Marketa has been busy this month advocating for the student voice by:

1. Funding and affordability working group.  

Last week I presented financial request to Exeter’s funding and affordability group on Connies behalf (as she was at council) to secure funding ensuring Friday soup, pantry, breakfast clubs, and refill stations can continue next year. 

1. Climate and environmental crisis (CEC) board 

As a results of Chloe’s (student) enthusiasm, I have assisted Chloe in making connections within the university - Ecosia is being brought to the CEC board meeting by Jamie Shuttler – discussion will be held on whether Ecosia can be incorporated into Exeter’s sustainability strategy. 

1. Meat free Mondays 

The meat free Monday trial is officially under way. The trial will end at the end of March – feedback from Stannary costumers will define whether the initiative continues into the future. 

1. PBU  

As a result of setting up the plant-based unis working group, we have a team to help gather feedback on the meat free Mondays March trial. 

1. Disabled Students commitment (DSC) – Exeter only 

This week I attended the first DSC meeting that I helped set up and ensured we had student course EDI reps also involved. This will be an ongoing project to ensure HE is as accessible as possible to all. DSC is a unique accreditation where student voice lies at the heart of change and accessibility. 

1. Starbucks campaign  

Posters have been printed – feedback will be collected commencing the 24th March. 

1. Neurodiverse provisions in library  

Feedback pop up in the Fox café with Alex Bassett on 5th March – Alex will share feedback with us 

At the SEPG we discussed how we can continue to collaborate with Falmouth, Exeter, and FXplus to ensure we are making continuous progress on how we can support neurodiverse students on both of our campus libraries. 

1. Meeting Cornwall council  

Last week the SU and FXplus met with the Cornwall Council to address student need for more effective pathways to hold their landlords accountable for poor housing quality. Regular conversations will be upheld to ensure we are supporting students in line with the most recent laws and legislations. 

1. A platform for student voice  

At the last SEPG, the group agreed to participate in a forum where students will be given the opportunity to voice their personal challenges they have faced with buses, acknowledged by senior staff from both Falmouth university, Exeter university, and FXplus.