News
Essex calling
Throughout November a team of 35 students will be
contacting 3,000 alumni as part of the University's second telephone
fundraising campaign.
Money raised will be used to support a variety of projects across
campus, including student support.
Joanne West, Annual Fund Officer, is managing the campaign and plans to
hold two appeals a year to raise funds for causes within the University.
'The students are extremely excited,' said Jo, 'not only are they helping
to raise funds for their University but they are finding out things about
Essex that they never knew before. It is a fantastic experience for them.'
Luke Taylor, caller and MA Film Studies student, echoes Joanne’s
comments: 'It is a really interesting process, being able to talk to
graduates from across the full 40 years of Essex’s history. They all have
different stories to tell but what they share is an affection for the
University and, for many, a determination to give something back.'
The campaign has been running since 18 October and will continue until
the end of November. For more information please contact Jo West on
westj@essex.ac.uk.
Natalie Thompson (foreground) and other members of the
student caller team
Satisfying outcome in satisfaction survey
Essex students have expressed a high level of satisfaction
with their experience of life and study at the University in the first
annual University-wide Student Satisfaction Survey which took place in
2003-2004.
All students were invited to complete the online questionnaire with the
average response rate for all student groups at 23 per cent. The response
rate from research students reached almost 30 per cent.
Students were asked to answer each question using a five point scale
ranging from 'very satisfied' to 'very dissatisfied.' The results have
been divided into those from respondents on taught courses and those on
research programmes.
Results showed 81 per cent of those on taught courses are 'very
satisfied' or 'satisfied' that the content of their degree programmes
enabled them to acquire knowledge and understanding of the subject. The
same proportion were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with student IT
facilities.
Research students also gave positive feedback with 85 per cent of all
respondents on research courses being 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with
guidance received from their supervisors. Of the same group 83 per cent
were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with the helpfulness and
accessibility of administrative staff within academic departments and
centres.
When asked about areas that most needed improvement, both groups
highlighted catering facilities on campus. Of the taught course
respondents 24 per cent were either 'dissatisfied' or 'very dissatisfied'
with catering and 39 per cent of research students responded in the same
way.
Deborah Doorish, General Manager of the Catering Service, said: 'We
regard the results of the survey as a valuable aid in our drive to improve
standards in catering across the campus. We are working with the Students’
Union and together we are carrying out research to identify the areas of
dissatisfaction more specifically. This research will lead to an action
plan for improvement and change throughout 2005.'
All those who took part in the survey were entered into a prize draw
with a prize of £200. Katie Orme, a second year student on the BA Film and
Literature programme was the lucky winner.
Katie said: 'It is important for students to see that action is being
taken where a concern is highlighted and to see that the University is
taking notice of students' views.'
A summary of the results, along with details of actions to be taken, can
be found at
www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/offices/smo/outcomes.htm.
Katie Orme is presented with her cheque by
Dr Sam Steel, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Standards)
Southend students celebrate
Over 200 South East Essex College students received
University of Essex degrees in front of 700 family and friends at the
College's higher education award ceremony.
This year's graduates included the last students to have studied for
their entire degree at the Carnarvon Road and London Road sites.
Guest of honour at the ceremony was Professor Sir William Taylor CBE
who was awarded an honorary degree.
Sir William is the former Higher Education Advisor to the Partnership
for Higher Education in South Essex between the University and the
College. He has enjoyed a long and successful career in primary,
secondary, further and higher education and received a knighthood in 1990.
Jan Hodges, Principal and Chief Executive of the College
said: 'It is always a great pleasure to be involved in the Graduation
Ceremony. It’s a real highlight in our annual calendar and an excellent
opportunity to celebrate the success of all our students who have worked
so hard and achieved so much.'
The evening also marked the launch of the College's new
Alumni Association which will help former College students keep in touch,
arrange reunions, and keep up-to-date with College news through the alumni
newsletter Making Waves.
College students celebrate at the ceremony held
at Southend's
Cliffs Pavilion
Also in the printed November edition of Wyvern:
- London base for University
- Early success for new iLab
- New home for Su Advice Centre
