Student Liaison Committee Minutes 15 May 2024
Student Liaison Committee Minutes 15 May 2024
Corporation and Committee Minutes- Student Liaison Committee Minutes 15 May 2024
Minutes of a meeting of the Board of Leicester College Corporation:
Student Liaison Committee Minutes Held on 15 May 2024
Present: Tom Wilson (Chair), Sophie Strevens-Robinson, Verity Hancock, Lee Soden, Neil McDougall, Harmesh Manghra, Carol Goode, Chloe Bakewell
In Attendance: Zoe Butler- Director of Student Services and Marketing, Shaun Curtis*- Director of Estates and Campus Services, Louise Hazel- Director of Governance and Policy, Harjinder Singh- Student Liaison Officer, Matt Widdowson- Governance and Policy Officer (Minutes), Craig Whitehall- Student Liaison Officer, Gail Pringle - Head of Equality, Diversity and Engagement
SET Team Course Representatives and Student Union Representatives (See attached list)
*present for item 4
Declarations of interest
1.1 There were no declarations of interest.
Apologies for absence
2.1 No apologies were received.
Minutes and matters arising from the last meeting held on 14 February 2024
3.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2024 were agreed as an accurate record and approved.
Shaun Curtis joined the meeting.
Responses to issues raised at previous meetings
4.1. The Director of Student Services and Marketing provided the responses to issues raised at previous meetings.
4.1.1. Social Spaces
4.1.1.1. The issue of social spaces was frequently raised by students. The College was looking at how existing space could be used more effectively including both indoor and outdoor space.
4.1.1.2. Students had expressed an interest in running their own lunchtime clubs.
4.1.1.3. The use of reception areas and libraries was being investigated.
4.1.2. Antisocial Behaviour
4.1.2.1. The ‘Community Service’ type approach to addressing antisocial behaviour was being considered by ELT.
4.1.2.2. A mechanism for anonymously reporting antisocial behaviour would be implemented.
4.1.2.3. Three new Campus Wardens would be starting in the next few weeks. This would increase the size of the warden team by one extra member of staff.
4.1.3. College ID
4.1.3.1. Clip-on ID badges were available to Construction students but had not been found to improve compliance.
4.1.3.2. The message was that if students were not in a practical session, then they must wear their College ID.
4.1.4. Toilets
4.1.4.1. The Director of Estates and Campus Services detailed changes made to toilets in response to incidents of vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
4.1.4.2. Students and staff had been consulted on what changes they would like to be implemented.
4.1.4.3. Certain toilets would be designated as staff only.
4.1.4.4. The main entrance doors would be taken off some toilets.
4.1.4.5. CCTV would in installed in toilets. The CCTV would cover entrances and wash basin areas only.
4.1.4.6. It was highlighted that there had been positive results when these measures had been rolled out at other colleges.
4.1.5. Campus Maps
4.1.5.1. Campus plans would be included in student handbooks along with an explanation of the room numbering system.
4.1.6. Curriculum Roadmaps
4.1.7. There had been feedback on what these should look like, and Curriculum Directors would be providing these from 2024/25.
4.2. Governors and students made the following comments:
4.2.1. The issue of a lack of social spaces had been discussed for around 18 months now. Could there be more specific details of where new social spaces would be, how much they would cost and when they would be ready?
4.2.2. It would be useful for governors to be provided details with the costs of interactive notice boards.
4.2.3. Could more effort be made to find space in APC B Block for social spaces? This had been discussed with staff and there had been the suggestion of creating smaller spaces for students to sit. This would be discussed further with the Director of Engineering.
4.2.4. APC B Block really needed lockers. This would be discussed with the Director of Engineering.
4.2.5. Would the proposed social spaces be managed by SET? The proposed new social spaces would be more informal ‘hang-out’ spaces. The possibility of using libraries as quiet areas was also being considered.
4.2.6. Had there been any consequences for students who had damaged the toilets? It had been difficult to find out who had vandalised the toilets. In the future, CCTV might help to identify perpetrators. Anyone caught vandalising College property would be disciplined.
4.2.7. Where was the need for more social space in terms of location and time? The biggest pressure was at APC and the time when space was most in demand was at lunchtime. There was also a lack of outdoor space at SMC. Additionally, some of the social space at FPC was used predominantly by male Construction students which meant that there needed to be more consideration of how to make these spaces more accessible to female students.
4.2.8. There had been a lack of staff checking lanyards at entrances recently. There had been no change in policy, and it was a down to staffing issues. The recruitment of new Campus Wardens would help resolve this issue.
4.3. Governors noted the responses to issues raised at previous meetings.
Shaun Curtis left the meeting.
Student Survey 2024
5.1. The Principal gave a presentation on the results of the 2024 Student Survey. The following points were highlighted.
5.1.1. The Student Survey ran from early January to early March 2024 which was quite a long window for responding.
5.1.2. The responses were submitted primarily by digital means with the option of filling in a paper-based survey if required.
5.1.3. The overall response rate was 72% which was up 2% on the previous year. This was a good response, and everyone involved in encouraging students to complete the survey were thanked.
5.1.4. Overall satisfaction rose by 1% to 89%. This showed that satisfaction was stable although it could be better.
5.1.5. ‘Teaching and Learning’ was among the areas which students were most satisfied with (90%). It was also pleasing to see ‘Wellbeing’ among the areas students were most satisfied with (90%).
5.1.6. Areas which students were least satisfied with included ‘Next Steps’ (83%) and ‘Enrichment and Enhancement’ (86%) although the latter was one of the most improved areas. There needed to be further investigation of the results for enrichment, particularly among adult students.
5.1.7. Students were also most satisfied with their ‘Tutors’ Subject Knowledge’ (95%). This was a pleasing result. There were also positive results for ‘Awareness of Safety Practices’ (95%).
5.1.8. There was an inconsistency around students being most satisfied with ‘Development Skills for Career Progression’ (94%) but least satisfied with ‘Next Steps’ (83%) which required further investigation.
5.1.9. Among the least satisfied areas was ‘Fitness and Health Encouragement’ (77%) which needed to be looked at.
5.1.10. Students were also less satisfied with the ‘Development of In-Class Maths’ (77%). This was maths which was embedded in courses and may not be immediately visible to students.
5.1.11. Apprentices were less satisfied with careers advice (83%). It may be that as apprentices already had a job, there was the assumption that they did not need so much advice. This would need to be investigated.
5.1.12. The most improved areas were: ‘The College encourages me to look after my mental health’ (+8%); ‘The College encourages me to keep fit and healthy’ (+6%); and ‘The College offers a good programme of enrichment’ (+4%). Although there had been improvements in these areas there would not be the assumption that everything was perfect.
5.1.13. The least improved areas were: ‘I receive at least one progress review every 12 weeks (apprenticeships only)’ (-2%); and ‘My tutors are helping me to develop my skills at maths’ (-1%). The apprenticeships progress review issue was down to staff capacity, caseloads and the way employers were working with apprenticeships. The College would continue to look at this.
5.1.14. Adult students tended to be more satisfied than younger students (Adults 95% and EPYP 88%). This might be due to more adult students being paid while they were at the College or being on shorter courses.
5.1.15. There was a 6% gap by ethnic group (Asian 92% and Mixed Heritage 86%). This gap would require further investigation.
5.1.16. There were notable gaps among different age groups and programme levels.
5.1.17. Apprentices tended to feel the safest, although this might be due to them spending less time on campus.
5.1.18. The results of student survey correlated with the findings of the Ofsted inspection.
5.1.19. Enhanced career support would need to be continued to be developed.
5.1.20. There was a need to boost enrichment opportunities, particularly for adult students.
5.1.21. There would need to be more work on improving the review process for apprenticeships.
5.1.22. There would need to be further work on maths.
5.2. Governors and students made the following comments:
5.2.1. A 100% satisfaction rate was never going to be realistic. It was an aspiration. Even when the results were good, it was important to look for improvements.
5.2.2. What would be the access arrangements for APC after the new fence was installed? The gate would be open during the day. The fence would not entirely stop non-students from coming onto campus, but a narrower gap would be easier to police.
5.2.3. If the College could only act on one of the results, which would it be? The most surprising result was for maths. It would be preferable if both maths and English could be considered in the context of what students were learning. It was important to determine if students were not seeing the maths taught as part of their courses, or whether there was a genuine problem with maths.
Facilitated Discussion - Themes From Term One Course Representatives’ Survey
6.1. The following questions were discussed.
6.1.1. Progression: how can the College improve giving advice on your next steps and future careers?
6.1.2. Behaviour: how should we deal with late students so that there is least disruption to the class and how do we improve punctuality as a whole?
6.2. Course representatives and governors provided the following feedback.
6.2.1. Progression
6.2.1.1. There was the suggestion of a Careers Day in Term 3 which involved both Careers Advisors and curriculum staff.
6.2.1.2. Students reported mixed experiences of careers conversations in classrooms.
6.2.1.3. It was suggested that there should be more PD sessions which included careers advice.
6.2.1.4. Staff needed to be available for careers conversations when students needed them.
6.2.1.5. Careers Advisors should be more available in terms of their location and providing online support. Consideration should be given to location, better signage, text messaging, TV screens, and emails to promote the service.
6.2.1.6. The careers content of the induction should be revisited mid-year.
6.2.1.7. A buddying system was suggested with L3 students supporting L1.
6.2.1.8. Staff, including learning coaches, tutors and new staff, should be upskilled to give careers advice.
6.2.1.9. Some students had found the careers advice given at the start of the year to be overwhelming. It was felt that there was too much at the beginning of the year and not enough at the end.
6.2.1.10. None of the students were aware of Qdos.
6.2.1.11. There was the suggestion of using an AI powered chatbot for careers advice with Careers Advisors available to follow up with more specific advice.
6.2.1.12. Careers Advisors could raise their profile by producing YouTube videos.
6.2.1.13. There was the feeling that HE/Adult students did not need careers advice when they did.
6.2.2. Behaviour
6.2.2.1. There was a need to create a ‘Culture of Attendance Expectations’, involving arriving 10-15 minutes early for classes.
6.2.2.2. Students were often late due to public transport being unreliable or childcare issues. There should be the opportunity at the start of term for students to state that they might be late due to these issues.
6.2.2.3. It was highlighted that some staff did not let late students into the classroom after the lesson has started.
6.2.2.4. It was important to differentiate between genuine reasons for lateness and other reasons. There needed to be zero tolerance of students who were late for the wrong reasons.
6.2.2.5. The consequences of lateness were not communicated and there needed to be clear communication of policies. This included the consequences for both the class and the individual student. Consistent lateness might also have consequences for a students’ future employment or work experience. Students should remember that the College might be asked to provide references which could include attendance and punctuality records.
6.2.2.6. It was noted that staff were not always punctual.
6.2.2.7. There was the suggestion of staggering class start times to accommodate students who were parents.
6.2.2.8. It was highlighted that lateness could have a negative effect on students who had back-to-back lessons. If a student was late, this could delay the whole class meaning that other students might be late for their next class.
6.2.2.9. Sometimes teaching staff would tell students “You can’t fail this class”, which encouraged students to not attend or be late.
6.2.2.10. There was the need for both personal and peer accountability.
6.2.2.11. It was also highlighted that persistent non-attendance by certain students could have a negative effect on class members who consistently attended.
6.3. Governors noted the feedback from the facilitated discussion and requested updates at the next meeting.
Report From The Chair Of The Student Council
7.1. The Chair of the Student Council provided a report. The following points were highlighted.
7.1.1. The Student Council met on 7 May 2024 for their third meeting of the year.
7.1.2. The IT Service Delivery Manager provided an update on IT which included:
7.1.2.1. 30 new screens being provided in classrooms with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2024/25.
7.1.2.2. New HE rooms at SMC and APC, and another due for FPC.
7.1.2.3. All computers would be updated to Windows 11 in the next year.
7.1.2.4. Queues for printers in libraries were discussed.
7.1.2.5. Wi-Fi issues were discussed with the IT team agreeing to investigate weak spots.
7.1.2.6. The lack of laptops in CHSS was discussed.
7.1.3. The Director of Student Services and Marketing joined the Student Council meeting. The following points were discussed:
7.1.3.1. An update was provided on finance, College buildings and student voice.
7.1.3.2. Students were encouraged to participate in the upcoming elections.
7.1.3.3. There had previously been a tolerance of 5% for maths and English participation which had come to an end.
7.1.3.4. The entry requirements for maths and English for T Levels was discussed.
7.1.3.5. There had been a rise in the number of NEETS in Leicester and Leicestershire.
7.1.3.6. The proposed Advanced British Standard/Baccalaureate was discussed.
7.1.3.7. A new Aeronautical building had been agreed.
7.1.3.8. 100% of the College’s energy consumption was from sustainable sources.
7.1.3.9. The Student Council was thanked for the work they had undertaken.
7.2. Governors noted the report from the Chair of the Student Council.
Presentation on the Work of The Student Union
8.1. Members of the Student Union Executive presented an update on their work. The following points were highlighted.
8.1.1. It had been a very successful year for the Student Union.
8.1.2. Craig Whitehill was thanked for the support he had given to the Student Union.
8.1.3. LGBT History Month
8.1.3.1. This had been a popular event. Support groups had participated, and information was provided detailing the struggles that LGBTQ people had been through. Pride pins were given away to students.
8.1.4. SU Elections
8.1.5. Nominations were now open for the first cohort of elected positions. A further 17 positions would be up for election early in the next academic year.
8.1.6. The Big Iftar
8.1.6.1. Around 200 students were served and there had been a great response. BBC East Midlands had covered the event and the SU had spoken about the support that the College offered students who were observing Ramadan.
8.1.7. International Women’s Day
8.1.7.1. This had been a busy event with cake stalls, raffles, free candyfloss, and stalls. The theme was the colour purple and #inspirewomen.
8.1.7.2. Donations had been made to a charity tackling domestic abuse.
8.1.8. Ramadan Radio
8.1.8.1. The President had spoken about how the College supported students who were observing Ramadan. The Vice President spoke about his own experience of Ramadan.
8.1.9. Red Nose Day
8.1.9.1. The cake sale had raised £200.
8.1.10. Don’t Curb the Access
8.1.10.1. There had been an increase in the number of disabled students who were unable to access lifts due to other students not using the stairs.
8.1.10.2. The President of the SU would be meeting with the College’s Marketing Team to develop campaign posters featuring students.
8.1.10.3. The SU would also be speaking with Estates about footprint stickers on the stairs to encourage use.
8.1.11. Culture Day
8.1.11.1. This had been a very successful event with 450 students being served food and drinks. Staff had also commented that they had enjoyed the event. There had been a lot of support from local businesses.
8.1.11.2. Due to the positive feedback, the SU would be looking at running smaller events at each of the campuses next year.
8.1.12. Love Your Campus
8.1.12.1. The aim was to create an eco-garden to better utilise the space which had been made available. Both students and staff would be encouraged to use the area.
8.1.13. Great Ridge Walk
8.1.13.1. The SU was keen to run activities which promoted health and wellbeing. The variety of students participating in this visit to the Peak District had been impressive.
8.1.14. Creative Arts Workshop
8.1.14.1. This had taken place in conjunction with Supported Learning and had a theme of sustainability.
8.1.14.2. A talk had been provided by an artist who had taken the time to speak with one student about careers. There had been positive feedback from students.
8.1.15. NUS National Conference
8.1.15.1. The NUS Reform Policy – there would now be an NUS England with a President, a Vice President for HE and a Vice President for FE. These officers would work closely with the Presidents of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
8.1.15.2. There had been a Palestine Solidarity workshop. At times, this had been a tense and emotional workshop, but the consensus had been that students wanted the UK government to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians and call for a ceasefire, with the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives. There had also been the call for universities to divest from weapons manufacturers trading with Israel, and for students to guard against Prevent being used to supress freedom of expression. A lot of students had been unhappy with the differing approaches taken by universities when it had come to Ukraine and Palestine.
8.1.16. Skydive in Memory of Lee Bates
8.1.16.1. The SU were organising a sponsored sky dive in support of Macmillan in memory of a member of staff. This would go ahead on 9 June 2024. £1,500 had been raised to date.
8.1.17. Student Representation
Love Your Campus Catch-up, 27 February 2024
APC B Block Tour, 29 February 2024
Executive Meeting, 5 March 2024
Meeting with NUS VPFE Candidate, Jack Stoke, 7 March 2024
Meeting with NUS VPFE Candidate, Qassim Hussain, 7 March 2024
Big Iftar Terms and Conditions, 11 March 2024
Executive meeting, 20 March 2024
Executive meeting, 10 April 2024
Culture Day Stall Holders’ briefing, 1 May 2024
SLO Interviews, 2 May 2024
8.2. Governors and Students asked the following questions.
8.2.1. The SU President was asked about his experience of Leaders Unlocked. The President had learned a lot during his participation but stated that the organisation needed improve their communication. In-person meetings had been better than online meetings as these were not as interactive.
8.3. Governors noted the presentation by the Student Union Executive.
Committee Self Assessment
9.1. The Director of Governance and Policy highlighted the Committee Self-Assessment forms which needed to be completed.
9.2. Governors noted the update on the Committee Self-Assessment.
Work Plan 2024/2025
10.1. The Director of Governance and Policy presented the work plan for 2024/24.
10.2. Governors approved the Work Plan for 2024/25.
Any Other Urgent Business Notified to Chair Prior to the Meeting
11.1 There was no further business