CHESTER University was transformed into an airport check-in desk as part of a national survey scheme.
The travel-themed event was aimed to encourage final year students to complete the 2010 National Student Survey (NSS.)
Chester Students’ Union (CSU) has joined forces with the Learning and Teaching Institute (LTI) to promote the Survey, which definitively measures the quality of the teaching experience at each UK institution, gathering information directly from students.
Ben Massey, CSU Vice-President (Chester) and his opposite number at the Warrington campus, Olly Howard, devised the airport-style campaign, to appeal to students who are due to graduate.
Mr Massey said: “It’s vital that as many final year students in as many subject areas as possible complete the survey so that the university can gain a true picture of where it does well and where it could do better.
“The results can bring about real change, for example, previous surveys have led to increased access to library facilities before exams and more copies of key texts on reading lists being made available.”
Mr Howard said: “We came up with the idea of having a bank of computers where students could complete the survey online, like those in an airport terminal, and the theme ‘took off’ from there. Students’ Union representatives will be wearing pilots’ uniforms and refreshments will be served by ‘Chester Airways’.
“We have negotiated some fantastic prizes in a free draw, ranging from an exotic holiday worth up to £1,000, a weekend break for two or tickets to some of the UK’s main attractions to spray tan and travel books, which should attract students looking forward to a break after their exams.”
This year, about 2,400 students across a wide range of disciplines at the university are being invited to fill in the NSS before April 30. Anonymous submissions are then analysed by the independent market research agency Ipsos-MORI and the results, fed back to the university in September, can influence the choices made by potential students and lead to positive changes.
Sir Alan Langlands, chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), said: “The results of the previous National Student Surveys were overwhelmingly positive endorsements of higher education.
“They will enable prospective students to make well informed choices about their courses. By providing valuable feedback on their learning experiences, today’s students have an essential role in helping their successors to make the right decisions about their higher education.”