Understanding student needs before they arrive.
Transitioning into university life is an exciting but often challenging time for students. To ensure every student feels prepared and supported, Student Learning introduced the Student Transitions Entry Poll (STEP), a comprehensive survey designed to gather insights from incoming students before they set foot on campus.
The journey begins.
The first STEP survey was launched with the September 2022 entry cohort, marking a significant step in the university’s efforts to refine the student experience right from the start. The survey gathered data on students’ backgrounds, goals, and any apprehensions they may have, providing invaluable insights into each student’s unique journey and setting the stage for personalised support. Through STEP, students had the opportunity to share their concerns before arriving on campus, empowering the Student Journey Team (SJT) to address these needs through tailored pre-arrival communications, targeted service signposting, and informative orientation sessions post-enrolment.
A continuous, adaptive platform for new intakes.
STEP is administered to both September and January new intake cohorts, focusing exclusively on new students beginning their studies at the Middlesbrough and Darlington campuses. The survey is accessed through the enrolment portal in August and December respectively, offering around six weeks to complete it. SJT monitor responses and address concerns within 72 hours, ensuring swift and relevant communications are provided. During holiday closure periods, respondents are provided with clear guidance and support links helping to manage expectations.
Listening and responding to students’ needs.
Since its inception, STEP has had a significant impact. By September 2024, over 9,500 incoming students had completed the survey, providing the university with meaningful insights into what they hope to achieve, their self-assessed skills, and their areas of concern. Thanks to STEP, the SJT has responded to over 900 specific enquiries and concerns, offering personalised information and guidance to ensure incoming students feel valued, whilst creating a welcoming, supportive environment that truly puts students’ needs at the heart of its mission.
A more informed, connected student experience.
Investing in strategies, such as STEP, exemplifies the university’s commitment to enhancing student experience. It provides a conduit for building stronger relationships with its students, anticipation of their needs, and fostering a community where they have a sense of belonging. The ongoing feedback gathered helps to continuously shape the university’s approach and commitment to enhance its resources and services in line with students’ evolving needs; this in turn leads to direct approaches aligned to improving student engagement and retention.
As the university continues to develop an understanding of it’s students, STEP will remain a cornerstone in helping every new student transition confidently into their academic journey and beyond.
To find out more about STEP and the findings for September 2024, click HERE.