UHI Inverness student satisfaction hits 96% for third year in a row as £1662 raised for charity
Students at UHI Inverness have given the college glowing pass marks for the third year running.
Respondents to the first term survey returned an impressive 96 per cent overall satisfaction rating.
The Early Student Experience Survey (ESES) also achieved a record-equalling 63 per cent response rate, which resulted in a £999 donation for charity partner Highland and Islands Blood Bikes.
The survey highlighted many positives including knowledgeable and approachable lecturers, interactive and engaging lessons, respectful and inclusive classroom environments and enjoyable hands-on learning experiences.
The students also gave favourable feedback about free meals and laptop loans, readily available academic and personal support and a sense of belonging and community in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
One student submitted a comment on their anonymous survey form which said: "I like that the tutors are warm and approachable.
“They make learning enjoyable and are very supportive.
“I also like the library, the cafeteria areas and the pods for learning. I like how UHI Inverness is concerned for students' needs as well as their learning, as they have a book fund, food and toiletry banks for those in most need, and free breakfast and lunch.
“It shows that UHI Inverness takes a holistic approach to supporting their students, which will in turn help students to be their best selves.”
Another student said: “All the staff have been incredibly supportive and always go that extra mile.
“The opportunity for feedback and seeing the way things have evolved over my time at UHI Inverness, has shown that the student voice is listened to and responded to.”
A further £663 was raised through donations, a bake sale and raffle held on campus on the last day of the survey.
As a result, a total of £1,662 was presented to the blood bikes charity at a special event at the Scottish School of Forestry campus today (Friday, 24 October).
The cheque was received by one of the charity’s fundraisers Helen Robertson and Neil Stewart, a former forestry lecturer at the Balloch campus, who is the charity’s Events Manager and rider.
The charity delivers urgent medical samples and supplies for free across the north of Scotland. It was chosen by the students and staff at the Scottish School of Forestry to benefit from a donation linked to the survey’s response rate.
The donation acts as an incentive to encourage students to complete the survey to gauge how they feel about their first few weeks of study and helps to inform change and further improvements.
Zak Gillan, the charity’s head of business development, said: “On behalf of the charity, I want to say a huge thank you to UHI Inverness and all the students for their generous support.
“This type of donation makes it possible for our volunteers to continue our vital work in support of NHS Highland and communities across the region.
“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share what we do with students and staff alike, building awareness and a relationship for the future.
“The generosity and enthusiasm shown by students and staff – from the survey to the bake sale and raffle – truly embody the community spirit that keeps our service running to provide vital, free transport of essential medical supplies across the Highlands and Islands.”
Dr Lindsay Snodgrass, vice principal at UHI Inverness, said: “To achieve a 96 per cent overall satisfaction rating every year since 2023 is outstanding, and demonstrates that we are providing our students with an excellent experience.
“However, we are never complacent and continue to grow and adapt, and the feedback from this latest survey will allow us to identify and drive forward further changes.”
The survey campaign was led by the quality team, whose manager Liz Cook said: “More than 2,000 students completed the survey, and they have provided us with a revealing insight into the learning experience across our campuses.
“We have collated, analysed and distributed the survey responses and will be working with both academic and professional services staff to act on some of the points raised.”
Highland and Islands Blood Bikes volunteers Helen Robertson and Neil Stewart receive the donation from UHI Inverness colleagues Neil Cleland, Depute Curriculum Leader Land and Science and Natalie Glasgow, Head of Registry and Quality.
Colleagues from UHI Inverness and the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association joined Helen Robertson and Neil Stewart of Highland and Islands Blood Bikes at the presentation event.