Date: Monday 22 January, 2024 Location: Enterprise Park 1, Frenchay Campus
“One of the best events I’ve participated in during the year, great support, a chance to make new friends and become a bigger member at UWE.” – student participant.
In January, the Student Voice and Academic Policy Team at UWE Bristol and The Students' Union Representation Team organised an event to showcase the brilliant things students do alongside their studies, from supporting their peers, working in partnership with staff and providing feedback.
Proudly opening the event were Jo Midgley (Deputy Vice Chancellor Student Experience) and Kolawole Olure (The Students’ Union President), who both commented on the amazing UWE Bristol students that take an active part in driving and creating a better student experience for all.
The student participants shared their different experiences, from being a volunteer in the Student Consultation Panel and providing feedback on a variety of projects, to having specific roles and responsibilities that really influence and drive change across the university and support our communities. These included PAL leaders, Global Buddies, Diversity Champions, Student Reps, SU Officers/Presidents, Student Ambassadors and Student Project Developers.
Staff found the event really useful as it gave them insight into the student experience and inspired them to find ways to collaborate with students in the future and students were able to network with others and find out how to make the most of their time here by gaining valuable skills for their future career.
"Hearing directly from students about their experiences - especially them so clearly articulating the skills they have developed whilst engaged in the opportunities and learning that being employed at UWE has given them a different perspective of the university/staff was inspiring and insightful." – a staff attendee.
The warm and welcoming atmosphere was widely praised by attendees. With the chance to present to a wider audience, encouragement from staff, networking opportunities, and (of course) a free lunch, students were motivated to participate. The lightning talks and open mic sessions emerged as highlights of the event. Students stepped up and shared their experiences and achievements with fervour and enthusiasm.
“I got to network with some pretty incredible students, got updated on various projects across the university, and was impressed by the enthusiasm of all staff in attendance who took on board everything said by students and outlined how they may apply it in future.” – a student attendee.
It was the first time this event has taken place and the organisers have learnt a lot from the feedback collected, which will shape future events. Thank you to all the student participants (stated below) and the teams across the University that continue to develop the opportunities for students and staff to collaborate and shape the UWE Bristol experience.
If you would like to find out more about the different opportunities available whilst studying at UWE Bristol, contact StudentVoice@uwe.ac.uk and look on Job Shop.
Students that participated in the event: Fayaz Kareem, Steve Nam, Ayann Reza, Robbie Walsh, Hannah Yeung, Brodie Goodall, Daniel Hunt, Thiyesa Jayasundara, Chela Rossi, Rahul Aswani, Mariia Lebed, Samia Islam, Harry Marcks, Mahamad Mroueh, Neki Kandegamage, Grace Russell, Kaela Earl-Tester, India Kirk, An Phan, Nyan Win, Dee Jayantha and Raphaella Vieira Da Silva