Statement in Response to National Student Survey Results 2009 The National Student Survey 2009 results for University of the Arts London show little change from 2008 with overall student satisfaction at a static 63%. This result still leaves UAL among the lowest nationally. This poor performance in the NSS continues to highlight the frustrations that students have within UAL. Previous years' similar results have proved to be a catalyst for change and had a direct impact on the provision of teaching and learning across UAL. But we feel the pace of change is not quick enough, students do not recognise there has been any significant change from one year to the next. We must ensure that every student is aware of and can be involved in change at the University. Access to facilities, the provision of student led gallery space, flexible group space, and the need for increased communal areas are issues which students want action on. We know that creating a sense of a community across multiple sites in London is challenging, but this will directly lead to increased student satisfaction and it should be a priority for everyone within UAL. Overall student satisfaction will only increase when students see facilities improve and there is high quality, standardised course organisation. It takes far too long for students to see the change they are demanding to see, so we must have positive, proactive changes they every student is able to shape and experience. There are some fantastic examples of good practice across University Arts London, but more needs to be done to ensure students are enabled to be working in partnership to shape and improve their experience. Over the next year we must see a significant shift across the University to fully embed our new Course Rep strategy, where students are recognised as co-producers and co-creators of their course, so that students are able to begin to own the direction of their course, college and of the University. The Students’ Union will continue to work in partnership with the University to take action on these results. UAL is a fantastic institution, the achievements of our students are incredible, but everyone involved at UAL needs to work together to improve the quality of the student experience for students. Helen Gimber Students’ Union President
Statement in Response to National Student Survey Results 2009 Students’ Union, University of the Arts London
Page 1 of 1 August 2009