Nottingham

Work that has been done so far by the Representation Team

We’ve hit the ground running with excitement, ready to make your university life even better! To start with hey my name is Chandrika Dutta, please call me Chans (Representation and Welfare Coordinator). Although you might often see me as the face of the Representation Team, it’s truly a group effort made up of many dedicated individuals working hard behind the scenes to support students. From BNU’s Uxbridge campus, Natasha Neal Senior Student Engagement and Welfare Coordinator and Bethany Jackson Vice President Education and Welfare recently visited to meet and introduce themselves to the students and staff at the Nottingham campus. After being introduced to a wide range of students and their concerns, we introduced the Issue Tracker to record and monitor all student feedback effectively. This has proven to be one of the most efficient ways to keep track of the issues/ concerns or discussions raised by students across campus. It’s been encouraging to see students coming forward to share their concerns about a variety of areas.

Here are some of the concerns that the team is dealing with

• Students shared concerns about not having the latest edition books for their coursework. I raised this with professors, and a list of required books has been submitted. The librarian is now processing these requests soon our shelves will be stocked with new and updated editions to better support students’ learning.
• There were no bins (general or recycle) available inside the classrooms for disposing of food. The team took the initiative to contact the relevant members at the university, and bins have now been installed in classrooms followed by regular checks after each class to change the bins, corridors area and recycles bins are on the way.
• Previously, there were no facilities for loan laptops for students. Now, after it has been raised to the SU, a meeting has been proceeded with the facilities team, now there are loan laptops that can be used on campus for up to 6 hours.
• There was no baby feeding room on campus. The team followed up with the university, and work has now begun to establish one.
• Students requested a microwave and kettle. It is followed up with the facilities department, and a positive outcome is expected soon.
• Students have been repeatedly changing classes due to issues with heaters and HDMI connections. These concerns were escalated to the right team and monitored closely by Chans. As a result, heater signs have been added, and therefore, there are now two screen connection options either by bytellow software without HDMI wires, or an organized HDMI setup that won’t disrupt the classroom.
• Students wanting to have a sitting arrangement outside, matter has been escalated, and it is on the progress status.
• Students stated that the screens to see slides are not properly visible, the team has escalated this to the facility member and now the screens are working perfect.
• Concerns regarding teaching quality, reading study materials of the slides and slow response to student queries have been raised and escalated to the Heads of Academics for monitoring and improvement. There will a process of identifying lecturers, regular teaching and development trainings.
• Concerns of students regarding extension, mitigating circumstances, ielts exams has all been escalated to the right teams and students are being followed up by the university team members.
• Concerns regarding the quality and quantity of food at the canteen have been addressed. A suggestion sheet has been placed at reception to gather students’ preferred food options. Based on the most popular student choices, the Facilities Team is working closely with the Students’ Union to ensure your voices are heard. Together, we’re exploring ways to bring hot food, fresh coffee, and a selection of snacks to campus!
• Concerns regarding the canteen looked bare and chilli, but good news! We now have two big smart LED TVs where you can watch movies, play music, or just enjoy a cosy vibe. The space feels much livelier now, and after discussions with the facilities team, heating will also be installed in the next few weeks to make it even more comfortable.
• Concerns regarding lift accessibility for disabled students and the need for more toilets. The work on the lift is scheduled to begin in a few days, and discussions are also underway about adding more toilets.
• Students also shared their interest in having a microwave available to heat up their meals the positive outcome is on the way within the next few days.
• Students have concerns on pressing buzzers every time they come in and write their name, time, student ID which really take time on weekends due to more students present and students miss their attendance.
• Students would like to see academic leads on the weekends to discuss serious issues regarding the modules the module leaders are not available at the weekends, discussion are in progress.
• Students have raised concerns about the sign-in sheet at the reception being labeled “OBC Student”. Raised it with the right team and now it has been changed to BNU-MCC students.
• Students have raised concerns about the attendance recording process. Although professors mark them as present on Blackboard, some students are finding that their attendance records still show them as absent and vice versa as well on when they are marked absent.
• Student ID cards not received, having problem to do anything on campus. Been asked to come back every week, work has been on progress.

These are some of the concerns raised by our wonderful students have been so thoughtful and detailed, and many positive changes have only been possible because you took the time to share your feedback. If you have a problem, have already raised an issue but haven’t heard back, or simply don’t know where to start, come and speak to me. We can work together to find a solution. I always strive to build strong and supportive relationships with both staff and students, as we are all part of one team working together to make BNU a better and more successful place for everyone. So please, don’t be afraid to reach out.

For any questions, information, or concerns, pop into the Students’ Union office or email your Student Representation and Welfare Coordinator: chandrika.dutta@bnu.ac.uk