Education Update [March 23]
 

Welcome to the next Education Update – now we’re heading into our Easter break, with exams and assessments deadlines on the horizon, it would be a great time to reflect on all the great things our Academic Reps have been getting up to!

If you have any feedback, feel free to contact your school or course reps. You can find out who they are here! (If the link does not work for you, please email coursereps@le.ac.uk)   

Academic Rep Wins 

Your reps have: 

• Biological Science reps wanted more guidance on their project assignments, and helped to put in place a dedicated discussion section on Blackboard so students can find appropriate support
• Business course reps questioned travel time between sessions, which resulted in the timetable making allowances for the time it takes to walk between Brookfield and the main campus
• Chemistry course reps raised concerns about deadlines for practicals, and staff responded by informing students of changes made and, including removing blackboard tests and the potential for labs no longer than 3 hours
• Criminology course reps helped to get additional signposting and materials on Blackboard for module with unclear lectures
• Engineering PGT course reps questioned their timetabling, leading to improved timetables in semester 2
• English course reps gained information about feedback turnaround time, after raising issues 
• Geography and Geology course reps have managed to get the printer fixed and moved to a more accessible location
• Healthcare course reps gained confirmation about IPad provision, which was causing stress amongst students
• HYPIR course reps ensured that term date information is available on Blackboard, making sure to highlight the exam period
• MCS PGT course reps helped to secure a Media element to their careers fair, to make it useful for all students
• MCS Undergraduate course reps encouraged staff to expand first year reading lists to help scaffold students’ own academic development
• Natural Science course reps brought to attention issues around referencing, gaining clarity, and leading to changes being made to the assignment information for next year  
• Physics course reps gained assurances regarding more in-depth feedback in a module and some general movement in assignment deadlines
• Psychology course reps worked with staff to get an essay deadline moved in the face of strike disruption

Wider Academic Wins

Updating the Calculator Policy 
The Reps have spoken – the Calculator policy needs to be changed! AnneMarie is working with the University to make sure we have a calculator policy that fits what students need for their studies. 

Improvements to Blackboard
Blackboard is getting even better! Your newest modules will be first in your feed, with previous modules at the bottom. This is as well as the aesthetic changes that will make Blackboard look as good as ever!

Medics Destress
Medicine students are helping us shape our Medics Destress – we want to make sure that all our students can access our great and exciting opportunities at times that suit their busy schedules. This means that we are making sure that Medics are included in our Destress activities by hosting our events around their exams!