End of Year Update: Silas Russell
Here at your Student Union, we are coming to the end of your 2020/21 elected Executive Committee’s time in office. Check back every day until the end of June to read their end of year updates! Next up is Student Officer, Silas Russell:
As we come to the end of one of the strangest and toughest years I can remember, I think every student and member of staff at the University of Winchester and Winchester Student Union (SU) should be incredibly proud of themselves for persevering and succeeding. We can all celebrate the fact that, whilst the pandemic has affected us all differently and our ways of studying and working has had to change dramatically, we have all adapted unbelievably through months of lockdown and better times are ahead.
In this sense, whilst my experiences as Student Officer have been vastly different to those elected in previous years, I feel that the role of the SU has been more important than ever. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many new people and working with the Executive Committee (albeit virtually!) whilst working through my own manifesto points throughout the year.
Here are some of my highlights as a Student Officer:
The year began by welcoming hundreds of students on campus during Freshers Week in September. Whilst Covid restrictions did place limitations on what we could do, this was one of my favourite experiences of the year as it was great to meet and speak to many students, organise fun events and set up face-to-face stalls. We also got to explore the brand-new West Downs Centre which was exciting to see for the first time!
One of my proudest achievements as a Student Officer came later in the year, when I worked with fellow SU Officers and students on a campaign for a ‘no detriment’ policy to be reinstated. After raising students’ concerns with the Senior Management Team (SMT) at regular Student Advisory Council meetings, we set up a petition calling for ‘no detriment’ measures, which achieved nearly 2,000 signatures! Thanks to the dedication of the Sabbatical Officers and student campaigners, additional measures were implemented by SMT for the academic year.
My experience as part of the SU has also involved attending many fascinating meetings with students and members of staff. I was able to represent students at regular Student Engagement Advisory Group meetings along with Disability and Equality interest groups. This gave me opportunities to discuss and learn more about the ways in which the University has been seeking to engage students and promote equality and diversity across the institution. Whilst working with the Executive Committee at regular meetings where we discussed issues students have been facing, I attended Zone Meetings and the Annual General Meeting which helped students learn more about the SU’s activities throughout the year.
It has been an honour to represent students this year. Ultimately, my role has helped me learn so much about the importance of the SU and the amazing things it does to advance the voices and interests of the student body. I would like to thank the current members of the Executive Committee and SU staff who have been a great team to work with (even though we have only seen each other a few times in person!). Their commitment to helping students has been amazing to see and be part of. I would also like to wish the newly elected SU team all the best of luck in the next academic year, as well as every student continuing their studies next year and a bright future for those whose studies are coming to an end.
