► Minutes of meetings

The minutes for 2009 - 2010: 

UCBC Student Committee Meeting

Date: November 24, 2009
Location: UC321
Time: 5-6pm

AGENDA

Welcome and Introductions

Apologies

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Enrolment and Induction

Facilities/ Resources

Support

Behaviour/Code of Conduct

AOB

 
 

AGENDA ITEM/ISSUE DISCUSSED	ACTION
	WHAT	WHO	WHEN
Welcome and Introductions	WP- Initiates introductions and explains the purpose of the student committee. This a forum for students to air their views- both positive and negative and to hopefully find solutions for issues raised. Also to inform students of actions arising from their feedback. The agenda was shared as a guide for discussion, WP invited student input in setting the agenda. All reps introduced themselves and stated which School they were representing.
Apologies	None received.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment	SOLJCS- Assignments seem to have been poorly spread out over the term, either have little to do or lots. WP to feed this back to HOS. SOEPP- Tony Logan was named by a student as being a fantastic tutor; he said that he had learnt a lot and had enjoyed the course so far. WP asked the student if this was ok to share with the tutor. Student Union Representation- Some tutors are not making use of Moodle. Inconsistency was noted amongst the Schools. SOLJCS -Our tutors do use Moodle. Most of our tutors do use Moodle but it is an issue when one of the tutors does not. We do use Moodle more than written copies; prefer to see the information on screen. New study skills unit in relation to law courses has been useful-well liked as is subject specific. Would like a law society to possibly sell/buy books? WP encouraged the student to liaise with the SU to set up.  We can create a law society, just need members. NM offered the notice boards for advertising books. NM encouraged the students to let her have the information in which to advertise.  DM- Informed Students of the fortnightly E-mails sent out to their college email account. This is one mechanism for giving out information on upcoming events and key information. Most students in this group raised the issue that they were unaware they had a student E-Mail account. Also some of the student who had used this had encountered difficulties with signing in to student accounts this year. DM to advertise the emails accounts via tutors and to look into the issue of returning or repeating students E-Mail accounts. WP raised the question to students about alternative means of communicating with students on mass and texting was raised by one of the students. DM- We currently do have a system for text messaging students and are looking into the possibility of expanding the current system and usage. DM and WP to look into this further. WP- Any further ideas welcomed as I am concerned students are not receiving key information. Texting was again raised, as well as blue tooth.   WP prompted students to comment on the Standard of teaching and learning? Do students feel they are getting a good deal?    One student felt that they were getting a good deal but did not enjoy the course- simply due to work load- but that they knew this when they started. Also, you can tell the difference between good and poor tutors in the classroom. Another comment made - You will never please everyone but teaching has been to a good level for myself. WP explained the processes that were in place to monitor Teaching and Learning. She explained that teaching staff were observed and given feedback. She also explained the purpose and importance of QDP and NSS. One student stated – that is was not always the tutor’s fault i.e. covering classes outside of their subject area. SOAHSS- John Harrison and the Photography tutors have all been very supportive, good teaching and friendly.  WP again asked if this could be shared.	WP      WP                                    NM/SU                DM                              DM and WP                                                      WP
Enrolment and Induction	Enrolment was rather long winded- We were in the refectory for an hour waiting. WP noted this and was already making improvements for next year.  Enrolment meeting were taking place with registry staff. Most students were annoyed at having to pay £5 for a key fob- when they hadn’t been warned in advance about this and also because they needed for all door at the moment. Students asked if they would be refunded for the Fob if they left or when they had completed their course.  WP to take the comments about the FOBS to HEM. WP explained that some doors were not yet activated on the system because they were broken. These had been reported and were being fixed. SOLJCS - No student organisers were available at induction for one particular course.  DM stated that they should have had one and will get these to this particular course.   WP asked for feedback / comments on any fun activities that had occurred during induction and Fresher’s. One student suggested a Weakest link theme or something like that which would have been good with tutors. NM to consider this for next Fresher’s but to also plan this event in the new year. Students were generally happy with enrolment/induction and freshers.     NM and QA then asked what students felt about the SU. QA felt that most students are unaware what the SU is and what it does- he felt we needed to change this. NM asked the student if they had seen the seen the SU notice boards? The general Consensus was that students were unaware of these boards. NM and SU to promote the SU more –  information in classes and on the notice boards in various Schools.	WP        WP                      DM          NM                    NM and SU
Facilities/ Resources	Nice building and setting. Bins/ashtrays needed at the front building. WP stated that the bins should have arrived and will check with Estates. Lifts and doors have been a problem. always breaking. WP stated that the lifts had dramatically improved over the weeks and tried to explain what the issues had been Books in the library seem to be strangely organised and sometimes hard to find but the staff are very helpful.	WP
Support	Support staff- particularly finance seem to be understaffed. Definitely short staffed in the student finance office.  WP stated that the student finance officer has now received extra help but your comments are useful. Few students seem to know about the access to Learning Fund. WP to raise with Student Finance Officer. Again the Student Finance Officer was very helpful and one student had received substantial help. It was useful to know that support is available if it is needed at a later date.	WP
Behaviour/Code of Conduct	WP posed three questions to the committee in relation to behaviour: Question One. What constitutes unacceptable behaviour in the class room?  Responses given: Mobile phones, i pods and generally affecting other students learning were the answers received from students. One student stated that ‘Surely we shouldn’t need to discuss this at University’!    SOLJCS - Some tutors have been locking the doors ten minutes into classes- most students approve of this as it prevents disruption and we were told of this in advance. Generally the students supported this idea.   Question two. What constitutes unacceptable behaviour around campus? People stood on the stairs blocking the way / passage. This was the only response given.    Question Three. How can we improve student’s behaviour and deal with unacceptable behaviour safely and appropriately?  Responses given:   This does not apply to most UCBC students but if individuals are going to act like children then they should be treated as such.              WP asked who had seen and signed the              Student charter – most of the students had.         One student felt that a strict line should be taken on behaviour from day one then it is much easier.
AOB	SOAHSS- Access to the photography suites is a major issue for my group. We need to be able to come in and work but currently cannot enter the room until we find a tutor to open the door then lock when we leave. Previously had a key pad. Prayer Room – This was raised as an issue; students would like a prayer room in UCBC. WP invited students to attend a breakfast event with the Principal on January 14th 2010 at 08.30hrs in Scholars Restaurant.     Meeting Closed at 6.10

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