28 September 2023 meeting report

Responses to this question were mixed, with positive feedback particularly highlighted by PGR students. The most common suggested improvement was to receive the information earlier, especially student timetables to help students plan their schedule. Returning students commented that the information had been unnecessary or repetitive for them. It was also noted that some information about ‘accessing the KLE’ was only available on the KLE. Other specific suggestions included: 

• More information for students who are the first in their family to attend university; 
• More information for students who are commuting; 
• Clearer information on setting up IT access and logging in; 
• Inclusions of sessions on how to use the library; and 
• Receiving handbooks and placement information sooner. 

The most popular and favourable response to this question related to the availability of free food and other freebies during Welcome Week. There were several positive comments about Keele SU events such as the Freshers Fair and Society sign up events.

Students also commented positively on the regularity of communications and availability of information via social media and the Keele App.

There was general feedback that having a week 0 was helpful to settle in. Other events and activities that were specifically highlighted included the library escape room, sports taster sessions and the Petting Zoo. 

One of the activities which received mixed feedback was the use of music at the Forest of Lights / Union Square. While many students had enjoyed this, others felt it was distracting to library users and the music was not diverse – it was suggested that music groups from campus could have performed. 

Other suggested improvements included:  

• Better lighting and clearer security presence on campus after dark;  
• More calm daytime events that would be less crowded; and  
• More information about the purpose of different events. 

Students provided a range of ideas for inclusion in future Welcome Week programmes and additions to the pre-arrival information, including: 

• Walking information tours of the campus, including the lakes and Keele Hall; 
• Information about living off-campus, first aid, campus accessibility and access to health services; 
• Sessions to support time management and organisation; and 
• Guidance on using on-campus laundry. 

There was also a specific plea to bring back the ‘BBQ in the Outback’ event which was hosted previously by Keele SU. 

The students had made use of several different platforms to find out about Welcome Week, citing emails, Instagram, the Keele App and the SU website. Other suggestions from students included making use of bus advert signs and texts where possible. There was some feedback that the ‘What’s On’ part of the Keele App had been too busy to digest fully. 

Familiar themes came out in the response to this question as had been present in other answers. Some of the suggestions included: 

• A welcome buddy scheme; 
• RA meetings taking place earlier in the year; and 
• More daytime events for students with caring responsibilities  

Students commented that societies were a useful way to enhance their feeling of belonging, as well as living in on-campus accommodation. They acknowledged that this was a challenge for commuters. The Commuter student network was highlighted as a useful group to be a part of.