As we start this academic year, we know there has been a lot of uncertainty heading into it. During the summer, the University announced a consultation to reduce academic staffing costs in its faculties. You can read our previous statements and further background information about it on our website.  

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We know that a lot of you have felt justifiably anxious and uncertain about what the outcomes of the consultation would be and how it might impact you - your modules, your supervisors, your education and future. There has also been some anger and frustration at the situation, and a lot of love and support for Exeter's academics. It's been a difficult and challenging summer, but I want to give you some clarity as we head into term time.  

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Now that the consultation has closed, and we know some of the outcomes from the process, we're able to provide an update. You will receive an email from the University where you can read their communications in full, but we've included a summary below.  

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Here's what we know:

• There will be no compulsory redundancies. The University has told us that it’s achieved nearly all of its required cost-saving target through voluntary redundancies and other measures. We know that will come as a relief to many of you, but we also recognise that staff leaving the University will still have an impact on your academic experience.
  

• For most postgraduate researchers, existing supervision will continue. If your supervisor is leaving, your faculty or department will contact you directly to discuss what this means for you and your research. The University has confirmed that you will be involved in conversations about any changes to your supervision and supported through the University’s established academic processes.  
  

• The University has provided reassurance that your course will continue as planned and that they are not closing any departments or disciplines.  
  

• The University says it remains fully committed to its range of subjects and to the long-term future of both our Exeter and Cornwall campuses.  
  

• The University has told students that they can expect the same high-quality education, support and opportunities that they currently receive. If changes to teaching and modules are needed, they have said these will be carefully managed to maintain academic quality and the student experience.  

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We welcome the news of no compulsory redundancies. But we also know that no compulsory redundancies doesn’t mean no change. Staff will still be leaving, and we’ll be paying close attention to what that means for you and holding the University to account over their promises.

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We know this might feel like a lot to take in, but we’re here to help. We’ll keep you updated on what’s happening, what it could mean for you, where to go if you need support and what we're doing to represent your voice.

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Representing You

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Throughout the process, you've trusted us with your concerns, questions and experiences. We continue to use your voice to represent you in university decision-making meetings, to ensure you are being listened to at all levels in the University.  

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• You told us that poor communication surrounding the proposals left you feeling anxious, so we demanded clearer, more transparent updates, prompting the University to acknowledge these gaps and commit to improving their student communications.
  

• You shared your worries around what it could mean for your education – from module choices and dissertation support to your research and supervisors. We repeatedly took those concerns directly to senior University leaders and pushed for reassurance that your education and research would be protected.  
  

• You told us you want change beyond Exeter. Universities across the UK are facing similar challenges because of wider problems with how higher education is funded. We have been building connections and momentum with other students' unions on this issue. Together, we’re lobbying politicians to recognise the scale of the problem and take action on this funding crisis.
  

• You wanted us to speak directly to you. We’ve contacted academic societies, reps and students across Exeter and Penryn to understand what is happening on different courses and make sure those experiences are being heard when both we, and the Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union, speak to the University.
  

Our work does not stop with the end of the consultation. We will continue to meet and support student leaders and representatives across departments. We will now monitor how the changes are implemented, raise emerging impacts with the University and keep you updated about any developments to protect your student experience.  

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How to Get Involved

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We want to hear if you have been told about changes to your modules, teaching, supervision or academic support, or if you are worried about how staff leaving may affect your experience. What you tell us helps us spot patterns, challenge problems and focus our lobbying where it’s needed most. It also gives us the evidence we need to represent your student voice clearly and make a stronger case for change.

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Your feedback so far has been vital to how we've been able to represent your views and worries.  

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Tell us your thoughts
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If you have any questions, are a student leader or society and want a conversation or support, or want to know what we are doing to represent you - please get in touch with fulltimeofficers@exeterguild.com.  

Mia

Education & Employability Officer 26/27  

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