Institute of Education Updates

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information that can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

I just wanted to reach out with a huge THANK YOU for your engagement, feedback and support over this past academic year. We have faced tremendous challenges in light of the lockdown and I could not be more grateful and proud of how co-operative, resilient and determined you have all been to support your fellow students and complete your studies.

Within this partnership, this year, we have overcome many issues including (but not limited to!) my highlights:

• Improving the relationships between students and staff, using feedback and meetings to manage expectations and set standards of transparent and relevant communication.

• Improving Canvas layout and working towards a more universal approach across modules, so students can access resources in similar ways regardless of who is teaching the content. There are now more Canvas resources available to help with use and this has been/will be pushed to students from the beginning of the semester.

• Integrating library skills within university sessions. Lectures have done a fantastic job of offering support throughout lockdown and working with library services to ensure students have access to a wider range of support and skills services.

• The most consistent feedback this academic year has been positive messages to say how well staff have been doing to support students, academically and pastorally. It is so important that we have a two-way street of communication and you taking the time to share your feedback has really meant a lot to me, the SU and the university staff.

As I finish this role on the 31^st of July, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all happiness and good health moving forward. 

Kind regards and best wishes

Aurora

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information that can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

Hello!

Here's a summary of what's been happening since my last post and what's to come!

Hardship Fund - There has  been more funding made available to support students in hardship. The Dennis Turner hardship fund is taking applications from home and international students until 12th March. Find out more details and how to apply here --> https://www.wlv.ac.uk/apply/funding-costs-fees-and-support/financial-support/dennis-turner-opportunity-fund/

Digital Technology- I have been gathering feedback to ensure that students have the correct equipment and that their course resources and materials are accessible. This information has been escalated to be shared within University meetings, and all School/Institute reps have contributed.  

School Council - Work has continued to ensure that all actions from our first school council meeting are making progress and that students are happy with the outcomes and recommendations moving forward. You will be receiving an email update detailing all actions in the coming weeks, via email and MicroSoft Teams Channel. 

Teams Rep Channels - All course reps should have now been added to a Student Voice Institute of Education Teams channel. Please check this for updates and feel free to drop your feedback in there

Walsall Events - In the coming weeks, I will be attending meetings in relation to events at Walsall Campus and most probably, online. I'd love to hear your ideas and any recommendations that you have! 

Finally, thank you to all reps and students who have contacted me and sent their feedback. If you haven't already shared and you've got something to tell me, drop me a line at aurora.evans@wlv.ac.uk

As always, take care and look after yourselves. 

Aurora

Hello!

I hope you’re keeping well.

Here's a look back and a peep forward in to what's been happening and what the plans are moving forward. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! 

Semester 1 Round-up- as you know a big part of my role is collecting feedback and advocating for the student voice and I continued to do this through university meetings, online drop-in sessions and via email. I have used various methods of data collection to ensure an inclusive environment in which students can share their feedback and recommendations.

Semester 2 Recommendations- I will continue to represent the Student Voice and will be participating in more social media/online sessions to offer students more opportunities to ‘meet’ with myself and the wider SU/university staff team. I will also be exploring further avenues of engagement and trialling new data collection methods.

Semester 1 Round-up- Throughout semester 1, there was a notable increase in students who were finding it difficult to manage their well-being alongside their study. As lockdown continues, this may likely be a theme that continues as we navigate through further uncertainty and hardship. However, we are still here for you and will continue to support you to support your well-being and your academic achievement.

Semester 2 Recommendations- There will be continued signposting to support services as well as offering further opportunities for students to reach out in a way that is suited to them and their needs. There will also be further collaboration with digital skills and services to ensure that students are aware of all the academic support available and how/where to access it. 

Semester 1 Round-up- Our first School Council Meeting, held December, went well and there were lots of student contributions- thank you for that! All initial actions have been noted and I have reached out to faculty staff members to share feedback and offer suggestions based on student recommendations.

Semester 2 Recommendations- I will ensure that the ‘feedback loop’ has been completed once all feedback has been acknowledged and recommendations considered. I will also be asking (again!) for student feedback as we move through semester 2 to ensure that the student voice is heard and that the academic experience has improved.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the perservernece and dedication of our students is outstanding and I thank you all for you support over the last semester and moving forward.

As always, if there’s anything you’d like to share (or you’d just fancy a chat)- drop me a line aurora.evans@wlv.ac.uk

Take care,

Aurora

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information that can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

Heyyy!

I hope you're all well and able to make the most of the beautiful weather we have been having! As you know, the SU and University have been working hard to offer all of our services online and offering appropriate support, tailored to meet the needs of each student. We are making the same considerations for our Freshers events and would love to hear from you! Drop me a line with what you would like to see at Freshers this year and what your expectations are! I'm avialable at Aurora.Evans@wlv.ac.uk and through the Wolves SU School Reps Facebook page!

As transition into summer, I'm also aware of the number of students who have extentuating circumstances during this time and that they may need more support. It is really important that you contact academic staff as soon as possible if you require tutorials/academic support. Staff have leave they need to take and may be unable for communication closer towards submission dates. If you are unsure of what support is available, please check out the university website or drop me an email and we can discuss your needs!

It is also important to check your university/canvas notifications and emails for the latest information regarding university/SU updates and assignment submissions. 

Stay safe and reach out!

Aurora

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information that can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

Hello there!

I hope you are keeping well! We've had a lot going on over the past few weeks, most of which you would have likely seen through emails and social media posts! There is still a lot to come over the upcoming weeks, so take a peak!

18th June - 16th July (Weekly) 3pm Thursday: 'Let's Talk 2020' five week series. The Let's Talk 2020 series offfers an inclusive space to talk through current topics related to living well. The talk serie will run each week for 5 weeks and welcomes students from all courses.The first topics are: June 18th - Has the pandemic left you feeling lost and worried? explore how we can thrive in uncertain times. June 25th - Making difficult decisions including working on the front line.  This project is being hosted as part of cross-collaboration between the Universities student support teams and are accesible on Zoom. If you would like to attend or find out more, please email PCRP@wlv.ac.uk. 

July 3rd - 12:00 - 14:00 IoE Online Information/progression session. The aim of this event is to give as much information about the next academic year as possible at this uncertain time. The Director of the Insitute of Education will take part in the session and you will also hear from our Heads of Departments and course leaders. You will also have an opportunity to talk to module leadaers and tutors, and with representatives from Student Services and the Library. There will also be a 'helpdesk' session at the end of the event so you can clarify any outstanding concerns. You will be invited to participate on the day, so check your email/canvas for further notifications!

Lunch Time Lives with School Reps. Join our School Reps as we explore life outside of university. Drop by our Wolves Union School Rep Facecbook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Charity-Organization/Wolves-SU-School-Reps-114731500245853/) and drop your comments/questions to our Reps, who are on hand to discuss the nicities and the necessities! Check the dates below and pop by to say hello and ask your questions!

23rd June- 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Shianne (Institute of Community and Society), 24th June - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Steph (Institute of Sports & Human Sciences), 25th June - 12:30 - 13:00 -  Lunchtime live with Kamilla (Business School), 30th June - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunctime live with Jiand (Law School), 1st July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Emily (School of Humanitites), 2nd July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Jeff (School of Mathematics and Computer Science), 3rd July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunctime live with me! (Institute of Education), 8th July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Syd (School of Social, Historical and Political Studies), 9th July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunctime live with Katie (School of Performing Arts), 14th July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Nic (School of Architecture and Build Environment), 16th July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Kerensa (Institute of Health), 21st July - 12:30 - 13:00 - Lunchtime live with Nayia (School of Art). 

15th July - 11:00 - 12:00 - Catch Up Summer Chat - Catch up with your fellow members over Zoom! Check out our website for full details. Accessible via Zoom. 

Alongside all these events, you can still contact us via our website or email (aurora.evans@wlv.ac.uk), to receive your feedback, discuss any concerns you have for this and next avademic year - or just to have a friendly chat (be warned though, I talk a LOT!)

As always, take care and stay safe. 

Aurora

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information that can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

Hello there!

I hope you are keeping well and have a lovely (and safe!) bank holiday weekend. 

SU Awards 

On Thursday 7th May, the first Virtual Students' Union Awards event was held. This event was a huge success and delivered messages of positivity, inspiration and appreciation for all the hardworking students and staff within our faculty and the University. I would like to say a humungous thank you to all the staff and student members who participated, to all the students who made nominations and to everyone who viewed the event live with us and left heartwarming comments. Congratulations to those who were nominated and those who won! It was truly a wonderful event and beautifully constructed. I would also like to say an extra special gigantic thank you to Liz, Kayleigh and Jen, who went above and beyond to make this event amazing, working tirelessly to put everything together so that we could still recognise the achievement within our institution. I am extremely proud to work with such motivated and hard-working people who put the Student Voice first and somehow strive within such challenging conditions.  The SU Awards video is available on the Wolves SU facebook page and other socials where you can see nominations, shortlisted nominees and our winners. Congratulations to every who was nominated, who won and those who continue to work with the student voice in mind.  

Continuing the celebration...

I would also like to share my pride and unconditional love for my colleague Jacqui, who won the Pastoral Card award. Jacqui is amazing not only as reception co-ordinator but as a manager and a friend, who embodies support and advocacy. I have been privileged to work alongside her in my three roles within the SU and can not state enough how much of a treasure Jacqui truly is! Congratulations Jacqui and thank you to the fantastic staff who were nominated within that category.  

Back to business

Thank you to those who have sent feedback of your online resources during this time. I am currently collating this information and will be actioning it accordingly. I am also still holding virtual drop ins (drop me an email for full details) and have enjoyed my morning tea with a new few faces! I'm still available to offer support during this time and as always I'm open to your recommendations. Course reps will begin to receive emails regarding further ways we are trying to support the Student Voice and events/activities which have been implemented already. Please check your uni email! I have limited means to contact you guys, so please get your peepers in your uni inbox! You'll also be receiving University updates there too, so it's worth a gander. I will be 'meeting' to discuss feedback in the current weeks and welcome you to email with any thoughts, experiences, recommendations or comments you have regarding your university experience. This includes pre- and during the current climate. 

I look forward to hearing from you at aurora.evans@wlv.ac.uk and as always, sending positive vibes.   

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information which can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. 

I would like to use this post as an opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to every student and staff member alike. I'm extremely proud to be part of the University of Wolverhampton and the work/volunteering that our staff and students are doing in and out of the community is beyond amazing. I am truly grateful for the immense efforts and dedication of our staff and students and the resilience of our faculty and wider university.  

And remember... you are not in this alone. We are all in this (and thankful) together!  If you need support during this time and any other time, please reach out  Aurora.Evans@wlv.ac.uk

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information that can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. 

Hello there!

I hope you are doing well and that you haven't run out of things to watch on Netflix (recommendations please!). During the last few weeks, my wonderful colleagues at the SU have been working their fingers to the bone organising online events to encourage student wellbeing and to keep spirits up as we spiral into lockdown madness. 

Here's what we got goin' on...

Well Wishes Board - https://www.wolvesunion.org/wellwishes/

Send a message of positivity to our well wishes board! You may not have your friends and family physically around you - but you're not alone. We are all in this together!

Crafting Corner - https://www.wolvesunion.org/colouringcorner/

When isolation seems overwhelming, it's time to turn to the drawing board (literally!). Activities you can enjoy at home!

Cooking Corner - https://www.wolvesunion.org/cookingcorner/

Take a look into the world of home-cooking, with some easy and delicious recipes!

Workout at Home - https://www.wolvesunion.org/exercise/

All students can download a fully interactive app to your smart-device that will provide you with daily home workouts and challenges, and will motivate you with leader boards and milestone records.

Virtual Entertainment - https://www.wolvesunion.org/vec/

We have put together some of the internets best offerings for entertainment to help you through self-isolation. 

Quarantine Quizzing - https://www.wolvesunion.org/news/article/6533/Weekly-Quiz-to-become-virtual-from-Tuesday-7th-April/

Our weekly quiz, Tuesday's at 7pm hosted by Courtney on the Wolves SU Facebook page.

Are you taking part in our events? Let us know! Are there any other events you would like to see? Let us know that too! In the meantime, enjoy!

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information that can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

After a successful feedback event yesterday, the updated progression and grading information has been released. If you require any further information about this or you're still unsure you can see the full details here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/news/march-2020/coronavirus-student-update-approach-to-assessment-progression--award-1-april.php If you are still unsure or have any questions, please drop me an email and I'll be happy to help. 

So... now what? You should have access to all your course resources on Canvas, if not please submit a help request through Evision. You will be receiving emails from your tutors regarding additional services and how to access them, please check your emails! 

And as always, I'm interested in hearing how you are and what services, if any, you need right now! Drop me a line Aurora.Evans@wlv.ac.uk

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information which can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

We have further information now regarding education, financial support, shielding, keyworkers, travel services and how to protect yourself and your family. How has this affected you? Is there anything that you're stil unsure about?

As we begin the first week of school closures and further social distancing guidance I've found I've been asking people a lot.. how are you doing? And I mean it. How are you doing? Is there anything I can do to help? Are there any services that you feel are lacking in our Student community at the moment?

Although we are in a wild time, the nominations for SU Sabbatical Officers has opened. Please take a look through the manifestos and cast your votes for who you believe to be the best candidate. The importance of this lies beyond our current pandemic, once everything has settled and Uni has resumed services, these Officers will be airing the Student Voice and representing you!

Let's try and get back to business.. You should now have access to all your online resources on Canvas and as always check your emails for further updates. If you have any issues with accessibility of learning resources or you'd just like a friendly chat in the midst of this madness, then please drop me an email at Aurora.Evans@wlv.ac.uk. 

Before I begin this update, I would like to make you aware of the University's advice page regarding Coronavirus. This page is updated regularly with valuable information which can be found here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus/. I would also like to make you aware of additional services that can provide emotional and wellbeing support during this difficult time; you can use the CAM Messenger text service (Text CAM to 85258) and/or contact the Samaritans (Jo@samaritans.org or 116 123).

There is an air of uncertainty at the moment which is heavily felt and reflected within our Student population. The suspension of face-to-face consultations, Social Spaces and services across Campuses may result in some Students feeling social and physical isolation alongside confusion and panic. I implore all Students to keep up-to-date with Government guidance and to action it accordingly. It is also important that we reach out within our Student and wider community.  Make a phone call, offer your neighbour some dried produce, send a postcard to a care home.. please use any opportunity you have to spread positivity and calm (whilst remaining safe).  

As we are no longer expected to attend any campus events/activities it is important that you check your emails and canvas notifications regularly for course updates and information.  Additional online support and resources are being put into place to ensure that Students have access to their course content, with the view of successful completion of the semester. Staff are receiving high volumes of correspondence from Students seeking information which has been available through Canvas announcements/emails. In the first instance check Canvas/emails for updates and guidance. 

Within our Institute, and wider university, many of our Students have children and caring responsibilities outside of University which will be affected by the closure of schools. There are a number of online services who are offering free resources to enable parents to continue their child's education whilst the schools are closed. Such as Phonic Books (https://www.phonicbooks.co.uk/advice-and-resources/advice-and-resources-for-teachers/free-teaching-resources/) and Twinkl (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/). 

We have many Students who have had their placement suspended, unknowing if/when they will be able to complete/progress their course. We have Students in accomodation told that they need to go home. We have assignments outstanding, deadlines set and a whole lot of waiting-in-suspsense before we find out what is going on. We are all in this together and while we're waiting... rest assured that SU and University staff are working tirelessly to ensure the safety, wellbeing and success of Students. As ever, we need the support of Students to enable us to provide the services that we need for the situation that we are now facing. Working in partnership is the best way forward for supporting all Students. 

As always, you can email me at Aurora.Evans@wlv.ac.uk. I will be sending out emails to course reps regarding 'coffee drop ins*', with a focus on Student well-being and support. If you would like to 'attend' a drop in, then please drop me an email for an invite. If there any other methods of communication you think could be helpful to you during this time, please let me know. 

Take care. 

Aurora

*I've found a new best friend in Skype. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the FEHW FSC meeting last week!

After a successful meeting, feedback has been escalated as appropriate and measures are being taken to address and action feedback. 

Here is a small (very, very small) sample of the feedback and examples of ongoing actions:

And that's just for starters...

Over the coming weeks you may begin to notice more signposting/posters/emails regarding how feedback is being implemented and the upcoming changes being made to improve your Student experience. 

Keep your eyes peeled!

And in the meantime, please feel free to email me any other feedback that you have :)

Hello there!

Following feedback regarding the volume levels of students within campus libraries, I have liased with the Head of Library Services to begin signposting students to SU Social Spaces, to allow other students an appropriate study space- free of noisy distractions. 

Over the coming weeks, you will begin to see this literature pop up around the libraries which will detail your nearest Social Space. 

If you have any ideas on how our Social Spaces can be improved, please let me know!

I am your SU Institute of Education Representative!

In this role I’ll be working alongside students within the institute to ensure that the Student Voice is heard across all courses, course types and course locations. To do this, I’ll be gathering and addressing feedback and representing the institute in Student and Faculty meetings, raising issues in the most appropriate forum to support resolutions and to optimise the student experience.

In order to do this, I need your help! I want to hear your views and your comments, compliments and complaints about your student experience.

Please email any feedback to Aurora.Evans@wlv.ac.uk

:)