We have significant experience working with universities and are proud to have recently supported a Russell Group University with their Student and Staff Lived Experience Project. Case study as follows:
The Issue
Services did not equal their counterparts and the campus was caught in a catch-22 of not enough demand to warrant service but not knowing that need and demand if the service is not provided. The client wanted to find the right way to balance cost and demand whilst prioritising experience (and where necessary subsidise to a reasonable level).
Students were beginning to vote with their feet – opting for accommodation off campus and commuting to the campus which risks further the cohesion of a campus community. In addition, increasingly poor attitudes to academic life amongst students was being reported.
The Solution
Improve the staff and student experience right across the University with an overall campus experience for all.
The Assignment
ARC Resolve Ltd reviewed existing estate strategies to establish a potential order of activity for areas for intervention and investment. This involved providing robust challenge to prioritise what would enhance and improve and be clear on benefits and value add of actions – evaluating them against one another.
Our work included an analysis of societal and demographic changes and how they may create different expectations and needs. We also asked current students (and staff) their perspectives and explored what student alumni might identify based on their experience.
We benchmarked against comparators and explored options for external funding and partnership to support the experience.
The Outcome
Our report and action plan set out clear recommendations for short, medium and long term cost effective actions to improve the campus experience. We are delighted to confirm that our client is implementing these actions and feedback, so far, from students and staff is positive.