National award for our student experience

The University of Essex has won a prestigious national award for its innovative approach to delivering an outstanding student experience.

The 2023 CUBO Awards recognise innovation and excellence in commercial and campus services at universities with the University of Essex coming out on top in the 'Innovation in Student Experience' category.

Director of Essex Sport Dave Parry said: "We're really proud to have won this prestigious award. This CUBO Award is recognition for our fan experience project, which has delivered both the Tribe student supporters section, and a full year of game day entertainment each Wednesday and at weekends.

"Special praise is due to Sport Development Manager Shaun Conlon, and Fan Engagement Officer Stanley Kadzunge."

The University of Essex was also shortlisted for CUBO Awards in two other categories - 'Excellence in Student Sport Experience' for Essex Sport and 'Best Marketing Campaign' for Accommodation Essex.

Through a range of student-centred fan initiatives, such as the creation of a first of its type in the UK student-led supporters club called ‘The Tribe’, the Fan Engagement project has positioned sport at the heart of campus life.

This ground-breaking project introduced a wide range of engaging initiatives to enhance the spectator experience, foster friendships among students, and cultivate a sense of belonging. The efforts were rewarded with a total of 12,421 spectator attendances recorded across the season, including a record-breaking International Women's Day crowd of 1,505, who came together to support the University's elite basketball team, the Essex Rebels.

Shaun Conlon said: "We are delighted that the first-year achievements of the Fan Engagement project have been recognised on a national level. This is a clear signal that the project is breaking new ground within the sector, and also highlights the huge strides we have taken in our quest to deliver an outstanding student experience through sport and boast the best student-fans in the country."