Leeds University Union Exec Reports on Recent Student Initiatives

Student representatives highlight progress on education, wellbeing, and community engagement

Leeds University Union (LUU) has released an update detailing the activities and achievements of its Student Executive team during March. The report outlines efforts across various areas including education, student welfare, civic engagement, and equality, reflecting ongoing work to enhance student life at the university.

Education and Student Loan Advocacy

Shivani Gug, Education Officer, has expanded access to content note guides, now available across all faculties and on the university’s Minerva platform. She participated in Leeds’ first AI Week, contributing to a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in education, and is exploring student perspectives on AI use in learning. Additionally, Shivani has engaged with students regarding concerns about student loan repayment and has taken part in four meetings with Members of Parliament to advocate for improvements to the student loan system.

Union Affairs and Civic Engagement

Amara Relf, Union Affairs and Communications Officer, has co-led a national campaign alongside student officers from Newcastle and Liverpool to advance the petition to classify misogyny as a hate crime, which has approached nearly 20,900 signatures. She has liaised with MPs to maintain focus on gender-based violence in political discussions. Amara is also developing a Civic Engagement Strategy aimed at fostering sustained collaboration between LUU and the wider Leeds community, including local representatives and organisations. Furthermore, she is involved in initiatives to enhance student democracy and leadership, including improvements to the platform for student ideas and the LeadLUU programme.

Wellbeing and Ethical Partnerships

Eden Morris, Wellbeing Officer, piloted the “Breaking Bread” project in collaboration with the Palestine Solidarity Group, the Orthodox Christian Society, and fellow students. Eden attended a conference in Cambridge, connecting with student organisers and continuing work on the Gaza40+ Campaign alongside Safiyah Farid. Eden also engaged in discussions with MP Rachel Reeves about student loan reform and contributed to Housing Awareness Week by gathering information on the Leeds housing market. Additionally, Eden has researched ethical partnerships to support student activism.

Equality, Liberation, and Fundraising Efforts

Safiyah Farid, Equality and Liberation Officer, has facilitated fundraising for Sudan Crisis Relief by installing cashpoints at tills throughout the LUU building. She has also launched a Gender Expression Fund to support students.

International and Postgraduate Support

Katrina Liu, International and Postgraduate Officer, supported Housing Awareness Week and organised the ‘Passport to Culture’ stall to gather insights on students’ favourite locations in Leeds. She continues to work with the PGR Cafe and PGR Network to assist postgraduate researchers in building supportive communities.

Activities and Opportunities

Lydia Shale, Activities and Opportunities Officer, organised a Women in Sport Panel which sold out, and contributed to the success of International Women’s Week. The week featured a series of student-led events, conferences, training sessions, and workshops, engaging thousands of students across the university.

Looking Ahead

• Plans to make the Sustainability Week Book Swap a permanent feature following its recent success.
• Continued development of platforms to support student ideas and leadership.
• Ongoing advocacy on student loan reform and housing issues.

The March update from Leeds University Union’s Student Executive highlights a diverse range of initiatives aimed at improving student experience and fostering community engagement both within the university and beyond.