Not only is Issy our Students' Union Postgraduate Officer, she also recently graduated with an MSc in Globalisation and Latin American Development - congrats! As term ends, she's taken some time to reflect on her Sabbatical Officer role this past year...
'In my role, I've focused on enhancing postgraduate engagement through the establishment of the SU Postgraduate Engagement Delivery Group. This group addresses postgraduate needs by developing targeted services based on the conversations we have with postgraduates. Using this approach, our upcoming framework, aligning with the student life strategy, will ensure high-quality services and improved outcomes for postgraduates (whether you are PGT or PGR!).
(left Beijing Offer Holder Events; right UCL 101 Induction Talks)
My proudest moment
One of my proudest achievements has to be leading the expansion of the Postgraduate Summer Program, a Students' Union wide initiative designed to offer a diverse range of events from June to August. This program aims to provide relaxation, skill development, and valuable experiences for postgraduate students.
In 2022/3, UCL had a total of 51,058 students, of which 25,121 were undergraduates, 19,745 were postgraduate taught students and 6,192 were postgraduate research students. This is a significant proportion of students at UCL. Recognising their inherent differences, I have intentionally focused on meeting the distinct needs of each group.
Additionally, I've collaborated closely with mature students to enhance support provisions and ensure they are not overlooked within our community. Hopefully with the new Mature, Part-time, and Carers network, and dedicated funding for our networks, we can see a real difference in the support for this community in the upcoming year.
I also know dedicated space for PGT and PGR students, especially with the loss of Senate House this May, is a concern. I have been in discussion with UCL Libraries who are now working with Estates on a proposal for a long-term PG study space, and I will continue to advocate for dedicated spaces for both PGT and PGR students until the end of my term when I will pass on the priority to the next officer.
Where more work can be done
An area in need of further development is the conditions of Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PGTAs), including their contracts, rights, treatment, pay, and training. Despite some progress, sustained effort and pressure are essential to ensure continued advancements in these areas.
We also need to consider the support provided for our students who are parents on campus. There needs to be better indication of child-friendly events, as well as better provision of child-friendly spaces. I have also mentioned already the need for more dedicated PG study space, but also the continuation of initiatives such as Postgraduate Summer to ensure provision is reflective of and supportive of our postgraduate population.
Incredible opportunities
Throughout my time, I have worked hard to advocate for the postgraduate community, and I recently travelled to China and Kenya as part of a delegation to create new global opportunities for our students and support the transition of our international PG students into London and UCL. (Watch this space - there may be a few exciting opportunities arising in the future!!)
What's next for me
Looking forward, I'm excited about the upcoming publication of our framework for future engagement of postgraduate students and development of SU services. This framework is a crucial part of the Student Life Strategy, aimed at creating a vibrant and inclusive campus environment.
To the next Officer, my advice is to prioritise effectively and be content with laying the groundwork for future progress. We are all part of a continuum, working together across generations of Officers to make a meaningful difference for our students.
As for my future plans, I am aiming for full-time work in global engagement or policy implementation, ideally using my Spanish language skills. Ultimately, my goal is to enjoy my work and make a positive impact, whether on a local or larger scale.
I am immensely proud to have initiated efforts to ensure postgraduates feel more supported during their time at UCL and look forward to seeing the continued growth of this work under Darcy's leadership. '