Read what I've been up to in the past two months.
One of my key priorities as VP Education is ensuring that students have a strong voice in shaping their academic experience. This term, we’ve made some big strides in growing our Student Rep network, reducing ratios, and gathering more feedback than ever!
The team and I have been actively recruiting, training, and supporting reps across all 18 departments. This term, we’ve focused on improving rep ratios in areas where engagement has traditionally been lower. We’ve had some fantastic collaboration with departments like Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) and divisions of Health and Social Care (HSC), including Speech and Language Therapy. Thanks to these efforts, we’ve now reached an overall ratio of 1 rep for every 39 students! 🔥
And the results speak for themselves—our reps have helped us gather over 2,000 pieces of student feedback this academic year. That’s 2,000 opportunities to push for real change at the University. 💪
Developing Our Student Reps 🚀
Throughout Term 2, we’ve been working with our most engaged reps to develop their expertise and help them transfer these skills into their future careers. Over 75 reps have attended training sessions on:
🎯 Asking the Right Questions
🎤 Effectively Chairing Meetings
🤝 Negotiating & Influencing in the Workplace
And on Top of That…
✅ I’ve been making sure your voice is heard—Alongside our brilliant Convenors, I’ve attended numerous University Committees, ensuring students are at the heart of key educational decisions. 💬
✅ Expanding SU support at Southend—Michelle has been working closely with HSC Southend students to understand what support they want to see from their SU. Plans are already in place to boost engagement there! 📍
✅ Brilliant student-led content—Our Convenors have been writing quality articles and producing some fantastic social media content on topics like Neurodiversity, Succeeding at Uni, and Progression vs Perfection. Meanwhile, student reps have started creating their own articles, social media posts, and rep-led drop-ins! ✍️📱
✅ Fun and creative recruitment!—We brought our unique recruitment style to the Opportunities Fair, this time with a rolling pennies challenge (not as much fun as the NERF gun at Freshers’ Fair, but apparently much safer 🤣).
✅ Reps earning their rewards!—Our "Points Mean Prizes" scheme is thriving, with reps working hard to earn points and trade them in for merch (no surprise that hoodies are still the most popular! 🧥).
✅ Celebrating outstanding students and staff—Through our SU Heroes scheme, we’ve been recognising those who go above and beyond to make our University community better. 🏆
✅ Representing student interests at the highest levels—I personally responded to the Office for Students (OfS) strategy proposals and took our thoughts to AQSC.
✅ Pushing student experience to the top of the agenda—The Student Experience Strategy Group, which I created and lead, is making the University reflect on how it operates from top to bottom. 📊
✅ Supporting SU events and elections—From elections in Colchester and Southend to SHAG Week events in Loughton, and even putting up (far too many) gazebos for various SU events—it's been a busy but brilliant term! 🗳️🎪
Offer Holder Day
It was lovely to welcome and give a talk to prospective students at today’s University of Essex Offer Holder Day in the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall alongside Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Neil Kellard. As VP Education, I got to tell the story of how my time at Essex has transformed my life and give an overview of the excellent student experience offered by University of Essex Students' Union, a top 10 Students’ Union for 6 years in a row.
Student Rep Summit
Our Student Reps gathered for the second annual Student Rep Summit 🎉—a day filled with insights, collaboration, and skill-building! We kicked off with a special thank-you from the Dean of Undergraduate Education, highlighting the power of student voice 🙌. Our SU Director of Education, Activities & Welfare then celebrated the impact of Student Reps so far, with an impressive 1 Rep for every 39 students! 📊👏 Harry led an engaging session on ‘The Future of Student Voice’, where Reps reimagined their Golden Circles—exploring what representation means, how to innovate their approach, and what’s needed to take things to the next level 🚀. The room was buzzing with ideas!
Next, Chris’s workshop on conflict resolution helped Reps master tough conversations 🎤💡. A lively role-playing activity had half the room acting as ‘difficult’ Heads of Department, while the others had to negotiate and persuade—cue lots of laughs and great debates! 🎭😂 To close, I delivered an inspiring keynote on how being a Student Rep is a launchpad for future success 💼💪. Sharing my journey—from leadership to launching a business—I showed how these skills go beyond university. We wrapped up with headshots & drinks at SU Bar 🍻📸—celebrating another year of impact, collaboration, and student-led change! 🎊👏
PGR Spotlight (Coming Very Soon) Explore Your Future in Research
📅 Date & Time: 3pm - 5:30pm
📍 Location: LTB6
Curious about whether a Research Masters is the right choice for you? 🤔 Wondering where a PhD could take you? 🚀
Join us for an inspiring event designed to demystify postgraduate research and help you explore your future in academia and beyond.
🎙️ What to Expect:
✅ Real insights from current PhD students on their work and daily lives
✅ Advice from academic staff on applications and research pathways
✅ Diverse career options—inside and outside academia
Whether you're an undergraduate or master's student, this is your opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity, and take the next step in your academic journey! 📚✨
💬 If you have any questions about the event or accessibility needs, please contact Chloe Jeffery at cj20397@essex.ac.uk.
📝 AGENDA
⏰ 3:00 - 3:10 | Welcome & Introduction – Led by Chloe (Postgraduate Convener)
🎤 3:10 - 3:45 | Postgraduate Researcher Presentations – Insights from PGR students
🎓 3:45 - 3:55 | From Research to Academia – Talk by Shane Martin
☕ 3:55 - 4:10 | Comfort Break
💼 4:10 - 4:25 | Non-Academic Careers – Talk by the KTP Team
🤝 4:25 - 5:00 | Audience Q&A & Panel Discussion
🔍 5:00 | Closing Thoughts & Departure – Led by Chloe
📢 Don’t miss this chance to engage, explore, and elevate your research ambitions! See you there! 🚀👩🔬
Get your free ticket!
What's the Tea from Student Voice Groups?? ☕️
One of my key responsibilities as your VP Education is making sure that student concerns are heard and acted upon. Across various forums—whether in Student Voice Groups (SVGs), the Student Experience Committee, or direct discussions with departments—I am consistently raising the issues that matter most to you.
Recently, I’ve been championing your concerns around common room spaces, timetabling, AI, and heating, ensuring that real action is taken.
Common Room Spaces
Students across all three faculties have highlighted the need for more and better common room spaces. Some departments, like Sociology and Criminology, Essex Business School, and Health and Social Care (HSC), reported that their existing spaces are too small or overcrowded, while students in Psychology have raised the need for a dedicated space altogether. However, it’s also great to hear that some students, like those in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE), have access to excellent common areas. I’ve raised these issues to ensure departments and the University recognise the importance of having more accessible, comfortable community spaces. After my discussion with her, the Pro Vice-Chancellor has asked all Executive Deans to report back to University Steering Group on the state of Common Room Spaces to make improvements for students.
Timetabling Challenges
For commuting students, timetabling remains a significant challenge. Students in CSEE, Literature, Film and Theatre Studies (LiFTS), Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (PPS), the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences (SMSAS), and Essex Pathways have all raised concerns about early or late classes and the impact of spread-out schedules on their ability to balance studies with other commitments. While timetabling is complicated, I’ve got a commitment for an overhaul and change of direction – this will take time but I also have an agreement to find some short-term solutions to better support students who have issues now.
AI in Education
Artificial Intelligence is becoming an increasingly relevant topic in education. While students have different perspectives on its role, it’s essential that policies around AI usage in learning and assessments reflect student needs and concerns. I am continuously engaging with departments and committees to ensure AI is used in a way that enhances learning without disadvantaging students.
Heating & Cold Rooms
I’ve also raised concerns about cold teaching spaces, particularly those flagged by HSC students. This feedback has been forwarded to the Estates Management Team, who confirmed that while health and safety restrictions limit their ability to adjust temperatures, they are trying to minimise the use of these spaces for teaching whenever possible. I will continue pushing for long-term improvements to ensure that your learning environments remain comfortable.
Your voices drive the work I do, and I’ll keep championing these issues at every level to make sure they don’t just get discussed—they get acted on. If you have more concerns or feedback, always feel free to reach out!
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day 💛 = Activations at University of Essex Students' Union ✨ Super work from Lily-May Cameron for designing & leading on some heartwarming activations for Random Acts of Kindness Day to give students a chance to spread kindness, spark conversations, or at the very least - leave with a smile ☺️ We launched our Pay It Forward Coffee Wall ☕ in The Kitchen, which will now be a permanent feature! Today I bought 10 coffees for students to enjoy 🥰. Huge thanks to Sophia for creating such a beautiful display 🎨 and designing the amazing vouchers (check out the pics!). We also handed out free plant pots 🌱 (still waiting for them to sprout… 👀) that students could gift to a friend, a stranger, or even a lecturer - each with a kind message attached 💌. A massive thank you to all the SU Staff who helped bring this to life! Of course, another huge thank you to Sustainable Students Society and Green Thumbs Volunteering Project who helped with all the prep and handing them out!! 💛 Keep spreading kindness! 💚✨
Where are we at with the Academic Calendar project? 👀
The Academic Calendar project continues to be a major focus, and I want to ensure that students are kept up to date on its progress. The University Steering Group (USG) reviewed and discussed the proposed model on 11 February, followed by the Education Committee on 12 February. The good news is that the Education Committee has endorsed the model, subject to key conditions that address some of the concerns raised throughout this process. Myself, Lily-May and the Convenors were very vocal and got these conditions added to the paper to more robustly secure wins for students.
What This Means for Students
One of the major priorities in implementing a new Academic Calendar is ensuring that students receive meaningful learning experiences throughout the academic year. The five-week preparation and assessment periods, a key component of the proposed model, will now include structured educational activities. Departments will have full autonomy in deciding what these activities look like, but they will be held accountable by their faculties. Suggested activities range from revision lectures and self-directed study to work-based learning opportunities, placements, and personal development programmes such as Skills for Success, Democracy in Action, and Language for All. For coursework students, all learning activity may be distributed completely differently over 15 weeks to eliminate dead spots & give better value for money.
At the same time, departments will be reviewing their assessment structures to align with the new model, ensuring that assessments remain fair and effective. Additionally, throughout the implementation phase, the University must guarantee that visa requirements for international students are not negatively impacted by any changes.
Next Steps
The Chair of Senate has extended the deadline for the Senate’s decision on the proposal from 3 March to 1 May, allowing for further scrutiny and discussion. This means that the earliest the Academic Calendar paper will go to University Council is mid-May, with another Steering Group meeting scheduled after that date.
Our Position as the SU
From the beginning, our focus has been clear: student interests must come first. While we recognise that change always comes with challenges, we believe this model is an improvement on the current system. However, that does not mean we are giving it unquestioning support. We have consistently raised concerns about the implementation risks and will continue pushing for these to be addressed.
Recently, there have been frustrations over the way discussions have been handled at different levels. We remain committed to working constructively with University leadership. We are pushing to ensure that the conditions added to the project are formally documented in the paper so that they are properly followed.
At the Education Committee, it became clear that some individuals are more focused on their personal experiences than on what is best for students. While it is healthy to have debate, we cannot allow personal agendas to derail meaningful progress. We know that implementing this change will be difficult, but rather than standing on the sidelines, we are committed to working through the challenges to make sure students get the best possible experience.
What We’re Doing Next
Ahead of Senate, we are meeting with key University staff to discuss the wider implications of the Academic Calendar on student life, including its impact on commercial and community services provided by the SU and the University. These conversations are essential to making sure any transition is as smooth as possible. We'rve met with the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Registrar and the Pro Vice Chancellor Education to have in-depth discussions. We will also be taking a deep dive discussion into the full paper in early April before the Senate meeting in early May.
- We have confidence in the leadership driving this project and appreciate the work being done to improve the student experience.
- We believe that progressing with the Academic Calendar project is the right decision, as long as the newly added conditions are robust and properly followed.
- Our sole focus is student interests. We will not be influenced by external pressures, and we will continue to advocate for meaningful improvements.
This is a challenging process, but we are here to ensure that student voices remain at the centre of decision-making. If you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to represent you
Your Education, Your Experience – What’s Changing?
At the Students’ Union, we’re always working to make sure your academic experience is the best it can be. Each year, the University reviews all courses to see what’s working and what needs improving. Here’s what’s been happening based on feedback from students like you:
📚 Student Engagement & Community Building
Many of you have told us that feeling part of a learning community is key to your success. However, attendance at events, feedback surveys, and even some classes has been low. The University is looking at better ways to support students, particularly in the first year, to feel connected and engaged. Expect to see more welcome activities, social spaces, and events designed to build that sense of belonging.
🎓 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Departments are continuing their efforts to close attainment gaps for BAME, mature, and male students. Progress has been made, but there’s more to do. Many schools are diversifying their reading lists, making assessments more inclusive, and ensuring a broader range of voices are represented in your learning.
📝 Rethinking Assessments
You’ve asked for a more varied approach to assessment, and changes are happening! Many departments are introducing video essays, podcasts, practice-based assessments, and competency-based evaluations to move beyond traditional exams and essays. The aim? Giving you the best chance to showcase your learning in different ways.
💰 Workload, Resources & Sustainability
With financial challenges across higher education, the University is working within budget constraints while still improving learning spaces, hiring key staff, and supporting students. Some changes, like better timetabling, investment in digital tools, and targeted student support, are being prioritised.
🤖 AI & Academic Integrity
With tools like ChatGPT becoming more common, departments are revising their assessments to make sure students still develop key skills while maintaining academic integrity. Expect to see clearer guidelines on how AI can (and can’t) be used in your studies.
🚀 Employability & Real-World Learning
Your future career matters, and many courses are embedding industry-relevant skills, employer networking events, and accreditation opportunities to help you stand out in the job market. Whether through work placements, partnerships with businesses, or live projects, expect more career-focused experiences within your course.
💬 Your Voice Matters
Departments are making changes based on your feedback! Initiatives like ‘You Said, We Did’ and student consultation groups are helping ensure that your concerns are heard and acted on. Keep engaging with surveys, module reviews, and SU representatives to shape your experience.
🌍 Sustainability & Your Course
Sustainability is becoming a bigger focus in many subjects. Some courses are adding climate-focused modules, while others are introducing sustainability-focused workshops and student-led projects to address global challenges.
The University and SU are committed to making your academic experience better every year. Have ideas or concerns? Get involved, share your feedback, and help shape the future of education at Essex!
👉 Get in touch with your SU Education Team today! sureps@essex.ac.uk