Straight A report card for UCOL teachers

April 2011

UCOL academic staff members have received straight As's in an assessment by their students.

UCOL’s annual Student Satisfaction Survey, covering teaching, student support, facilities and costs at all three campuses, has produced A ratings – for Very Satisfactory – for teaching staff.

Student Services, Computer and Library facilities also receive a Very Satisfactory rating. So does the students’ ratings for UCOL as a whole, their schools and programmes, their expectation of success in completing their qualification and UCOL’s role in improving their career prospects.

Deputy Chief Executive - Academic Bonnie Dewart says other areas covered by the survey, including Course Organisation and Assessment and Campus Environment, just miss out on straight As, with one B rating (Satisfactory) each. “When we see a B - even though it’s a very small number who are not completely satisfied - we look at why, and what we can do to improve that area. For example, there’s room for some improvements to how we notify students of timetable changes.

“We can also see that many students place great importance on having quiet study areas available. We’ve largely met that need with improvements to our Learning Hubs at Palmerston North and Wairarapa, and the facilities at our new Whanganui campus. But we’ll be looking at how we can create even more spaces for students who want to be left alone to learn.”

She says the survey also indicates that students want more information about what they can expect to pay for programme materials and other programme costs, as well as costs associated with work placements. “We’ve taken this aboard and we are asking our programme leaders to make sure they give students a clear indication of these costs.”

Ms. Dewart says in the meantime academic, library and support staff members have been congratulated on the excellent ratings they received in the latest survey.

Student President Kylie Jeffries says the results of the survey are very positive for the UCOL learning environment and shows just how well UCOL looks after its students.

Two hundred and eighty eight students responded to the survey which was taken in August and September last year.

ENDS

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