Over the past few weeks, students from across the University of Gloucestershire have sat down with senior leaders to talk about what is really shaping their time at uni. Course reps, welfare reps, sports reps and students from every school came along to Discuss with the Deans at Oxstalls and Park, and to Voice it to the VC at Francis Close Hall. Here’s what you told them, and what they said back.

Wednesdays and sport

At both Discuss with the Deans sessions, students said Wednesday lectures are stopping them from playing sport. At Oxstalls alone, 34 students across six clubs had paid their BUCS fee but couldn’t play. Senior leaders said timetabling is complex, but this is the final year before the timetable becomes fixed, so now is the time to push for change. They did say that keeping Wednesdays free would mean teaching would go on later other days of the week. In Voice it to the VC students raised they felt teaching goes on too late already, and travelling in the dark can cause issue with student safety. We want to know what you think, share your thoughts on Wednesdays and Late lectures on Voice It, the link is below.

Cost and hidden costs

Money came up at every session, whether it was the need for cost-of-living support to the cost of a £1,000 compulsory field trip. Students we’re clear times are financially hard right now, and there shouldn’t be any hidden costs making it more challenging for students to balance their books. The Vice-Chancellor said the Financial Hardship Fund wasn’t fully used last year, so if you’re struggling, apply. Course reps will also meet course leaders about compulsory field trips, and the School leaderships teams will begin work on publishing expected course costs.

Inclusion and support

Disabled, international and care-experienced students asked for fairer treatment and clearer support. In response, the EDI Committee is opening its membership to student reps, the complaints process is being made easier to use, and support on writing in a UK academic style is being developed for international students.

Assessment and AI

Students raised deadlines bunching together and assignment briefs that aren’t always clear, and course teams will now meet students to look at this. At Park, the overuse of AI was the top-voted issue. Students called for no compulsory use of AI in assessments and want to lead the university’s principles on AI use.

Have your say

These conversations only work when you’re part of them. Whether something needs fixing or something is working well, tell us through Voice It. The Student Voice team reads every response and passes it to the reps, Officers and University staff who can act on it.

Have your say on Voice It