The Priority:  

This priority started with a focus on increasing support and community for racialised students in Cornwall. This priority was originally worked on by the Falmouth VP Aisha as an individual priority, but it was also voted in as a union priority during the fourth forum session on the 17th of March 2026. The aim of this priority is to reduce challenges faced by students of colour at Falmouth and Exeter. It seeks to expand existing SU support for marginalised communities.  

Context:  

This was an exec proposal put through by the SU Presidents as both Falmouth Presidents (who are people of colour) finish their roles in June and want 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: 

• The VP Falmouth ran multiple pop-ups gathering feedback from students of colour on what barriers they face and how this could be improved. 

• Falmouth VP hosted discussion spaces for racialised students across Penryn and Falmouth campus to discuss in depth what their experiences are like as a student of colour and the positives and challenges around this.  

• VP Falmouth set up an online discussion board for students of colour to share feedback confidently.  

• VP Falmouth highlighted and raised concern around the lack of representation at senior meetings within Falmouth University.  

• VP Falmouth met with the head of Falmouth BID (business improvement district) to discuss how we can hold community venues and spaces to account to respectful and inclusive values and practices.  

• VP Falmouth and President Falmouth created and shared videos to represent and share where students of colour can access support. 

• VP Falmouth hosted international café at Woodlane campus monthly. It was open to all students and shared parts of different cultures or events during each session.  

• VP Falmouth working on a booklet that highlights the experiences of racialised students in Cornwall, shares recommended social spaces, shops, restaurants and more, promotes creative works by students of colour!  

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?

This priority will be passed on to the incoming sabbatical officer team, who will work towards this while it remains a Union Priority. As with all Union Priorities, we are eager for student participation and feedback to shape what this work looks like!

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 - we'd love to hear from you.