'I statements'
‘I statements’ are intended to help us communicate the future we want to bring about. They describe what achieving our strategic objectives will look and feel like from the perspective of students in a clear and accessible way.
‘I statements’ reflect what students told us matters to them. In many cases, we know they already receive this. In developing ‘I statements’, we engaged with students through strategy feedback events and sought the input of our Student Interest Board.
In finalising our ‘I statements’, we also received feedback from sector groups, including Universities UK, GuildHE, the Association of Colleges and London Higher. We will continue to engage with sector organisations on ‘I statements’ as we seek to advance a shared understanding of what students expect from higher education.
We recognise that students’ needs and priorities are varied. ‘I statements’ should not, therefore, be taken to represent a uniform or comprehensive set of student priorities. Rather, they articulate the central themes emerging from our discussions with students about what positive higher education experiences mean to them.
We will use ‘I statements’ in our student-facing communications, on an issue-by-issue basis, throughout the strategy period.
I have access to the information and support I need to make an informed decision about the higher education option that is right for me.
My course is well organised and well taught, enabling me to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills I need to pursue my chosen career.
I benefit from high quality learning environments and can access the equipment I need to participate fully in my course.
I get timely, constructive feedback and the academic support I need to improve.
I understand my rights as a student, and I know what to do if I do not get what I was promised by my institution.
I am treated fairly by my institution and I am confident my views will be listened to and acted on appropriately by those in positions of power.
If I see or experience harassment or sexual misconduct at my institution, I know what to do and am confident my institution will respond effectively to protect students.
My institution takes reasonable steps to support me to become a well-rounded individual.
I am fairly and effectively assessed, and confident that my qualification will hold value, helping me to succeed in life beyond higher education.
I am confident that I will have the same opportunities to thrive in higher education as my peers, regardless of my background or personal circumstance.
My institution recognises my needs outside of the classroom and I get the support I need to manage non-academic challenges that affect my student experience.
Further information
The ‘I statements’ are a distillation of our objectives, as set out in our strategy. They are not regulatory tools. We will not track the performance of universities and colleges against them directly.
We have published more information to support students in understanding OfS regulation, and what they can expect from their university or college.
At the OfS, we do not have the power to intervene or advise in a dispute between a student and their university or college. But we have provided further information about how to make a complaint.
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