Lift off - Students First. Voices Heard. Let’s Lift Student Voices
Karina Whelan – Education & Community Officer
Students First. Voices Heard. Let’s Lift Student Voices.
The university should feel like one connected community, where every student feels heard, safe, supported, and able to succeed.
During my time at Gloucestershire, I have worked to amplify student voices as president of the LGBTQIA+ Society, LGBTQIA+ welfare representative, experienced chair of the student council, and NUS liberation representative. Through these roles, I have supported students, challenged positions of authority and departments and their practice, built partnerships in the local community and helped create spaces where students feel empowered.
My campaign, Lift Off, focuses on three priorities: lift student voices, lift student community, and build belonging & support.
Lift Student Voices – Launch Pad
Students should feel confident raising concerns about their education without worrying it will impact their grades.
I will introduce a Course Rep Launch Pad that gives course representatives the tools and support they need to advocate effectively for their peers.
• Rep toolkits with clear guidance on raising issues and following them up with departments
• A feedback tracker so students can see what concerns have been raised and what action has been taken
• Regular support sessions for reps to build confidence and share experiences
• Working with the university to ensure students can raise concerns about teaching, assessment and marking without fear of academic consequences
Lift Student Community - We Belong
Students don’t just study here; they live here. We are the community.
I will work to strengthen connections between students, campuses and the wider community by:
• Advocating for better transport between campuses
• Supporting the creation of dedicated safe spaces and student spaces at City Campus
• Ensuring clear communication and transparency around campus developments, including FCH
• Strengthening partnerships with local organisations, including the Gloucestershire LGBT+ Partnership
Build Belonging & Support – Know Your Rights
Students should know where to go for help and feel confident accessing support.
I will work closely with the Welfare, SU Advice Service, and Course Leads to promote a Know Your Rights campaign, helping students understand their academic rights, academic appeals, mitigating circumstances, and support services so they can seek help earlier when challenges arise during their courses.
I will also advocate for a clearer pre-arrival launchpad for student information so students know what support is available before they begin university.
Together, we can build a university where students feel heard, safe, supported, and empowered to shape their experiences.