You Said We Did

You Said We Did

You said, We Listened ….. Student Survey 2022

For the past few years, our students have been sharing their experience of University of Galway through the National Student Survey.

As a direct result of your feedback in 2022, we have made some real changes: 

• We recognise the disruption Covid-19 caused to student engagement and the wellbeing of our university community.
• This was clear from last year’s StudentSurvey.ie results, particularly in the fall in social index scores that measure the quality of interactions and the supportive environment on campus.
• In response, the Governing Authority approved a €4m investment over the next three years to transform Student Engagement and Wellbeing. This will see a range of benefits to students through the maintenance and expansion of important student support services.
   

You Said: You felt disconnected from other students

We Listened: And we responded through:

• A successful full return to campus, with an extended student orientation, including a pre-entry module (Tús Maith).
• Social events and support: A series of innovative social events / festivals on campus (including Hallows, where 2,500 attended and Christmas Day events) and on-campus support for students remaining in Galway over Christmas. 
• Additional non-commercial social spaces: New outdoor pods on campus, courtyard and internal garden upgrade and seating, rainbow coloured walls and walkways, outdoor classroom, and restoration of spaces, particularly the Sibín.

You Said: You needed better communication 

We Listened: And we responded through:

• A review of student communications, new developments including a weekly student Ezine, Cara (chatbot - 16k queries responded to in the last 12 months - 250 over the 2022/23 Christmas period) with WhatsApp application synthesising student feedback from Cara, Student Enquiry Centre and Student Advisers to inform weekly student communication/ezine.

You Said: You needed extra support for vulnerable students

We Listened: And we responded through:

• Health and Wellbeing supports: additional counselling support for students and the launch of Togetherall – an online Anonymous Mental Health Support service that provides moderated peer-to-peer support 24/7.
• Student Pantry developed to help students in need.
• Launch of a new Access Centre, with services for Access students, students with disabilities and mature students in one location.
• Extended Exam support to help students under pressure.
• Increased funding to the Financial Aid Fund.
• Working with Government and local partners to deliver more student accommodation.

Find out more: StudentSurvey.ie