Read what I've been up to in the past month.
Academic Framework Student Consultation
The majority of my focus has been planning, leading and implementing a Student Consultation on a new Academic Framework. What's going on?? The University is redesigning the way it delivers education. The new Academic Framework sets out what this actually looks like, from the timetable, to assignments, to semester lengths, and module sizes. The SU has been involved with the process and now it's time for us to launch a formal student consultation.
How are we consulting?
The University of Essex Students’ Union will lead a Student Consultation on the proposed Academic Framework with the support of the PVCE, PVCE Designate, Chief of Staff and the Academic Framework project management team.The Student Consultation period will open on 22nd April and close on the 13th May. After this formal consultation period closes, informal consultation with student representatives of the student body will still occur as per the Students’ Union business as usual. The model being proposed by the AFTFG consists of a structural model, which sets out the timings of the teaching year (including welcome/return weeks, teaching delivery and assessment) and a series of parameters that sit alongside the structural model and are integral to the successful application of the overall Academic Framework. Students will be consulted on the potential changes to the Academic Framework, regardless of whether they would be impacted by them or not, as the Framework is set to impact from 2027/28 onwards. The VP Education and PVCE-D will collaborate on informatic material aimed, including archetypical examples of student journeys across the faculties and simpler explanations specifically for student representatives, which will be the basis for that consultation. The consultation will include a series of three core focus groups which delve into the details of the structural model and the series of parameters. Alongside this, there will be polling to test the aims and some key aspects of the model against student opinion to ensure the broadest possible sample size. Any asynchronous feedback received by the Students’ Union will be discussed with the PVCE and PVCE-D after the three core focus groups, with VP Education and the Convenors in attendance. The consultation will be overseen by the VP Education, Head of Education, Education Managers, Convenors, SU President, Director of Education, Activities and Welfare, and the Director of Marketing, Engagement, and Strategy. Parallel to the consultation, a project looking at the potential impacts on student life and how the model will interact with a living and learning campus will run with input from the Students’ Union and Professional Services. The VP Education and PVCE-D will meet to establish this project as soon as possible to respond to the questions around student experience and the campus economy.
When is the first focus group? Focus Group A is on 25th April with SU Council and key Student Reps invited to attend. This will be an opportunity for students in representative roles to be part of the consultation and begin their involvement. Any questions or thoughts should be directed to vpeducation@essex.ac.uk.
We've Got Your Back
Whether it's exams, assessments or performances, we've been gearing up to provide you with the best support this term.
Please see the events, support information and resources we've got for you: https://www.essexstudent.com/education/support/
Angel shifts have started, so watch out for your winged heroes!
This is a time to be shoulder to shoulder. Pull another student through with a confidence boosting message, funny joke, cute photo or GIF - whatever you fancy. We'll make sure it reaches them. Leave a message of support.
PGR Spotlight
🔦 Postgraduate Research Spotlight 🔦 . Join us to hear from PGR students about what it’s like to do research and the fascinating work they’re doing in their fields 🔬. It’s been amazing working on this first of its kind event with Isabella, our PG Convenors, the Education team and the Postgraduate Deans, to showcase the amazing research students are doing and the opportunities to get involved 🌟.
Have you ever wondered what it is actually like to be a postgraduate researcher (PGR)? Confused by the terms PhD and MSD? 🤔
In the afternoon on Friday 26th April in Ivor Crewe, we will be shining a spotlight on PGRs, here at Essex. You will have the opportunity to learn what it is like to be a PGR and what fantastic research students at Essex are doing. Join us for a series of lightning talks from student researchers (from Life Sciences, Government, SRES, Psychology and more!) and a panel comprised of academics and students answering any questions you may have about being a postgraduate researcher. 👩🔬
Essex Got Talent
🚨 ESSEX GOT TALENT RETURNS 🌟! Super excited to announce that Lily-May Cameron (future SU President) & I are hosting Essex Got Talent live from the Ivor Crewe on Saturday 4th May at 7:30pm 🎤. Join us for daring dancers, star singers, magical musicians, cackling comedians, and much more ✨. Don’t miss the chance to see the best talent that Essex has to offer and find the next big star 🌟!! Essex Got Talent is fundraising two amazing charities, Open Road which offers addiction support on campus and Doctors Without Borders who provide medical aid globally, and all proceeds will be donated 🎗️. The event is also powered by students 💪 and is run by student volunteers 💛. Tickets are just £5 and are on sale now, https://www.essexstudent.com/ents/event/31292/ 🎟️. We can’t wait to see you there 🤩.
WhatUni Awards
It's fantastic that the SU was shortlisted for SU of the Year, placing us in the top 10 of SUs in the UK. This is a great achievement and is testament to the hard work everyone does.