Leeds University Student Exec Reports Progress on Key Initiatives

Student leaders at Leeds University Union share recent activities and achievements

Leeds University Union’s Student Executive Committee has provided an update on their work over the past month, highlighting a range of activities aimed at enhancing student experience and engagement. The committee members have been involved in various campaigns, events, and initiatives addressing student welfare, representation, and inclusion.

Shivani’s Contributions

• Featured on the podcast The Sound of Politics to discuss student loans.
• Played a key role in organising The Partnership Awards, including panel decisions and event planning.
• Developed a student finance and funding handover document for other student unions.
• Supported efforts to make misogyny a recognised hate crime.
• Worked on reducing awarding gaps and promoting inclusive assessments at Leeds University.

Lydia’s Activities

• Selected award winners for Celebration Week student awards recognising community achievements.
• Represented student interests at a Sport England event in London, advocating for more sports leadership opportunities for university students.

Amara’s Involvement

• Assisted with the delivery of LeadLUU and hosted Results Night to encourage student engagement.
• Chaired her final meeting of the LUU Board of Trustees, overseeing governance and organisational accountability.
• Collaborated with student union officers from Liverpool and Newcastle on the national campaign to make misogyny a hate crime, which has gathered over 100,000 petition signatures.
• Established a Student Advisory Panel to influence LUU’s organisational strategy and decision-making.

Safiyah’s Engagement

• Participated in the Sanctuary Scholarship Steering Group, contributing to the acceptance of students from Gaza for the Gaza Humanitarian Scholarship.
• Organised and spoke at the Women’s Day rally, addressing issues such as gender-based violence and solidarity with women in Iran and Palestine.
• Attended a decolonisation conference in Cambridge and supported the Gaza 40+ campaign to assist offer-holder students from Gaza.
• Helped organise an interfaith Iftar event and set up fundraising efforts for Sudan.
• Spoke at an International Women’s Day panel hosted by Ellerslie Accommodation.

Katrina’s Work

• Visited several university student unions in China, including Leeds partner institutions, to strengthen international links and explore opportunities.
• Contributed ideas to Better Forums and supported students in submitting proposals.
• Engaged with Postgraduate Research students through the PGR Forum to understand their priorities and challenges.

Eden’s Initiatives

• Received an award from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for the “Breaking Bread” initiative.
• Attended a decolonisation conference in Cambridge, participating in discussions on equity and institutional change.
• Presented on the history of the student movement at LibCon in Warwick.
• Met with student leaders to discuss support for University of Leeds offer holders affected by the situation in Gaza.

The Student Executive Committee’s recent activities demonstrate a continued commitment to addressing student concerns, promoting inclusivity, and fostering engagement within the university community and beyond.