Engagement Week Feedback Faculty of Arts—School of Arts and Media

Vice President of Academic Affairs Engagement Week Data— Faculty of Arts School of Arts and Media Hi everyone, We’ve been busy coding and analysing your comments from Engagement Week, now on a School by School basis. The sheer amount of data we have collected is amazing! From teaching to transport, assessment to accommodation and canteens to Camtasia you clearly have an opinion on all areas of academic life and are not scared to let us know about it. Demographics We collected qualitative feedback from 113 students across the School of Arts and Media. The majority of these students (70%) were from Grand Parade Campus and the rest were from Hastings (23%) and Moulsecoomb (7%). Respondents were mostly female, 66, with 47 male respondents. The majority of the respondents were in first year (34%) and second year (54%). This summary includes an overview of comments on the top six comment subject areas with comparison to the university comment trends. The full Keep, Start, Stop commentary from students in the School of Arts and Media is included at the end of the document. Thanks again for all of your feedback—we look forward to closing the feedback loop and reporting the changes very soon! Amy Rutland | VP Academic Affairs E: bsuvpa@brighton.ac.uk Facebook: VP AcademicAffairs Brighton-su Twitter: bsuacademic

‘I MY EDUCATION’ A Few Words on the Data Analysis

We have now coded the data under a number of categories coving academic issues, organisational issues an d other facilities and activities at the University of Brighton. We collected data from 1126 students and often each ‘Keep’, ‘Stop’ and ‘Start’ comment box had multiple comments addressing a number of areas of concern, delight and suggested improvements. Comments ranged from brief and specific to long and detailed and we would like to thank all students that took part for the consideration put into the responses given. This research now forms a rich database of student opinion across the university and will be a valuable source of input for not only the upcoming institutional review but also decision making process at the university. A detailed discourse analysis of the comments will be available soon with a school by school breakdown. Keep an eye on the new research area on the Students’ Union website for updates! http://www.ubsu.net/research

What have you said? Most of your comments have been about Teaching and Learning, with a large amount indicating a positive experience. However, there are also a large amount of statements on what needs to stop and what you would like to see start. Following this are your comments on programme design with a large amount of comments about the value of guest speakers and desire for increased one to one time. Learning resources is another area of commentary where you are looking for more access to workshops and longer opening hours. Timetabling is a key issue under organisation. While you enjoy the catering and appreciate local sourcing of food there are some concerns over costs. You would also like to see a new students’ union bar in place and more events.

Overview

Teaching and Learning The positive comments on teaching were made by almost 50% of students giving feedback. These comments were about tutors saying that were motivating, professional and brought a ‘fresh approach’ to subjects. There was a clear preference for practical/technical workshop based learning and an appreciation of one to one contact time. Integrating different years and peer feedback was also commented on as a positive approach to keep in teaching and learning. Having a high number of students in a class or seminar group was seen as detrimental to teaching and learning. Other ‘Stop’ comments concern lengthy lectures and a lack of cross-course working. Again, in the ‘Start’ comments there is a desire for more tutorial time and increase in the provision of free additional workshops.

Programme Design Commentary on Programme Design is slightly more positive than that at the rest of the university. Almost 25% of students at the School of Arts and Media commented on the positive aspects of programme design. Much of this focussed on the importance of guest lecturers and speakers (independent artist talks) coming to

discuss industry experience and also the study trips, practical and workshop sessions that were built into the course. Students expressed a preference for shorter feedback session that were one to one rather than longer ones in a group. Suggestions for improvements to programme design focussed on cross course collaboration, cross disciplinary projects. There is a desire for an increase in tutorial time to be built into courses and shorter, more frequent lessons.

Some more detail...

Learning Resource

Positive comments on learning resources concerned the access to studio spaces with varied equipment, the ability to access facilities in other departments, late access to the media centre and a well stocked library. Critical comments were about limitations on studio and library opening times, especially at weekends. Suggestions for improvements were about increasing opening hours for workshops/libraries and improving software in the computer suites.

Organisation Structuring of timetables with large gaps was criticised alongside changing timetables and last minute changes that resulted in clashes. The late receipt of timetables (i.e. on first day of classes) was also and issue raised. Suggestions for improvements were better communications, back up plans for when tutors are off ill and more structure to the courses.

Students’ Union Positive feedback on the students’ union included comments on our Facebook interactions, events and the SU shop at Grand Parade. Comments around improvements showed a call for more events, a Students’ Union bar and better value for money in the SU shop.

Catering

While there were comments about the quality of canteen food being good many students also found it very expensive and would like to see free hot water and microwaves available to students.

What Happens next with the Engagement Week Data This data is already being used in the university to inform de-cisions that they will be making to improve the student expe-rience. Reports from the data will be fed into university com-mittees and any changes made as a result of your comments will be fed straight back via course reps and the Students’ Un-ion website. The data will also be feeding into the Student Written Submission which we are due to submit to the QAA as part of the Institutional Review in November 2012. The first draft of this document will

be available late June for you to pass com-ment on. We will be passing reports to school reps and course reps to ensure they have evi-dence to help them make changes in their own areas. If you would like any further information please don’t hesitate to get in touch: h.mcknight@brighton.ac.uk

lectures

keep having guest lecturers motivating environment

lectures, engaging study guest speakers

cash machine

The cafe having things such as the pool table and table tennis

listening to students helpful with work problems

Guest lectures

providing relevant visiting lecturers and guest speakers Providing support for students that require help scholarship incentive

studio spaces for fine art computer room and hiring out media

good studio space listening to students

good library facilities good hot canteen food

the student support and services student nights etc

more technical equipment better cameras etc.

independent artist talks

Open facilities - I find it very useful that it is possible to go to other departments for inductions in specific equipment and also use other facilities which builds a strong bond between students, staff and technicians. It also encourages a greater awareness outside your immediate study environment

Keeping a relaxed, friendly and proactive atmosphere.

working with third years tutorials invaluable, contact time to father ideas and receiving feedback for me helps improve my higher education learning experience

our environment (college campus)

Outside articles in south gallery

professionals from the industry to talk about what their experience of the industry

the food co - op cash point

good access to studios and able to use equipment when I want

price down on the campus food cleanness in the studio a good support for dyslexic people

showing lots of art exhibitions making cakes and raising money for charity

Engaging students into community projects and with each other

Support Groups allowing people to get involved with student radio "BURST"

access to music rooms and instruments

Great accommodation

Keep the Facebook pages and interaction with reps

Being helpful with student services =)

Support for students with Learning difficulties

having different workshops about jobs, English course

having breaks during 2 or 3 hour lessons

updating students on their progress

social nights in collaboration with brass monkey or other local bars.... live music :) hot food is good :) - prices are good too

nice art gallery within building and lots of visiting lectures

increase studio times more tutor time assessment feedback more materials on offer

small classes on how to tackle work. notes in lectures and how to write essays prices low in student shop more lectures available in the SBT

All the events and fund-raising-I think they're very effective

visiting artists

Student/Teacher 1 on 1 tutorials

organising student union events and also LGBT events. I have also found the student services helpful when going to them for advice on careers student newspaper and student radio

be positive and supportive and give us all the information about possibilities of assisting, exhibitions etc/

keep students being involved Keep Alice Smith-she is ACE!

providing technical support but we need more group tech sessions

creating green areas & eco friendly projects. Keeping the media centre open till 8pm.

Consistent feedback allows for improvement. This throughout the year also helps shape what needs to be done later through the year.

Emails promoting students welfare Stocking the library with excellent resources

Keep Comments

Canteen food is good Keep doing Veg Packs

Sell cheap coffee

Social Events

Student university shop

tutorials lectures

Making nice food Good teaching

The office Materials activities

one to one tutorials

exchange student with Seoul National University

Awesome lecturers reaching us on current subjects, making us think about what is going on and how to change the world

seminar post lectures studio work readings (but maybe less focused/ more relaxed and varied)

opening hours great at GP tutors brill in printmaking good cafe at GP great shop at GP

Professional Practice lectures

Group crits as well as one to one tutorials exhibitions organised by uni talks from practising artists

good computer resources no studio fees

great facilities great teaching committed tutors

great technicians (sina) good student rep system having cash point

Promoting events Up to date information

providing technical support current and up to date software/equipment availability of resources friendly, homely atmosphere, part of a family!!

great facilities good food

guest lectures , film showing

Emailing us opportunities all sporting activities poster sales

visiting artists exhibitions cake stands

various extra curricular activities are great as is student services (employment help, counselling etc)

the helpful faculty (atmosphere generally at ease) the news updates on all sorts of arty things going on

Giving relevant feedback on our work in class

exchange trip opportunities

Workshop inductions lectures study trips

Providing computers Workshops Lectures

tutorials, very useful. workshops great visiting artist lectures

year exhibitions events/promotions/sales in foyer sign-ups to a variety of workshops

everything

Module elections Helpful tutors

Helpful Learning centre

Give us more lessons 23ish weeks a year + only 10hrs a week I could complete this two year course in 6 months

make it easier to a uni card as an exchange student

Visiting lecturers

Have lectures from external visitors

providing computers updating computer software

Emailing us opportunities about media placements and encouraging us to participate in current events. Free sports teams

great teaching bringing professionals to l1ecture

open minded education focussing on student skill set amazing tutors

lectures and informative times

joint projects with other years on the course

providing support and fresh approach to the techniques, encourage interesting and innovative talks and exercises

mixed year classes have open lectures

offering student services for-careers, volunteering/work, extra curricular activities having staff who have experience of working in relevant industries

personal tutorials with lectures are really useful for feedback

keep giving assessment feedback and keep having professional practice lectures

Emailing students about events ETC.

regular weekly crits and staff/peer feedback

Keep Comments

Making lessons practical

support for athletics

SU events

the old buildings

being helpful

technical resources

Social Events Organised Outside of lecture activities, i.e. documentary/film screenings

Using the studio

Keep Comments

Stop Comments

closing school at 8pm - 24 hour studio needed

having different access codes for buildings

big gaps between lectures 9AM lectures

availability

Bad timetabling

using Flairz as a venue time table clashes mixing radio and broadcast media groups ( they are not interested in radio and it disrupts our lessons)

greater opening times

trying to make so much money out of students

stop sending all the emails

open more facilities to graphic design or inform applicants correctly on the accessibility of other facilities course costs

hidden course costs (materials)

Prices at the SU shop - charging so much for materials such as paint, pens, and pencils etc. Means that a lot of students are prepared to travel into town to save money

Not letting students have hot water in the canteen.

payment of resources

external exhibitions that last ages

charging for use of sallis benney

closing at 8pm

charging £9000 stop locking doors

group project / too many most often I can't use a workshop because there is limited opening time

buying rubbish for the library - we don't even have a workable Mac computer in our campus (custle street)

ignoring the student radio station potential and offer some support for it to become a platform, rather than a struggling part time society.

closing the library at 6

maybe the key card thing

Closing the library early

Nothing, you're pretty

Charging too much for meals

colour printer not working well (library)

being really vague

can't think of any negatives really? (except perhaps paying for printing, which is a pain in the arse...)

giving us our timetable the day it starts

give timetable in advance

people smoking outside by the windows - put up a smoking shelter

sending junk email

too many people on courses

printer credits online top up

student central should be easier to navigate - it can be hard to find information

having such long breaks between projects and practices stop closing facilities so early and on weekends and holidays (student ones of course)

shutting the uni for no reason (snow!!)

having lessons that involve embarrassingly patronising drama games in which nothing professionally enriching occurs

Limited time in spaces where we use facilities - i.e. Bookarts is only open 2 days a week. The darkrooms close for lunch/at 5pm.

Readings on the computer. I understand the money saving from not printing but no one likes reading from a screen and it's a nightmare trying to make quality notes when you don't have the source in front of you.

raising tuitions fees raising prices in the cafe

Make seminar groups too big Learning computer pool rooms 'unattended'

Partnering Root group regarding accommodation

Make lectures smaller

stop talking for hours and hours

Making students pay for equipment for course seeing as we are paying so much to come here already

the ladies from the lounge being so stingy about having hot water!

less formal crits less rigid projects

Tutor, please start liking my work , stop slating it

fee increases

long gaps of miscommunication and lessons

expensive canteen food

having too hot heating in summer and winter!

Nothing! resources are on point!

expensive food

bad/complicated time tabling unavailable tutors on phone

making everything good to be at Falmer

limiting spares on some extra curricular courses Couldn't attend German classes just because I couldn't make the sign up session, despite attending the first session the day before

in halls (the random posters)

lectures on a Wednesday

complaining about attendance to the people that attend

1st year is too much like secondary school - students are already prepared from college

Such limited time in the studio spaces

analytical sessions that last for hours, I prefer tutorial feedback group sessions short be shorter but we should have more 1 to 1 tutorials with lecturers

lack of cross - course inductions of limitations to number of people able to do alternative inductions

all good :)

Early mornings Too much to read

locking the doors at 5pm

Closing university at 8 more hours on the weekends?

having expensive prices in the uni shop (need better materials)

long gaps of non - communication for lessons we have 4 months of holiday we don't need anymore

closing uni in the evenings

using the red and yellow tables in our studio

institutionalising people and their needs, have a bit of personal approach to peoples needs

giving such extensive readings. splitting it up would help take more info in.

cancelling lectures and seminars at last minute!

access cards and have studio space open for longer

having long breaks between lessons on timetables. For example 3 hours

changing the timetable - please make the time table more accessible

big gaps in between lectures

selling expensive food at uni

moving out to Falmer I don't think it's even in Brighton

essays email

hand in essays - should just be email

capping marks for attendance

Stop boundaries across subject contact

Stop Comments

24 hour studio access to facilities interdisciplinary programmes please language classes

A little more structure to the way things are run

actively promoting course events and help student

allow non photography students to borrow equipment such as flashes

Arrange more student events, nights out

be in more days a week

Better availability of site facilities

better communication as to avoid misunderstandings better explanations and clarity on assignments

better SU shop for cheaper and larger range of art materials

better value for money in cafe/shop

cleaner studios needed expensive canteen cold food / hot drinks

closing hours closer to assessment

coach services from Eastbourne and Brighton at early morning, like 1am,2am,3am more music events, bands and stuff give new students money for printing

cross disciplinary collaboration

cross disciplinary collaboration crits

Dialogue between campus - e.g., extra curricular activities are difficult to participate in when studying at Grand Parade. A (subsidised) mini bus service to the relevant campus would encourage a lot of the arts students to get involved with activities outside of GP. Sometimes GP feels like a bit of a bubble - it is an exceptional working environment but has plenty of room to improve its social potential

Encouraging different courses to interact more.

encouragement of collaboration between different disciplines. I want to become more aware of others learning experi-ences

existing more student work at GP campus

facilities in the sculpture course better

finding scholarships for students to attend sports clubs - martial arts

free film screenings (like slackens club at the duke of York)

free food

free food more job experience

getting more of the students work on show around the university

give more funding to moving image

Give those graduating from a foundation degree, an introduction prior to summer break to their 3rd year top up providing material and course handouts to allow students to spend the summer researching their final project, instead of the rush and panic that arrives in October.

giving work back on time after assignments open on Sundays

have extra curricular activities

Have more of a community on campus by making more of events such as holly ball.. etc.

have more things arranged for Hastings campus and Halls also free pool table or cheaper tables

Have services that take us into Eastbourne/Brighton. it's not fair that our campus is so far away from the main events and we don't have a way to get there

Having cheaper meals, ask the government to subsidise

having induction of print making

having module guide books in the same format as LB102's documentary course

having more tutorials

I would like to see more local sports teams to Hastings, not just under the umbrella of "Brighton"-we should do out own thing...

improve software in compute suite

improve software on computers

improve student central website - difficult to navigate more uni socials bike shelter

include more participation for students to organise events

interesting way for mature students to meet and share experiences etc. as it is very isolating faculty trips

introduce retail shops offers within the uni, not just pubs and clubs

It can be hard to meet people on your campus and socialise especially on GP the courses are quite small classes. I think introducing an SU bar would make it easier to meet people and also make connections between art courses to encour-age collaborations I think GP could be open for more hours. Advertise societies more

Start Comments

job placements - more industry experience stuff leave facilities open longer

Keep a happy VIBE!

lessons every day 10 - 5 rather than 1 hours tutorial per week with 12 hours of criticising work of others as this lowers their moral and productivity or performers

let us use the screen printing and lithograph facilities

Longer hours in darkroom!

Longer sessions in university. Self study is easy to ignore and having 11 or 12 hours a week seems a little slack for the amount of debt.

lowering prices in the cafe bringing UCH into like with Wednesdays sport commitments

Make canteen food cheaper Have more shows at the SBT More fundraising nights

Make communal areas nicer, more sociable make the uni a more welcoming, homely, comfortable space, art exhibi-tions, get communal microwaves

make Hastings exclusive events on a similar scale to Brighton/Eastbourne

Make the break out areas time to relax and meet up with friends rather than just a cafe. Many people have hours to wait around for classes, so would be good if the cafes were more relaxed

make tutorials and lectures more interesting more workshops open criteria more creative

Making the food slightly cheaper

Meeting party for Erasmus/ student exchange

microwaves / bigger studios

microwaves

more activities e.g.- water-sports, kite-surfing, surfing a discount gym in Hastings more variety of food in the cafeteria hot water for FREE! more help for student who don't get a maintained loan e.g. free food in the lounge or something like that!!

more artist / curators / relevant people brought into talks more intertutor

more bike storage? cheaper printing in media centre? more sport activities in Brighton centre

more contact hours with tutor - more tutor time 1 on 1 time smaller crit groups Provide screen printing for us

more equipment

more events! free cakes and tea for all

more free extra classes

more healthy food in the canteen

More information on clubs and societies

more PC friendly-too many Mac's! some people are not compatible with apple and need more of the latest PCs

more random events!

more regular time tabling

More societies and more info on them doctors open for longer hours open gym on weekends more societies and sports clubs at Cockcroft

more societies! do a lot more with the students union build more accommodation!!!

more societies, accommodating more interests

more societies that people can join around campus

more student societies in Hastings campus

more trips or a trip!

more variety in extension studies more student reps

More workshops (inductions) workshops open to all courses

more workshops and "taught" sessions. Drama and movement workshops. Some more visiting artist lectures.

more workshops into -video editing 3d bookbinding photography more group gallery visits

Offer more vegan options in the canteen and open after at night

open building and media facilities available for longer or on Saturdays

Opening the Doctors for longer hours Improve the Cockcroft gym

opening uni for longer please

organising the classes better. have a back up plan if the tutor falls ill or is away inform us more on what we are sup-posed to be doing give us more material for us to work on outside of uni I know this is fine art where everything is conceptual but more direction would be valuable

party! free stuff

projects with other courses interdisciplinary things 24 hours studio time

Start Comments

promoting LGBT events/ meet ups more frequently, more widely

provide materials on the fine art course can be very expensive. more input from technical side and more attendance more contact with individuals

provide more info on free classes etc .. life drawing, since it's hard to find a kettle! students don't have enough money to buy tea every day mixed studies classes

provide tutorials for queries with work of make more obvious events for sport, night-life

Providing Materials to work with just a small amount Actual skill sessions when we actually get taught skills whether it be learning how to use metal and wood or computer programmes Seriously lacking in taught skills sessions

providing personal space. like the fine art and painting bit. somewhere for us to call 'our own' for making work without having it taken down

put the css.s onto the maces in the media centre and lower the price of food in the canteen give more help to get work experience placements

putting work placements on student central if there are not already or emailing

regular weekly schedule

shorter lessons more often

sports centre in Hastings table football more entertainment at Hastings campus transport support between different campuses

sports teams specific for Hastings campus instead of travelling to Eastbourne!

start mixing courses - group discussions more group exhibitions

Technicians should be open from 9am

technical help should be open at 9 not 10

University Union: Bar and other sports open at night

Use resources more -library -workshops -computer room More talics available

Start Comments