For Student Community Officers

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all doing well and settling into the term. I want to share a fuller update on what has been an active and meaningful month across welfare, safety and community work. My aim is to give you a clear picture of the work taking place behind the scenes and how it connects to our shared priorities as student representatives.

The month began with the Senate Student Induction and Antisemitism Awareness Training. Both sessions offered important insight into how we can support students with greater awareness and responsibility. I then attended Senate with our student leaders and student reps, with our Vice Chancellor Frances Bowen present. It was a constructive discussion that helped position student concerns within wider university decision making.

A project I am proud to introduce is the new free neurodiversity e learning module for students and staff. The university’s tech team has supported this initiative and I believe it will help normalise everyday awareness rather than relying solely on occasional campaigns. It is a meaningful step toward a more understanding and inclusive campus culture.

I continued my training with SU Advice on academic offences and housing so I can give informed guidance to students seeking support. I delivered a presentation for PGT students and helped with the open day by leading campus tours. I also took part in an interview with Rebel which allowed me to reflect on my experiences and priorities within this role.

Safety continues to be central to my work. I met with the Director of Facilities Services to review environmental safety on campus. Through my road safety work I gathered feedback from students on issues such as insufficient lighting in darker areas and concerns around parking. These are being advanced so that the focus remains on practical outcomes rather than simply collecting concerns.

Food access and affordability were discussed in detail with the Director of Campus Services. We reviewed updates to the £3 Meals scheme and improvements to Too Good To Go. I also met with Theo and Dan to agree on an equitable approach to installing bidets. We will now place three in total across male, female and gender neutral facilities to ensure everyone has fair access.

This month I also spent time meeting with the Palestinian Society to understand how we can support their welfare needs, their activities and their advocacy in a safe and constructive way. We discussed potential policy improvements and ways the SU can help them feel better represented. I also supported their bake sale which was a great opportunity to engage with their work and meet students within the community.

I attended the Student Experience Committee where we discussed Report and Support and the future of Art Exchange. I chaired the Finance Committee and served as Vice Chair at the Tackling Racism and Discrimination Committee. Drop in sessions in both Colchester and Southend provided valuable insight into student concerns across campuses.

Work continued with the Women’s Officer and SU Engagement Team on expanding access to free sanitary products into departmental buildings. I also attended various society events to offer visible support. I took part in a photoshoot for Everything Essex which helped highlight the work student leaders are delivering. Alex and the student leaders also introduced the Community Market for societies and it has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm from students. The feedback has been excellent and I loved supporting societies as they brought the market to life.

The Scholars’ Event was another highlight this month. It was wonderful to meet students who have benefitted from different types of support and to celebrate their achievements in a relaxed and joyful environment.

What is coming next

Introducing new staff perks to recognise the contribution of both student and permanent staff
Leading a new project with the Vice Chancellor on transportation prices
Installing the approved bidets across campus
Exploring a new food related initiative with Ale which is currently in development
Preparing and launching new campaigns for the coming term

Thank you for your continued work and commitment to your communities. Please keep sharing feedback and ideas. Our progress is always strongest when we work together.