As the Undergraduate Access, Education and Participation Officer (AEP UG), I represent all undergraduate students, and liaise with students on both a College and Faculty level. I work with JCR Access Officers to support their work, and lead the Academic Rep forum with Amelia, the AEP (PG), and Kate, the Student Rep Coordinator at the SU. I meet regularly with senior University staff like Graham Virgo, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, so I can ensure that student voices are heard by key decision makers in the University. I also run the Cambridge SU Shadowing Scheme in Lent Term, which is one of the most fun but hectic parts of my role!
My first few months at the SU have gone by quickly. I’ve been mainly focusing on the launch of the 2022 Shadowing Scheme, along with being involved in the recruitment of our new SU Access and Widening Participation coordinator, whom I will work with to run the Shadowing Scheme. My role is very committee-heavy, so I’ve also had the opportunity to attend lots of exciting meetings, including the Foundation Year Project Board and the shortlisting panel for the Outstanding Student Contribution to Education Awards.
As well as that, the sabbatical officers have been working in small groups to focus on our goals and priorities for the year, and how this might turn into campaigns or projects. I will be pushing for a more accessible University education, which might include improved provision of lecture recordings, more digital library resources, and continued work on diversifying exams and assessments. I will be looking at the training given to University, Faculty and College staff in order to make the whole student experience as inclusive and enriching as possible. I’m also excited to work closely with college Access Officers and university societies to see how the SU and even the University can do more to support student-led access and outreach work.
I’m really looking forward to the academic year ahead and can’t wait to work with you!