The April 2022 meeting of the Student Panel examined the purposes and functions of several important University services and initiatives in light of the exciting move to the newly expanded Belfast campus for the autumn semester.
Employability and Careers
Shauna McCloy, Head of Employability and Careers, and Lynn McCourt, Support Assistant, presented an overview of the services their team provides to students and revealed images of the new E&C location in Belfast block BC.
Panelists responded enthusiastically to the new location, noting how convenient it will be to have seating areas and catering, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for collaboration.
Panelists also provided valuable feedback on how best to deliver E&C services in the new setting, offering advice on:
- Opening hours, particularly for students needing services outside of the normal 9 to 5 weekday pattern
- Targeting services to full-time as well as part-time and mature students
- Improving accessibility
- Provision for online and in-person support
- Designing the space to improve student engagement
Focus Group: Estates and Digital Services information in the Student Guide
Mia McElroy, Content Designer for the Student Guide, along with Carmel Mimnagh from Estates Services and Nicola Kirkpatrick from Digital Services, presented to student panelists an overview of the functions of Estates and Digital Services and asked them to suggest ways they can make it easier for students to understand and know how to access these services via the Student Guide.
Panelists provided valuable feedback about the issues students typically encounter and the challenge of finding information and solutions quickly, particularly with regard to:
- Car parking
- Lost property
- Recycling on campus
- Campus safety infrastructure and services
- Cycling provision and storage
- ID cards and controlled access to spaces on Belfast campus
- Using Blackboard
- Password reset and multi-factor authentication
- Connecting to Eduroam Wi-Fi
- Downloading software
- Contacting the Service Desk for IT support
First look at the new building on Belfast campus
Kelly Gordon, Project Officer for Student and Campus Experience in the Strategic Programme Office, showed student panelists a recent video walk-through of block BC as it nears completion, describing the layout of the spaces dedicated to students and asking for their feedback.
Panelists responded warmly to the design and layout of the hubs for Student Wellbeing and Student Services as well as the proposed new name of the latter: Student Services HQ.
Panelists particularly appreciated the look of the Mall, the great new central concourse in block BC.
Noting how much larger and more open it appears compared to the existing Mall on Jordanstown campus, panelists shared that it looks like it will be a brilliant space for students to move and meet, with pop up shops, services, and food and drink options all around within easy reach.
The Mall will be much more than a passageway but a community gathering space for social and academic get-togethers, events, activities and more.