Campaigns
I’ve continued supporting the Pay the Placement campaign as it gains momentum, with our petition now approaching 13,000 signatures. We’re planning on-campus activations in May to coincide with International Nurses Day. Alongside this, I’ve been working with the Head of Accommodation to explore the possibility of reduced laundry costs for nursing students living on campus.
The Student Leader Team has also launched a new campaign: Fix University Funding. This campaign aims to lobby the government to reform how universities are funded and address harmful immigration policies that have developed in recent years. You can find out more and get involved here: https://www.essexstudent.com/fix-university-funding/. Please consider signing the petition and adding your name to the Open Letter!
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be meeting with other Students’ Unions, organisations, and trade unions to build support and promote the campaign more widely.
Strikes
I’ve been working closely with the Education Team and SU Advice to ensure guidance is in place for students affected by strike action, particularly those with upcoming exams and assessments. I’m also liaising with the University to ensure that missed teaching is replaced wherever possible, or that appropriate alternative support is provided.
We will continue to share updates on replacement teaching, learning resources, assessments, and any available compensation.
Support Tool
The Support Tool has encountered some minor delays, and we are currently awaiting some final reviews and approval from the University. We are aiming to launch in mid-May.
Other Projects
- Working with the Education Team to deliver support during exam season, including guidance, wellbeing support, and social events to help students relax
- Planning research with the University into barriers to attending lectures and events, to better understand and support student engagement
- Collaborating with incoming President Mina to develop student-led careers sessions for Term 3 and the next academic year