ID080 Keele - The Social & Connected Campus

The Idea

To provide student added value by introduction of the 'Social & Connected Campus' as our USP 

The creation of an emotionally intelligent environment where every student learns to communicate, feels seen, supported, can experience and navigate a global range of other human beings and become empowered to thrive—through personalised care, an inclusive community, and seamless, human‑centred digital experiences. 

Capitalising on the beautiful Keele Campus the Keele community would learn, develop, explore and thrive in a caring, compassionate and conducive environment with other like-minded people. Using both the internal and external facilities to interact and spend time together, to debate and explore ideas in person as well as relax and enjoy time in beautiful surroundings. 

Ensuring that our academic offer remains grounded at the campus, with human interaction as a key selling point will appeal to parents and employers who might worry that social interaction is a dying art. As other Universities move to on-line teaching Keele could focus on the importance of the human connection. 

Building on existing Campus Life activities, volunteering opportunities, sport, club and society programmes operated by the SU and any existing extra curricular activities that the University already offers, all future students could be encouraged to build meaningful social connections, develop networks, engage with the wider local community and give back to the local area.  This would ensure that students are learning and developing social skills, raising personal confidence and bridging real or perceived societal voids with the local town and city – putting learning into practice.  

Rationale: 

Universities will obviously employ more use of on-line, digital and AI learning techniques in future as technological learning becomes the norm for the Gen Z community. Hybrid learning will grow naturally, with the loss of face-to-face interaction, leaving a gap where students crave authentic, interpersonal, real relationships with tutors, peers and staff amid increased digitisations. 

Does more time on-line learning = more stress, do students feel constantly 'plugged in' - our beautiful campus can provide the balance, relaxation, fun, memories and human connection. 

Equality, inclusion, emotional security and equal opportunities for the whole community should be an aim. Students need to understand their impact on society and work together positively to be good citizens. 

Digital tools are already used now to reduce isolation by youngsters who engage AI, wellness Apps and other online tools to replace real relationships to gain support - but people need people.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

Students (and Parents) today are more decerning customers who want good value for money. Digital learning and AI will reshape assessments and increase expectations. A great on-site living experience would show a reliable, committed and caring University. Ensuring students come away from University with interpersonal skills, memories and networking skills, ready for employment they and their families will see this as better value for money. 

Currently, parents do not see the point of paying for on campus accommodation and commuter student numbers are growing. We need to provide a real, tangible reason for students to come back to site to be together and appreciate this unique time in their life. 

If we market our campus service, wellbeing, sport and social experiences at Keele right, adding to the great academic and research opportunity it will provide us with a unique selling point, enabling our students to remain well rounded and ready for employment in a technologically advancing age, but with memories and relationships that can last a life time - A place to learn and a place to become!

How We Would Implement This Idea

Strategic Pillars: 

• Human‑Centred Design in Every Interaction (Face to Face Receptions, Open Days) 
• Wellbeing as a Foundational Promise 
• Radical Personalisation (Know Students by name, give chances for student employment) 
• Inclusive Physical + Digital Spaces 
• Community and Social Opportunities 
• Improved use of external green space 
• Community dining 

Building on current social interaction, opportunities and initiatives – Campus Life, People, Planet, Place, Community and Alumni open days, Keele In Town for local community interaction, Fundraising and Wellbeing activities 

What Success Would Look Like

• A mix of improved digital technologies from Pre-Arrival, throughout the learning and University journey with further enhanced physical, social and experience connections, on-site with our staff and community. 
• Further investment in Campus Life activity, enhanced experiences for students e.g. the embedding of Meal Packages or introduction of Catered Halls (including value of money range - live on site for under £200 inc. meals per week) 
• Improved customer feedback via all student surveys and questionnaires 
• All bedrooms filled and occupancy at 98%+ providing more vibrancy on site 
• More dedicated day time commuter student facilities and evening social spaces to accommodate the students specific needs, including emotional safety and inclusivity. 
• Attracting a student community where everyone who applies will expect to be an ambassador for the University, enjoy and demonstrate civic responsibility and volunteer in the community, giving back to society as a fundamental part of their learning experience. Who will expect to live on site and immerse themselves into the full Keele learning experience. 
• Students that want to improve the Keele experience for themselves and others and have their say, have a student voice and provide feedback and ideas to improve the Keele community and society.