Responsive and results-oriented

Baby talk translates into groundbreaking research at MARCS Auditory Laboratories. Read more on MARCSThe University of Western Sydney is bringing knowledge to life in one of Australia’s fastest growing and dynamic regions. Responding to community need in a rapidly changing society is fundamental to the University’s teaching and research. Through its expansive academic and community networks, partnerships and knowledge sharing UWS is attuned to the needs and complexities of the communities it serves.

Its programs and research are tested against robust data and student feedback so that the University can track its performance across all activities. This information is used to continually adapt and improve its teaching and research to ensure they are relevant, of high quality and remain at the forefront of developments across all academic fields.

UWS specialises in creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to gain a university education, irrespective of their circumstances. One of the ways it does this is via an established network of pathways from other education institutions, such as TAFE, so that students’ prior learning is recognised. The University also has strong support systems in place once students begin their study to improve their chances of success. These include academic support programs, mentoring, social networking opportunities and pastoral support.

Providing flexible study options is another way the University is responding to demand. Recognising that family and work commitments prevent many students from studying by traditional means, UWS has created a range of study options so that students can mix and match their modes of learning to suit their circumstances. These include using on-line delivery, community-based learning, on-campus lectures across multiple sites or a combination of all of these.

With six campuses spread across ten locations in Greater Western Sydney the University has provided community leadership in a way that has touched a wide cross-section of society. It will continue to transform ideas into tangible results that improve the quality of life.

An important indicator of University responsiveness is how much students are satisfied with their learning experience. UWS gives a high priority to obtaining and acting on student feedback about their units and courses, and their overall experience at the University. The following chart sets out the University's performance with student satisfaction over the period 2004-2009.

UWS Student Satisfaction Results, 2004-2009

Data are taken from Student Feedback on Units, the Student Satisfaction Survey; and from the Course Experience Questionnaire, and each of these elements is represented in the chart.