What I've Been Working On as Your VP Student Experience
 

Blades (Sports)

• Derby Day: I helped plan and coordinate our biggest sporting event of the year, working closely with UEA on communications and logistics to ensure a smooth event for everyone involved.

• Sports Awards: I sat on the panel to review and score all the sports awards applications. This year saw a significant increase in applications compared to last year, despite a drop in overall student numbers — a clear sign of growing Blades participation!

• Blades Executive Meetings: I've been working with the Blades Exec to discuss how we can make sport more accessible and encourage even more students to get involved.

• Blades Application Workshop:The Blades department have hosted two work shops last month for students to come in and ask for help if they need any support with their Blades awards applications.

Societies

• Society Standards and Awards: I have been part of the panel reviewing all society standards and awards applications. Again, we saw a rise in the number of applications, thanks to the creation of more societies and greater engagement from our members.

• General Meetings: We held our fourth Society General Meeting where we updated society execs on important changes and shared plans for the upcoming Societies Awards Night.

• Society Catch Up: i have been having society catch ups with different societies to ensure the societies are run smoothly and to support where i can.

V-Team (Volunteering)

• Awards Applications: Similar to Blades and Societies, V-Team also saw a surge in award submissions this year. I worked with the panel to fairly review and mark all the applications.

• Awards Night Planning: I’ve been helping to plan and support the Blades, Societies, and V-Team departments in preparing for their end-of-year celebration events.

Supporting Open Days and Recruitment

• University Recruitment: With no VP International in post this year, I stepped up to support the university by giving Open Day talks and campus tours. I've spoken to hundreds of prospective students over the past few months, helping to showcase what life at Essex is all about.

Student Priorities Project

• support for the launch of the Student Priorities Project. Now that term three is underway, we are gathering feedback around campus about your experiences — through written comments and short videos.

• All the feedback will be shared with university staff during a full-day conference focused on shaping the future of the Essex student experience. We’re also hoping to have the new Vice-Chancellor attend.

Committees

• Student Experience Committee: I’ve been representing your views by bringing student and student leader concerns to senior university leadership.

• Audit and Risk Committee: I’ve been helping to ensure the SU's approach to risk remains responsible and relevant in the current climate.

Looking Ahead

• Charity Football Match: I'm working with the VP Community and Engagement to plan a charity football match — more details coming soon!

• Wine and Cheese Night: Due to the heavy workload recently, the Wine and Cheese event has been postponed to a later, more suitable date.
   

Lastly, i have also attended some coaching and training sessions where i have gained valueble insights and skills to help improve in my role as VP Student Experience.