This month I have been diving into training and meetings to get my footing when it comes to the position of education officer.
Training
I have completed lots of training within the SU with different teams to learn and expand my skills. We focused on how to work well as a team, utilise our skills and others, and even the finer details like finance too! We were even fortunate enough to travel to Leicester University for a training day with lots of other student officers from around the midlands. Although it was information overload, I felt like I got to know lots of lovely people and bond with my fellow officers.
During our training, we also met with lots of different university teams such as the RA team, finance, student support and the chaplaincy team. Everyone we have spoken to has been lovely and supportive and I hope to be able to foster these relationships to help support students with ongoing issues. I have even taken the time to meet with these people individually to discuss plans surrounding accessibility and sensory spaces.
Meetings
I have had the opportunity to dip my toes into many of the meeting groups that come with the position of education officer. Everyone in these groups has been supportive of me learning the ropes and it has been interesting to see how discussions go behind the scenes. I hope to be able to make my own points and stances in these meetings going forward to advocate for students and, once voice representatives are appointed, give them the confidence to do so too!
Its been lots of fun getting to know lots of different staff and getting to talk to people about their ideas. I hope for positive changes to come, even if they happen behind the scenes! After a rocky start, students should start seeing positive changes to their timetables and assessments and feedback!
Student Voice Reps
Myself and the student voice team have been working together to make student voice reps even better than last year! I can't wait to get everyone's applications in September so they can start adding volunteering hours to their HEAR!
The TRUE Varsity
We had the opportunity to meet with the University of Staffs Officers to discuss how we could work as a team to create bigger plans and support for both unis. It was lots of fun and we can't wait to see how working together can bring better opportunities for Keele!
The fun stuff
Throughout July we have had the opportunity to work with Soham on filming things for social media. We even took to this ourselves a bit during graduation week. We hope to continue this engagement as we love updating students on everything we are doing!
Graduation especially was lovely. It was great to see so many students celebrating their achievements and being able to be a part of so many ceremonies, whether Mace-Baring, Speaking or even graduating myself on Friday!
Overall my first couple of months in office has been lots of fun and I can't wait to get stuck into getting ready for freshers!
River xoxo