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FAQs for the su transformation (AUGUST 2024)
Updated FAQs MT24
Is the SU Closed or shutting down?
No, the SU is not closed and is not shutting down; for the period of Transformation we will be operating essential services only. You can learn more about what services are defined as essential below.
Which essential activities will be continuing in 2024/25?
In order to ensure the SU has the capacity to focus on the Transformation Plan, the SU will focus only on the following essential activities for the rest of the academic year. This list may change as we gain a better picture of what resources we have available to us:
- Facilitation of our Campaigns
- ​Operation of the Student Advice Service
- Student representation University/College committees
- Support for academic representation through divisional and course representatives
- ​Welfare provision to colleges
- Student media including Oxide Radio and the Oxford Student
- Fresher's Fair
- RAG
If you think we’ve missed out something essential that should continue then please submit this to the student feedback form. Unfortunately, some things will have to stop; this isn’t a reflection of how important or impactful that work is.
Which activities will be affected?
To make room to rebuild, we need to stop existing activity and projects. We know that this list may not be complete or fully reflective of activity and we’re happy to hear feedback and proposals for other activity which should continue. Unfortunately its unlikely that we’ll be able to continue with all activity.
- Student Council and any new student ideas/projects not related to Transformation or student representation
- Target Schools
- Volunteer portal
Can I still access the SU Advice Centre?
Yes, we are working with an external partner to deliver high-quality independent student advice. You can see more information about how to access this service here.
Are Campaigns still running?
Yes, Campaigns will still operate in the usual way and are identified as an essential service. If you would like to know more about the Campaigns please contact student.engagement@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk or take a look at our Representation pages.
What is happening with Student Council?
The Trustee Board have approved the cessation of Student Council for the period of Transformation. In its place, we will be holding termly all student meetings to support in our consultation and decision-making. We think that this will give more students the opportunity to shape the future of the SU. The 2024/25 Chair of Student Council has been appointed as a member of the Transformation Committee.
How can we scrutinise Sabbatical Officers work if there is no Student council?
Sabbatical Officers will be leading the Transformation process in 2024/25. They will continue to sit on key University committees and are committed to engaging and communicating with the student body. You can follow the updates on our website and our Instagram, and their inboxes are open if you have any questions. You can also get involved in the work through the Taskforces, or attend the all student meetings to ask questions.
Why is the SU only having 3 Sabbatical Officers this year?
Whilst we undertake this period of transformation we will be focusing on how the SU can better support Sabbatical Officers, including a renewed focus on appropriate training and induction, something on which we have fallen short in recent years. We have also reduced and repurposed the staff team while we focus on transformation and essential services only. It would not be fair to bring 6 Sabbatical officers into an environment where they cannot be properly supported. With all this in mind, we have made the difficult decision to reduce the Sabbatical team by half for this year, though this is being reviewed for 2024/25 and students will be consulted.
How did the SU decide which Sabbatical Officers they will have next year?
The Sabbatical Officers taking up post in the academic year 2024/25 are those identified in the University regulations as the student representatives on University Council: President, Vice-President UG Education and Access and Vice-President PG Education and Access.
Will RepComms still take place in 2024/25?
We will be facilitating RepComms on an issue-by-issue basis to support consultation and engagement on issues arising through the University committee structure. If you think that there is a specific issue that would benefit from a RepComm being convened get in touch with the Student Engagement team for support: student.engagement@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk
Will welfare products at cost still be available to Colleges?
Yes, this service will continue as normal.
Why was the Transformation programme initiated?
The Students’ Union is committed to effective student representation—a standard that we have failed at in the past. At the start of the year, in consultation with the University and recognising serious improvements had to be made, an independent review of the Students’ Union was launched. Alongside this, the organisation has also been conducting internal analysis around its’ effectiveness, governance and financial stability. Our goal is to deliver a Students’ Union that meets the high standards our students rightly deserve.
How long will the Transformation period be?
Transformation is a process and we know that we have a long way to go. The initial programme of work is expected to be reviewed in June 2025.
Who is on the Transformation Committee?
You can find the members of the transformation committee here.
Who is the Change Director?
The Transformation Committee and SU Trustee Board have appointed Emilie Tapping as the Change Director. Emilie Tapping is joining us as Change Director for 12 months. Emilie was previously CEO at Brookes Union where she delivered substantive structural and cultural change. Emilie has had a 15 year career in Higher Education starting as Vice President of King's College London Students' Union, followed by 5 years working at King's College London. Prior to Brookes Emilie was Deputy CEO across both Arts SU and London School of Economics Students' Unions, having done a number of roles across both students' unions simultaneously.
How can I input into the Transformation plan?
The SU will be contacting student groups over the coming weeks to organise meetings so that students can feed into the transformation plan. Student groups will be regularly consulted throughout the process.
Will fresher's fair 2024 still happen?
We are looking forward to welcoming you all to Fresher's on the 9th and 10th of October at the Examination Halls. You can find out more information about Fresher's here.
What is the transformation plan?
The Transformation Plan is a reform initiative by the Students’ Union to transform our structure, governance, and operations in collaboration with the University. You can read more about it here.
How can we get more involved?
Please see our 'Get Involved' pages if you are interested in being a part of the project. If students have initial questions, thoughts, comments or feedback we are encouraging students to submit them via this form. We’ll update these FAQs as questions are submitted.