My name:
Vik Afanasjevaite
My role:
Faculty Representative, Open & Access
Information about my role:
My role is Open & Access Faculty Representative. I am a member of the OU Student Union (Open SU), formerly known as the Students Association. My role is part of the Student Leadership Team (SLT) which is made up of successfully elected candidates. The SLT work together as a team over a two-year term to advocate on behalf of students, and to champion changes that will enhance and improve the OU student experience. I was elected in a by-election in 2025 so will be supporting students for one year only until the end of the term. Each member of the SLT has an individual portfolio, which determines their area of focus.
My priorities for this role:
My priorities for this role are to work towards a completion of my portfolio and area of focus which is yet to be allocated. However, the matters close to my heart are the availability of Student Support Teams (SST) over weekends and out-of-hours to accommodate those unable to access these services during standard 9 to 5.30pm hours. Therefore, achieving some evening and out-of-hours services would make a massive difference to students' lives. It is also important to accommodate international students by having SST support out-of-hours.
Another matter close to my heart is student wellbeing. I enjoy helping and interacting with people, and knowing that I made a difference in someone's day would give me a sense of achievement and satisfaction. I also would like to contribute to the Student Leadership Team idea of "ensuring that all students have the opportunity to feel as though they belong to a community that they care about, and that cares about them. This is an exciting area of work that has the potential to enhance the overall student experience".
What I’ve been up to and what I’m currently working on:
I was recently elected as Open & Access Faculty Representative and attended training and onboarding sessions in order to be effective in this role. I also attended my first Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meeting in Milton Keynes in July 2025, which was a great experience. I cannot wait to start my role and get involved fully in this area of work to support fellow students.
What I’m studying:
I am studying towards the Open Degree (QD), meaning that I can choose my own subjects. So far I have completed these modules – U116: Environment: Journeys through a changing world; D113: Global challenges: social science in action; A227: Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences.
I will now embark on L201: English in the world.
What I do when I’m not studying:
When I am not studying, I am also working full-time in the Civil Service, a job which is both challenging and rewarding. Therefore, I feel my studies will complement my work, and I am hoping to succeed by completing my degree.
My top study tips:
Plan your week, plan your available time in advance, don't leave your TMAs to the last moment. Enjoy the moment.
How to contact me:
Email: oustudents-open-access@open.ac.uk
Please note that a handful of Open SU staff team members have access to this mailbox.