This term has been just as, if not more exciting than the first one. It has been just as much a learning experience too, as I continue to explore what the student voice means and where it needs to be improved on. This term I focused on strengthening the student voice base within the University and this has already begun to yield some positive results.
One thing I am particularly glad I undertook this past term was actively reaching out to the wider Students’ Union community. I am especially grateful to Adora (continuing Vice President- Education at Aston SU) for answering my million questions about the Aston SU representative system and the tips on university relations, education policy development, and allowing me get involved with her energy bag distribution for the day. I am also grateful to Dhanusha (outgoing President at Birmingham City University SU) and Victor (outgoing Vice President- Equity and Inclusion) for breaking down their experience in gathering and actioning student feedback, and the advice on relating to University senior leadership. The insights were very valuable, and it was refreshing to see that we had the same challenges and that we were already doing a lot of the same things. We are not alone after all. I look forward to doing more of this and meeting more sabbatical officers and students’ unions, and to this end I will be attending the National Union of Students’ Membership Services Conference in August.
One regret I had from the winter term was that I did not interact with the students at Crewe as much as I could have. This past term however, I made sure to be at Crewe more often, interacting with new people each time I was there, deliberating with the members of the Student Life Group headed by the director of the Crewe campus- Sara Crowley, and as a highlight I was able to attend the Crewe summer ball, which was a roaring success. The Crewe lot know how to party for sure.
The student voice has achieved so much this past term and it is difficult to note them all down here without this turning to a novella at least. However, a few favourite victories are:
-
The extension of the library opening times for revisions and exams, and discussions to have these standardised and a 24 hour library space. This started off as a suggestion by a rep at the Student Representative Council meeting, and then was raised on Unitu.
-
The inclusion of student voice in the development and review of university policies as standard practice.
-
Active involvement of the student voice in development of the residential assistant role, as the role is transitioned back to the accommodation office.
-
Running a successful focus group session with the faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology, with plans to run more across the different faculties before the end of the year.
I must recognise that the student voice is not just myself but the amazing team and support I have received from the permanent staff members. I also recognise the amazing student representatives and part time officers who make the process all the smoother. I would like to give special recognition to Chrissie who has now left the team. You were a joy to work with, and you have not left easy shoes to fill. Thank you for everything.
Looking to the rest of the year, I am excited to be working on a couple projects, including:
-
A cost of living campaign that addresses the unique position of University of Buckingham students.
-
Summer activities for the next couple months (even though I have written all this down as it pours outside… mid-July).
-
Restructuring the Student Representative Council.
-
Working on establishing the library extended hours as standard practice.
-
An independent union.
As always, I am happy to chat with anyone about their concerns or about the work I do. Feel free to say hi.