The Priority: Increasing support and community for racialised students in Cornwall, and reducing challenges for these students at Falmouth and Exeter Universities.
Context: This was an exec proposal put through by the 25/26 SU Presidents, as both outgoing Falmouth Presidents (who are people of colour) were due to finish their roles and wanted measures in place to ensure continuity. Through student feedback, we know that racialised students feel a lack of community and sense of belonging, as well as a lack of representation. By continuing to create spaces for our students of colour we improve their experience and build greater student communities.
What we’ve achieved
Key Outcomes:
- Organising events for Black History Month
- Conversations with the Universities about making us more desirable & make a welcoming environment, as well as tackling hate crimes in the community
- Currently planning the publication of a zine highlighting students work
Why this matters
This directly impacts the academic and social experience students have throughout their university journey. Improving these university and local spaces can help students when it comes to making friends, feeling safe, completing academic work, attending social events and more. A better environment for all students creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and can help relieve extra stress or pressure or even fear.
What’s next?
Immediate Next Steps:
- Delivery of events and zine for Black History Month
- Working with and collecting feedback from students of colour on how the SU and Universities can better support them
- Continue advocating to the Universities about students' experiences
Accountability Check: Updates on these actions will be shared at the next Student Forum on 2nd December.
Your Turn!
Want to get involved? Here's how:
- Stay Updated: https://www.instagram.com/supresidents/. Check the SU website for news article updates and make sure to read your weekly SU newsletter!
- Make a change: https://www.thesu.org.uk/voice/representation/make-a-change/
- 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 . 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 lottie.reynolds@thesu.org.uk or presidents@thesu.org.uk - we'd love to hear from you.