This term has been really positive. There haven’t been any issues other than Seats app but this has been raised with the department and they have been very supportive about this. Student satisfaction is really high and through regular discussions with me and reps everyone seems to be enjoying the course!
Sophie (PostGrad Rep, Law)
For me, it was hearing from the student body of how much people were enjoying their courses. We had really positive feedback from our promotional media course, and because the cohort is small, they get more direct support. This term also highlighted what we could be improving on, and liasing between the student body and faculty has been of great importance to me, and seeing the response to that has also been very positive. What strikes me personally about the MCCS department is how willing they are to take on feedback, and they are always willing to answer questions to improve their course. As the SSC, I am really looking forward to working with my department in order to bring more change to the course, and allow students to be heard.
Rhea (Undergrad Rep, MCCS)
First of all, I was able to understand the procedures for dealing with Goldsmiths and the hard work of the school.
Receiving students' opinions was not just a satisfaction survey, but an effort was needed to receive students' opinions as much as possible.
Through the first session and online meetings, students' questions and necessary answers were continuously shared, which provided a networking opportunity with students studying at the same time as Goldsmith's development.
Since I was in charge of the SSC, I have the authority to ask students about the school, and I have been able to expand the pool of stakeholders through communication with ICCE department managers.
I hope that Goldsmith's affection will help other students who want to develop communication skills for the future and have networking opportunities.
In addition, Maheda's continued support and detailed guidance on the role of SSC helped us overcome the fear of part-time jobs for the first time in the UK.
Hyemin (Postgrad Rep, ICCE)
It’s been great getting lots of course reps on board this term, which has really helped make sure students are well represented and can lead on the changes they want to see—something that’s been super empowering and effective. That said, it took ages to recruit the reps, which made it harder to get started on things early on. Plus, the department’s slow replies to emails have been a real challenge, making it tricky to get quick responses or move forward on some issues. The survey had the issue of low engagement but for those who did respond, it was very successful in collating issues to feed back to the department and I look forward to checking in that the findings have been actioned next term.
MA (Postgrad Rep, Sociology)
I am very happy to be in community with the TAP program reps and to be any sort of help in their year. The connection and network that we are building in solidarity with each other is probably the best thing about this job. Knowing that we are not going through it alone makes our university experience better and fuller. I struggled to find my footing as SSC and truly understand the work that was required of me at the beginning. As soon as I started communicating with the GSU and reps, the job became much clearer. Although, sometimes, it does feel like achieving any change is impossible when you're dealing with so many factors and obstacle in an institution like Goldsmiths. Finding the right people, having these conversations and having patience through the whole process is a challenge and ability that SSC representatives must have as it'll likely take time to see outcomes.
Esther (Postgrad Rep, TAP)
A variety of things went well this term. One thing that went well this term is that the feedback from Psychology year one students about the modules taught this term is being taken into consideration and used to improve the modules being taught in term. Another things that went well that the issues with SEAtS are being resolved as it has affected many student's record of attendance, especially international students. Conversely, one thing that can be improve is to generate and implement ideas that will increase student engagement as many factors can affect student retention such as having an assignment to do near the deadline as one of the SSCs from the PSST department mentioned. To ensure this, the SSCs and FSCs can meet together to generate possible ideas to increase student's interest towards their academics and send a survey out to see what students want.
Evian (Undergrad Rep, Psychology)
This was a really successful term, student satisfaction is high and have all reported excellent grades. I have really enjoyed meeting and talking to students throughout the term but one of the most successful points is how well they are all managing their studies. The one low point was that one student dropped out of the course due to personal issues. They were supported by both me, the reps and the law department but personal circumstances meant they couldn't continue.
Sophie (PostGrad Rep, Law)