Making it Happen: see what has changed in 2022/23
From more mental health support to new and improved study spaces, did you know you’re “Making it Happen” by letting us know what changes you need?
That’s right.
Over the past year we’ve had some really useful feedback from you, through focus groups, the Guild of Students, the Student Insight Panel, Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching Survey and our national surveys.
Your views are incredibly important so we can continue to improve the student experience for everyone at UoB.
Thanks to your feedback, here’s what has changed in 2022/23…
Mental health and Wellbeing
Mental health is a topic close to your heart and this is an area we continue to invest in. Our Time to Talk? campaign was launched to raise awareness of the range of support services available to you.
As well as more Wellbeing Officers, we introduced UBHeard - a confidential listening and support service (for undergraduates and postgraduates) that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24/7, 365 days a year.
Assessment support
You said that you had too many deadlines due on the same day and would like more support to help you prepare for assessment – so we introduced staggered deadlines or assessment submission windows on all programmes and launched our ‘UoBe Ready’ campaign, which highlighted the practical support available for you.
We also increased and improved the number of study spaces on campus so you can #UoBeReady (see what we did there!) for your exams - just look out for the blue study space logo around campus.
We know the Library is an important space to you and through your feedback we’re also making more improvements. From better access to online support to increasing the number of books you can borrow, read about how we’re making it happen.
Careers advice and guidance
You wanted to know more about our Careers Network service, so we’ve been working with them on a campaign to ‘Unlock your Potential’. No matter where you are in your careers journey, they can offer you advice and guidance. Don’t just take it from us, below you can see how they have helped some of our students.
Watch video.
Cost of Living
As the cost of living in the UK is increasing, many of you are worried about the impact it will have on your finances and wellbeing. To help reduce some of your costs, we have made some practical changes and initiatives such as more meal deal options, more vending machines, microwaves, and free hot/cold water taps. You can read more about all the support in our Cost of Living page on the intranet.
Safety and Security
Over the past year, we have been working with the Guild and others to provide a safe learning experience. This has included:
- Investing £3M in upgrading lighting and CCTV around the campus. There are now 275 new and improved CCTV cameras around campus monitored 24/7.
- Handing out over 2,000 pieces of safety equipment to students
- Investing in a new Community Safety Team based in a new location on campus (Lodge No.2 North Gate)
- Introducing SafeZone – a free app designed to give you extra peace of mind on campus and at university accommodation
- Maintained investment in two police community support officers to support dedicated patrols on campus.
- Increased awareness of the Selly Express – the Guild’s free evening shuttle bus service from campus to Selly Oak which is now running for even longer.
Continue to ‘Have your Say’
These are just a few examples of how you have created change at UoB.
Your voice really does matter.
Over the next few months, look out for ways you can continue to make your voice heard through our surveys and focus groups.