Please find a Term 1 Update from your President Exeter 23/24, Connie Chilcott.
wonkHE
I had the exciting opportunity to speak on a panel at the National Festival of Higher Education, unpacking why students are more actively engaging in protest, like that of Just Stop Oil and Palestinian Solidarity, on their campuses; alongside the securitization of protest and lack of meaningful institutional pathways to action. It was an interesting and insightful experience, and has reignited my passion for creating change and empowering student agency!
Academic Representation Review
Leading alongside members of the Guild and the University, I'm part of a review to update our model of academic representation, something that currently isn't fit for purpose. The outcome of this will better enable students to be represented on their courses and feedback in meaningful and accessible way.
Divest Borders
I'm continuing to work with our student campaign group, and People&Planet, to lobby the University to divest from the border industry. I've met with Exeter's investors with the University's Investment and Endowment group, and Exeter's Chief Financial Officer, in an attempt to lobby for change. There's more work to be done, and I'm excited for what this new year will bring!
Food
As the Cost-of-Living crisis continues, we're working to try and meet the immediate material needs of students. Through this, I'm currently in the process of setting up a free soup kitchen and hot drinks distribution hub in the SU. The link between student unmet need, such as food insecurity, and ability to fully participate in student life and studies is strong; with this, we're responding to the issue whilst fostering community belonging.
Curriculum for Change
I'm working with the University on their strategy to transform their degree offering, allowing students to gain a wider variety of skills whilst at University, including my manifesto priority of making degrees more relevant to a modern context. Students will have the opportunity to feed into this strategy, so watch this space!
If you have any feedback, please email presidents@thesu.org.uk - we'd love to hear from you!