the student exprience..whats the deal?

HEPI Conference “The Student Experience - What’s the deal?”
On Wednesday 8th I went to London paid for by the University about the student experience a massive buzz word being used at the moment. The basis of this buzz is whether we can sufficiently quantify what students should expect or are entailed for from their Universities. A question gaining much prominence because of the tuition fees debate.
The conference was headlined by some heavy hitters in sector including Wes Streeting, NUS President, who was the in fact the only student voice throughout the conference. This was a massive let down, considering the title of the conference. Typical of debates and conferences about students, a lack of the student perspective! Even more shocking, I was the only Student Union President/ Sabbatical there, oh apart from Leeds, but there everywhere so they don’t count.
What did I take from the conference? Umm...

Students are not customers and should not be treated as such. This suggests that a University Degree is a product you buy and it expires on your graduation day.

Great teaching has the single biggest effect on the student experience. Students need to be taught by lecturers who are passionate and enthusiastic and teaching.

Students are not simply apathetic, it’s just they don’t engage in the political process like they did in the 50s. Students are ambassadors in the community not just nationally but internationally, in the volunteering they do locally and over sees. This is the modern form of engagement.

All in all a worthwhile trip to London