Background and aims
Lincoln University sought to gain an in-depth understanding of current perceptions and future preferences for Lincoln University student experience. The research was important as the institution strives to ensure it provides a continually improved campus and experience for its students.
The research was intended to inform the delivery of its $105m campus rebuild decisions, the Student Services fee allocation, the development of a student experience strategy and to fulfil government requirements to review student fee allocation.
Our role
Lincoln University contracted Global Research to ensure the students voice was heard and a comprehensive understanding of student experience was gained.
Global Research designed and managed the full project. This involved a literature review; capture of data through informant surveys, two student workshops and an online survey; analysis of the perceptions and preferences found and the presentation of these in a succinct report in order to inform the above aims.
Design and method
Global Research conducted primary research involving around one third of Lincoln Te Waihora campus students. The research comprised of four stages:
A literature review to provide context of how student experience has been addressed by other New Zealand and Australian universities;
Key staff informant surveys with 13 staff members;
Two Student Experience workshops attracting 263 students who provided around 800 ideas;
A self-explicated conjoint online student experience survey that was completed by 614 students, 29% of the student population.
The Student Experience Survey was the most wide-reaching and influential information captured, with the other three stages informing the survey.
Results
Global Research provided Lincoln University with a comprehensive report that synthesised all findings and provided discussions covering the key project objectives as well as summaries of the delivery and findings from each of the four discrete research stages. This enabled Lincoln University management to have a greater understanding of student experience from both a qualitative and quantitative (ranking) perspective, as it relates to their decision making needs.
Outcome
Students were able to provide input into their future campus and Lincoln University management are able to make decisions that will enhance the campus environment to better fulfil student needs. This will ultimately make for a better student experience at Lincoln and attract more students.