Broadcast: News items
Stephen Shute interview: what staff can do to help students have their say in the NSS
Posted on behalf of: University of Sussex
Last updated: Monday, 5 February 2018
With the National Student Survey launching with Sussex students next week, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Shute discusses why the NSS is so important and what staff can do to help students to have their say.
What is the NSS?
The NSS (National Student Survey) is an annual survey conducted by Ipsos Mori, which asks of thousands of final year undergraduate students across the UK about their university experience. Conducted annually since 2005, it produces useful data to help institutions and students’ unions identify areas of success and areas for improvement.
When does the NSS begin?
Sussex has chosen Monday 5 February as its NSS launch day for all eligible Sussex finalists. It will run until Monday 30 April.
What are we doing to incentivise students to take part?
For a number of years now Sussex has offered incentives to students to take part in the survey such as food vouchers and print credit. This year, following the Student Barometer survey, which ran in November, we will be offering a number of attractive prizes. These will include prize draws for students to win restaurant vouchers and tickets to attractions or other experiences to a value of £60 per prize. On top of this, we will be offering travel vouchers each month that the survey is open.
How can you help?
The larger the number of students who take part in the NSS, the more robust the feedback will be, so we want to hear from every final year student. With this in mind, we will be offering each School a cash incentive for all response rates over 70% and a further incentive for any schools that reach 80%. The money will be spent on enhancing the student experience in the School in a way suggested by the School's students.
How can academics help to promote the NSS?
It is very helpful if staff in Schools can give prominence to the survey. This may mean taking five minutes to explain its importance, allowing time in lectures or seminars for final years to complete it or by simply using some of our promotional materials to increase awareness. School offices will have slides they can share with you to show in lectures and seminars – these will be sent around next week.
What are the guidelines that we need to adhere to?
Above all, NSS promotion should be neutral. Students should also be encouraged to give their honest feedback about their experience when completing the survey. When doing so, students should not feel that they are being influenced to respond in a particular way.
Making any link between the NSS, league tables and the perceived value of students' degrees is not allowed. Any staff involved in promoting the NSS should refer to the University’s updated full guidance.