Priority 8 Update: VP Education

Since my last blog, I've continued being busy working on my Priority 8. Read below to see what I've been up to for each! 

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. 

• 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. 

Increase social and study spaces 

Before the New Year, 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: 

• In two weeks, I will be running Focus Groups with Deliliah, Commuting Students Community Officer, to gain student insight on getting nap spots on campus! If you want to get involved, you can sign-up here: Nap Pod Focus Groups – Sign-Up Now! 

• 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 ensure that they work for students, and more importantly that it can build a community for groups on campus. 

• The Pride Hub and the Egham Literary Institute are still available for students to visit or for student groups to book, and I am pleased to say that the Sam Beare Hospice and Bookshop can also be reached out for to book!