The Open University Students Association (Open SU) Student Summit 2026, containing Open SU’s biennial conference (Conference), will take place online on Saturday, 21 November 2026 from 10am to 4.15pm - and you’re invited.
The Student Summit will include a programme of inspiring keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and several opportunities to network with other OU students. It will also include the Conference, at which the formal business of Open SU (such as receiving the annual accounts) will be carried out.
It's your chance to tell us what you think about Open SU, how we can support you on your study journey, and what opportunities and services you want us to create.
In the Conference section of the Student Summit, the following business shall also be carried out:
- Ratification of the minutes of Conference 2024.
- Receiving the reports of the Board of Trustees and the Student Leadership Team on Open SU’s activities since Conference 2024.
- Receiving the accounts of Open SU for the financial years ended 31 July 2024 and 31 July 2025.
- Considering a proposed amendment to Open SU's Articles of Association to reflect changes to the composition of the Student Leadership Team, by replacing references to a "European Representative" with an "International Representative", and making related consequential amendments to associated definitions within the Articles.
- Ratification of new policy positions since Conference 2024.
- Appointment of the auditors of Open SU.
- Approving the list of affiliations of Open SU.
- Receiving open questions to the Board of Trustees and Student Leadership Team from the members of Open SU.
OU Students will be able to vote on Conference business by completing an online voting form which will be circulated to OU Students on Friday, 30 October. The voting period for Conference business will take place from Friday, 30 October until Friday, 13 November 2026.
To help you form your opinion on the vote, we will be hosting a series of student debates on the Conference business and the issues OU students are facing. These will take place from Thursday, 15 October until Thursday, 29 October. Sessions will be scheduled and communicated on our website and highlighted on social media.
Discussing and voting on the business items means you will be helping to make sure Open SU makes a positive difference to all OU students. You must vote on the Conference business in advance to be able to attend the Student Summit. There will be no upper limit on the number of students who can vote and attend.
More details about how to join in with debates and how to vote will be shared soon, so keep an eye out for announcements in your emails and in our news.
The Student Summit itself, including Conference, will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Eligible OU students will receive joining instructions and access details in advance of the event by email.
Alternatively, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
If you have questions about the Student Summit (including Conference), just get in touch via email at: oustudents-conference@open.ac.uk