Excellence in Action: Mannix College Awarded Gold Accreditation for Student Experience

Mannix College is thrilled to announce it has achieved Gold Accreditation under the newly established Residential Experience Standard (RES), making it the first Australian residential college to earn this prestigious recognition. This honour places Mannix at the forefront of student accommodation standards in Australia, affirming our commitment to providing an exceptional residential experience.

“This accreditation is a milestone for us,” said Andrew Swan, Principal of Mannix College. “It reflects our dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. By holding ourselves to the highest standards, we continue to make Mannix a premier choice for students seeking a vibrant and secure community.”

About the Residential Experience Standard (RES)

The RES was developed by the Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association (APSAA) in collaboration with UK-based Investors in Students (IIS). Through a 360º evaluation that gathers input from residents, staff, and management, RES provides a comprehensive view of the student experience.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate these foundational results,” said Tom White, Co-Founder and CEO of Investor in Students. “The achievements of our first RES-accredited members illustrate the power of a student-centred approach. By setting high standards and focusing on impactful areas, they’ve paved the way for what student accommodation should strive to offer.”

Participation in the RES accreditation process gives Mannix College key advantages:

• Benchmarking Against Peers: Mannix can now measure its performance against leading accommodation providers nationally and internationally, highlighting areas of strength and those requiring enhancement.
• Independent Validation: The RES accreditation independently endorses the quality of Mannix’s student experience, boosting our credibility with prospective students and stakeholders.
• Detailed, Actionable Feedback: The 360º assessment provides insights that help us fine-tune our programs, particularly in areas like safety and inclusivity.
• Transparency and Trust: The independent analysis adds a layer of credibility, reinforcing trust within the Mannix community.

Mannix was one of the select few invited to pilot the RES in Australia, joining esteemed institutions like Deakin University Residential and UNSW Student Accommodation. This recognition underscores Mannix’s leadership in setting and exceeding standards in student accommodation.

Key Outcomes of the RES Accreditation

The accreditation process highlighted several strengths within the Mannix College community:

• High Engagement: With a 75% response rate from residents and 100% from staff and management, the survey reflects a broad and representative dataset of our community.
• Strong Net Promoter Score (NPS): Mannix achieved an NPS of 64.7, a strong indicator of student satisfaction. “A high NPS, especially from an external assessment, speaks volumes about the positive experience our students have here,” noted Swan.
• Positive Safety Ratings: Personal safety was one of the most highly-rated aspects, underscoring Mannix’s commitment to a secure and inclusive environment.

Annie McGuire, Dean of Students, expressed pride in the results:  “We owe a huge thank you to our resident leaders who have worked to make our student engagement strong and ensure a vibrant and safe residential experience.  These terrific results are a testament to their love of Mannix and their desire to create a positive environment.” 

Key Insights from the RES Survey

The RES survey assessed various aspects of college life, revealing several key areas of strength:

• Supportive Staff: Residents consistently praised the helpfulness and expertise of Resident Advisors (RAs), Residential Support Officers (RSOs), and the administrative team.
• Community Engagement: Students highlighted the strong sense of community fostered by the MCSS Committee and the ease of making friends within the college.
• Safety and Inclusivity: Mannix students reported feeling safe and appreciated the inclusive environment, noting they found like-minded peers and shared values within the community.

“This Gold Accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our entire community,” McGuire reflected. “We’re committed to using these insights to keep raising the bar, making Mannix an ever more supportive and enriching place to live and grow.”