Hi, I'm Olivia (Liv) Matthews, your VP of Student Experience. This is my little fortnightly blog of what I've been up to and alongside the team been working on.

To start, I would like to say welcome to all new first years and welcome back to all returning students! It's been a crazy few months one minute it was the election results then lockdown and now having just completed month one of the role.

So what has month one entailed? Training, Training, and oh wait a little bit more training... From HR to social media marketing, introductions to every Students Union department and having presentation days to the University on our Big Plan for 2020/21.

The Big Plan is the SU's annual plan to tackle topics previously voted on by students. This year we have :

• WIFI on campus
• Loans, Bursaries & Grants (LBG's)
• Blended Online Learning
• Building Connections & Welfare

Back in July, we presented this to the University via Zoom, a very different experience having Sub Zero transformed into an almost news studio with us sharing our plans. At the same time, utilising the capabilities of Zoom and technology, so we were able to deliver our projects while keeping socially distanced and becoming more accustomed to these online times.

Vinnosh (VP Welfare) and I have been addressing 'Building Connections & Welfare'. In these unprecedented times, the pandemic has unfortunately influenced our everyday lives, particularly student life. However, in this time, the importance of social interaction and activities and building connections still as vital as ever in providing an enriching student experience. (While following all government guidelines, of course). Whether your connections are built through your course, accommodation or being part of an Essex Blades Sports Club, Societies and VTeam as these are all pivotal in your student experience as well as positively influencing your mental health. This year we just need to be a little more creative with how we deliver this!

One of the principles I ran on during the SU Election was the importance of YOUR university experience outside of your education*, 

(*Lets be honest none of us study 24/7 and students like to socialise!)

I will be completely honest, coming into this role during a pandemic has been slightly daunting. However, already in the first month, I have learnt so much, particularly from Social Media marketing. These skills have already gone to use in creating and the releasing of the 2020 Sports Awards on the @essexbladessu account. In addition to preparing for a Sabbatical Officer (SABB) takeover later on the @essexsu Instagram.

I have been involved in holding Webinars for Sports Club and Society Presidents in informing members on the guidelines and information entering the new academic year. Also, meeting with Essex Sport over the safe return to sport and the use of facilities to be safe, in line with government and national governing bodies guidelines while ensuring the priority of student use will take place. Alongside the discussions on the implementation of COVID officers to facilitate the return of Sports Clubs and Societies meeting back together for Term 1.

Please feel free to get in contact with me via vpexperience@essex.ac.uk

See you in a fortnight, 

Liv x