Results Day: The Jewish Student Survey

The Union of Jewish Students (UJS), in partnership with the Pears Foundation and JPR revealed the results of the Jewish Student Survey this morning.

The survey was undertaken by 925 Jewish students across 95 different institutions over February and March 2011.

The report-initiated by UJS-has highlighted some fascinating information about Jewish student identity as seen by some of the statistics above.

The survey is the only study of its kind and it will help us to analyse where our programming efforts can be most effectively directed.

The results show that the majority of students, 81%, have come into contact with UJS, which is extremely high.

There are, however, statistics, for example, that show that Jewish students think that being Jewish is about social action and volunteering, but currently are unable or do not do it.

UJS is already working to address this need. We are pleased to announce the launch of V-Scheme, an initiative pioneered by Jewish student, Ricky Kaplan and piloted last year in Nottingham. The participation in the volunteering scheme was extroadinary and 53 students volunteered across a variety of Jewish and Non-Jewish charities.

This year it has been launched in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham and we can't wait to see the results. Please let us know if you are interested and we will put you in touch with the relevant people.

The survey also showed that 69% of Jewish students are worried or very worried about finding a job after university. This year, we have been working hard on finding ways to help out with careers beyond university.

We are working on three central areas: The first, gaining insight into the job market through master-classes ranging from fashion and art to business and property. The second, networking events, to talk to those already in professions of interest to you as well as building contacts and knowledge about a chosen profession. This year, we have in the pipe-line events with BLP, Olswang, KPMG and more. And finally, we have our internships, which will enable you to get one step closer to securing that all important job offer at the end of university.

The Jewish student survey is incredibly impactful, not just in the results that it has given to us today, but in the steps that will follow on from it. We are now going to internalise these results and maximise the amazing opportunity we have been granted to generate mass student participation and involvement in determining exactly how UJS can best serve Jewish students now and in the future.

This year we are re-launching our conference, which will take place this December in Leeds. This is an opportunity for students to decide what their union should provide.

Dan Grabiner said: 'Fundamentally, this study, from our perspective, has to be about what happens next. I want to build on all the great work of my predecessors, whether it be empowering Jewish students, political campaigns or ensuring Jewish students have a great time on campus. I am excited to have such conclusive analysis to back up the work that we do and look forward to where we go from here.'

To see the results in depth you can read the report online by going to the link: Click here

Did you take part in the Jewish student survey? Are you shocked by the results? Or were they what you expected? We want to know what you think in response to this!

Send in your comments to communications@ujs.org.uk and they will appear on our website.