As Kent Business School (KBS) enters the new year we’re looking back at how we’ve enhanced the experience for the most important part of our community – our students! Read our top 10 improvements to KBS student experience in 2016.
1. Accessibility to student support
In response to student feedback, we improved the accessibility of the information available to students on the KBS Personal Academic Support System (PASS), which gives students a range of individual support, provided by a dedicated team of staff. From updating our website with more concise information, to creating downloadable forms and refreshing guidance, getting the help and support you need while studying with us just got a whole lot easier.
2. Portfolio Review
In 2016 KBS reviewed its modules and programmes to ensure its course offering was contemporary and competitive.
3. Student entitlement to printer credits
At 5p per sheet, printing at University can get very costly, very quickly. Kent Business School students no longer have to pay for the printing of their assignments. All students are now issued with printing credits directly onto their KentOne Card.
4. Makeover of KBS Employability Blog
Run by the KBS Employability and Placements Team this resource is for all KBS students and alumni, offering help and advice on personal development, whilst highlighting opportunities to build success in the world of work. In August, the blog was updated with an exciting new design, improved user-journey and imagery re-vamp. View the newly improved blog.
5. Student Success (EDI) Project
In 2016, KBS became a part of the University of Kent’s two year Student Success (EDI) Project, a project which aims to develop ways to help students achieve the best they can. As part of this scheme, we identified a need for student numeracy mentors to help students build their skills and confidence in this area. Mentors are fully trained by the Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS), and are available at specific times during term-time for either one-on-one sessions or drop-in-group clinics.
6. Launch of the Business Start-Up Journey 2016
The Business Start-Up Journey is a initiative organised by Kent Business School to support the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs. It is a step-by-step extra-curricular programme designed to encourage, nurture and support the development of student business start-ups. Events kicked off in November 2016 with successful Business Start-Up Days at both the Canterbury and Medway campuses.
7. Engagement with CMI
This year Kent Business School joined forces with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications alongside the Kent MBA, as well as BA Business and Management with a Year in Industry, BSc International Business and BSc Management. CMI qualifications are highly sought after by employers.
As part of this partnership, students have access to Management Direct. This provides them with material, videos, podcasts, insight papers and more, developed by professional managers for managers. Students also benefit from a mentoring scheme ‘CMI Achieve’ and have access to the CMI careers hub.
8. Backpack to Briefcase
The KBS Backpack to Briefcase scheme provides bespoke career and skills development events and activities. Available from first year through to graduation, Backpack to Briefcase is for all Kent Business School (KBS) students. Backpack to Briefcase is designed to prepare students for a successful career after University.
9. Peer mentoring
KBS provides, in partnership with Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS), an Academic Peer Mentoring Scheme (APM) for our undergraduate stage 1 and 2 students. The aim of the APM Scheme is to help mentees (students) take charge of their own learning; build their knowledge and confidence and hopefully improve academic performance. An assigned mentor (a trained final year undergraduate) will be able to share their knowledge and experience with their mentees; provide guidance on any academic issue surrounding their studies while gaining valuable experience themselves.
10. Flipped learning
KBS students studying the undergraduate module in Corporate Social Responsibility are benefiting from innovative teaching practices. Students listen to pre-recorded lectures available on Moodle and read the material indicated during the lectures in order to prepare for in-class interaction. Every taught session hosts an invited speaker from industry with whom the students interact by asking critical questions. In the traditional lecturer-centered model, the lecturer is the primary source of information. The flipped learning model employs the learner-centered approach where in-class time is used to explore topics in greater depth, hence creating rich learning opportunities.
From careers advice and pastoral support to engaging with innovative teaching practices and keeping our programmes relevant to the business environments of today. Kent Business School are committed to offering those who study with us a fantastic student experience.