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The University of Exeter announced on 23 June 2026 that its begun consulting with academic staff and trade unions about proposed reductions to academic staffing and resourcing in its faculties. We want to explain what this means for you and how your Guild is representing you throughout this process.
Whilst we won’t know what the full implications of the proposals will be until the consultation process concludes, there are some things we do know at this time:
Here is a bit more information about what you can expect from the formal complaints process.
Your Officers are here to advocate and amplify your voices in the highest University decision-making meetings. We will do everything within our power, as we always do, to have your back and represent students.
We want to hear your thoughts or worries, tell us what you think and by providing us with your feedback, we - as your independent and recognised representative body- will be more equipped to represent you in meetings with the University.
Here is a bit more information about what you can expect from the formal complaints process.
Your elected Officers, students like you, are here to advocate and amplify your voices in the highest University decision-making meetings. We will do everything within our power, as we always do, to have your back and represent students.
Whether you have ideas, feedback or concerns, tell us what you think. By sharing your feedback, you'll help us better represent you in meetings with the University. As your independent, recognised representative body, your voice gives us the evidence we need to push for the changes that matter most to students.
Communication hasn't been clear. You wanted better information about the proposals and what they mean for students.
We're pressing the University to provide clearer, more timely updates and answer students' questions.
We've shared your feedback directly with senior University leaders and formally asked for clearer student communications to address the information gaps causing anxiety. The University has acknowledged this feedback and told us it will inform future discussions.
You're worried about the impact on your education. This includes module choices, dissertation support and research continuity.
We're challenging the University to protect your education and provide reassurance where possible.
We've raised concerns directly with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education about the academic impact of these proposals, including module choice, dissertation support and research continuity.
We've also highlighted the particular risks for PGR students where supervisors are affected, and called for clearer communication and reassurance about how students' academic experience and research will be protected.
You value your lecturers and academic community. You're concerned about the impact these proposals could have on staff.
We're making sure the University understands how important staff are to your student experience.
We've highlighted the impact staff reductions could have on teaching quality, supervision and staff workload, and asked the University to fully consider these risks as part of the consultation.
You want your voices to be heard.
We're encouraging students to continue sharing feedback and engaging through departments, campaigns and petitions.
Lots of students have submitted their thoughts via our feedback form - we still want to hear yours! We’re continuing to review new voices to take further feedback to the University.
You want change beyond Exeter.
We're working with other Students' Unions and elected representatives to highlight the national impact of higher education funding pressures.
We're planning to raise these issues with Exeter MP Steve Race, and as part of our wider work with the National Union of Students and Russel Group Students Unions.
Our Advice team are completely independent from the University, so we are able to provide you with impartial advice and support on academic matters. Once there is more information on how changes might impact you as a student, you may wish to speak to one of our Advisors who can help you navigate your issue or concern.
We know this announcement and period of uncertainty will affect all students in different ways. If you need someone to talk to, you are not alone, you can access the University’s Wellbeing Services if you need any wellbeing support.
Find out more about the University's proposals and read their latest FAQs. You'll need to log in with your University student account to access this page.
