Students put your questions to University leaders 

Recently, Greenwich Students’ Union officers and liberation representatives met with the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Vanessa Lemm and the Executive Director of Student and Academic Services, Rachel Ashton, to raise questions directly from students. The discussion covered topics including inclusion, teaching and assessments, placements, study spaces and how student feedback shapes University decisions. 

Below is a summary of the questions raised and the key points shared during the discussion. 

1. Inclusion and belonging 

Question: Students from marginalised and underrepresented groups often tell us that while progress is being made, there are still barriers to feeling fully included in the student experience. How is the University embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into everyday student life? 

What we heard: 

The University shared that work is ongoing to strengthen support for students from under-represented backgrounds, including care-experienced students. 

This includes exploring: 

• Ring-fenced funding to help care-experienced students take part in social activities 

• Working with GSU to explore removing or reducing financial barriers to joining societies 

• Additional support provision around accommodation 

• Formally recognising care-experienced students as a widening participation group in University systems and forms 

There are also plans to improve staff awareness and training around inclusive language, particularly ensuring the difference between care-experienced students and student carers is clearly understood.  

The university have agreed to fund a film that will be directed by students and can be used for raising awareness across the university. The student representative has also been invited to speak at the university EDI Stakeholders group. 

1. Cross-campus opportunities 

Question: Students based at the Medway Campus are keen to engage in more activities and major events held at Greenwich. What support is available to help students participate across campuses? 

What we heard: 

The University acknowledged that cross-campus participation is important, particularly for large events and opportunities such as careers initiatives. 

Senior staff said some travel support already exists in certain circumstances, but awareness of this support could be improved. The issue of making participation easier for students studying on different campuses will continue to be explored. 

1. Catering and food options 

Question: Students have asked whether campus catering could offer a wider variety of food that better reflects diverse cultural preferences and dietary needs. 

What we heard: 

The University have now set up an inbox to receive student feedback and encouraged students to share suggestions directly with the catering team so this feedback can inform menu planning and future changes. 

Students can submit suggestions to: catering-feedback@gre.ac.uk 

The catering team will also host some focus groups to hear directly from students about their menu preferences. 

1. Teaching and learning experience 

Question: Some first-year students noticed fewer in-person lectures in Term 2 compared to Term 1. How are decisions made about the balance between in-person and online teaching? 

What we heard: 

The Universities position is that teaching is in person. There is no plan to substantially increase online teaching. However, there are additional sessions that are not part of the teaching curriculum that have been offered from this year with academic tutors and these tend to be online. These are check in sessions to offer further support, The University explained that teaching formats are designed at programme level, but there is increasing focus on shaping programmes so they support both academic learning and employability skills.  

1. Preparing for exams and assessments 

Question: Some students find large exam questions, such as 100-mark essays, difficult without prior experience of that format. Could there be more opportunities to practise exam styles beforehand? 

What we heard: 

University staff recognised that clearer formative opportunities and guidance on exam expectations can help students feel more prepared before final assessments. The University are currently rolling out their new Assessment and Feedback policy which will significantly reduce exams (where there isn’t a professional body requirement) and encourages more formative and creative assessment types. 

Students were also encouraged to make use of the Academic Skills team Academic skills | University of Greenwich who offer 121 support and workshops. 

1. Placement opportunities and careers support 

Question: Placements are often seen as one of the most valuable parts of a degree. How is the University expanding access to placements, particularly in specialised industries? 

What we heard: 

The University highlighted the work of the Employability and Careers Service (ECS), which provides workshops, guidance and employer connections to support students seeking placements. 

One challenge identified during the discussion was that students are not always aware of the support available. Improving how and when careers support is promoted, particularly during the period when students begin applying for placements, was identified as an area for improvement. 

GSU will also explore ways to share information about careers and placement support at key points in the academic year. 

1. Study spaces and library access 

Question: Students have raised concerns about weekend library closing times, particularly on Sundays. Is there scope to extend opening hours? 

What we heard: 

University staff explained that some libraries already operate extended or 24-hour opening during peak assessment periods, though this does not apply throughout the entire year. 

To better understand student needs, there may be opportunities to gather feedback on preferred opening times in the future. 

Students also raised wider suggestions about the study environment, including: 

• Quiet and low-sensory study spaces 

• Access to charging points and laptops 

• Facilities such as hot drinks in study areas 

Concerns were also raised about the library closure period over Christmas, particularly for international students and those preparing for January assessments. This was noted as an issue for further consideration. 

1. Making student feedback more visible 

Question: Students are often asked for feedback, but some feel it is unclear how that feedback influences decisions. How does the University ensure student feedback leads to change? 

What we heard: 

University staff highlighted that feedback from students is used in many areas, including module surveys and programme discussions. 

However, there was recognition that students do not always see the outcomes of their feedback. Improving “You said, we did” updates and making the impact of student feedback more visible was identified as a priority. 

Students also highlighted that social media can be a more effective way to communicate updates than email, which many students feel they receive too much of. 

1. Finding support more easily 

Question: Students sometimes find it difficult to navigate between University and Students’ Union websites to find the right support. 

What we heard: 

The University is currently developing its student support web pages designed to bring together key services in one place. The aim is to make it easier for students to find support such as wellbeing services, academic support and careers advice. 

There is also the Digital Student Centre that provides 24/7 information and self-service functionality.  

Continuing the conversation 

These discussions are part of ongoing work between Greenwich Students’ Union and the University to ensure student voices are heard at senior levels. 

If you have questions, concerns or great ideas you would like raised in future meetings, you can share them through: 

• Your programme representative 

• Liberation networks and student groups 

• Greenwich Students’ Union 

Your feedback helps shape the student experience at Greenwich. 

You can now access the full conversation here.