To Final Year Undergraduate Students*,
You are being asked to complete the 2011 National Student Survey (NSS) this term, the largest student survey of its kind in the world.
The NSS is your opportunity to give feedback on the academic experience at UCL – from the learning resources available, to academic support and course teaching. UCL wants to hear your views in 2011 on the educational experience you received. We will use the results of the survey to help us improve teaching and learning for future students.
You can take part in the survey by going to the NSS web-site at: http://www.thestudentsurvey.com/
We hope that you will complete the survey.** It takes only five minutes on-line and will assist future students to make their university choices as well as helping your university and students’ union to improve the experience of students.
Thank you,
Professor Michael Worton, UCL Vice-Provost (Academic & International)
Michael Chessum, UCLU Education & Campaigns Officer
How the survey results are used
The NSS results for each institution are published on the Unistats website which enables prospective students to access useful information regarding higher education. By providing valuable feedback on your learning experiences, you therefore play an essential role in helping future students to make well-informed decisions about their programmes and universities of choice.
The NSS forms part of the student feedback data which are discussed across the university including by senior UCL committees. Examples of action which student feedback has helped inform include:
- • improvements to pastoral care for students including the new Personal Tutor arrangements;
- • improvements to learning resources such as extended Library opening hours during the exam period and improved internet access in UCL accommodation. Student feedback has also been taken into account in the current strategic estates planning which will help to improve learning spaces;
- • improving the experience of international students;
- • many faculties and departments take specific action to address specific local student concerns on their programmes and courses.
UCL Union also receives the results of feedback obtained through the NSS, including comments on its own services and is able, via its representatives, to contribute to discussions in UCL committees.
The higher the response rate, the more reliable and useful the data will be to help improve the student experience at UCL.
* In some cases, students, particularly on programmes with a 3 or 4 year option, may be surveyed in their penultimate year.
**Please note that if you do not wish to participate in the survey, you should visit the NSS website in order to opt-out and ensure that you are not contacted further.