You Said, We Did

How your voice has made a difference

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This page provides an opportunity to see the valuable feedback received from students across a wide range of communication channels, and to see what the OU has done in response.

Please note this video is now a couple of years old so some people no longer have the same title. The current Students Association leadership can be seen on their website.

Choose a topic from the drop-down list below to see how students can have an impact on their university experience and be empowered to help shape the University. Next time you are asked to give your opinion, you know that the OU is taking this feedback seriously and will respond.

Select a topic

You said...
That some of the L2 and L3 materials are outdated and there is a limited number of drills in materials.

We did...
We produce a new edition of level 3 modules in French, Spanish and German is currently that will be available in 2021.
Languages and Applied Linguistics
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
You wanted more support in moving from level 1 to 2 Law modules.

We did...
We have developed a range of 'bridging materials' on Law Study Home to assist you with this transition.
Law
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
You wanted resources to assist with your wellbeing whilst studying law.

We did...
We have introduced two new videos on Law Study Home focusing on top tips for maintaining wellbeing whilst studying at a distance and whilst studying law.
Law
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
You would like to be able to include the subjects you have studied in the award title of your BA/BSc (Hons) Open degree.

We did...
Updated response: The OU identified this suggestion as a proposal in its future Curriculum Plan and considerations around how to implement this have already commenced in-line with wider OU system developments.
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
You were disappointed that the dedicated Open Programme 'Faculty Association Representative' (FAR) role had been removed from The Open University Students Association Central Executive Committee and were concerned that this might diminish the Open Programme students' voice.

We did...
Updated response: We are delighted that The Open University Student Association have decided to reintroduce a Faculty Association Representative role from 2020/21 onward, to be shared across the Open qualifications and Access modules (as these curriculum areas are managed by the same team in the office of The-Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students)).
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
Better use could be made of the period in between modules and deciding what to do next. Providing an opportunity to exchange information, experience and ideas when deciding on future modules.

We did...
The Open Programme team are working with module teams to provide more obvious links from module websites to the qualification website and forum, where students can participate in these types of conversations. Just to note that CES is doing more in this space too. Careers and Employability Services are also now running more forums at times when many students aren't studying, which we will link to via the Open qualifications website as they become available.
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
Many students actively choose not to engage with Facebook, therefore making an Open degree - student community only available via Facebook immediately alienates those who do not wish to be part of that particular social network.

We did...
The 'official' OU forums and websites (such as those available via StudentHome) will always remain our priority but we know that some students choose not to engage with those channels. We will never make any form of social media compulsory, or the only option for Open degree students.
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
The OU used to have 'Study Centres' and 'Tutor Counsellors' that contributed/created a sense of 'belonging' which has since been lost with the demise of both of these faculties.

We did...
The Open Programme team are involved in strategic conversations around progression/pathways tutors which would reintroduce this approach to student support, however it is very early days. In the meantime, we are also keen to make better use of online technologies (such as Adobe Connect) to provide more themed and/or drop-in sessions for Open Programme students.
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
If some groups were also available on platforms such as Zoom, group Facetime, GoToMeeting or GoToWebinar, it would be easier to develop more of a sense of community.

We did...
Whilst the Open Programme team are keen to experiment with new technologies to engage with students, we are required to prioritise the OU's 'official' options such as Adobe Connect. The Open Programme team will continue to focus on making better use of Adobe Connect in the short term to provide online engagement opportunities but will explore other technologies where appropriate.
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 09-Mar-20

You said...
You'd like support in articulating employability skills

We did...
All undergraduate Psychology students now have access to the FutureYOU under 'plan' on the qualification website, designed to assist in identifying, recording and evaluating your employability skills. https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=1565734
Psychology
Posted on: 09-Mar-20