The Priority:  

I have conducted a research piece to further understand the experience of neurodivergent students at Falmouth University – looking at what processes, systems or services have been useful for them within their academic journey, as well as the challenges they face and how we could improve that for current and future students. 

Context:  

As a neurodivergent student that has recently graduated from Falmouth University, I had a lot of support that helped me achieve what I wanted to achieve, but in many instances this support took time, waiting and evidence, which as a neurodivergent student I didn’t always have. From listening to my peers and completing research through; holding focus groups on this topic, facilitating the first neurodivergent collective, and more, I know that this remains a difficulty. I aim to tackle some of the root causes of issues that neurodivergent students face to improve their experience and understanding during University. 

What we’ve achieved 

Key Outcomes: 

• Facilitated two focus groups with Falmouth students, discussing student experience and how it can be improved and what has been really helpful 

• Met with senior staff at Falmouth University and took the next step in increasing awareness of neurodivergence by securing an agenda slot at LTQC to present my recommendations. 

• Had two of my recommendations approved my committee members at LTQC, providing further support for this project 

• Started conversations with the neurodiversity and disability society around how we can raise awareness in accordance to student experiences. 

• Collected over 60 responses from neurodivergent students sharing their experiences and advice. 

• Created an awareness session that builds understanding around what neurodivergence is and how it specifically affects Falmouth students. This was informed by staff members, neurodivergent students, student reps, our accessibility team and external research.  

• Presented my awareness session at LTQC in May and asked for the committee to make this a mandatory session that staff should attend to help improve the experience for all students at Falmouth.  

• Started discussions around turning this research into a PhD to further the universities understanding of neurodivergence.   

• Worked with Falmouth and The SU to implement these awareness sessions into staff schedules. 

• AL presented the resources AL had created, informed by staff, students and neurodivergent professionals on increasing understanding of neurodivergence to the members of LTQC. Initially the committee was supportive of the work and the positive impact it could have for both staff and students. Alongside presenting this work, AL highlighted the importance of how the resource should be utilised, stating it would have the best impact if presented through ‘in-person’ sessions to academic staff. LTQC committee members found this logistically would be too difficult to integrate and wouldn’t have much uptake. 

Why this matters 

This will have a great impact on all students as having an awareness and understanding of our neurodivergent student’s needs and experiences will help us create a more inclusive, accessible and kinder learning environment. Every student will have to face challenges that others may not be aware of, so it is important to help our student and staff community in different ways – through identifying and tackling issues for neurodivergent students, we can create a university space that helps all students to a greater extent. 

What’s next? 

Immediate Next Steps: 

• Help Falmouth University staff by supporting them in attending and engaging them with these sessions and ensuring they have good understanding of neurodivergence. 

Your Turn! 

Want to get involved? Here's how: 

1. Stay Updated: Instagram 

1. Make a change: Make A Change 

1. Take Action: Vote on proposals through Make A Change or make your own proposal! Talk to your reps, whether that be reps from your course or your SU Presidents - Find My Rep , Presidents . Attend ‘Collectives’ to make change for your community or come to forum Student Forum, where we discuss ongoing priority work and vote in proposals to either be actively worked on with allocated budget or worked on amongst other issues! If you want to see something changed, why not come have your say?  

Questions or ideas? Get in touch via email at Aisha.k.lord@thesu.org.uk – If you have something you want to say, I would love to hear it so please get in touch through email or come have a chat with me in the Student Union Office !