How does your voice make an impact at the OU?
The Open University is commited to working with students and responding to feedback to improve the student experience. Below you can read about new opportunities, different ways students have influenced change and the impact of students getting more involved.
News and latest updates
Student Voice Newsletter 2024/25 #2
Posted on:
Find out about the current Student Consultation Online Forum on the Future of Learning and Assessment, and more.
Student Voice Newsletter 2024/25 #1
Posted on:
Find out about upcoming Student Consultation and Student Voice activities, the review of the Student Charter, the OU Students Association Welcome Week, and more.
Student Charter Review and Refresh 23/24
Posted on:
Learn about the Student Charter Review 2023/24 and how the Student Charter was refreshed ready for this academic year.
Student Voice Festival: OU Response to Your Feedback
Posted on:
Learn about how the OU has responded to your feedback that you gave us in this year's Student Voice Festival.
Outcome of the Undergraduate Business Periodic Quality Review
Posted on:
Periodic Quality Review for Undergraduate Business creates good outcomes for students.
Student Voice Newsletter 2023/24 #6
Posted on:
Join the Communications about the Student Complaints and Appeals Policy Student Consultation Online Forum and find out about the response from this year's Student Consultation Meetings.
Equality survey now open - win a £150 voucher
Posted on:
From now until 5 June 2024, all Open University students are asked to participate in an EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) survey to help us better understand the impact of our approach to fairness and inclusion at the OU.
Students make positive changes to the Assessment Framework
Posted on:
Find out how the Open University has responded to student feedback on the Assessment Framework.
Student Voice Newsletter 2023/24 #5
Posted on:
Join the Exam and EMA Marking Policy Student Consultation Online Forum and find out about other upcoming opportunites.
Student Voice Festival 2024 is nearly here!
Posted on:
Find out more and register now for the Student Voice Festival 2024.
Student Voice Newsletter 2023/24 #4
Posted on:
Join the Disabled Student Advisory Group and find out about other upcoming opportunites.
Student Voice Newsletter 2023/24 #3
Posted on:
Get ready for Student Voice Festival and find out about other upcoming opportunites.
Outcomes of the Faculty of Business and Law Masters review
Posted on:
Periodic Quality Review for Business and Law Masters creates good outcomes for students.
Student Voice Newsletter 2023/24 #2
Posted on:
Get ready for Have Your Say Day and find out about other upcoming opportunites.
Outcomes of the Computing and Communications review
Posted on:
Periodic Quality Review for Computing and Communications creates good outcomes for students.
Students have transformative internship experiences
Posted on:
Students life changing experience during a virtual internship.
Student Voice Newsletter 2023/24 #1
Posted on:
Welcome to a new year of Student Voice and find out about upcoming opportunites.
OU Students Association make an impact in Parliament
Posted on:
Student Association Vice President voices the OU student journey at the House of Lords.
OU Students Association Tutor Awards 2023
Posted on:
Tutor awards receive unprecedented participation from students.
Students shape improvements to StudentHome
Posted on:
Find out how students improved design and layout of StudentHome.
Student feedback from OU International Access, Participation and Success Conference
Posted on:
Student voice makes impact at this year's conference.
OU Students Association Individual Representation Service
Posted on:
Students Association creates support service for students.
OU Students Association Representative roles available
Posted on:
Would you like to become a Student Representative?
Positive outcomes for students
Posted on:
Periodic Quality Review for Psychology and Counselling creates good outcomes for students.
Post Graduate Research Spring Conference
Posted on:
Graduate School responds to students feedback with Spring Conference.
Outcomes of the Engineering and Innovation review
Posted on:
Find out more about the outcomes created by students.
Engagement opportunties at the OU Students Association
Posted on:
Find out how to get involved with the Students Assoication.
OU Students Association Environmental and Sustainability Working Group
Posted on:
Find out more on how to get involved.
Celebrating ten years of the Library Student Panel
Posted on:
Find out more about the fantastic work of the Library Student Panel.
Would you like to see underrepresented groups having more impact on decision making at the OU?
Posted on:
Are you passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?
Did you know we've updated the Student Charter?
Posted on:
What is the Student Charter and how does it affect you on your learning journey?
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plans
Posted on:
Give your opinion on the new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan at the OU.
Postgraduate Views Required
Posted on:
Are you studying postgraduate modules with the OU and completed 60 or more credits? Then read on to find out why we need to hear your views and how to give them.
Response to Student Consultation on Integrated Induction
Posted on:
Students were consulted on integrated induction in October 2021. Find out what students said and how the OU has responded.
Stand in the OU Students Elections and Make a Difference
Posted on:
Think you're suited to a role in the OU Students Elections? Have your voice heard and make a difference to the student experience.
Get involved with Student Consultation in March 2022
Posted on:
Student Consultation online meetings being held throughout March are a great opportunity to make a difference to the experience of studying at the OU.
National Students Survey (NSS) - Have your say
Posted on:
The NSS is an annual UK-wide survey for students usually nearing their final year of undergraduate study and the 2022 survey is OPEN.
Student Voice Week 2021 - what a week!
Posted on:
This year the #OUStudentVoiceWeek ran between Saturday 13 and Sunday 21 November 2020. Sessions were developed by staff and students right across The Open University and OU Students Association, all keen to hear the thoughts and opinions of a wide range of OU students.
Student Representation needed - Curriculum Partnerships
Posted on:
Find out more about how you can be part of a review group at The Open University.
Lively discussion at Student Voice Q&A
Posted on:
The Open University and Open University Students Association were delighted to be joined by students for a highlight of Student Voice Week 2021 – Meet the Senior Team Q&A.
Student Reviewer Opportunity!
Posted on:
Periodic Quality Review (PQR) is the big six-yearly quality assurance and enhancement review of each of the Open University's curriculum areas, our Open degrees, access courses, research degrees and courses delivered by our validated partners across the world. We are looking for currently registered OU students to sit on the panel for periodic quality reviews (PQRs).
Student Voice Week kicks off!
Posted on:
Student Voice Week got off to a flying start on Saturday with a really informative opening session looking at what was coming up in the week ahead and inviting students to ask questions or share views about what they were looking forward to.
Meet the OU Senior Team - Q&A
Posted on:
It's back and our top pick Student Voice Week 2021. Students will have the rare opportunity to hear from and chat with members of the Senior Team, including Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Blackman.
OU students share their 'Student Voice' top tips
Posted on:
Students who have taken part in Student Voice activities in the past share their experiences of getting involved and the benefits they have gained.
The OU Library share their plans for Student Voice Week 2021
Posted on:
Getting your voice heard about the services the Library provides is such an important part of being a student. And to help with this, they are holding two eventful discussions during student voice week which they'd love for you to take part in. .
Academic Services: How can they help you?
Posted on:
Ever wondered what IAG is or who Academic Services are? Well here's a chance to find out more about them and their links with Student Voice.
Careers and Employability Services host a special session for Student Voice Week
Posted on:
Could Career Action Plans from individual careers consultations be more useful? The Careers and Employability team warmly invite you to take part in a fun-filled Focus Group to explore Career Action Plans, their purpose and value for you, whether they meet your needs and how they may be improved.
Student Voice Week in the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Posted on:
The Faculty of STEM have developed a range of activities, seminars, forums and conferences for you to join in throughout Student Voice Week. Click to find out more...
OU Scotland pull out all the stops for Student Voice Week 2021
Posted on:
OU Scotland have big plans for Student Voice Week 2021. Find out what they have in store and how you can get involved...
Student Voice Week 2021 - What's happening in Wales?
Posted on:
Here is a teaser for what is happening in Wales throughout Student Voice Week 2021.
It's coming....Student Voice Week 2021
Posted on:
The Open University and OU Students Association are excited to announce the dates for Student Voice Week 2021. Plans are well underway and early signs show this year's timetable is set to be our biggest and best yet..
Open and Inclusive Student Voice
Posted on:
How COVID- 19 Impacted Learning Experiences and the Development of Further Research: Meaningful Student Engagement in an Online Environment.
The Curriculum Design Student Panel turns 5 years old
Posted on:
The Curriculum Design Student Panel is five years old this month and the team would like to say thank you to all students and staff that have engage with the panel and helped to make it such a success.
Employability and curriculum - what do you think?
Posted on:
In late May 2020, a sample of students who had used FutureYOU over the previous year were invited to take part in a short online survey. Nearly 3,500 responses were received, capturing data on FutureYOU use as well as valuable insights into students’ understanding of employability and its development.
Your voice is making an impact
Posted on:
Have you ever wondered what happens to your feedback? The Open University recognise the importance of closing the feedback loop and are commitment to ensuring all students feel their views are valued and that their voices are being heard.
National Student Survey 2021 - Have your say
Posted on:
The NSS is an annual UK-wide survey for students usually nearing their final year of undergraduate study and the 2021 survey is still open... Dont forget to have your say.
Student Consultative Meetings - March 2021
Posted on:
The Student Consultative Meetings 2021 are fast approaching but there is still time for you to get involved and help shape your OU study experience.Throughout March the University have organised a series of online meetings and are keen to hear from as many students are possible.
What a week!
Posted on:
Student Voice Week 2020, our biggest yet, saw hundreds of students take part in a range of activities throughout the week. It was a great opportunity for students to learn more about the OU, get advice and guidance from staff and get to know their fellow students.
Student Voice Week 2020 Timetable (15-21 November)
Posted on:
Student Voice Week is fast approaching and looks set to be our best yet.
Dont miss out on your opportunity to get involved, meet fellow students and get your voice heard.
The Open University has a new Student Charter
Posted on:
Today marks the launch of the new Student Charter.
Developed in partnership with the OU Students Association, the Student Charter describes how our OU community works and what we can expect from one another. It is our shared commitment to its values that ensures it remains meaningful, celebrated and reflected in our everyday experiences.
So...what is Student Voice?
Posted on:
Want to find out more about what Student Voice is and how you can get involved?
Student Hub Live are hosting the OU-wide (re)Freshers Orientation on 28 September 2020.
You will be able to hear from and ask questions to the staff and students that know it best and are committed to ensuring your voices are heard. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to engage with other students as you set out on your student journey.
Involving students in peer-mentoring
Posted on:
In 2019 Law School academics were researching student wellbeing and as part of this carried out interviews and focus groups with law and business students. They told us that distance learning can sometimes be an isolating and lonely experience. As part of that research we were asked ‘why does the Law School not provide a peer mentoring scheme?’. We thought this was a great question which led to us implementing a pilot peer mentoring scheme.
OU Students Association Conference 2020!
Posted on:
There is a brilliant programme of sessions lined up for OU Students Association Conference this weekend. With many interesting speakers including an exclusive Q & A; There will also be student consultations, lots of fun workshops and many opportunities to socialise.
OU Students Association representative opportunities!
Posted on:
The Student Association is currently seeking student volunteers for our exciting volunteering opportunities to get your student's voice heard within the Open University as a Central Committee Representative and a member of the Senate Reference Group.
Opportunity to influence policy and decision-making
Posted on:
The Office for Students, which is the regulator for Higher Education in England, is inviting students to apply to be members of their Student Panel. This is a great opportunity for Open University students, who can sometimes be forgotten when the focus is on students at ‘traditional’ universities.
Engaging students in peer-coaching
Posted on:
Staff and students have been collaborating to drive a peer-supported approach to promoting and developing self-reflection and skills related to personal development planning (PDP). PDP is part of the guidance from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (HE), so that all university students have opportunities to reflect on their learning and achievement as well as to plan for their personal, educational and career development.
Access Participation and Success Strategy
Posted on:
The Open University is committed to removing inequalities in access participation and success in Higher Education. Our Access, Participation and Success Strategy was launched in September 2019 following consultation in March 2019 which included input from students.
Student Consultative Meetings 2020
Posted on:
The annual Student Consultative Meetings included topics on Tuition and Student Communications with over 260 students taking part. This includes a combination of face-to-face and online events. Read more here...
Student Voice enhances the quality of OU curriculum
Posted on:
Every six years a Periodic Quality Review (PQR) of each curriculum area at The Open University is carried out. Here, a student shares their experience of being a full panel member and explains how Student Voice is incredibly important throughout the PQR process, informing every decision that gets made.
National Students Survey - have your say
Posted on:
The NSS is an annual UK-wide survey for students usually nearing their final year of undergraduate study and the 2020 survey is now OPEN.
Listening to students on extentions
Posted on:
At times we appreciate events can arise which mean you can struggle to submit your assignment on time. In April 2019 we looked at a variety of feedback that had been received from various groups in the University expressing concern about the policy and practice of the extension process
OU graduate to OU employee
Posted on:
It’s not easy studying as a distance learner and maintaining an altogether different level of commitment. So, I am incredibly proud of my achievements at The Open University (OU).Since graduating, I’ve actually joined the OU as an intern, working as part of the Student Voice team in The Office of the PVC (Students). .
Student Voice Week 18-24 November 2019
Posted on:
Due to popular demand, The Students Association, in partnership with The Open University is running #OUstudentVoice week again. Over the course of the week, there will be a host of activities for students to take part in such as, workshops and online forums.
National Students Survey 2019: How have we improved?
Posted on:
The results of the annual National Student Survey (NSS) have been published with The Open University ranked first for Assessment and Feedback with a score of 85%.
Curriculum Design Student Panel wins award
Posted on:
The curriculum design student panel has received national recognition for its innovative and sustained use of the student voice to inform the design of distance learning.
Jisc CAN Conference:OU Students take the lead
Posted on:
The Jisc Change Agents’ Network (CAN) is a network of people in both the higher and further education sectors dedicated to promoting student-staff partnership. A key feature of the CAN annual conference is that all presentations and workshops are led or co-presented by students, and that students take an active role in the organisation and running of the events, including hosting the student panel session.
National Students Survey 2018: What you have told us
Posted on:
NSS is an annual survey of students in their final year of study, at the OU this means students who have completed at least three years of study and achieved at least 120 credits. It is run by the Office for Students, who regulate higher education on behalf of students.
Message from Acting Vice-Chancellor: Review of change at the OU
Posted on:
We have previously shared information with you about a programme called Students First Transformation. This programme was designed to help us make efficiencies to our operations and to invest in the student experience.
Message from Acting Vice-Chancellor: July update from The Open University about our curriculum review
Posted on:
Last month, I wrote to you to let you know that the first set of proposed changes to our curriculum were approved at our governance committee meetings in May. Since then, the committees have met again and approved the majority of the remaining proposed changes.
Message from Acting Vice-Chancellor: Further update from The Open University about our curriculum review
Posted on:
In May, I wrote to you to give you an update about our Curriculum Review process. As I explained in my last message, all universities regularly review their curriculum and we have undertaken a larger than usual university-wide review this year. The aim has been to introduce new options for students while removing areas of study that have proved to be less popular. Our governance committees have now met and some proposals have been approved, with a number of further changes to be considered at the end of June.
Message from Acting Vice-Chancellor: Update from The Open University about our curriculum review
Posted on:
I wanted to update you on the Curriculum Review process we are undergoing; to clarify the next steps and to reassure you of our continuing commitment to supporting a wide array of subjects and minimising any impact on your study.
Latest Opportunities
Have Your Say Day
At home / online
Sign up to the Student Voice mailing list
At home / online
