Students in a seminar
The University’s promotion of the 2023 National Student Survey (NSS) began today, Monday 23 January. The NSS is an important way for students coming towards the end of their undergraduate courses to tell the world about their time at Sussex.
Managed by the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of higher education in England, and run by polling company Ipsos MORI, the NSS is used to assess the quality of a students’ degree as a whole.
Results are taken very seriously by the University and the OfS. NSS results are made publicly available by the OfS to help prospective students, their families and advisors make informed choices about where and what to study.
Professor Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, said: “Thank you for working together to maximise engagement with the NSS and encourage students to tell the world about their experience at Sussex.”
Why should students take part?
Our students’ views matter. NSS responses help prospective students to make decisions on which universities to apply for. It is important, therefore, that as many students as possible take part in the survey to generate reliable information.
As a thank you, we will be offering students completing the NSS a free tea/coffee voucher to be spent in Sussex Food outlets. Students can collect their voucher from NSS Agents who will be stationed around the campus, and outside lectures where requested.
In addition, if students complete the NSS online by 28 February, they can opt in to a prize draw for one of two £1000 cash prizes. The winner will be randomly picked by Ipsos MORI after the closing date.
For every finalist who completes the survey, the University will donate £1 to charity. Students will have the opportunity to vote online for their preferred charity, from a shortlist nominated by final-year Student Reps.
How can students complete the NSS?
Eligible students can fill in the NSS online at www.thestudentsurvey.com at any time up to 30 April 2023.
Ipsos MORI will soon be in touch with students by email to invite them to complete the survey.
More information for students is available on the Student Hub.
How can you help?
If you teach a final-year module, your assistance is essential for the success of the NSS campaign in your School. Together we can raise awareness of the NSS and encourage final-year students to tell the world about their experience at Sussex.
Some of the things you can do to help include:
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allocating optional time to complete the survey at the end of a teaching session
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reminding your students of the NSS in tutorials
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posting reminders on your Canvas module pages.
Please remember that the University is allowed to promote the NSS and encourage students to take part, but we are not allowed to try to influence how they respond – this is known as inappropriate influence.
What resources are available for staff?
The Student Communications team has produced a shared folder of resources on Box (accessible via your Sussex login details). These resources include the NSS Good Practice Guide, a communications plan, digital campaign assets and slides from the staff briefing session that took place online on 12 January.
Visit the Staff NSS pages for further information and guidance. If you have a question about how the survey runs, please contact Denise Cooper, Associate Director for Academic Services.