Student equity and belonging: Seren, VP Education update
Hey guys it's Seren here, updating you on what's been going on the past 3 months. What a first semester it's been! With plenty of exciting updates from my manifesto, events & projects I've been working on - there's still lots to come!
First off, I've had a big part to play in the recruitment and training of the student representatives this year, making sure they are equipped with all the right tools to be able to represent their cohort's voice. We've even had some voice leader socials including a quiz night at Lime Street Central- I certainly enjoyed being the hostess. Recently we also held our very first Student Equity council, a safe space for students to voice their views on their own student experience- this time specifically in relation to mental health and wellbeing. It was a huge success: 35 students participated in a healthy discussion and of course to enjoy some complimentary pizza.
Moving onto my manifesto: one of my focuses this year is to make sure all students have a sense of belonging here at JMSU, including international and exchange students. As part of this, I've been directly helping with the running of the Home from Home project - we held a volunteering opportunity with a homelessness charity, 'Whitechapel', and helped them sort through donated clothes. We also rganised a local cultural trip to PortSunlight. We explored the village and had a wander around Lady Lever Art gallery- both events were great successes!
I also have some exciting ongoing updates from behind the scenes in my role as VP Education. First off, in preparation for assessment period I have designed a webpage that'll go live in the new year with all the essential information about what support the university and SU provide and even some study tips! Alongside this I'll be running a pop-up event with some academic freebees so look out for that!
The last few updates are around accessible education- I have been worked hard with the Teaching and Learning Academy at LJMU to adjust current policy's and try and make sure all main lectures are recorded, this is still in the works but fingers crossed that I will have something in place soon!
The final campaign that has recently come to my attention is the adjusted library hours. The rest of the officers and I and going to be running our next 'Go Out Listen and Deliver (GOLD) Day' to collect feedback on how the adjusted library hours have affected students and with this we can rally to get the university to re-extend the hours from 8:45- 7pm to 8:45- 11pm again during the assessment period. If you have any feedback or comments about any of these campaigns or projects feel free to message me via email or my Instagram!
Look out for me across campus and in SLB this Christmas period whilst me and my fellow officers run some winter socials for you all, or if not see you next year!!
