FAQ

The Claik – Frequently Asked Questions

For students and alumni of the University of St Andrews


About The Claik

What is The Claik?

The Claik is the University of St Andrews’ online insights community. It is a research and insight platform where students and alumni are invited to share their views through surveys, polls, and discussions. The Claik is run by the University’s Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs (CMPA) team.

The name comes from the Scots word claik – meaning to chat, gossip, or exchange news – which felt like a fitting name for a community built on conversation.

What is The Claik for?

The Claik gives the University a direct, ongoing channel to hear from students and alumni on things that matter – from how we communicate, to what you think of our programmes, to testing new ideas before they go live. Your input shapes real decisions.

What is The Claik not?

The Claik is a market research community – it is not a complaints channel, a welfare service, or a formal feedback mechanism. If you need to raise a formal concern or seek support, please use the University's existing channels:
This distinction is important, and it is visible throughout the community.

Who runs The Claik?

The Claik is operated by the CMPA team at the University of St Andrews, with the platform hosted and managed by Largo (QuMind Limited), an independent online market research provider based in London.


Joining The Claik

Who can join?

The Claik is currently open to current students (undergraduate and postgraduate taught) and recent alumni of the University of St Andrews. There is no minimum age requirement – we welcome all members of our student community.

How do I join?

Visit insights.st-andrews.ac.uk and click ‘Sign up’. You will be asked to complete a short registration survey so we can make sure the activities we send you are relevant to you. The whole process takes just a few minutes.

Is membership free?

Yes, membership of The Claik is completely free.

Do I have to take part in every activity?

No. Participation in all surveys, polls, and discussions is entirely voluntary. You can choose which activities to take part in and opt out of any at any time. You can also leave The Claik altogether whenever you like.


Taking Part

What kinds of activities will I be invited to take part in?

You may be invited to take part in:
  • Short polls – quick single-question votes on a topic
  • Surveys – a series of questions on a particular subject, usually taking 5–15 minutes
  • Discussion activities – sharing your thoughts or ideas on a topic in more depth
We also share a results feed on the community, so you can see what other members have said and what the University has done with the insight.

How often will I be contacted?

We will not bombard you. Most members can expect to receive a small number of invitations per month. The frequency may vary depending on what research is under way at any given time.

Will I receive anything for taking part?

Every point you earn on The Claik gives you one entry into that month’s prize draw. The more you take part, the more points you earn and the more chances you have to win.
You can earn:

  • 1 point for taking part in a quick poll
  • 2 points for your first contribution to a discussion
  • 5 points for completing a survey
  • 10 bonus points when you first join The Claik

On occasion, you may also be able to earn additional points by taking part in other research or community activities. We’ll let you know how many points are available when these opportunities arise.
Points earned during each calendar month count as entries into that month’s prize draw. Entries do not carry over into future monthly draws.
Monthly prizes will include a range of vouchers, which may include vouchers worth £50, £25 and £10.
If you win a prize, you won’t be eligible to win again for the following three monthly prize draws, giving other members the opportunity to win too.
Full details can be found in our Prize Draw Terms & Conditions.

Can I see the results of surveys I take part in?

Yes. We are committed to letting members know what we've done with their input – for example, through updates on the impact of research findings. We want you to see the difference your participation makes.
 

Your Data and Privacy

Who holds my personal data?

The University of St Andrews is the data controller. Largo (QuMind Limited) processes your data on the University's behalf as the platform operator and data processor. 

What data do you collect about me?

At registration, we collect your name, email address, and some basic demographic information (such as whether you are a current student or alumni, and your area of study). We may collect additional information as part of specific research activities, but we will always tell you what we are collecting and why.

We also collect standard technical information about your device (such as your IP address and browser type) for system administration purposes. This does not identify you individually.

How is my data used?

Your data is used to:
  • Send you relevant research invitations
  • Tailor your community experience
  • Administer your membership
  • Generate aggregated insights that help the University improve its services and communications
The University processes your personal data on the basis of public task – that is, as part of its function as a university to understand and improve the experience of its students and staff. For alumni, the University relies on legitimate interests as the lawful basis instead, as alumni engagement falls outside the University’s public task. Where you enter a prize draw, we will ask for your explicit consent separately.

Your individual responses are never shared externally. Results are always reported in aggregate form – as counts and percentages, with no names or identifying details attached.

Will my data be shared or sold?

No. Your personal data will not be sold or passed to third parties. Aggregated, anonymised research findings may be shared internally within the University. Largo will not use University data – including anonymised or aggregated data – for any purpose outside this agreement.

How do I access or delete my data?

You have a number of rights regarding your personal data, including the right to access, delete, or correct the information we hold about you, and the right to withdraw from a survey or from The Claik at any time. To exercise any of these rights, contact the University’s Data Protection Officer:

If you have a concern about how your personal data is being used, please contact the University in the first instance using the details above. You also have the right to escalate a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk) if you remain dissatisfied after raising it with us.

What cookies does The Claik use?

The Claik mostly uses session cookies, which expire when you close your browser. We also use a persistent cookie to save your place in a survey if you navigate away and wish to continue later – this cookie holds no personal information and is deleted within one day. A separate cookie keeps you logged in to avoid having to sign in repeatedly. You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings at any time.


Leaving The Claik

How do I unsubscribe?

You can unsubscribe at any time by visiting insights.st-andrews.ac.uk and following the instructions, or by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email we send you.

What happens to my data if I leave?

If you withdraw from The Claik, your personally identifiable data will be deleted in line with data protection law. Any data already included in aggregated research results will remain in that aggregated form (with no individual identification) to allow for long-term trend tracking.


Getting Help

I have a technical problem with the site. Who do I contact?

For technical queries, you can contact Largo directly at HERE. If you would prefer to contact the University team first, you can reach the CMPA team via the contact details on the insights.st-andrews.ac.uk website.

I want to raise a welfare concern or complaint. Where should I go?

The Claik is not the right channel for welfare concerns or formal complaints. Please use the University's dedicated support services:

I have a question that isn't answered here. Who can I contact?

Visit insights.st-andrews.ac.uk for contact details, or email the CMPA team directly. We are happy to help.


Last updated: 26 June 2026

Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs | University of St Andrews