It's my final UGM update of the academic year, and it has been a busy time period! I'll try and keep it as short and sweet as possible but as always let me know if you have any questions through email.

Update on outstanding UGM (Union General Meeting) motions 

Exceptional Circumstances (ECs)  

You can now find our full response to the EC consultation over at keelesu.com/ec! We’ll be working with Education Committee to work on recommendations including creating a ‘user group’ to allow students to feed into the process, as well as exploring the length of the automatic extension.

Timetabling

I’ve worked with the Academic Registrar and Senior Timetabling Manager to confirm changes with the timetabling timeline! I can’t quite confirm the specific date right now but returning students should expect to get their timetable at least a month in advance in relation to prior years.

Update on my manifesto pledges 

Assessments

I’ve worked with the Assessment Task Force and Education Committee to put forward a proposal that online, open-book assessments should come with no less than 36 hours to complete from next academic year. As part of our work on programme-level assessment, I have also worked to ensure modules are designed holistically across your degree to reduce deadline bunching at any single point.

Student Partnership

As part of the Student Partnership Working Group, we have been identifying ways to diversify how students feed into university decision-making. We’ll be launching a project identifying how to close the feedback loop, as well as looking at creating a ‘Students Future’ manifesto ensuring the university publicly commits to bettering your future.

Student Voice Representative Review

We’ve just completed our benchmarking activity, with next steps including identifying key areas for improvement – including how to make reps more transparent, more engaged, and exploring radical ideas such as paying Lead Voice Representatives.

Update on other things I’ve been doing

NUS

I attended NUS conference alongside Holly and Dan, where I highlighted the need for more funding for students as the cost-of-living soars, and as students continue to be priced out of their education. I was also elected to the Democratic Procedures Committee which will allow me to be involved with policy setting on a national scale.

APPG for Students

I attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Students where we discussed the experiences of BAME students in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). We also discussed the overwhelming cost of PBSA and the need for non-means tested bursaries to allow students to access accommodation as costs increase.