Internal Survey Results

The Student Experience Satisfaction Survey (SESS) 2007

The Student Experience and Satisfaction Survey (SESS) is the University's annual student survey. It is a wide-ranging survey that includes questions on motivations, aspirations, outside commitments, learning experiences and satisfaction with resources and facilities.

During the 2006/07 academic year, the SESS process and survey instruments were aligned with the National Student Survey (NSS) and a selection of questions from the NSS concerning teaching and learning were incorporated into SESS.  This allowed for seamless analysis and triangulation of the SESS and NSS data sets, offering the University a richer and more complete picture from all levels of study.

As the NSS was already administered to Level 3 students each year, this year SESS was administered to a representative sample drawn from Levels 1 and 2, from different programme/subject groups in each of the three faculties.  (Because of the different structures of courses at the Warsash Maritime Academy a separate survey has been developed for WMA). 

Issues arising from the student feedback are reported at the Academic Standards and Development Committee to be addressed by the appropriate departments and personnel. 

First developed and implemented in 2003, SESS has proven to be a rich and robust data source from which the University has been able to enhance the learning experience of its students. 

Response rate

In 2007, a response rate of 40% was achieved from a sample that was representative of the university student body.

Key messages

Key messages emerging from the survey include the following:

Overall ratings

The overwhelming majority of students were satisfied with their learning experience at SSU.  Our highest scoring areas were 'teaching', 'academic support' and 'overall satisfaction'.

Highest scoring areas in SESS

The following statements received the highest ratings amongst our students:

  • I know how to contact staff when I need to
  • Staff are generally helpful and approachable
  • Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching
  • The course is intelectually stimulating

Student support

The following support services received the highest ratings amongst our students:

  • Subject/informtion librarians
  • Lecturers/tutors
  • Disability support

University resources

Overall 85% of students were satisfied or very satisfied with the University's resources.  The highest scoring resources were:

  • Library
  • IT resources
  • Specialist equipment/rooms/facilities

Skills development

According to the survey students felt they had developed the most in the following areas:

  • Subject specifid knowledge
  • Making a quality presentation
  • Writing coherent reports/essays
  • Using the library/research skills
  • General knowledgde

Retention

There has been a decrease in the number of students who have considered leaving the University.

Transition

86% of students reported that they had experienced an OK or easy transition to their current level of study.

 

If you need more information about SESS please contact the Research and Information Unit on 023 8031 9495.