The Priority: 

I am conducting 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 them 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; talking to current students, 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: 

• Met with the Chief People Officer of Falmouth University and determined that Aisha and this member of staff, may be able to work together on tackling an overarching issue that Aisha has found within her research.  

• Aisha met with the Director of Student & Academic Support and the Inclusive Learning Manager to discuss what services were already available for our neurodivergent students and how these could be enhanced. 

• Aisha ran two successful focus groups, in which she was able to discuss directly with students about their experiences and how this could be improved, as well as what has been most helpful. 

Why these 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 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: 

• Confirm with the Chief People Officer of Falmouth University how we can work together and what this will look like – Aisha Lord (VP Falmouth) by 28 November   

• Send out a survey to collect a wider range of feedback from students - Aisha Lord (VP Falmouth) by 30 November 

• Write up research piece on the experience of neurodivergent students - Aisha Lord (VP Falmouth) by 19 December 

Accountability Check: Updates on these actions will be shared on the 4th of December at our second Forum session. 

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 !