‘On the right track’: Survey reveals strengthened CDU student experience

The student experience at Charles Darwin University (CDU) has improved in almost every area despite declining sector trends, according to the recently published 2024 QILT Student Experience Survey.

The overall undergraduate experience improved by 5 per cent in 2024 from the previous year, with the greatest improvements seen in peer engagement and teaching quality and engagement – up 5.1 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, the overall postgraduate experience improved by 0.6 per cent in the same period. Peer engagement saw the greatest development with an increase of 6 per cent, followed by skills development with 2 per cent.

Across all universities, the quality of the undergraduate educational experience worsened by 0.1 per cent, and the postgraduate experience worsened by 1.1 per cent.

CDU Student Council President Shishtata Bhandari said it was uplifting to see the University’s student experience grow across a range of measures and hoped to see it maintain an upward trajectory.

Ms Bhandari said while the overall student body was having a better experience, it was important to delve into the experiences of different cohorts as well, such as domestic and international students, on-campus and online students, and how their time at university differs. 

“This is where student voice plays an important role – the more we understand about a cohort and their experience, the better strategies can be actioned for working on any gaps. 

“The CDU Student Council is actively working to engage with all students to elevate their voices and empower them to maximise their experiences at CDU. 

“These results solidify the perspective the Student Council brings to the table when advocating for our peers: our students are diverse with unique needs and deserve a shared, positive experience of student life during their time at CDU.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the survey results were encouraging and hoped to see similar progress in future reports.

“There’s more to do, but these results are proof we are on the right track,” Professor Bowman said. 

“I’ll be taking a proposal to the University Council to significantly uplift our learning materials over the next three years. 

“Step by step, we’re moving onwards and upwards.”

The QILT Student Experience Survey 2024, published September this year, can be accessed here.