Sunnier days are a sure sign that our final term is fast approaching and with that our Student Advisory Panel (SAP) activity for the academic year 24/25 comes to a close. Let’s take a look back at what’s been an incredible year!
A Snapshot of SAPs Activity 24/25
- Hosted 12 panels
- Welcomed 14 guest speakers from 10 different university services
- Spent 19 hours sharing lived experience and influencing decision making
- Shared 37 considerations which link to the targets in our Access and Participation Plan and will have a positive impact on access, student success and progression.
- —16 considerations have already been fully actioned by the end of the year with 17 more in progress!
What’s Changed?
Thanks to the insights and experiences shared by our panel members, some real changes have been made this year such as:
We’ve improved the promotion application and interview process for the SAP, making it more accessible for everyone!
Our Thrive on Course support programme got a refresh, ensuring future clearing students can benefit from being part of this supportive community.
Student Advisors sharing their experiences via video will be front and centre of Uniskills induction and transition material on the Prepare to Study Webpage.
Reviewing and editing to the Growth Resilience model to ensure the content meets the needs of our diverse student body.
Ensuring the new Student Assistance Programme is promoted in a way that ensures access for all.
More Than Just Panel Discussions
Being a SAP member isn’t only about attending panel, our members also receive information about a host of other opportunities across campus for them to get involved in and have their voice heard!
This year, our members had the chance to:
- Contribute to a research study on working in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) as a student from a minoritised background.
- Assist with a PhD research project exploring the experiences of first-in-family university students and their families.
What Our Members Say
At our recent celebration event (yes, there was pizza 🍕), we reflected on the year’s achievements. Here’s what some of our members had to say about what being a Panel member means to them:
“Panel allows for us to feel heard, voicing concerns and giving suggestions on how to improve. It has allowed us to meet other like-minded people and share our experiences.”
Panel allow for students from all walks of life to share what higher education means to them. This fosters a fully represented, inclusive student body and community. Uni is hard enough; SAPs helps lessen the pain”
“I think the panel helps as it holds the university accountable and allows the opportunity for programmes / resources to be developed and reviewed.”
Get Involved!
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in taking part in keep an eye out on our dedicated webpage and around campus this October 25 and join us to make a difference!
