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...
It wasn't easy to find what you need on the 'Services for you section'.
We did...
We have updated the style of the 'Services for students' page to make it easier to find what you need.
Library
Posted on:
You said...
You prefer to contact the helpdesk using the 'Chat to a Librarian' webchat service.
We did...
We've made this more prominent on each page of the Library website.
Posted on:
You said...
Library Services should be more visible on StudentHome.
We did...
A 'Library' link now appears as a header on StudentHome and the VLE.
Posted on:
You said...
You want to be able to save your searches.
We did...
We introduced a 'bookshelf' option for Library Search.
Posted on:
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.
Posted on:
You said...
You would like a more holistic, joined-up approach to studying at the OU and for Library Services to be more visible at the start of your studies.
We did...
Librarians now take part in events such as Fresher's Fair, Student Hub Live and engage students in live Facebook events such as 'getting yourself set up for study'.
Posted on:
You said...
You were unsatisfied with aspects related to personal development.
We did...
Changes are in place to provide greater opportunities for personal development with a greater focus on the delivery and transparency of such skills in new modules as they are produced, across all levels of the curriculum.
Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
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You said...
The quality of advice available for study choice is low.
We did...
We recognise that the changes in the curriculum are causing concern and confusion for some of our students. We will therefore offer clear and timely advice on our qualification website to assist students with their module choices and qualification plans. We will also provide the opportunity for discussion with academic staff on our qualification forums as well as online events. These events will be advertised clearly on both the qualification website and via appropriate modules forums.
Posted on:
You said...
You are dissatisfied with the loss of books as more of our modules are presented online, with a perceived decrease in value of these modules.
We did...
While embracing the opportunities that online material can provide in supporting learning, we appreciate that many learners value printed materials and so have extended the number of modules on which Print on Demand materials are available.
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You said...
There are a lack of opportunities for you to obtain practical experience.
We did...
We are continually adding to (and improving) the assets delivered via the OpenScience laboratory and in addition to field trips organised by the Field Studies Council are also piloting a number of Laboratory school experiences in our labs on campus for you to develop your laboratory based practical skills.
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Latest Opportunities
Student Consultation Meetings 2025 - Get involved!
United Kingdom and online
National Student Survey 2025
Online/Virtual
