2021-22 was a year that saw the Guild develop and progress to become a more reactive and innovative organisation. We saw the return of in-person activities such as society events, campaigning and celebrations, reviewed our digital platforms and we successfully negotiated a significant block grant.
We are really looking forward to 2022-2023 where we will continue to work with and empower our incredible students, collaborate effectively with the University, and do all we can to ensure that every student Loves Exeter.
Lily Margaroli, Guild President 2021-22
Sustainability had a stronger focus for the Guild this year, we collaborated with the University to improve sustainability on campus. We are also in the process of formalizing the relationship between the University ECE team and our Student Sustainability Alliance. The Guild also completed and achieved an accreditation of ‘Good’ on NUS’ Green Impact Award.
We have started to review our Campus Spaces due to student feedback that our spaces are difficult to find, not always built for purpose (especially given changing modes of teaching and learning post Covid-19), feel tired and lack innovation. We are rethinking our study and social spaces on campus, with the aim of these spaces improving in the way they serve student needs.
Arrivals, Returners, Freshers’ Week & Give it a Go - We are focussing our work in each of these areas on events and resources that help students settle into university, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging. Through student journey mapping it has been recognised that these areas are critical to enhance a sense of belonging amongst students.
The Full-Time Officers have been working alongside the Students’ Union and University to realise how we can collectively work to improve the Student Experience. This marks an exciting step in creating a vision and plan to realise a truly phenomenal experience for every student at the University.
The Officer team introduced monthly ‘Spill the Tea’ events on both Streatham and St Luke’s which gave students an opportunity to engage with their Officers in an informal environment.
We conducted a Digital review which looked at all of our digital platforms and enabled us to transform our digital presence, by utilising new and exciting platforms to ensure that we have a sector-leading digital strategy which puts our students’ user experience at the forefront.
The VP Education successfully negotiated a separate May deferral period for students who had to defer on-campus January exams to ensure their progression/completion without the need to return for the usual August deferral period.
Academic Reps feedback
“I loved being able to provide feedback which helped implement changes that made studying and learning easier for my peers such as suggesting more seminar questions be provided to help reading be more constructive and focused.”
“I loved being an advocate for the students and promoting positive change in the course.”
“Being a rep meant I was able to collate my course mate’s opinions and bring them to our professors and the college to enact change”
Your Reps sit on Staff Student Liaison Committees (SSLC) where they provide feedback about your course to the staff in charge to inspire positive change.
Accounting & Finance
Students often don’t know who their reps are and wanted to be added to be more visible through University channels
Reps names were added to the modules ELE pages under a ‘find your rep’ function’.
Bioscience
Students felt they didn’t have enough support around writing academic CV’s and personal statements
The department is setting up a bio-specific employability portal to support in skills for employability that specifically affect the sciences
INTO
Students raised issues around dim lighting, smoking happening outside of smoking areas, and loud music in quiet areas
The department invited all students to a Student Service Forum where they could discuss this further and input into the change making of non-academic matters
We know things don’t always go to plan, but we’re here to help! Our Advice Service works to support students that need some extra help getting back on track.
We support students on a range of topics and issues from finances and accommodation to academic and wellbeing.
We had 3,347 individual cases last year.
The key areas we provided advice and support on:
We provided tailored support and advice to 84 students who needed additional help as student carers, care experienced, estranged or asylum seekers. From events and networking opportunities to one-on-one support and financial hardship funding, there is a variety of activities and support we provide.
Advice Service Feedback
“This service was a listening ear and in fact a lifeline at the time (not to sound too dramatic but very true).”
“I can't praise the advice unit team highly enough. They were an invaluable source of support for me during a difficult time. They were really knowledgeable and put in so much time and effort into helping me with my case. I'm not sure what I'd have done without them! Such a valuable service for students.”
“Excellent support and guidance provided! It was very helpful and made me prepared for the meeting. Being an international student, I was really worried about the consequences, but the Advisor prepared me thoroughly with the meeting and made me realise the consequences. Kudos to you guys! Thank you so much for all the help.”