Many of you took the trouble to respond to the OCASA student survey in November of last year (click here to see the report again), and you may be wondering what we used the data for.
Several actions have been taken as a direct consequence of this data:
- Project 2014 was set up: Gareth Dent (CEO) set up a small working group led by Prof. Patsy Cullen (Trustee), and including OCASA (Carol Smith, John Umney), and Director of curriculum Jane Horton. The focus was on using the insights from the student survey, and a previous qualitative study, to help improve the student experience. The team made a proposal which was just approved by the board. The key focus for Project 2014 was on New students and in particular on helping them to get off to a great start, and to quickly become part of the community. To read more about the planned improvements click here.
- Creative Writing was reviewed: By comparing data by subject we saw that creative writing needed some focus to bring the level of student experience in line with other courses. Work is still underway, and the curriculum leader is making a proposal for how best to meet the specific needs of writing students, but already there is a big effort to drive up inclusion and engagement via more articles and reviews on the WeAreOCA webpage, and checks to ensure proportional representation of study visits for creative writing. Please get in touch with the CW student rep (Christopher) if you have ideas
- The Student Map went live: Many of you asked for an easier way to get in touch with other students in your location. With the move to the OCA email addresses, OCA have been able to leverage the Google Maps app that allows every student to put themselves on the map, so that any other students in there area can find them. If you haven’t done so yet, please follow this link to put yourself on the map and connect with students local to you – you might even decide to set up a local group.
In addition, OCA shared with us their plans (now complete) to recruit more Textiles tutors, and to continue to build the on-line library as part of their on-going drive to continually improve the student experience.
Based on the success of the Project 2014 team, a proposal has been made to set up Project 2015 with a focus on further Strengthening Tutor Relationships, which was another important theme in the November survey. The team will comprise OCA Executive, Curriculum leaders, OCASA representatives and, of course, Tutors.
Thank you again to everyone who took part in the survey. Your feedback is valued by OCASA and OCA and has been the basis for these planned improvements.
If you want to read more about the agreed plans for Project 2014 (New Students/ Communities) click here.
