Unveiling Student Experiences: The Being, Belonging, Becoming Survey

The BBB survey project was a comprehensive and innovative pilot of a tool that addressed all the WISER themes. The project aimed to pilot the Being, Belonging, Becoming (BBB) survey and identify the most valuable items.

Institutions found that the BBB survey's focus on wellbeing, fostering innovation and impact, encouraging collaboration, promoting equity and ethics, and recognising contributions helps create a supportive and inclusive academic environment. This alignment with central themes ensures that the BBB survey enhances student experiences and drives meaningful and lasting improvements in higher education (HE).

The BBB survey prioritises student wellbeing by identifying and addressing the multifaceted dimensions of their experiences in HE. The survey captures data on mental health, personal development, and overall satisfaction, providing insights into the stressors and support mechanisms that impact students' lives. By analysing this data, institutions can develop targeted interventions to promote mental health and resilience, such as stress-management workshops, counselling services, and peer support networks. This focus on wellbeing ensures that students are supported holistically, fostering an environment where they can thrive both academically and personally.

The survey also represents a significant innovation in HE assessment by moving beyond traditional metrics to explore the deeper dimensions of Being, Belonging, and Becoming. This innovative approach allows institutions to understand student experiences better and develop impactful strategies to enhance their academic and personal growth. The survey's design, which includes both quantitative data and open-ended questions, provides a nuanced view of student life, enabling institutions to implement data-driven changes that have a meaningful impact on student success and satisfaction.

Additionally, the development and implementation of the BBB survey involved extensive collaboration among students, academic staff, and stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensured that the study addressed the real needs and concerns of the student body. By engaging various groups in the survey process, institutions can foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for improving the academic environment. The survey results can facilitate dialogue and cooperation between students and staff, leading to the creation of programs and initiatives more aligned with students' needs and expectations.

The survey aligns with principles of equity and ethics by striving to create an inclusive tool that captures the diverse experiences of all students. The survey's design considers different aspects of students' academic and personal lives, ensuring that the needs of various student groups are represented and addressed. By focusing on these values, the survey promotes a fair and ethical approach to student support, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

The insights gained from the BBB survey can be used to recognise and reward efforts that contribute to a positive student experience. By identifying effective support mechanisms, enriching programs, and successful community-building initiatives, institutions can highlight best practices and acknowledge the contributions of staff and students. This recognition can motivate continued excellence and innovation in student support and engagement, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and appreciation within the academic community.