Big questions asked about what the Staffordshire University of the future will look like
As part of the University’s strategic planning and review process, the Officers of the Students Union have been asked what the priorities of the University need to be going forward. Based on student feedback, the Students Union has flagged up, over a number of years, the need to improve the quality of the University Estate and provision of facilities for students.
The issues are rarely that there isn’t enough space, but that the quality of it or the way it is configured, isn’t what it needs to be.
And whilst there have been several large investments into facilities such as the Science Centre and improving The Cadman building and Thompson library, it is widely recognised more needs to be done, quicker.
But in the current economic climate, with the shifting emphasis towards self-financing of Higher Education, there is only so much funding for investment available.
So the question has been posed; “In the future, should we spread ourselves and invest thinly over several campuses, or consolidate and develop as a single site?”
As individuals, the Officer team have shared their own personal experiences and thoughts, but have been keen to get the University to widen input from the student body, former students and staff to develop a wider perspective.
The University have therefore been sending out targeted surveys to get input.
If you haven’t completed a survey, but have thoughts to contribute, then you can email them directly to the University Vice Chancellor, using the following link:
m.gunn@staffs.ac.uk
Survey Introduction by Michael Gunn, Vice Chancellor
“Historically, we have always been based at our two main campuses in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent. This is one option for the future. There are also good financial arguments for doing as other institutions, such as Birmingham City University, have done and consolidating our long-term investments in a single, expanded campus in Stoke-on-Trent.
Before we commit significant sums to new investment, we need, as a community, to consider carefully how any money should best be spent. There is money available for investment but it is not unlimited. Both of our main campuses are in need of refurbishment, and the decision we reach will have significant long-term implications on how we operate as a business and the opportunities we are able to explore in the future.
In addition to upgrading our facilities, we also need to take account of the longer term demand for on-campus provision and the environment that our campuses provide from a student experience aspect. Two campuses may enable more bespoke, niche provision to be offered, whilst a single campus is likely to offer more flexibility and a more dynamic campus environment in a period that might see flat or slightly reducing on-campus student numbers.
I would like your input. We have already carried out some research with our students and recent graduates, and have held some staff focus groups, to ask for views on future investment priorities. The Board of Governors and I would now like to hear your views.
We need to hear them.”