End of Year Reflection

The year has come to an end! It has been a difficult but exciting year, and I wanted to take this chance to reflect on everything I’ve achieved over the year, as well as what I’m planning for the next few months.

What I’ve achieved

• Supported the development of the international student handbook.

• Launched a new Student Rep Hub on our website.

• Liaised with the University on the restructure, supporting and advocating for students, particularly those at Southend.

• Attended more University committees than I can count, representing students and raising their feedback.

• Developed a new policy and webpage to support students affected by staff strikes.

• Supported the University to develop two new preparation programmes for new students.

• Hosted two writing retreats for postgraduate research students.

• Helped plan a series of summer events for postgraduate students.

• Supported two national campaigns: advocating for nursing students to be paid for their placements, and campaigning for reform of higher education.

• Supported students during exams and assessments, including shifts on our angel trolley.

• Acted as a trustee, making decisions about the future of the SU.

• Met regularly with senior University staff to highlight student issues.

• Hosted events during Welcome to help students make connections.

• Delivered departmental induction talks, helping to recruit student reps.

• Liaised with the University to secure free laundry uses for healthcare students.

• Chaired the Tackling Racism and Discrimination Committee.

• Hosted a Christmas social for all postgraduate students.

• Attended student and society events throughout the year.

• Hosted the Volunteering Awards and announced winners at the Society Awards.

• Sat on SU Council and worked on feedback from our officers and reps.

What’s coming up

• Developing new ways of tracking and reporting student feedback on academic matters.

• Continuing to be involved in consultation around further staff restructuring.

• Launching the biggest project I have been working on this year, reforming how students access support.

• Taking part in refresher training and welcoming Mina to the team.

• Planning for Welcome and the new academic year.

• Planning bigger projects with the University, particularly around strengthening assessment feedback.

It has been a busy and tough year, but I’m really proud of everything I have done and I can't wait for the next year!