Our students are shaping the University using their expertise and diverse experiences through our Student Advisory Board.
With a community of nearly 25,000 students from a multitude of backgrounds, we’re empowering them to help make their student experience as inclusive and inspiring as possible.
Now in its fifth year, the Widening Participation Student Advisory Board brings together 35 undergraduate students to work as consultants, offering feedback, advice and guidance for staff at Southampton. These students represent a wide range of underrepresented backgrounds, including low-income, mature, care-experienced, estranged, and Black and minoritised students.
Meeting around five times each year, both in-person and online, they offer an opportunity for staff and colleagues to present projects, ideas and initiatives for feedback and input, initiating positive change and a student-centred way of working.
Over the years, the Board has fed into a whole range of different projects – from cost-of-living support options and fair parking charges to the development of the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme and the University’s Inclusive Language Guide. It's helped to review policies and projects that are core to the University, ensuring diverse student needs are not just considered, but are at the centre of these processes.
Weronika’s experience
One of the Board’s recent projects involved working with our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise (CESE) team to make the popular Careers Fairs at Southampton as accessible as possible.
Weronika, a second-year BSc German and Business Management student, is a Board member and worked on this project.
"This was a heartwarming opportunity. I got to see how much the CESE team thinks about the comfort and wellbeing of the students in the work it does."
Weronika, Board Member
"We discussed various initiatives to improve the experience of the Careers Fair and had enlightening discussions about what it means to make the Careers Fairs truly accessible," continues Weronika.
"Some of the issues discussed affect not just university life, but our society generally."
Making higher education more inclusive
The Board provides an invaluable resource, amplifying the voices and experiences of those who are historically less likely to be heard and considered, ensuring that we avoid making assumptions about what our students need, and helping us to create a truly welcoming and supportive environment.
Dulcie Perkins-Carr, Student Success and Inclusion Coordinator, runs the Student Advisory Board. She explains how vital this initiative is for students and staff alike.
"The work we do is driven by the goal of improving the University for everybody from all backgrounds."
Dulcie Perkins-Carr, Student Success and Inclusion Coordinator
"We’re questioning and eradicating bias, assumptions and prejudices, and making sure that those voices that aren't traditionally considered in higher education are at the forefront of development," Dulcie explains.
Insights from the Board also give staff at the University an opportunity to better understand the student community, specifically those from underrepresented backgrounds. As we strive for a more equitable and inclusive education experience for our students, we must ensure that the University considers all backgrounds, needs and experiences.
“Being a part of the board has made me feel seen and heard, and above all, recognised,” Weronika adds. “I’ve felt truly valued and listened to during our meetings; my opinions are respected and discussed with openness and full consideration.
“In a time of uncertainty, it’s been a treasure to empower, and be empowered by, fellow students and staff.”
Gaining valuable work and life experience
While the University gains a lot from the Board, the students working within the team also benefit from the experience.
Not only are they financially reimbursed – the students are paid more than minimum wage for their time – but they learn more about the higher education system, experience sitting on a committee and evaluating projects, and build their network and CV, making this a significant opportunity when it comes to boosting their career opportunities.
"I’ve learned how to express my ideas and apply my own experiences and sensitivity to practical situations, thinking about what can be made possible and broadening my imagination to find new solutions to current problems,” says Weronika.
The project is also built around the students, too, with commitment hours considering busy study schedules, part-time work needs and any extra responsibilities such as caring, making it an even more accessible opportunity.
Creating lasting change
The Board not only has a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on the University, but also an enduring effect on the lives of those involved – both staff and students.
“This work is a personal passion of mine, coming from an underrepresented background myself. Working with the Student Advisory Board helps me to appreciate that the student experience is ever evolving,” shares Dulcie.
“Every year I see students leave having changed the University for themselves and for others – and that, for me, is the overall driving force.”
“I greatly recommend such a project to any student who feels underrepresented and has a passion for improving the student experience for people like us,” concludes Weronika.
"I will look back at my time on the Student Advisory Board with great fondness, and I’m excited to see what great changes and discussions are had to keep improving our University."
Weronika, Board Member
