Towards the end of March, we (along with the OU) are hosting a series of free consultation events across the UK, plus an online session open to all.
This is your opportunity to shape your Student Union’s take on exam formats, and share any views you have on volunteering.
Students can register for a place. A spot isn’t guaranteed, but registration is essential to express your interest in attending.
Register by Friday, 6 March
For the face-to-face days, Open SU’s topics will last an hour. The rest of the day will be dedicated to consultation sessions run by OU staff on topics such as community and other questions around assessment. These events run from 10am–4pm and include a free lunch for face-to-face attendees. Please arrive early at 9:30am to check-in, and to grab a cuppa and a chat.
The hour-long online equivalent focuses solely on Open SU’s consultation topics.
When and where?
All in-person events run from 10am to 4pm (registration starts at 9.30am):
- Manchester – Saturday, 21 March
Pendulum Hotel
- Belfast – Saturday, 21 March
The Open University in Ireland
- Edinburgh – Saturday, 21 March
The Open University in Scotland
- Cardiff – Tuesday, 24 March
The Open University in Wales
- Milton Keynes – Thursday, 26 March
Open University campus
- London – Saturday, 28 March
Wesley Hotel, Euston
Our online consultation takes place on Monday, 23 March from 6.30pm–7.30pm. It's open to all students across the UK and worldwide.
What you’ll be discussing
Online invigilated exams: what do students really think?
We want to hear your lived experiences and/or personal views – good or bad – about online invigilation. This may or may not include:
- Accessibility and fairness
- Technological reliability
- Exam anxiety and the impact of remote monitoring
- Whether this approach suits distance learners
Your feedback will help shape our recommendations to the University.
Face-to-face exams vs online invigilation
Should the OU prioritise in-person exams, online invigilated assessments, or a mix of both?
You may have views on:
- Travel, cost and logistical challenges
- Accessibility for disabled students or those with caring responsibilities
- Comfort, stress levels and personal preference
- Academic integrity and fairness
Your insights will directly influence our future conversations on this.
Volunteering with Open SU: what works for you?
Open SU is always reflecting on how volunteering should look for OU students. We want your input on:
- What motivates you to volunteer
- What barriers you face
- What kinds of roles interest you
Whether you’re a current volunteer or just curious, your views are essential.
Register now – your voice matters
Places are limited, so register for your place now, ahead of Friday, 6 March.
Each session will be led by members of our Student Leadership Team, who want to hear directly from you. These meetings will be good fun and an opportunity to meet fellow OU students.