Priority 8 Update: VP Wellbeing & Diversity

Dearest Reader,

Welcome to my latest Priority 8 update. As we approach the close of Term Two, the past few weeks have been incredibly full, with a range of exciting events and milestones across campus. From Leadership Elections to the celebration of Women’s History Month, and with Varsity and the Colours Ball just around the corner, it has certainly been a lively and engaging period.

More Affordable Food on Campus
 

Continuing Progress on Accessible Options

Work surrounding affordable food is continuing steadily, with ongoing conversations between the Students’ Union and the University regarding the joint loyalty scheme. While there are no major developments to confirm just yet, discussions remain active as we work towards a model that is both effective and sustainable.

In the meantime, I am pleased to highlight a recent addition within the SU Shop. The bakery section now offers a selection of hot evening snacks, including convenient grab-and-go options such as chicken nuggets and chips, all priced at £3 or below. This is a positive step in increasing access to lower-cost food options on campus, particularly during later hours.

I also successfully delivered the “Budget to Bite” campaign this past month. It was great to see engagement from students, and I am grateful to everyone who took part and supported the initiative.
 

Cheaper & More Frequent Local Transport
 

Renewed Action and Final Proposal Plans

Although progress in this area has been slower due to the scale of the project and the number of stakeholders involved, there is now a clear next step. As part of my final efforts this academic year, I am preparing to submit a proposal to Surrey County Council focused on bus timetable staggering. The aim of this proposal is to improve reliability and reduce overcrowding for students travelling to and from campus.

Alongside this, a petition has been launched to gather support from students, staff, and local residents. This feedback will play an important role in strengthening the proposal. The form will remain open until the end of April, allowing time to collect further responses and supporting data before submission.
 

Here is the link to the form in case you haven't seen it:

Same Buses, Better Timings 🕘 🚍🚌  – Fill out form

Looking Ahead

With Term Two drawing to a close, the focus now shifts towards ensuring that the progress made so far is sustained beyond this academic year. As Sabbatical Officers, we are working to ensure a strong handover and that ongoing projects continue to move forward effectively.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update and for your continued engagement and support.

Until next time,

Vaishnavi