The Open University Students Association was founded in 1972 to act as a students’ union and connect the OU’s distance learning student community. Over 50 years on, our members decided it was time for a new identity that better reflects who we are today and where we’re heading.
In 2025, we became OpenSU – following a student-led rebrand shaped by thousands of voices across our community. This change represents more than just a new name. It reflects our values of openness, inclusivity, and belonging, and our commitment to supporting every OU student, wherever they are in the world.
The first president was Millicent Marsland, and you can find out more about her and the Open SU'd achievements over the last 50 years in this video:
Please note:this video was created before the rebrand in 2025 (updates to follow).
You will also find our charitable objects and other governing documents on our website
Our mission, vision, and values underpin everything we do and demonstrate what the Open SU care most deeply about… after all, the things we value are what make us who we are.
Our mission
- We’re on a mission to make a positive difference for all OU students. This is a mission we believe in and that we use to make all of our decisions.
Our vision
- Your Students Union will:
- Empower a student voice that is strong and effective in representing the diversity of our members.
- Work collaboratively with the University to ensure that students are at the centre of decision-making.
- Build an inclusive community which nurtures a sense of pride and belonging.
- Provide relevant, quality services which enhance the student experience.
Our values
Our values support our mission and vision and underpin everything we do. They demonstrate what the Open SU cares most about, as the things we value make us who we are:
- Welcoming: We ensure every student feels welcome and supported whilst celebrating diversity, embracing all backgrounds, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Accountable: We are accountable to our members and actively work towards their best interests.
- Bold: Empowering people to be creative and ambitious in their actions, whilst striving to improve the experience of all our members.
- Adaptable: We are dynamic in meeting the needs of our diverse members and reactive to changes that affect their experience.
- Sustainable: Ensuring we are responsible in our activities, safeguarding the future of the Open SU and promoting a positive environmental impact.
Read our Values and Behaviours Policy
Student voice and academic representation is at the heart of what we do, and students sit on Council, Senate, and committees throughout the University ensuring students views, opinions and ideas are expressed and heard.
We build student community through a network of volunteers who facilitate meet-ups, online and face to face, as well as two busy Freshers events held at the start of the academic year and also at the end of January. We have over 60 clubs and 16 societies affiliated with the Open SU, and if that’s not enough, if you can’t find a club or society that covers your interests – academic or any other area you’re interested in – then we can help you set up your own.
Students are supported on their student journey by fellow students through Peer Support and with signposting to support groups at the OU and externally. If a student finds themselves in financial hardship, our Open University Students Educational Trust (OUSET) may help.
Our student leaders and volunteers are supported by a dedicated team of staff based at the OU’s leafy campus in Milton Keynes.
Our responsibilities as a charity and our charitable objectives
The Open University Students Union formally the Open University Students Association Limited is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It is also governed by the Education Act 1994.
Our governing document is our Articles of Association, further developed by our bye-laws.
Open SU charitable objects are the advancement of education of students at The Open University for the public benefit by:
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Defending the principles of equal opportunity and of open access to the University regardless of academic qualifications or financial circumstances.
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Promoting the interests and welfare of students at the Open University during their period of study and representing and supporting students.
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Being the recognised representative channel between students and the Open University and any other external bodies.
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Asserting that all students studying with the Open University have the right to have their views heard and acknowledged by the University; and
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Providing social, cultural, and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of its students.
Our company number is 12031028 and charity number 1183837.
The Open SU has a Relationship Agreement with The Open University that sets out how we will work together.
You can read our full governing and other important documents on our website.
Any questions? Check out our FAQ section or contact us via the website.
Next step: Volunteering at the Open University Students Union