On Tuesday 3rd November, a small group of students joined Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Martin Siegert, Tim Quine and Liz Jones from the University of Exeter for the first DVC & Tea session.  Your Present Exeter, Izzy, organised the event to give students the chance to chat directly with senior university staff about their experiences, concerns and ideas.

Thank you again to all the students who attended our DVC & Tea event on 3rd Nov, and thank you to the Deputy Vice-Chancellors for taking the time to listen to students and their feedback. This was a fantastic opportunity to allow students to air any concerns or ask questions directly to senior university staff, prompting some useful actions and ideas. We had some really insightful discussions including topics surrounding the international student experience, feedback and marking and PGR support. 

As a result of discussions between students and staff: 

• Student community first responders have since been able to secure easy, fast access to their vehicles whilst on campus, ensuring they can continue to provide the urgent and lifesaving support they give to the local community. 
• PGR Support staff will follow up with the relevant teams to explore further details in how the PGR Peer Mentoring Scheme is being supported this year. 
• As an SU, we are working on improving the information we provide to students around finding housing in the private sector, specifically for renters’ rights and who to complain to about any issues they face. 
• We will review the title of “DVC and Tea” for future similar events, as most students do not know firstly what ‘DVC’ stands for, or secondly what a Deputy Vice Chancellor does! We will also be reaching out to student rep networks next time to better spread the word of the event. 
• Staff from University of Exeter and FXPlus are collaborating in how to involve students in the design and planning for a refresh of the Penryn Campus mural located outside the Exchange building main entrance. 

If you have any questions, insights or feedback from the event or conversation context above, please do not hesitate to contact Izzy Brinkley, President Exeter at isabel.brinkley@thesu.org.uk , or presidents@thesu.org.uk  

Looking forward to seeing you at the next event on 30th January 2026!

Get Involved

The next event will take place on the 30th January at The SU. If you have any concerns, questions, or even positive feedback to share, this is your chance to speak directly with senior university staff. More information will be released closer to the time of the SU events page. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss it!

Please note: The name of this event will be updated for future sessions, so don’t be surprised if it looks a little different next time! The purpose and format will stay the same.