Hello lovely people!

We recently had a special visitor on campus – the Department for Education paid us a visit to chat about all things university life, degrees, and (most importantly) to hear what you, the students, have to say about your experiences. As your friendly sabbatical officer, I want to share the deets on this exciting event and how it impacts us all.

Why were they here?

The Department for Education dropped by to get the lowdown on student life and opinions. Yep, they wanted to know what's really going on – the good, the bad, and the "please fix this ASAP" kind of stuff. It's all part of making sure that our university experience is top-notch and that our voices are not just heard but truly listened to. We had students contribute horror stories of housing, unpaid placements, and everything in between, and received back a lot of love for all you contribute as students!

Student Voices in the Spotlight

Let's hear directly from some super academic reps:

"It was absolutely lovely having the chance to meet high ranking officials from the Department of Education. They took the time to listen to the academic reps and were genuinely interested in our insights and experiences. That is the hallmark of a great organisation, never forgetting their roots" – Dinos, Academic Rep

“I was really grateful to be invited to the meeting with the Department of Education, and that we were able to discuss some important issues currently affecting students with them. In particular, it was really fascinating to discuss issues around the cost-of-living crisis, and how this is affecting students, especially those who are completing unpaid placement years. This is an issue that disproportionately affects students with disabilities and so it was great to see this recognised by both the SU Officers and the D for E as an important issue.” – Jess, Disability Action Group Chair

Jess Smith

How It Impacts You

Now, you might be wondering, "what's in it for me?" Well, this visit directly influences the actions taken by your sabbatical officers. Your feedback shapes the policies and changes we advocate for. So, when you see positive shifts on campus or improvements in your university experience, know that your voice played a crucial role in making it happen.

The Takeaway

The visit from the Department for Education wasn't just a bureaucratic affair. It was a chance for us to flex our collective student power and show that our opinions matter. The connection between the Department for Education and UK universities is real, and it's all about making our university journey the best it can be.

Remember, your voice is a force to be reckoned with, and as your sabbatical officer, I'm here to ensure it's heard loud and clear.

TTYL !

Amber