Last Monday Westminster Business School organised a VIP event at Madame Tussauds, which not only was a rollicking good evening, but also an opportunity for the university to find out more about students’ experiences last year and their experiences for this academic year. All level 5 students were invited and about 40 members of staff also attended the event, which made a fantastic crowd of around 500 paparazzi trying to get the most sensational photos with their favourite celebrities.
If you read my last post you must know by now that I love attending events – especially those for students as there are always opportunities for good pictures. I am doing a year’s placement with the marketing team at Westminster Business School and was flabbergasted during a meeting last week when I was invited to the occasion. What better place to take pictures?!
Upon arrival all guests were promptly served nice refreshments and had the chance to mingle with friends and have a chat. Afterwards they were briefed by our Dean Dr David Hitchcock and Student Experience Coordinator Phil Gonzalez who mentioned the pre-visit survey that students were asked to complete to give us an insight into their expectations and challenges whilst at university.
However a little (or should I say BIG?) surprise was also announced. Students were asked to snap a selfie with a wax celebrity and a member of staff – you can imagine my happiness! The photos can be uploaded either on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, by Friday using the hashtag #ANightAtTussauds. The prize is still a secret but students got very competitive and I could see dazzling flashes all around the place – including from my camera, of course! To meet the winners keep an eye on our social media channels.
The tour was so riveting and entertaining that I even forgot that I was there working. However I’m fond of blogging and interviewing, so I decided to put some questions to two very nice students, who kindly gave me a few minutes of their time:
What do you think the university could do better this academic year in order to improve student satisfaction?
“I think that the major problem for us is that every year, at the beginning of the year, we have this timetabling problem. Sometimes modules clash with each other and some people don’t have their modules in their timetables and miss their lectures and seminars, which can be very important in the first weeks. I think this is something that the university really needs to improve on”.
What do you think you could do to improve your student life experience this year?
“Last year I had a lot of free time which I could have used to attend events with other students. Not only parties, but academic events too. I study Chinese and there could be events with students in the same course so that we could discuss things. The university could offer more events and engage students so that we could spend more time together either playing, partying or studying”.
Which member of staff do you think deserves to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds?
“My lecturer Dr Unvan Atas“.
What do you think the university could do better this academic year in order to improve student satisfaction?
“The university could provide more scholarships to already existing students because if they receive some funding for study it can be more motivating”.
What do you think you could do to improve your student life experience this year?
“Last year I was a class representative for the Chinese class, but now I think I could be a course representative to be more involved with the students. I could also join more societies and help by volunteering at events such as open days”.
Which member of staff do you think deserves to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds?
“My lecturer Lorna Brooks“.
The day after the event I interviewed Phil Gonzalez, who helped organise the event:
How did the event go?
“It was a great event and a really good chance for teaching and administrative staff to talk in a relaxed atmosphere with our 2nd year students who had a great time and enjoyed themselves”.
Did you have the opportunity to ask students about their experiences last year and expectations for this year?
“I talked to many students myself about experiences last year and their expectations for this year. Linked with that I know that students get many requests to complete surveys but the Annual Student Experience Survey and the NSS survey for final year students are regularly used by prospective students to Westminster Business School, so we do encourage everyone to complete them”.
Are there any other ways which students can give feedback?
“Of course. We do encourage students to talk to their lecturers and seminar leaders. In fact, at a module level there’s a good chance to complete a student module evaluation form at the end of each semester. We encourage all students to complete these so that we get more representative opinions. It is important to remember that these are totally confidential, so please be frank and give us plenty of detail”.
Well, now that everyone spoke their minds I would like to say something too! Westminster Business School has given me the opportunity to grow both as a student and as a young professional and after this event I realise how much there is to be enjoyed during my time at university. As our fellow students suggested: go to events, join societies, do some volunteering and you can be sure that your time at uni won’t be wasted. You will actually miss it!
Regarding a member of staff who deserves to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds…mmm…can I say “me”? Just joking! I actually think that my personal tutor Helen Batley deserves it so much for her dedication to students and years of service to the university.
Who would you choose to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds?
Sounds like a great evening! Well written.
Great article and pictures André well done!
I wish I was there!
Well i would say my lecturer Dr. Suwichit Chaidaroon known as Dr. Sean. This is because he not only makes learning fun but also makes us understand the concept in easiest way possible.
Great text! Really engaging and easy to read! Great article! Well done!
cool! wmin is finally engaging with its neighbour building 😉
great too read your article Andy, well written and interesting. hopefully we see this kinds of event while your on your y placement at westminster , good luck
OMG I actually look ok on this…. ^^ A great night to spend with everyone.
An interesting article with the right tone and great pictures!
Sounds like a great evening and I am really sorry I missed it! Great photos!