Hey everyone
One year later and I've learnt a lot: my knowledge of SU and University acronyms is now endless, and I can now say I've been to Origins with the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
If you ever read my first blog, I said that making a positive difference has always been a professional aspiration for me. My aim this year was to keep my word with that I hope that in this blog I can show it.
I'll keep this as short as I can, so here's what we got done for the community this year:
Wellbeing and Safety:
- Peer Wellbeing Training: Collaborated with Student Support to develop new signposting and guidance training for all student leaders
- Anti-Spiking Awareness: Introduced posters and digital artwork in the SU Bar to increase visibility of available anti-spiking products
- Student Safety Initiatives: Worked with stakeholders in SCP personal safety group on student safety initiatives in Bath
- Be Well Talk Now Panel: Sat on the panel retendering the Be Well Talk Now service for next year
Student housing:
Delivered The SU’s Campaign built around 3 pillars:
- Affordable Housing: Lobbied for a University Run Guarantor System for International and Widening Participation students (A Top 10 item from 2014/15!!)
- Advocating for Better Quality of Housing: promoted tools like and the to hold landlords accountable
- Informing and Empowering Students:
- Introduced the first ever Housing Fair in collaboration with key Stakeholders in the University and town to better inform students about Housing in Bath
- Worked with on their Moving In/Out Campaigns
- Lobbied Local Councillors to ensure that students' voices were heard regarding The B&NES Local Plan
- Introduced a Renter’s Right Act Drop for student in collaboration with the University
Food Diversity and Affordability
- Improved Value Offer Promotion: Worked with Campus Services Marketing and Communications Manager to better advertise the Value Offer Promo at outlets including Munch Box
- No Plates Like Home: Made in Collaboration with Faith and Cultural SU Groups and Campus Services to introduce a pop-up menu at Lime Tree based on student’s home dishes
- Affordable Breakfast Options: SU President and I introduced Build your own Porridge at SU Bar starting from 80p
- Food and Drink Lobbying: Sat on the Food and Drink with Benji to push for more nutritious and varied meal options
International Students
- Part-Time Jobs Presentation: Collaborated with University stakeholders to deliver a Part-time jobs presentation for international and exchange students
- Guarantor Scheme Lobbying: Advocated for a University-run guarantor scheme for International and WP students
- Inter-Semester Break Trip: Launched the SU’s first Inter-Semester Break trip, with strong PG and international student attendance
- Extended Winter at Bath: Successfully lobbied for Winter at Bath activities to continue into the Inter-Semester Break with additional events and activities.
Accessibility and inclusion:
Using Psychology students research on Student sensory experiences on campus* and working with Disability Action Group (DAG), Dr MacLennan from CAAR** and Campus services to we:
- Created the Woodland Lounge: Transformed 6WS into an accesible and neuroinclusive study space for students
- Rebranded Calm Spaces: Shifted from “Quiet Spaces” to “Calm Spaces, Studying and Shopping” and promoted more inclusive language
- Increased Calm Spaces and Signage: Clearer signage and QR-linked lists of all calm spaces on campus
- Enhanced Lime Tree Calm Space: Introduced new wayfinding, partitions, furniture, and a sensory map
- Improved Wayfinding: Added barriers at Fountain and Pitstop to support clearer navigation
- Hospitality Staff Training: Training on neuroinclusivity in hospitality was co-developed with Dr MacLennan for Grade 7 and above managers
- Sensory and AT Rooms Feedback: Gathered feedback from DAG to inform improvements to Sensory and Assistive Technology rooms
Cost of Living Crisis:
- Local Business Discounts: Liaised with SU Sales in contacting local businesses about their student offers/creating student offers to attain more student discounts in town and strengthening our relationship with local businesses.
So that's it! My time as Community Officer has come to a close. Don't worry, they haven't gotten rid of me yet, I still need to finish my degree.
If you are ever thinking if this role could be for you and you are passionate, GO FOR IT! This role was one of the best decisions of my life. I've worked with the best team ever at the best SU in the country (definitely not biased) and had the opportunity to make positive change for students. It's been unreal bath.
Signing Off (for the last time) - Izzy
Useful information:
*This Research (Student sensory experiences on campus) is credited to:
Davies, E., Hodgson, E., Javas, R., Chiu, C., Moscuzza, N., Mudit., Shamir, A., Agozzino, S., Charles, M., & MacLennan, K.
**Centre of Applied Autism Research