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Executive Summary

The Student Written Submission brings together a cross section of information which students from the University of Kent have regarding their University experience. The aim of the submission is to provide the Quality Assurance Audit team with an accurate reflection of the student experience at the University of Kent. Generally, the learning experience at the University is extremely positive; however, there are always improvements which can be made and this submission highlights areas which students feel could be enhanced.

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Accuracy of Published Information Are students aware of the expectations on them?

Little research has been conducted regarding students’ views of the accuracy of information in relation to the induction period.

Part-time and postgraduate students appear to be less satisfied with information detailing orientation week activities, but more satisfied than full-time undergraduate with information regarding learning resources.

Postgraduate research students identified disparity across academic departments in relation to the information provided in the induction process.

There is a lack of consistency in research carried out by the institution.

Students need to be better informed of the consequences of handing in work past the submission deadline. This information should be consistent across the entire University.

There should be parity across all academic departments in terms of the feedback supplied to students on assessed work; it should be detailed enough to help them understand what is expected of them in future assignments.

Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure all academic departments inform students of expectations in a reasonable timeframe.

Students are not all informed as to how the can avoid committing plagiarism offences which can hinder their success.
The Learning Experience The Student Voice

Students are concerned about the lack of availability of learning resources.

Not all academic departments are providing students with adequate feedback on assessed work.

Students in the STMS Faculty are less satisfied with academic support than their counterparts in Humanities and Social Sciences.

There is variability across academic departments in the delivery and publicity of Personal Academic Support System.

Student support services are held in high regard but there are concerns regarding access and availability.

Postgraduate students lack a community to discuss matters of learning and teaching.

Publicity for student representatives needs to be extended across campus.

There is disparity across academic departments regarding the management and organisation of student representatives.

The postgraduate representative system is underdeveloped and ad hoc.

Feedback regarding students’ views needs to be increased at University level.