5.2
Kent Union Satisfaction Survey results
(results from the 2007 satisfaction survey)

1. How satisfied are you with the level of detail you receive back from assessed work?

66.8% of respondents said that they were satisfied with the level of detail while 33.2% were not satisfied. Despite high scores in the 2007 NSS, this result suggests that there are still students who are not receiving sufficient information to help them understand the academic expectations of them. Low levels of satisfaction* were also commented upon by the University after the 2006 UG survey. From analysis of the results documents, ‘feedback on assessed work is the main area of study with which students expressed low levels of satisfaction9.’ All of the statistical evidence supports the opinions that representatives highlight in meetings; the majority of student would like to receive more detailed commentary to help them improve their academic work.

2. Do you feel informed by your department of course related updates?

74.3% of respondents said yes, which supports the results from the NSS and suggests that some departments need to improve communication with students. Some departments have taken obvious steps to improve communication with students; for instance the Department of Psychology created a newsletter which has proven to be a positive means of communicating with both staff and students**. Similarly, another example of best practice is an initiative of the History Department which sends students a newsletter from staff and student representatives combined.

Kent Union is satisfied that the University has recognised the need for more communication between staff and students. The greater use of Web CT and other on-line resources has certainly assisted enhanced communication. In a document created by the Student Planning Data Office in 2006,*** the University included plans to look into establishing a SMS text messaging service to allow more flexibility and instant means of communication. Currently the Faculty of STMS send students text alerts and the feedback is extremely positive; we hope that the University continues to investigate the possibility of using this communication tool. Representatives from the Law School and Architecture Department have raised concerns regarding on-the-day alterations to their timetable and text alerts would certainly help overcome such a problem. Students must receive timely information regarding where and when they should be in teaching, and other expectations of them using appropriate means of communication.

*Analysis of the University of Kent internal Undergraduate (non-final year) Student Satisfaction Survey 2006
**Faculty of Social Science Summary of Departmental responses to the NSS 2007
***What you've said and what we've been doing