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NSS prize for Lewis

A learning disabilities nursing student is delighted after winning the prize draw for completing a survey about his student experience.

Lewis Richardson, 32, from Blackhall near Peterlee, won the £500 cash prize draw for completing the National Student Survey (NSS). The final-year student at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ was surprised but pleased to win. He was presented with the prize by Chris Walker, Deputy Director of Student Recruitment and Marketing at the University.

‘At first when I received the email I didn’t believe it, but I was over the moon once it sank in,’ Lewis explained.

The NSS gives students the opportunity to voice their experiences about their course at their institution. The feedback is then used to help shape services for future students and highlights both best practice and areas for improvement.

Lewis added: ‘It is important to complete surveys like the NSS. Feedback is hugely important to the University. Without it, it is difficult to change and adapt to the needs of students.’

Lewis is due to complete his degree course later this year and already has a role working with people with learning disabilities at a local NHS Trust.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is committed to providing the best possible student and learning experience and uses the information from the NSS to make real changes to improve all aspects of the student journey.

Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), said: ‘I am pleased that a high proportion of our students took part in the NSS this year. The University is in an exciting period of change with the development of the campus masterplan and it is vitally important that our students feel that they get the most out of their time here at the University.’

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment, earlier this year it launched the Student Voice initiative. Working alongside the Students’ Union, Student Voice encourages students to share their experiences of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ throughout their time here.