20 | Principal’s Overview
Student Services and Development also made a few laptops available for loan through the SERU service. Among those requesting the loan of devices were graduate students and international students. The students were issued the devices for the full semester, or a year in some instances. Efforts were made to improve the service to students including implementation of an online loan request form accessible via a link on the flyer promoting the service; providing the agreement form as a fillable pdf that could be sent to students by email; implementing a booking system for pick up and return of the devices; and creation of a photo library of the devices as a way of better monitoring the physical condition of devices on delivery and return. This latter initiative was necessary as the unit was increasingly concerned about the state in which some devices were being returned after use. Student Information Hub The SERU continued to play a major role in student engage- ment, as the Campus’ hub for student information and guidance, and timely resolutions to challenges encountered. The SERU provided students with a range of channels for communicating with the Unit, including email, telephone, live chat, WhatsApp, and the campus app. During the year the SERU responded to thousands of student queries, including almost 3000 emails. The SERU also maintained its vibrant presence on Instagram and Facebook, which supported its information to and communication with prospective and current students. The Unit started discussions with the PowerApps team in CITS to work towards implementing a solution to more accurately and efficiently record the level of support provided to students via the various communication and media channels. The SAR, SERU continued to lead the small group that is working to establish an online portal through which students could request core administrative services and information. During the year, the INPLAIS Student Experience Team carried out a survey to obtain student feedback on what they would wish to have included in this hub and work was advanced on the design of the resource. It is hoped that the hub will be established during the coming academic year.
Pre-Arrival/Pre-Departure Sessions Information Sessions Flyer
Pre-arrival Guide for Regional and International Students Revised As the Campus prepared to welcome students back for the 2022/23 academic year, the SERU sought the assistance of the Student Experience team in the office of Institutional Planning and Infrastructural Services (INPLAIS) in obtaining student feedback on the Pre-arrival Guide for Regional and International Students, in preparation for revision of the Guide. The feedback received helped to inform improve- ments to the structure and content of the Guide during the revision process. This was the fourth publication of the Pre-arrival Guide which the SERU introduced in academic year 2018/19. The Guide was added to the New Student Website and a link sent by email to incoming overseas students. Tablet and Laptop Loans The SERU continued to administer the loan of tablet computers and laptops to students in need of devices for online study as remote teaching and learning continued due to the pandemic. During the year the pool of devices available for loan was increased by 22 through donations from The UWI Alumni Circle, the Alumni Association and individual alumni who are members of staff. The Office of
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES CAVE HILL CAMPUS ANNUAL REPORT TO COUNCIL 2021/2022
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