Being a part of the Student Leadership Team (SLT) is a rewarding and impactful experience. As a collective team of passionate individuals, we work alongside other SLT members and staff to represent the student body effectively. Our primary focus is on priority projects that we believe are important, based on our own experiences as students. One of our key responsibilities is to signpost students to appropriate advice, services and support, ensuring they have access to the resources they need.
The involvement as a volunteer
As SLT members, we volunteer our time to sit on various governance and non-governance committees. For example, we participate in the Academic Committee for Learning, Teaching and Assessment (ACLTA) for governance-related matters. On the other hand, we contribute to the Scholarship Centre Panel Groups, which fall under non-governance. These committees allow us to voice student concerns, and work towards improving the academic and overall student experience.
Getting involved with various issues
Although we are not case workers, our role includes assisting in curriculum changes that affect the student body. Our goal is to ensure that all students have an excellent educational experience. We engage with the University (OU) as representatives of the students, working closely with the institution to implement changes that enhance the student experience. For instance, we ensure that the TMA marking policy is adhered to, where an Associate Lecturer must provide feedback and marks within ten working days of the TMA submission deadline, if it is handed in on time.
Engaging with the OU
Our involvement doesn’t stop at policy enforcement. As SLT members, we are given fantastic opportunities to influence key decisions. For example, our current President was on the interview panel for the upcoming Vice Chancellor, David Phoenix. Charon, as the Faculty Representative for Wellbeing, Education, and Language Studies (WELS), was involved in the recruitment panel for the Head of the School for Language and Applied Linguistics. Additionally, Scott, the Faculty Representative for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), participated in the recruitment panel for the Executive Dean for STEM.
In conclusion, being an SLT member is not just about volunteering; it’s about making a real difference in the academic and personal lives of students. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has a voice and the support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
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