York St John University unveils new student centre

York St John University has underlined its commitment to an exceptional student experience with the unveiling of its newly transformed student services centre, ready to welcome new and returning students for the start of welcome week on 16 September.

The Holgate student centre has undergone a £1.2 million refurbishment over the summer to provide exceptional learner support services and facilities. New and returning students, staff and visitors are now greeted by an integrated main University reception and an exceptional ‘one-stop-shop’ for Student Services.

The new facilities offer students even more highly visible, flexible areas for group work and social learning. Bright colours, zoning and multi-functional furniture alongside increased access to IT and media enhance the student experience even further. The new layout includes the Student Advice Team reception, offices, interview and meeting rooms, and promotion and exhibition facilities.

Sue Reece, Pro Vice Chancellor of York St John University commented:
“We place students at the heart of everything we do and our continuing investment on campus is driven by them. The newly refurbished Holgate Centre enables the University to add value to the learning environment and to continue to improve an outstanding experience for students and staff alike.”

York St John University has already received recognition for its commitment to the student experience, having been ranked in the top 10 in the 2013 Times Higher Education (THE) student experience survey. It also gained its highest ever NSS (National Student Survey) score of 88%, up 19 places from 2012 to take it to joint 34th place, according to the nationwide survey of final year students. In addition the University has been shortlisted amongst six finalists for the highly coveted University of the Year award in the prestigious THE awards for 2013; the winning institution will be announced at a special ceremony on 28 November.