You Said, We Did
How your voice has made a difference
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.
You said...
When studying on an open qualification, we would like to see more information about new and future modules so we can see when each is ending and whether they are likely to be replaced by something similar.
We did...
We will work with the Open Programme and faculties to look at ways we can support this.
Student Support Services
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You said...
It would help if OU staff were aware of your caring responsibilities when they contact you
We did...
We are in the process of introducing a Carer Flag on the Student VOICE record so that staff can quickly identify students who have caring responsibilities and provide the necessary support and advice.
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You said...
Our care experienced student reference group told us that they wished that they had heard of the Open University sooner in their journey and wanted us to do more outreach with care experienced people. They also said that they would have liked to know what support was available to OU students from the start of their studies as some of them hadn't made contact when they needed support as they didn't know who to talk to to.
We did...
The feedback from students has informed our Corporate Parenting Action Plan. Two of the actions we are taking in 19/20 as a result are: Tailored workshop on access to the OU to be delivered to organisations supporting care experienced young people Piloting welcome packs for care experienced students in February 2020 intake with information on sources of support.
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You said...
Students with caring responsibilities find it difficult to attend field days or residential schools
We did...
We are exploring, with several partners organisations, how accreditation schemes might evolve to avoid disadvantaging some students. Depending on the outcomes of these discussions, policies may be developed for those students unable to attend.
Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences
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You said...
More information on what is involved in field schools was needed to clarify expectations, which will allow students to prepare and plan ahead.
We did...
We will review the quality of information on our field schools and how it is delivered, from registration opening onwards with a view to improve our communications and the information we provide.
Posted on:
You said...
Students observed and experienced patronising, overbearing or unfair behaviour on online forums that in some cases betrayed gender bias
We did...
We will investigate what training for moderators we can offer that will ensure more effective recognition of such issues and policing of forums. Our online forums should foster a welcoming, collegiate environment for all students.
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You said...
There was a good level of demand for short online language courses with French and Spanish having the most appeal. The biggest barrier to uptake was the cost and price sensitivity peaked at £299..
We did...
5 languages identified for short course development, aimed at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. French is likely to be released first, at a cost of £199
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You said...
A general engineering degree with specialisms in Electronic or Mechanical had appeal for students and employers. Accreditation compliance is expected and workplace, practical experience was important...
We did...
The OU Bachelor of Engineering, scheduled for October 2020, now includes an Electronics pathway. It is accredited by engineering institutions and includes face-to-face residential schools.
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You said...
Most students had a positive study experience and planned to continue, though they recognised there was room for improvement around assessment clashes and time management support. Some felt that the OU was not set up for full time study.
We did...
Delivering an improved experience of full time study intensity is a key aspect of ensuring our students are successful in their journey and this insight will influence the changes we will be making.
Posted on:
You said...
Often opt for online learning as no local alternative. International student want to see proof that we are real and to be able to find us easily through a web search. Many are not aware of the OU. The tutorial timings can leave them at a disadvantage and the language in communications can confuse and should be kept simple.
We did...
A Messaging House is being developed to aid communication. Money has been invested to ensure that the OU features further up on a google search and real student 'Open Diaries' deployed on social media and online to aid credibility.
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