On Friday 26 February De Montfort University (DMU) students took part in a Q&A session with a panel of senior leaders from across the university. The ‘Ask the Experts’ event was held virtually on Microsoft Teams with DMU Course Representatives in attendance. Students had to chance to ask pressing questions relating to the government announcement regarding practical course students returning to university, and what this meant for the remainder of students and the academic year.
What is Ask the Expert and why is it important?
At DMU, we are committed to providing the best possible experience for our students. Student feedback is extremely important to us as it lets us, and the right teams, know what should be addressed and focused on to improve the things that matter most to our students. With this in mind, ‘Ask the Experts’ was introduced in November 2017 by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Jackie Labbe, to give students reps the opportunity to go straight to the source of vital information.
What was raised at the event?
A number of topics were discussed, such as what can be expected to happen with regards to face to face teaching upon student’s return, the safety net policy and its impact on third years and graduation plans. The panel explored these topics and shared news on how the university is keen to get students back but are relying on the ever-changing government guidelines and putting the appropriate safety measures into place.
Luke Martin, Year One Electrical Engineering Course Representative, said: “These sessions are a really good idea.”
“Many feedback channels within the university can be overcomplicated and mean that concerns presented to departmental staff are often not passed on to the leadership level. Having these relaxed Q&A type sessions are a really good idea and I think they’re a great way to break down bureaucracy.”
Kira Brennan, Contour Fashion Communication Course Representative, said: “I found the session very interesting and reassuring.”
“Some of the bigger questions that have been circulating among students for a long time were debunked. I received a satisfactory answer to my question, and it was lovely to see so many members of staff ready to help!”
Professor Labbe said, “ I am determined that we continue to amplify the student voice. The only way to know what students are thinking and what they need to know about is to ask them, as often as we can, and provide forums like Ask the Expert.”
Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor commented: “The primary aim as being De Montfort University is for you, as students. It’s a really difficult time at the moment and I want to say thank you for the patience.”
How can you have your voice heard?
Further questions were submitted prior to the event and will be answered in written form, which will be circulated by DSU. Students can share their voice and affect change by getting involved in Faculty feedback forums, Student Voice Committees, Programme Management Boards and completing the various student surveys. You can also engage with your tutors and module and programme leaders if your questions relate to your studies.
Who was on the panel?
The panel was introduced by Katie Normington (Vice-Chancellor), and comprised Jackie Labbe (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Jon Lees (Deputy Director of Student and Academic Services), Claire Orwin (Associate Dean Academic, Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities), David Parkes (Director of Library and Learning Services), Umesh Desai (Director of Estates and Commercial Services), Fiona Dick (Head of Sport), Debbie Le Play (University Senior Tutor), Neil Stokes (Academic Team Manager, Library and Learning Services), Lauren Clarke (Senior Internal Communications Officer), Penni Robson (Chief Executive Officer, De Montfort Students’ Union), Adele Browne (Head of Careers and Employability, Student and Academic Services), Phil Scarffe (Head of Student Welfare), Paul McNicoll (Associate Professor of Student Experience, Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities), Pete Norman (Head of Infrastructure and Architecture, Information, Media and Technology Services) and Anna Chesters (Associate Professor, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences).
Posted on Thursday 4 March 2021