Leeds University Student Exec Reports Term Achievements

Student representatives outline key initiatives and campaigns

The Leeds University Union (LUU) Student Executive Committee has shared a summary of their activities and achievements from the past term. The committee, consisting of seven officers, has focused on enhancing student welfare, promoting inclusivity, and increasing student engagement across the university and the wider community.

Accessibility and Academic Support

Shivani Gug, Education Officer, introduced a new policy allowing students to apply for seven-day self-certified extensions without needing to provide evidence. This change aims to make the extension process quicker and more accessible. Shivani has also engaged with national policymakers, advocating for reforms to student loan repayments, postgraduate research stipends, and maintenance grants. Additionally, she presented the Diversity Blog project at an international conference in Vermont, highlighting global discussions around student identity.

Union Affairs and Democratic Engagement

Amara Relf, Union Affairs and Communications Officer, has revitalised the Leeds Student Union Network to foster collaboration between student unions across the city. She has led meetings with local leaders to ensure student perspectives influence city decisions. Amara supported the Union’s largest student insights survey and helped organise the “Your Union, Your Say” democracy event. Progress was also made on SASHA Accreditation, with Men’s Rugby becoming the first accredited society. She continued to campaign on issues such as misogyny as a hate crime, working with national and local partners.

Wellbeing and Student Support

Eden Morris, Wellbeing Officer, launched the Student Bereavement Network, providing a community for students dealing with loss. The network has already held several meetings and cultural visits. Eden is campaigning for mandatory DBS checks for landlords to improve housing safety and has introduced a meal kit project featuring international recipes for new students in halls. She is collaborating with mental health and cancer charities and working with the university to improve support systems for disabled students.

Equality, Liberation and Fundraising

Safiyah Farid, Equality and Liberation Officer, opened the Liberation Hub to support intersectional liberation efforts. She organised a Black History Exhibition and helped raise over £2,000 for the University of Leeds Gaza Scholarship Fund during Palestinian Culture Day. Safiyah sits on the University of Sanctuary Board and participated in the Student Transformed Conference. The team also launched a humanitarian fundraising campaign using LUU cashpoints and issued a statement condemning far-right extremism.

International and Postgraduate Student Advocacy

Katrina Liu, International and Postgraduate Officer, has campaigned against the International Student Levy at parliamentary and national levels. She supports postgraduate research students through initiatives like the PGR Café and has contributed to discussions on tuition fee payment plans. Katrina also launched the Culture Corner in the Common Ground venue, a space for students to express their identities through art.

Activities, Opportunities and Inclusion

Lydia Shale, Activities and Opportunities Officer, secured funding to appoint five student activators to support women’s+ sports clubs and societies, with a focus on inclusion for trans and non-binary students. She advocated for additional society studio space within the LUU building, with plans to renovate two university rooms for this purpose. Lydia also allocated £10,000 in accessibility funding to help societies better support students with additional access needs.

The Student Exec’s update reflects ongoing efforts to improve student life at Leeds University through a range of initiatives addressing academic, social, and welfare concerns.