As the new academic year starts, the Open SU Welcome Week offered a vibrant and inspiring start to the year ahead. From the buzz of the in-person Welcome Fair to thought-provoking discussions and engaging workshops, the week was a powerful reminder of the diversity, passion, and potential within our student community.
Students want a sense of community where knowledge is gained and jokes are heard. They want to see their fellow students, and know the person behind the screen or social media name. They want to be students – curious about opportunities, and seeking knowledge where it comes from.
The Welcome Fair on campus was a particular highlight, drawing over 200 attendees. It was heartening to see students from all walks of life come together, eager to explore the wide range of opportunities available through our student-led clubs and societies. It was a joy to witness so many meaningful conversations and connections taking shape. I was there in a role of supporting a future society, but I had the chance to talk with many FASS students – several of whom I would see later in the week at online events.
On the Monday, I had the privilege of representing the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences alongside my fellow faculty reps Charon Gates (WELS) and Loz Harris (Business and Law – FBL). We spoke with students about the exciting academic journeys ahead, and the wealth of support available to help them thrive. It was a great opportunity to showcase the strengths of our faculties, and to hear directly from students about their hopes and aspirations.
Tuesday brought a particularly exciting moment as I hosted an event with Matt Staples and Eddie Westnidge to introduce the upcoming OU Politics, International Relations, and Policy Society (PIPS). The session was both engaging and energising, drawing interest from prospective members. It was a proud moment after months of work to see such enthusiasm for a society that promises to be a hub for critical thinking, debate and community. You can watch the event below.
Watch the launch event for the OU Politics, International Relations, and Policy Society (PIPS)
Midweek, I was honoured to be joined by Professor Adrienne Scullion, Executive Dean of FASS, and Hannah Lavery, Associate Dean for Teaching and Student Outcomes, for a special edition of FASS Connect. Their passion for student success and commitment to inclusive, high-quality education shone through in every word. It was a powerful reminder of the supportive academic community we are all part of.
Throughout the week, I also had the pleasure of attending a range of other events, meeting both new and returning students. My fellow Student Leadership Team colleague, Vice President Student Representation Nichola Connolly, alongside Bev Smit (longtime meet-up host and Student Representative) hosted their incredibly popular weekly events, which include Wellbeing and Community Drop-ins, and Saturday morning coffee. Their dedication to hosting, week in, week out, is simply outstanding.
To round off the week, I hosted a Wikipedia editing workshop on Sunday. It was fantastic to see students dive into the world of collaborative knowledge creation, learning how to contribute to one of the world’s most widely used information platforms. The session introduced participants to the basics of editing, sourcing, and contributing to Wikipedia, empowering them to become active contributors to open knowledge. The event sparked meaningful discussions about the importance of accessible, reliable information, and how students can play a role in shaping it. Given the enthusiasm and engagement at the session, I’m excited to announce plans to host these Wikipedia workshops quarterly.
I’m looking forward to connecting with other students throughout the year as we continue to celebrate the Welcome Week themes of connection, curiosity, and community.