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.
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)
Email me at su.wellbeingofficer@keele.ac.uk
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.