How can staff enhance the student experience? ‘Make every contact count’

More than 120 staff from across the university attended an engagement workshop on prioritising the student experience

Staff from Student Advice and Wellbeing, Libraries, Student Futures, Estates, LJMU Sport and the Teaching and Learning Academy were joined by John Moores Students’ Union and students to reflect on the past 12 months and what more can be done next to enhance the student experience at LJMU. 

Professor Phil Vickerman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience shared three ways he believes all staff can enhance the university experience for our students:

1. Make every contact count. If we don’t know the answer to a students’ query, signpost the student to someone or a service that does 

2. Encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities with JMSU, including volunteering, club, societies and leadership development, and ensure students are connected with LJMU professional services for advice and support 

3. Make sure to support students at key transition points including when they join university, when they are undertaking assessments, getting their results or moving onto a job or further study. 

The sessions saw lightning presentations from teams on their services plus discussion and debate on the challenges facing students, including the cost-of-living crisis and mental health struggles. 

Professor Phil Vickerman closed the session with an update on national issues in higher education and how they apply to LJMU, plus key points to focus on as the university move into clearing and welcoming students for the new academic year, in September.  Reflecting on the session, he said:

“It was great to hold this session with the majority of our Student Experience staff alongside JMSU, Library Services and some of our current students. The session was a real opportunity to reflect upon our success, while looking ahead to how we can make the student experience even better for those studying with us at LJMU.”