Over the past few months, I have focused on gathering students’ feedback on their university experience. From speaking to students directly during our fantastic annual Rep Fair, to being fed back your input from our course and senior course representatives, we’ve gathered your feedback in aim of compiling a helpful guide aimed for staff and academics on how to engage students most effectively.
An Update from Dominika
Over the past few months, I have focused on gathering students’ feedback on their university experience. From speaking to students directly during our fantastic annual Rep Fair, to being fed back your input from our course and senior course representatives, we’ve gathered your feedback in aim of compiling a helpful guide aimed for staff and academics on how to engage students most effectively.
To further support this initiative, I developed a “Student Engagement” feedback survey to understand what students find beneficial when engaging with their studies, on campus and beyond. What makes enjoyable modules so fantastic? - What helps you stay active and focused during lectures? - What could we change about lectures that you’d rather stay in bed than attend?
The survey will remain open until the remainder of the year, so if you would like to contribute, complete the survey here:
The responses to this survey are anonymous; they will help shape improvements to your educational experience, driving long-term development for future students. The survey responses will be combined with relevant feedback received throughout the year in SSAM meetings.
Apart from this, we have encouraged students and staff to nominate peers for the ‘Celebrate Student & Staff’ initiative- our nominees received emails outlining their nomination and thanking them for their contribution. This form is open all year around- if you would like to nominate somebody, you can do so here:
Moving forward into term 2, in conjunction with the student engagement, I am planning on writing a document with advice for students applying for postgraduate studies- the ins and outs of applications, from students, for students.
Postgraduate applications are daunting and stressful. Having gone through the process, I will provide my input and advice on how to tackle applications and interviews, the things they don’t disclose until you’re ready to submit (like application fees!), and more. I will compile resources I used in my own application process, as well as resources which my peers found helpful.
If you or your peers have any feedback, comments, or issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective course reps (find your rep here: ) or contact me via email ()!
What’s Happening Across the LSE School?
An exciting update from Biological Sciences: There has been a £2 million investment in improving the facilities in Bourne. It started over the summer but is still ongoing, improvements include much better audiovisual capability in the teaching labs – so students are now clearly able to see the large, bright screens. We also have cameras to allow demonstration of practical activity and technical equipment. The passageway to the Bourne lecture theatres has also been improved with new seating, and lovely images on the wall. The lecture theatres have been refurbished (lighting is still to be finished). The Bourne Foyer has also been improved with heating, comfortable seating, plus new display boards.
On 5 March, Earth Sciences held a careers evening for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, which had both external guests from industry and government bodies who met with students to discuss job opportunities and provide practical advice on job hunting and career pathways.
Later in March, ran our ‘Where Next?’ event aimed at 3rd year students considering continuing their academic journey in our department. The session highlighted opportunities with our MSc by Research and MSci programmes.
The Lyell Society held the ‘Masquerade Ball’ on 20 February in the Founders Dining Hall, which was an excellent opportunity for students to meet up and strengthen our department community.
Our Earth Sciences EDI Committee (now including both UG and PG student representatives) held a Pancake Day-Mardi Gras celebration on 17th February. This event was open to staff and students and offers an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity in the department.
Our weekly research seminar series continues throughout Term 2, featuring Earth scientists from academia and industry who present their latest research to staff and students. These seminars provide valuable insight into current developments in Earth Sciences and expose students to a wide range of research and career pathways.
We have created a wellbeing poster highlighting the range of support services available to students. The poster present information on where students can access financial advice, mental health support, disability and neurodiversity support, and other general guidance. The poster is located along the corridor in Queens leading to our large lecture room in the department.
Geography have an upcoming careers and alumni event will showcase the range of options open to RH Geography graduates, as well as providing some top tips on CVs and applications.
Our new Year 1 innovative global challenge focused modules have started well. Taught by human and physical geographers these highlight the role Geography has in understanding and addressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainability.
In January, Vanita Chamdal and Ciara O’Brien from the Department of Psychology ran a Coffee Catch Up. Lots of students and staff came along for chat over coffee, tea, pastries and other sweet treats. Further Coffee Catch Ups were held on Wednesday 18th February and Wednesday 18th March.
Coming up there is the Academia and Beyond event in March, the Neuroscience Showcase afternoon in March and Mental Health Awareness Film Club.