Student survey result is satisfying for Sean

Completing a survey about his time as a Teesside University student has left apprentice Sean Bolton very satisfied with the result.

As part of the promotion for this year’s National Student Survey (NSS), Teesside University offered four cash prizes in a draw for is students who completed the survey online.

Last year’s NSS results showed that 82% of Teesside University students were satisfied with the quality of their course – putting Teesside in the top ten nationwide among the modern universities in terms of overall student satisfaction.

And now Sean, 19, of Port Clarence, has won £500 in the draw for this year’s NSS respondents.

He completed an HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering on day release at Middlesbrough College while completing a two-year apprenticeship as an electronics technician with Sedgefield firm Polyphotonix.

Sean, who is about to start the HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said: 'I completed the survey and then forgot about it really. I didn’t think about it again until I received an email from my college tutor telling me I’d won a prize in the draw.

'I was really pleased and even more pleased when I realised it was £500. I’d encourage all students to complete the survey, as it didn’t take long to complete and the questions were very straight-forward, asking about my experiences as a student.

'I’ve been working seven days a week, with my job at Polyphotonix, day release at college and a weekend job too, so I’m hoping to use the prize to treat my girlfriend to a weekend away with me.

'The survey offers a chance to have your say, with an added bonus being a chance to win a cash prize. I’m hoping to go on to complete a degree at Teesside University while I continue working and then possibly a master’s degree.'

Three runner-up £100 prize draw winners were Teesside University students Jennifer Quan, who has completed a BA Media Studies, Mary Brown, final year BSc Forensic Psychology and BA History student Samantha Evans.

Jennifer, 22, who is originally from London, said: 'I’ve never won anything before and was really surprised to get a random call telling me I've won £100. I’m really happy, especially as I've just finished my degree.'

Phil Makinson, Education Officer with Teesside University Students’ Union, which took the lead in promoting the NSS to students, said: 'The survey is really important as it provides students with an opportunity to give feedback, which in turn enables Teesside to continue to improve the whole University experience for future students.'

---