Hi, I'm Zoe. I came to Keele in 2022 to study Biochemistry and Neuroscience. For those of the more mathematically astute, that means I have not yet finished my degree and will be continuing my studies after carrying out my Wellbeing role.
Last year I was working as a Casual Centre Assistant in the Sports Centre, as well as secretary of Boatclub (both places full of lovely people).
Outside of my role I love to go to the gym; I am a qualified PT and have chosen to specialise in powerlifting at the start of this year, approaching 3 years of gym experience. I am a prime advocate of getting people to actually enjoy fitness and the immense consequential effects this has on people’s wellbeing.
I also enjoy reading, playing bass and drinking tea in local coffee shops.
Priorities:
- Battling student loneliness with more student-focused, interconnected services and genuine communication between the University and our SU services.
- Reviewing how student data is collected and used within the University. Utilising this data as evidence to lobby the University for change in University spaces and how students can use them.
- Promoting more visibility and awareness of the Officer team to students and what we do.
I love Keele because (surprise) the people in it are lovely, and I thoroughly appreciate the connections I have made. As well as (again, surprise) the nature and green campus, especially during springtime.
What advice would you give to students this year?
Getting one minute of sunshine can sometimes flip a bad day around. Also, never listen to sad music when you feel bad, it never ends well.
Talk to me about:
- Where to go in the University for support (whether personal, financial or otherwise)
- Difficulties experienced with the services provided by the University or Keele Students’ Union (Ie. Student Services, ASK or other supporting staff)
- Accessibility issues on campus
- If you feel that Keele is unsafe in any capacity
- How to make Keele more inclusive, diverse and equitable environment for students
- Tackling structural discrimination within the University (BAME, women, Disabled and LGBTQ+ students)
Posted on Thu 08 Feb 2024 at 13:16
Warmer Winter Campaign
The Campaign has absorbed much of my time but is close to its conclusion and was a massive success. 220 individuals were given free energy-saving items and 101 individuals (out of 670 attendees at the housing fair) completed the Green House energy-saving quiz. I was also featured in a WonkHE briefing (a big higher education sector organization news organization) and they would like me to write an article on the campaign, my motivations etc.
Multifaith rooms
I have been pushing for more multi-faith spaces on campus and the increased consideration of multi-faith rooms in prospective buildings. Currently, I have support from the head of student services and the university’s COO and I am drafting a paper in preparation for the arrival of the new head of estates to get a public and sincere commitment.
CCTV
CCTV has been a recent point of contention and is due for renewal - this is something I have been pushing for behind the scenes between estates, campus security and University executives. I have managed to get the process to a point where a project manager has been assigned and there are campus visits to other Universities currently underway.
Closing gaps
Access and Participation: Sam and I have been promoting the student voice across university meetings which are aimed at closing gaps in course success and progression for groups such as care leavers, Black students etc.
Casework: Ethnicity differences in casework (appeals etc) have been alarming and have been something I have raised on a few platforms. One issue was around ECs, so I have got the lady who compiles the stats to draw further attention to this at the EC review committee.