UHI Inverness student survey hits 96% satisfaction rating for third year in a row

STUDENTS at UHI Inverness have returned an impressive 96% overall satisfaction rating in its first-term survey for the third year in a row.

The Early Student Experience Survey (ESES) also achieved a record-equalling 63% 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 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 Neil Stewart, a former forestry lecturer at the Balloch campus, who is the charity’s Events Manager and rider. He was accompanied by Helen Robertson, one of the charity's fundraisers.

UHI Inverness and HISA colleagues celebrate the donation with Helen and Neil from Highland and Islands Blood Bikes

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, which gauges 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% 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.

“I’m delighted that this latest campaign has raised much-needed funds for a brilliant cause that works tirelessly every day of the year to provide a vital service that could benefit every one of us. Each year these survey campaigns allow us to develop meaningful partnerships with local charities, and although we already enjoy a connection with Highland and Islands Blood Bikes through former colleagues who volunteer for the charity, I hope our relationship continues to develop and be mutually beneficial.”

The survey campaign was led by the Quality Team. Its 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.”

Helen, Neil and Quality Officer Emma Baillie