE ASKED: What volunteering projects are you most interested in? Student Experience Projects 53.1% Volunteering abroad 44.4% Environmental Projects 30.5% Volunteering with children 29.3% Local Community Projects 26.7% I’m not interested in volunteering 13.8% Volunteering with OAPs 10.9% Portsmouth Students would like UPSU to run volunteering projects in: Encouraging greater participation in sports for all ages, Politics & Campaigning, More medical/ health service related places, Learning new skills that may not be directly related to our course, Teaching workshops, Ex-offenders, Arts and crafts, Marketing, Drama workshops/performing arts, Management projects are required for experiencing a practical view of the jobs a student would be looking for in the future, Course specific areas, Animal projects, Improving Portsmouth & Community safety.
RAISING THE PROFILE OF RAG
There are two routes to raising the profile; awareness of the activities rag undertake and how students can fund raise. This question was open to any response and these are the headlines: AWARENESS RAG need to increase their marketing, but feedback suggests posters are not enough. The feedback identifies the best route of marketing is to go direct into lectures and face to face promotion on the streets of Portsmouth. FUNDRAISING Ultimately students want to be involved in events whether that’s teamed up with nightclubs or self-contained big and small events these are what ultimately are how RAG will help increase funds.
“Explicity explain how we can get involved and tell us details of events as we hear about RAG but sometimes feel we are not totally sure what it is or how we can get involved.”
UNION SHOP RECOMMENDATIONS
We asked: What products, services and facilities would you like to see in the Union Shop? TOP 4 PRODUCTS
1. Stationary 2. Wider range of T-Shirts and Hoodies 3. Event tickets 4. Jogging bottoms
TOP 4 SERVICES
1. 2nd Hand book store 2. Custom clothing printing 3. Travel centre 4. Computer repair facilitiy
TOP 4 FACILITIES
1. Bicycle hire and repair service 2. Post Office facility 3. Binding 4. Printer credits
There was a large amount of feedback from the survey that suggested they were happy with the Union Shop as it was however longer opening hours was highlighted as an issue by several students. A wide range of products were highlighted as potential additions to the range already stocked including; Gift Vouchers, formal shirts and polo shirts. Customer services highlighted on a few student’s agenda’s noting they’d like a ‘service with a smile’ along with better display of products. When looking at ordering and paying for products through the Union Shop students surveyed provided feedback that their was a need for a better website and they’d like to be able to charge products to societies accounts. The latter is a facility we can and do offer however it obviously needs highlighting to students.
IMPROVING THE PART-TIME, MATURE AND POST GRADUATE STUDENT EXPERIENCE The feedback from this section is formed from qualitative feedback comments. Several students commented they were happy with the union’s efforts however Below are the headline items from the students who provided feedback. •
Directly invite these students to an introduction or tour in Freshers Week.
•
Advertise events further in advance
•
Run evening classes in languages run by students
•
Increase awareness of the Union services
•
Increase digital communication
•
Increase access opportunities to Sabbs
•
Post graduate study areas in the Library
... “Better food, better portions”
•
International student nights
•
Increase events for these students
...” get rid of all the expensive coffee shops throughout uni. They are all a total rip off! The high street do much better deals it is ridiculous”
•
Set up more seating areas
CATERING COMMENTS
WHAT OUR STUDENT’S HAVE SAID ABOUT UNiVERSITY CATERING... ... “More nutritious food - every student can make chicken nuggets and chips at home!”
...” Better food, the union food is very unhealthy, needs more options for food, and freshly made”
90%
of Portsmouth students say our information is clear and easy to understand.
“I do feel it is clear but there is no drive for me to read it. Union needs to become more open and a hub of the University for students.�
STUDENT CENTRE WE ASKED: Which of the following Student Centre services have you used?
Waterhole Bar 91.3% Union Shop 73.3% 3rd Space 64.6% Printing, Copying Binding 34.7% Cafe Coco 26.7% Academic Support 23.8% Activities Computer Suite 16.4% Ikon Sports Office 14.8% Welfare Support 5.8% None 1.0%
TOP 5 MOST IMPORTANT AREAS IN LIFE
1. Social Life 2. Money and Debt 3. Finance 4. Staying Fit 5. Reducing Stress Followed closely by: 6. Healthy Eating, 7. Housing, 8. Personal Development, 9. Personal Safety, 10. The Environment, 11. Sexual Health, 12. Crime. Additional comments: Representation, Sports, Education, Career Advice, Employment, Family & Friends.
ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS Our students feel the environment and ethics are important, more so towards the environmental aspect but generally from a passive perspective. Waste (both produce and power wastage) and recycling is top priority for University of Portsmouth students who completed this survey.
GET YOUR VOICE HEARD! WE ASKED: To get your voice heard, which of the following methods do you prefer?
1. Online suggestion boxes 2. Direct contact with staff 3. Course reps 4. Open forums 5. Student council
6. Contact with elected officers 7. Referendums 8. General Meetings 9. Activities Council 10. Social Networks
BETTER PORTSMOUTH SURVEY
BETTER UNIVERSITY!
COURSE REPRESENTATION WE ASKED: How could your Course Rep better represent you?
34% 31% 22% 07% 06%
OF STUDENTS DON’T KNOW THEIR COURSE REP OF STUDENTS WANT THEIR REP TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON MEETINGS OF STUDENTS WANT THEIR REP TO ORGANISE SOCIAL EVENTS OF STUDENTS Surveyed were theIr own course rep OF STUDENTS want their course rep to talk to them more
STUDY SPACES WE ASKED: Are the study spaces adequate for your needs?
60% agreed they were adequate
78%
however 40% of students indicated they were not
TOP 5 AREAS THAT SUPPORT UNIVERSITY LIFE 1. Teaching 2. Library 3. Feedback 4. Personal Tutors 5. IT Facilities
of students said electronic hand-ins would improve their
university life
A to Z OF WHAT PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY...
---A---
Accessibility of the University communications to students that don’t read Pugwash.
---B---
Bus service expanded to cover Southsea areas as part of the regular University buss service.
---C---
Complaints system made easier for those with problems with a unit or lecturers.
---D---
Domination of the union from sports teams that don’t actually play sports just drink and bring the reputation of the university down.
---E---
Enforcing rules on staff better, for example 20 days to return work.
---F---
Fairer marking of coursework across
all departments and faculties.
---G---
Greater presence of Union representatives in the daily lives of students.
---H---
Help bring in email and electronic submission for coursework
---M---
More campus events involving all students like the Freshers’ Fayre.
---N---
New facilities to meet the needs of all students.
---O---
Open, barrier free meetings where ---I--course reps are alIncrease the amount lowed to speak canof computers and facilities available across didly about issues. campus. ---P--Plug sockets avail---J--able for laptops in the Just bring back the library and student nightclub instead of spaces. 3rd Space.
---K---
Knowledge of what the real issues students face are increased and allow for additional student input.
---L---
Library open 24 hours a day all year round not just during exam periods.
---Q---
Quicker production of University timetables.
---R---
Reading lists made available in the Summer to allow students to make better time of the break.
---S---
Surgery service im-
proved - one student complained of a misdiagnosed kidney infection of 3 months
---T---
Transparency from the University in where fees go. For example an architecture student recieves just 3 hours of lectures a week.
---U---
Union to tell students more about what it’s doing and what it has done.
---V---
Voices of students to be heard by Union reps and the University.
---W---
Waterhole bar expanded to improve the social experience
---Y---
Younger students are focussed on too much
- - - 123 - - -
3rd Space closed and lux opened
91%
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS
SAID THEIR UNIVERSITY
EXPERIENCE WAS NOT WORTH THE TUTION FEE
RATE OF £8500
MAKING CHANGES TO A COURSE WE ASKED: Who would you talk to about making changes to your course? Personal tutor 41.9% Course rep 17.3% Unit feedback 14.4% I wouldn’t 7.4% Other 6.0% Elected officer 2.5%
WHAT DO OTHER UNIVERSITIES DO? 24 Hour library smart phone application Students’ Union nightclub online lectures End of year summer ball
free university gyms
more security in halls
free night bus
classic dance classes bigger & better union facilities electronic hand-ins
Self service library issuing
podcasts of lectures RAG EVENTS Exam timetables earlier battle of the bands Competition better sports facilities
cross campus discount cards
career support workshops better accomodation more social opportunities inspirational talks online submission of coursework personal printing for clothing
Better business links
EMPLOYABILITY We asked: What skills would you like to improve to become more employable? CONFIDENCE communication skills computer skills Interview skills leadership skills languages work experience
presentation skills short course qualifications teaching writing styles PUBLIC SPEAKING Time management CV Writing
BEST THING ABOUT PORTSMOUTH Academic support atmosphere Being a city campus Being by the sea
“I like the fact the business school is big, so there is a wide scope of expertise among the lecturers.”
being sunny
good teaching,
My lecturers
“our lecturers are experts in their field”
Fieldtrips
My personal tutor
free bus sErvice
The SU is very good
FREE POOL MONDAYS!
Nightlife
Friendly staff
organised events
Friends and sports clubs
People
Geography Dept
Quality of staf
aspects of Purple Door
Social life
great night life! Business school Campus location
sports
“I do feel that the University has a brilliant feel to it, and I have been fortunate enough to get involved with the Union... I just wish more students would take the initiative to do so, because it’s been a brilliant experience as a Fresher.”
Teacher feedback
central to everything
learning environment
The Athletic Union
good level of support
the common
tutors ARE approachable
the coursE
Can walk everywhere close to isle of wight Community spirit Dodgeball Environment and support. Excellent facilities
staff are very good . Standard of teaching The academic facilitIEs the area and social life. good sports clubs
“the opportunity to be part of a sports team, and the opportunities to travel, and compete abroad and around the country.”
good courses
the library is big
the friends i have made!
“It really is an amazing place, all sports facilites and groups and outing are well organised they are fun. Ive made loads of friends. I know exactly what to do and where to go to if i need help for anyting.”
Sports(AU) services
The job center
inclusive of everyone
The layout of the Uni,
Infrastructure
The Lecturers are nicE
Its beautiful here
The lifestyle by the sea
Its just the best place
The opportunity of choiCe
It’s a lot more relaxed
The people
It’s very friendly
THE STUDENTS!!!!
quality of services
The Union
student orientation
The university experience
Library
university halls
Location
waterhole bar!!
student life
BETTER PORTSMOUTH SURVEY
BETTER UNION!
UPSU COMMUNICATIONS We asked: HOW DO YOU PREFER TO FIND OUT ABOUT UPSU SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES?
Facebook 81.5% p 0.5% on Nov 2011 Email 54.2% q 26% on Nov 2011 Pugwash News 41.9% Posters 40.0% p 11% on Nov 2011 UPSU.net 36.9% p 5% on Nov 2011 Plasma Screens 36.2% p 4.9% on Nov 2011 Word of Mouth 25.0% Twitter 23.1% p 10.2% on Nov 2011 Flyers 18.8% q 10.4% on Nov 2011 Banners 18.5% Pugwash Magazine 15.0% Face to Face 10.0% q 13.7% on Nov 2011 Pure FM 08.1% Text Message 07.3% q 20% on Nov 2011
78% OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS diD NOT KNOW THE UNION AND UNIVERSITY OFFER
92%
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS SAID UNION STAFF WERE HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY
UNION SUPPORT
We asked: Do you feel the Union supports the activities you wish to participate in?
49% of Students said the Union did support their activities, with just 11% saying the Union did not support the activites they participate in. Those who said they do not participate in an activity still suggested they felt the union supported the activities
WHY THEY WEREN’T INVOLVED WE ASKED: IF YOU ARE NOT INVOLVED WITH ANY ACTIVITES, WHAT HELD YOU BACK?
64.1% : MONEY 58.1% : TIME 31.1% : COURSE 18.6% : PERSONAL 14.4% : Distance 05.4% : COMMITTEE Additional comments: I wouldn’t join Surf Club again if I could because the trips are so exclusive. Their are only places for a tiny fraction of the hundreds of members and half of them are reserved for the team and their friends. Initiations put one student off. THE WAY THE FOOTBALL TEAM IS PICKED. With sports teams - the emphasis on drinking culture. Quote one hockey boy “If you’re not tee total you have to get hammered!” A COUPLE OF STUDENTS NOTED INJURIES AS BEING A LEAD REASON THEY DID NOT JOIN THE ACTIVITY Being a mature student and everything being geared up for younger students.
Best way for part time officers to represent portsmouth students 38.6%
Awareness and educational campaigns
38.2%
Meet university staff
27.6%
working with the national union of students
45.5%
organising social and cultural events
22.8%
Making decisions for the union
39.0%
forming groups, committees and societies
89%
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS SAID the Union HAS made a positive impact to THEIR LIFE life as a Student while studying at the University of Portsmouth.
p 2% on Nov 2011
93%
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS would recommend the students’ union to a friend
I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO UNIVERSITY...
[We had 179 responses to this question below is a sample of what was said] ... “Exactly how and what the students union ran. I only got to know about it halfway through my second year as I was president of a society.”
... “How to budget more effectively!”
... “How crafty landlords could be and what to keep on guard about in terms of contract agreements and certain things they come back on you with (such as deposit agreements, cleaning etc)”
... “It’s even larger and more diverse than
you think so get stuck in, get involved and enjoy it”
... “How difficult it is to live with your friends.”
... “Social oppurtunities and specific nights out to plan around my course”
... “How difficult it is to manage your money.” ... “How difficult it would be to fit in all the work with my jobs and family.” ... “How expensive it would be” ... “How good it would be!” ... “How hard it would be living away from home” ... “How important it is to get involved with societies early on, as they form the majority of your friends, though I joined a few in second year so I haven’t missed out too much.” ... “How little amount the student loan is” ... “How many things there would be to participate in..from clubs, sports, societies to fundraising and volunteering..i wasn’t prepared for the level of opportunity there would be and a result have not ended up getting involved in enough stuff in my first year.” ... “How friendly everyone is.”
... “How to cook well”
... “Societies and clubs are run by students” ... “That the union would have been a key part of the student experience without having been related to my course in any way.” ... “That 3 years will fly past and to make the most of it! and maybe work harder in the 2nd year to take of stress from the third!” ... “That all my cutlery would go missing” ... “That getting a job is probably a good idea!” ... “That if I do struggle at times there are people to talk to and can help resolve issues, in my case it was housing/flatmates.” ... “that it is only very a short time and you need to literally cram in as much as possible.”
... “How much support is available so I was less stressed.”
... “that lux was closing! and that the uni is too big for the town!!! Not enough space - library etc.”
... “How much you are expected to learn yourself”
... “that no matter how hard it can be at uni, lecturers are always willing to help out.”
... “How to be good at revising!”
TOP 5 MOST IMPORTANT SERVICES 1. Societies 2. Academic Support 3. Sports Clubs 4. Welfare Support 5. Academic Representation Followed closely by: 6. Union and Online Shop, 7. Volunteering Opportunities, 8. Student Media, 9. RAG, 10. Diversity activities
AWARENESS OF UNION ACTIVITIES
80% 50% 50% Over
Over
UNDER
of respondants were aware UPSU runs:
of respondants were aware UPSU runs:
of respondants were aware UPSU runs:
Freshers’ Fayre
Pugwash Magazine
UPSU TV
Refreshers’ Fayre
Elections
Campaigns
Societies
Pure FM
Teaching Awards
Graduation Ball
Course Reps
Scheme
Purple Wednesday
Volunteering
One World Week
Pugwash News
Varsity
Carnival
Sports Clubs
RAG FUNDRAISING
Activities Awards
SABBATICAL OFFICERS
62% 55% 43%
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS MATCHED AAKASH WITH HIS JOB ROLE OF PRESIDENT
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS MATCHED LAUREN WITH HER JOB ROLE OF VP SPORTS
q 11% on Nov 2011 p 7% on Nov 2011
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS MATCHED MATT WITH HIS JOB ROLE OF VP SOCIETIES
p 9% on Nov 2011
47% 44% 39%
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS MATCHED SAM WITH HER JOB ROLE OF VP ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS MATCHED Amy WITH HER JOB ROLE OF VP WELFARE AND VOLUNTEERING
p 11% on Nov 2011 p 3% on Nov 2011
OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS MATCHED LAURA WITH HER JOB ROLE OF VP COMMUNICATIONS AND DEMOCRACY
p 2% on Nov 2011