4.1
Induction Information
4.1.1
The Undergraduate induction period is one of the most important events in the University calendar. Unfortunately very little research is carried out to find out the views and experiences of students after the Induction Period. In 2006, the University carried out a survey of all new students registered between 1st August and 1st October; key results are outlined below;
| Information Publications | All students | UG students | PGT students | PGR students | Part time students |
| Evaluate: Computing resources book for students | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Evaluate: Library resource book for students | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
| Evaluate: Essential guide to Arrivals Weekend | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| Evaluate: Kent Union Freshers' Week planner | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| It was easy to find out about University orientation events | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.4 |
4.1.2
The results from the 2006 survey are encouraging and demonstrate a high level of satisfaction amongst the various student groups with the information produced during induction. It is a concern of Kent Union that part-time students and post graduate research students are less satisfied with the information relating to the orientation week activities. On the positive, they are more satisfied with information provided regarding learning resources than the average score for all students. Although not strictly related to the accuracy of the information produced by the University, the results suggest that the University could improve access to information regarding orientation events.
4.1.3
Unfortunately, the survey was not repeated for the 2007 academic year. Kent Union believe that it would useful to have results relating to Arrivals Week each year in order that the University can continue to improve the information provided to new students’ year-on-year. Individuals and representatives have provided an insight into students perceptions of the induction period. When asked about the accuracy of the information provided in the induction period most undergraduate student representatives responded positively. At university and department level, student representatives (from SSPSSR, Law, Physical Science, Computer Science, History, SDVFA, American Studies, Politics and International Relations and English) hold the accuracy of the information provided to students in high regard.