SLT Priority Areas Update
Since the last meeting in February, the following activities have been highlights:
The What We Believe In hub has been launched!
Under the Student Wellbeing priority area:
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Progress has been made within the Review Student Community Activities project, looking at how support for student communities can be improved, including increasing awareness through collaboration with groups and conducting consultation activity to identify barriers to involvement and inform improvements.
Under the Academic Experience priority area:
Finally, under the Neurodivergent Experience priority area:
SLT Approvals
Updated Bye Laws, following Governance Changes, vote needed – January 2026
Wales Student Panel, vote needed – February 2026
Language Accessibility Promise registration, vote needed – February 2026
SLT Statements
Student Concerns
Students have raised the following concerns directly with members of the SLT...
1. Academic Matters & Support
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Students on a Level 3 module reported delays in the return of TMA02 results and inconsistent tutor communication. The WELS Faculty Rep escalated this to the Lead Staff Tutor, advised students to contact Student Support, and recommended submission of Special Circumstances forms. These cases will be considered at the Module Results Panel.
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Students expressed low confidence in study skills, particularly early in their studies. The Wales Area Rep promoted OU Ready and raised concerns about its visibility and accessibility, which remains an ongoing focus.
2. Accessibility
3. Community
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Students reported low awareness of student communities and Open SU. The Wales Area Rep increased promotion through OU Spaces, in-person Wales Club events, and inclusion of the Wales Club on the StudentHome community page, resulting in improved engagement.
We Need You!
We really want to know about the issues affecting you, as OU Students! Use our Student Issues reporting tool to submit your issues, comment on the issues of others, and up/down vote the issues important to you!
Other News & Ongoing Projects
Student Consultations
Members of the SLT presented and facilitated Open SU consultation sessions with students, across the nations and online. During these sessions, students were asked how they feel about exams being invigilated online vs exams taking place face-to-face, and their views on volunteering (the benefits and barriers for OU students).
Faculty Representatives:
STEM:
The STEM Faculty Representative is working on advertising the OU Black STEM Hub and the new Neurodiversity Hub. This will help black students in STEM have a chance to meet each other and attend personalised events, relating to their studies.
WELS:
The WELS Faculty Rep presented Open SU Viewpoints at an in person extended leadership event, helping raise awareness of student priorities across the University. Open SU Viewpoints were discussed for inclusion in the WELS Faculty Strategy following this!
The WELS Rep represented students on interview panels for the new Head of School (Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport) and the new Associate Dean for Strategy and Partnerships.
They also co‑presented at an International Women’s Week event on the experiences of neurodivergent students in higher education.
In April the WELS Rep is presenting at the WELS EDIA Festival on supporting students with mental health challenges, aiming to improve academic outcomes for neurodivergent students and those studying with mental health difficulties.
FBL:
Concern was raised on social media that tutors were not turning up at tutorials. The FBL Faculty Rep contacted the law school teaching director on the student's behalf, and this issue is now being dealt with in the law school. feedback was given to the student in question, who was very happy that they had been listened to and the matter had been dealt with.
The first ever FBL student voice meeting took place on 12th March!
LGBTQIA+ Representative:
Students have expressed they would like more opportunities to connect with queer members of staff. This is an ongoing point to work on, but the trans staff network has been invited to take part in an OU Pride event.
There will soon be a monthly LGBTQIA+ Student Feedback drop-in! Which will provide more chances for students to meet and hear feedback on their experiences and what they need from the university.
Area Representatives:
Wales:
The Wales Area Rep re‑established the Wales Student Panel with support from staff, using student feedback to shape its design. The panel brings students from across Wales together to share their experiences and influence improvements to the student experience. Recruitment is currently underway.
The Wales Student Rep also leads development of the Wales Club, offering regular opportunities for students to connect, study together, and support one another. The club helps reduce isolation, build confidence, and strengthen the student community, with ongoing development planned over the coming months.
International:
The latest edition of the International OU Students Newsletter was sent in March 2026. This was the 9th edition prepared by the current International Area Representative.
Since its launch in January 2025, the International Students Club continued to grow and now has 277 members (on the day of writing). Students who would like to join the Club can do so on OU Students Connect here.
The International Area Representative hosted an online meet-up for international students. The Area Representatives (England, International, Ireland and Wales) hosted a ‘Nations & International’ Quiz Night.