York St John nominated for most improved student experience award

York St John University has been shortlisted for the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) award for the Most Improved Student Experience in 2012 which will be announced later this week.

The winner of this highly coveted award, voted for by students, will be announced at a ceremony in London on Thursday 29 November. The Times Higher Education awards are higher education’s ‘Oscars’, and are attended by more than 1,000 people from the sector. This year the awards will be hosted by well-known comedian David Walliams.

Up to 20,000 students were polled in a survey conducted by the student market research specialists Youthsight to rate the academic reputation, teaching, social life and facilities of their institutions.

In unveiling the nominations, the THE stated that: “Universities and their staff continue to be tested by the financial and political climate. But as ever, they continue to rise to every challenge. Our shortlist for the Times Higher Education Awards 2012 singles out those who uphold, and exceed, the standard of excellence.”

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University commented: “We are delighted to have been nominated for this award and honoured that our students have rated us so highly. Providing an exceptional student experience is at the heart of everything we do.  That’s why we have invested over £90m in our university over the last few years to ensure that our student learning, social and living environments are the best they can be. This investment includes a newly enhanced learning and resource centre, which opened in 2011, and continues with the recent acquisition of outdoor sports facilities covering 57 acres and a £12m investment in the development of additional student accommodation due for completion in September 2013.”

Adam McSkimming, President of York St John Students’ Union said: “It is one of the greatest honours to be nominated for most improved student experience. The dedication, time and growing relationship between the University and the Students’ Union have enabled us to work efficiently and effectively to bring a great experience to all our students at York St John.”