This week, we’re catching up with our School on what they’ve been up to and sharing exciting updates from their departments. Today we’re spotlighting the EPMS School!
An Update from Marie
This term I have been working on a range of items all from your feedback. I was happy to meet so many at the meet a rep pizza event and the student representative fair. I have received 138 responses to the survey to gather student feedback which has all been raised at student staff action meetings and highlighting areas to be improved, such as personal tutoring. Some key areas I have been working on are:
To improve accessibility - In Bedford there is now a quiet lab for the larger lab sessions. I have also been advocating for accessibility in the Windsor auditorium which now has a functional hearing induction loop, and I will investigate signage. In addition to this, the AV team have adjusted some of the audio equipment and provided further guidance on how to improve sound quality of recordings.
Module quality - I have been feeding back and providing suggestions on Module changes to improve them for future students. This also includes speaking to module leaders of current modules to ask for content to be released earlier where possible even if the content is a draft.
Timetabling - This has been a tricky area due to the size of the school and courses there are limits to when and where some items can happen but there is good news. The EPMS admin team work hard to avoid clashes and make the timetables as friendly as possible. Greater focus will be on reducing 4-hour back-to-back sessions where possible so more students feel that they can benefit from attending labs.
Throughout the term I have also been attending the EPMS school feedback workshops where insights of how students can be better supported were gained. The main outcome from this is that some further education and consistency is needed across the Moodle pages. If you have any feedback, please email me at epms.schoolrep@royalholloway.su. To get involved please sign up to workshops (they are paid) and share your opinions with your reps. I look forward to working with you this term.
What’s Happening Across the EPMS School?
The EPMS Network is a fun and exciting social collective made up of students and staff from the School of Electronic Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences. There is no need to join, if you are part of the School, you can access all the networks, fantastic resources and events. We are here to help you have the best possible time at Royal Holloway and we’re constantly listening to what you need and how best we can make that happen.
We have paid workshops where you can share your views on the school and make real change. A bespoke series of events and industry experiences where you can build on your career opportunities, including the annual Technology Careers Fair. Last year, we ran the EPMS welcome party in the boiler house courtyard with free food and drinks and games, a quiz night, collaborations with society events, a hugely fun gingerbread house-making competition and weekly board game cafés, amongst other things!
Throughout spring we will also have an easter egg decorating afternoon, a Mare Curie cake-bake, and more paid workshops across the term.
If you are interested in getting involved in the EPMS Network or want to know more please email epmsnetwork@rhul.ac.uk. You can also follow us on Instagram @rhul_epmsnetwork.