This blog may be a little shorter than usual as I’ve been on annual leave and out of the office during graduation week. My calendar has been quite full lately, so I’ll give you the main highlights. If you have any questions or want anything clarified, just let me know. ❤️

Circuit Laundry

Following the email I asked to be sent out about Circuit Laundry, I’ve made some really good progress with the Accommodation team and the contracts manager to resolve the issues you raised. If you didn’t catch that email, I’ve included it again below:

✅ Monitoring Price Parity – ULiving controls its pricing, which is why their machines are more expensive. The University continues to subsidise its own prices and will encourage ULiving to reduce theirs.
✅ SU Involvement in Procurement – The SU will now be included in procurement discussions next year to advocate for students. Unfortunately, alternative providers seem even more expensive than Circuit, but the good news is that Circuit has recognised its poor reputation and is working to improve.

Service & Accessibility Enhancements

✅ Student Ambassador Roles – We are confirming the next steps on recruiting paid student ambassadors to promote the service and gather feedback. This would be funded by Circuit, so we are awaiting their confirmation.
✅ Cleanliness Schedule Implementation – Cleaning plans are being improved and they will be conducting further audits to ensure the rooms are clean enough for use. 
✅ Laundrette Accessibility Improvements – I have requested for students with disabilities in Copse and Pastures to have special access to the Meadows laundry room to provide further accessible machines until they are able to make improvements.
✅ Braille Programme Rollout – The University is rolling out braille signs for Circuit machines and is encouraging Circuit to also take lead on this.
✅ Signage for Accessible Machines – Clear signage will be installed for accessible laundry machines: "This washing machine is reserved for students with disabilities. Please use another machine if available". Further accessibility improvements will be discussed with Circuit.
✅ Pedal Bin Installation – Pedal bins will be introduced in laundrettes to improve hygiene and to avoid overly dusty rooms that can impact those with respiratory conditions. 

Additionally, Circuit is changing its payment options again. We have requested that an ambassador be on-site (with advance notice) to assist students with transferring funds. We will ensure students are kept informed.

Student Priorities Project

We’re continuing work on the Student Priorities Project. Over the Easter break, we got everything ready to launch our activations now that term three has started.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be gathering feedback around campus about your student experience. We’re inviting students to write their thoughts down or record a short video if they feel comfortable. The videos and all the feedback collected will be shared with university staff during a full-day conference focused on the future of the Essex student experience. We’re hoping the new Vice-Chancellor will be there too.

Summer Sale

I’ve been working with the Engagement Team on organising a summer sale for the end of term three, and we’re hoping to run another one during Welcome Week.

The sale will give students the chance to sell pre-loved items, from clothes to kitchenware. If you’d rather donate, we’ll sell the items cheaply on your behalf. Any money raised will go back to students in some way, for example, through a raffle.

The aim is to support students who are feeling the pressure of the cost of living, while also promoting sustainable habits.

AI Guidance for Staff and Students

Together with Joe, I’ve been working with the university on creating clear guidance around the use of AI for both staff and students.

Academic Calendar

As with every blog, we’re still representing students in the ongoing discussions around the new academic calendar. We’ll be attending an extraordinary Senate meeting during the same week as Council to vote on its implementation.

Graduation

As I mentioned earlier, I spent a week attending graduation ceremonies on behalf of the SU. It was a lovely experience being able to close the ceremonies, and I wish our graduates all the best in the future.

Other updates

I’ve been in lots of committee meetings and sessions with university staff

I’ve taken part in training opportunities

I’m continuing to support the Palestinian Solidarity Society with their educational campaign

We’ve also started student trustee recruitment with Alex Sablich