Priority 8 Update: VP Education

>> VP Education 

I've continued being busy working on my Priority 8, so read below to see what I have been up to on each! 

>> Increase social and study spaces 

In my last update, I told you that relating to social and study spaces I was continuing working on the Student Lounges and getting spaces in Egham. Since then: 

• I have now run Focus Groups with Deliliah, Commuting Students Community Officer, to gain student insight on getting nap spots on campus! We also ran a survey on the subject and expect to get an update out on the findings shortly. 

• I am also working with the library and a group of students on the potential to include more neurodiverse friendly spaces in the library. 

• I’m continuing to lobby the University on common rooms in each of the new departments. These would be open to all students but be targeted to certain disciplines. I’m working to include student voice in these spaces to make sure they fit want students want to see. 

• The Pride Hub, Egham Literary Institute, Sam Beare Hospice and Bookshop, are still available for students to visit or for student groups to book, so make use of these amazing local spaces! 

>> Reduce deadline-stacking 

On deadline-stacking, I’ve worked with the SU Voice Team to finalise recommendations alongside working on long-term goals for 2026/27 on how deadlines are set. The main actions I’ve taken are: 

• I have undertaken focus groups, with recommendations now being finalised. You can see the full list of recommendations here. 

• This priority has now been revoted as one of next year's Priority 8, so I have begun my handover for the officer taking over from me to ensure a smooth transition. 

• I’ve begun work on the communication with students surrounding Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances to better explain to students how this can help alleviate the problems of deadline-stacking. 

• As part of broader work and as one of the recommendations, I am working on creating a Personal Tutor guide for students to understand what help they can offer. This has now been finalised and sent to the University for review.