You Said, We Did

How your voice has made a difference

Accessibility statement

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.

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...
Contact from Student Support in relation to studying multiple modules tended to be too negative about taking on the challenge.

We did...
We briefed the Student Support team on our new support materials and prepared guidance based on your feedback on this issue.
Psychology
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

You said...
August to October felt like wasted time for students new to studying and not knowing what to expect.

We did...
We produced subject specific induction materials: ‘Getting to know…. Psychology’ which sit alongside the OU induction materials to help students prepare for study.
Read more Psychology
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

You said...
You would like a website giving details of the availability of OU online services that students could check in the event of being unable to access them.

We did...
The OU system status website is now available for all students to access which gives you live updates on our key services as well as details of any planned maintenance.
IT
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

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...
The OU has identified this suggestion as a proposal in its future Curriculum Plan and considerations around how to implement this have already commenced. Unfortunately, due to system constraints, we may not be able to offer this to students for some time but plan to undertake a consultation with undergraduate Open degree students to understand the benefits of this approach in greater detail.
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

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...
We approached the Open University Students Association and understand that the decision was taken because the other four Faculty Association Representatives (one aligned to each Faculty) should take equal responsibility for students studying towards “Open” qualifications. We attended the Open University Students Association Central Executive Committee meeting in November 2018 are now discussing ways to brief the FARs about the Open Programme on a regular basis with the President of the Students Association.
Open Qualifications
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

You said...
You can't always find your way around the library website.

We did...
We worked with our student panel to make improvements to the website look and feel.
Library
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

You said...
Library Student Panel members did not always notice the email updates

We did...
We are using a much more visual, interactive communication tool.
Library
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

You said...
You want to feel part of a community.

We did...
We introduced more real-time informal learning and discussion events such as live chats through social media platforms.
Library
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

You said...
"The one thing I found frustrating was the lack of participation by other students in my tutor group on the tutor group forum..."

We did...
We are embedding the use of tutor group forums in the Access modules and providing encouragement and training to tutors in their use.
Access
Posted on: 16-Apr-19

You said...
With school age small children it was very hard to keep pace with the workload during the half term holidays and the Easter break.

We did...
Access modules now have three options weeks embedded, which allow students the flexibility to explore additional subjects or to catch up if they have fallen behind.
Access
Posted on: 16-Apr-19