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NUS survey shows that the majority of Solent students are happy with how the University is managing the coronavirus crisis with regular updates and online learning provision.

4th May 2020
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The vast majority of Solent students are happy with how the University is managing the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, keeping them up-to-date, and the online learning provision, according to a recent survey by the National Union of Student (NUS).  

On 19 March 2020, Solent moved towards fully remote working, closing down its campuses to staff and students. Not long after this, the NUS ran a national student survey to explore the experiences, concerns and issues students were facing during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

According to the survey, Solent respondents thought the University was performing better than some of its peers, with almost three-quarters (74%) saying Solent was managing the coronavirus Covid-19 crisis well, compared to the survey average of 67%.   

When asked if Solent had kept them up-to-date, nine out of ten (86%) of respondents felt that it had – compared with the survey average of 73%, and 84% of respondents thought Solent was providing the online learning required as a result of the crisis, above the survey average of 78%.  

71% of Solent respondents thought they had received helpful support from the University, this was a sizeable 11% above the survey average of 60%. 

“It’s really encouraging to receive this feedback from our students,” says Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen Stanton. “It’s testament to the hard work, commitment and creative solutions from University staff.”  

The survey also suggested that students would benefit from further reassurances around exams, degree outcomes and job prospects, especially for final-year students.   

“To reassure students concerned about their future, we have implemented a no detriment approach to assessments, to ensure that academic results will not be disadvantaged by the current situation,” continues Professor Stanton. “We’ve made new arrangements for taking exams online and changed our extenuating circumstances procedures to cover the impact of Covid-19. 

“Students also have access to advice and guidance on all aspects of career planning, as well as video and interactive content to help them plan their future. We’re here for our students, every step of the way.” 

The survey took place from 27 March until 6 April 2020 and was promoted across all NUS channels. The national survey received 9,872 responses, 345 from Solent.