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...
What a Widening Access and Success policy should include.

We did...
We used your feedback to frame a new Widening Access and Success policy.
Read more Student Consultations
Posted on: 01-Oct-17

You said...
What your priorities are for Student Support.

We did...
We used your feedback to help shape the future of student support.
Read more Student Consultations
Posted on: 01-Oct-17

You said...
How the process of obtaining references from the Open University could be improved.

We did...
We used your feedback to help make a number of recommendations for consideration by University management.
Read more Student Consultations
Posted on: 01-Oct-17

You said...
We find it much easier to use the books than to use the online material as we’re not experienced with using a computer or taking part in online forums.

We did...
Developing computer skills and working together collaboratively through forum activities prepare students for future Open University study and are important employability skills so these are introduced gradually as students progress through the module. We recognise that some students require extra support in using Information Technology and so tutors have received additional guidance to do this. We have also produced an information sheet on getting online for students, “Using the Access Module Website”. Future plans to support students to become more confident with working online include producing a YouTube video to show students how to find their way around the websites and to submit their assignments online.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-17

You said...
We found the guidance for the assignments was too long and confusing because there was too much information in the Assessment Guides.

We did...
We have redesigned the Assessment Guide to present information and guidance on assessment more clearly and in more straightforward language.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-17

You said...
We were uncomfortable being asked to reflect on personal experiences in several of the activities.

We did...
Although many students benefit from connecting the module material to their own personal experiences, we have included advice to students that, if they find it emotionally challenging, it is possible to complete the module successfully without doing so. We have also included a link about a range of organisations that offer support to people experiencing emotional difficulties.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-17

You said...
The online school design activity was frustrating to use and not well designed so work was usually lost.

We did...
While this is an interesting and useful learning activity, there have been some software issues which we are looking into resolving by redeveloping the tool to make it more reliable for students to use in the future.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-17

You said...
We would like more flexibility to complete assignments around holiday times.

We did...
The submission date for the second TMA has been moved to a later date to allow students more time to complete their assignment.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-17

You said...
It is not always clear how your arts and humanities studies are relevant to your work or career.

We did...
Skills developed through studying the arts and humanities are highly relevant and valued in the workplace, and we will explore ways of articulating these more clearly on module and qualification sites.
Arts and Humanities
Posted on: 01-Mar-17

You said...
Independent study at level 3 can be daunting.

We did...
We are working on some additional bridging materials to help you prepare for independent study at level 3. These will be made available ahead of the October 2017 presentation.
Arts and Humanities
Posted on: 01-Mar-17