Friday 12-02-2016 - 16:16

What is the NSS?
The National Student Survey (NSS) is an independent survey and nationally recognised way to measure the quality of the university experience. The survey is open between January and April 2016 for all final year students to complete. TAKE THE SURVEY >>>
 
A big win for most students was the Trimester 1 timetables being published three weeks earlier than usual and Trimester 2 being published two and a half months earlier. We have also ensured that the new Timetable Policy means that Wednesday afternoons are free for student activities. We are focused on campaigning for personalised timetables for 2016/17.

We campaigned in Trimester 1 to ensure extended opening hours continued for the Saltire Centre during the Exam Period and kept our own 24 Hour Computer Lab open 24/7 over the Festive Period. We set-up Advisory Boards to provide feedback to university services, like Catering and Library and are working on a Student Charter.

We worked with the university to successfully secured €430,000 European funding to improve volunteer development, that will develop our Student Leaders Programme and for 25 students to participate in transnational exchange.

On a national level we have contributed to the Higher Education Governance Review that aims to improve governance for universities. We signed a joint letter with SAAS for bursaries/tuition feeds to be granted to refugees. We are working with NUS Scotland on Living Wage Bursary for Student Nurses and Going Higher Campaign to ensure Student Carers are better supported at GCU.

We have improved the social spaces in the Students' Association by created the Student Bistro, now selling bottled beer, wine and cider and currently working on giving it a more ‘Union’ feel. In Summer 2014 the Social Learning Space on Level 0 was created and we upgraded all the computers within the 24 Hour Computer Lab. In addition we installed a new Outside Gym.

An ongoing win was stopping the University from introducing exam re-sit fees of £40 and module resit fees increasing from £40 to £300. For example in August 2014 we saved students £88,000 from not having to pay these fees.

Last year 1,094 individual students were supported by our Advice Centre and a further 221 students sought support for academic representation. In addition 419 students visited for free condoms.

Last year we trained 226 new Class Reps to improve the student learning experience on their course (bringing the total trained to 333) and there was a record election turnout of 2,684 (15.3% of students). We also encouraged 289 student nominations for the Teaching Awards, recognising good teaching from GCU lecturers.

Last year 2,033 students were in societies, 727 were sports club members, 118 Radio Caley members, 44 Nightline Volunteers and 20 Wellbeing Volunteers.  504 students were involved in our Student Leaders Programme to improve their leadership skills and employability.

We are an award winning Students’ Association who are here to make a significant contribution to the lives of GCU students. We would like to say a massive thank you if you completed the survey and for the recognition you have given us.
 

TAKE THE SURVEY >>>