EZC- FNES FO report
Yousra Hikal
The following ideas are not completely mine therefore I should mention credits for my
academic presidents: Ally Irwin, Ore Olaniyan and Venu Varatharajan.
OES:
-What has gone well since the start of the year/ is still going well?
• Students seem to be settling in well, and are enjoying the use of the new labs.
• Library inductions have been helpful for first years.
• Major problems with timetabling all appear to have been sorted out.
• Students comments on feedback quality has improved slightly from last year.
-Area(s) of improvement that can be taken forward over the term:
• No Careers representation at NOC.
• Feedback quality, though improved, is still poor.
• Wide range of resources for students, but poorly communicated so largely unused, eg.
access to computer programs on Blackboard, research seminars.
• Assessment reform – encourage lecturers to look into other types of assessment rather
than continual theory examinations.
-What projects are you planning for the upcoming year?
Careers/ Employability:
Regular Careers presence at NOC, eg. Drop in service, careers fair workshops, careers/
Industry talks at NOC
• Job application advice; including psychometric tests, CV, cover letters and interview
preparation
• Aptitude tests (eg. Morrisby) – many students look for work outside of their field of study
• Source a placement/ internship
Employment fair worked well last year, would be good to build on that and continue to
improve the range of companies/ industries present.
Learning Resources
Better communication of available resources to students through CRs (regular lecture shout
outs, or use of social media to advertise):
• Research seminars
• SOES communications and module student feedback on Blackboard
• Study spaces available (including bookable and computer rooms)
Stress Less Fest
Bring Stress Less Fest events to the NOC, instead of just Highfield campus
Biological Sciences:
-What has gone well since the start of the year/ is still going well?


Across all years each module was outlined clearly with enough time given for
deadlines and coursework assignments.
First years’ induction lecture full of relevant information, easy for them to
understand the University’s and the Faculty’s procedures, and showed them all the
relevant people they should contact in certain situations.
-Area(s) of improvement that can be taken forward over the term:



Many lectures are very full and students are not finding seats in lectures.
Most, but not all module lectures are recorded (may be confusing for some who
don’t which modules record and which don’t)
First years do not get handouts for their lectures, they now get a £3 allowance for
printing (this is enough for them to print every single lecture for every single
module, along with their assignments)
-What projects are you planning for the upcoming year?

Having feedback sessions with international, mature and Science without Borders
students to get their opinions on how the year is progressing for them and what they
think should be done to improve their university experience.
Chemistry:
-What has gone well since the start of the year/ is still going well?

First years have shown interest in becoming CRs which is a good step forward to
getting new students involved with SUSU and that they are happy with contacting
their AP
-Area(s) of improvement that can be taken forward over the term:


Communication (of students with their course reps all year round not just when it is
near SSLC time and making it clear to them that lecturers are more than happy to
help them most of the time)
Making it known to students that they can book out rooms in chemistry to allow
them to revise during the exam period when the library is always packed.