Annual surveys, like NSS, are an excellent way for universities to collate and analyse data on student satisfaction. But you don't need to wait for a survey to get your voice heard. You can have your say all year round in a variety of ways, including:

• talk to your Personal Tutor or Academic Coach         
• engage with your Course Rep or School Rep through the Students' Union
• visit or contact ASK@WLV

Student Voice is not just one-way communication; it's about enabling dialogue and creating space for collaboration. We work closely with the Student's Union to get a deeper understanding of your views. Key themes are also highlighted through your tutors and academic coaches, so regularly engaging with them can enhance your experience and the experience of future students.  

Both quantitative data (stats from surveys) and qualitative data (i.e. what you tell us) is collated, analysed and fed back to the relevant departments and areas. In particular, we're looking out for what's important to you, what's worked well, and what we can improve on.     

Your views are integral to the improvements we make to your course and to student services. We take on board what you say and ensure that the student voice is represented in key decision-making across the University. What you tell us can trigger a change in a process or system, help us develop our infrastructures and allow us to invest in areas that matter to you. What's more, engaging with our service users helps us to understand the impact of changes on your everyday experience.

Of course, it's no good to make improvements if you don't know about it! We'll communicate with you in various ways throughout your academic journey at the University and beyond. 

We have listened to our users and implemented service improvements to help remove barriers and make it easier for you to access the help and information you need, when you need it.

You said: you were tired of being bounced between different departments when you have a query or need support.  

We did:  

This year we launched ASK@WLV, the new centralised student enquiry service. Our friendly and knowledgeable advisors can help you with any questions you have about your course, accessing support services and other aspects of university life.

You said: You want the University to prioritise your wellbeing.

We did:  

• Through investment in our Mental Health and Wellbeing services, we have consistently reduced appointment wait times, and we made appointments available online and in person, at the campuses of your preference.
• We improved the mental health and wellbeing registration form – making it quicker and easier to request an appointment. Register for wellbeing support at wlv.ac.uk/mhw.
•  We rolled out a new model of support in recognition of the high levels of student anxiety. Students referred to the Anxiety Group are invited to a programme of workshops, where they can benefit from peer support.
• We launched the Wellbeing Champions role – giving student volunteers who are passionate about advocating positive wellbeing the opportunity to gain hands-on experience delivering campaigns, events and information to their peers, whilst enhancing their employability skills.  

You said: the cost of University and the complexities of funding can be a barrier to your continuation and progression.  

We did: 

• We set up regular drop-in Funding Surgeries on campus, to help you with any concerns about student finance, accessing funding support, or finding part-time work to boost your income during your studies. These face-to-face surgeries are offered in addition to bookable online appointments. Find out more at wlv.ac.uk/fund.
• We launched “WLV Wallet” giving all new undergraduates a £300 bursary to spend on a range of equipment and services to enhance their student experience.  See wlv.ac.uk/wallet.

You said: "Make Canvas more consistent to use"

We did: Courses in Canvas are now delivered in a standard template across all areas.

You said: "Tell us what digital skills we need for learning and our careers"

We did: Created and launched a new digital skills course for students to use.

You Said: "We need access to more University software and from our own devices"

We did: Produced a Software Catalogue with the full range of University applications available, as well as improved access to specialist software from off campus.

You said: "Improve the information we need about the IT we use"

We did: Refreshed IT website, dedicated IT Essentials webpages and an IT Support portal where you can raise a call and help yourself to information 24/7. 

You said: "Make it easier to use the free wifi (eduroam)"

We did: Made it easier to connect your devices to eduroam securely and improved the roaming experience, as well as investing in the wifi infrastructure.

You said: You appreciated the additional digital learning resources that were made available during the pandemic, but wanted access all the time.

 We did:

• We are invested in continually growing the digital library collection. A recent addition is the new free eTextbook scheme, through which, all students have access to digital copies of their essential reading list. You can access your personal 'Kortext’ bookshelf, anytime, anywhere from Canvas, or download the app, for offline reading.

Don’t forget, you can also access a wide range of online journals as well as databases and other subject resources from LibrarySearch.

You said: You wanted more freedom and flexibility as to how, when, and where you study and access support.

We did: 

• We introduced laptop loans for both short-term (up to six hours) and long loans (up to 30 days), available at all three libraries.
• We know study doesn’t end when the sun goes down. With extended library opening hours including 24/7 access at Harrison and Walsall libraries for assessment periods, you can choose to study when, and where it suits you.
• We offer drop-in academic skills support on campus throughout the year, in addition to our online Skills for Learning workshops. Not got time for these? We have online videos and study guides on our webpage, wlv.ac.uk/skills.
• We introduced a new tool to help you find answers to all your library queries. Through Library ASSIST you can help yourself to extensive FAQs, and get support from a librarian, any time 24/7, with live chat.
• We made it easier for you to get the most out of the range of social, quiet and silent study spaces, with an improved booking system, accessible from myWLV app.

You said: You want to feel safe no matter what time or place, and know that help is on hand if anything goes wrong.

We did:

Your safety and security is of paramount importance. We have heightened the visibility of our safeguarding policies and support resources and made it easier for you to access help and report problems.

• We have enhanced the saftey on campus. With the new Safezone service you can call for emergency assistance at any time, and check-in with the security team for an extra level of assurance for lone and late-night working.
• We operate zero tolerance on harassment, bullying and discrimination. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of inappropriate behaviour, you can report it confidentially to the University.
• Access safeguarding information more easily at wlv.ac.uk/safeguarding. Details can also be found on the back of your campus (ID) card.