Hi all, welcome to our second edition of the Students Association Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) newsletter! We’re over the moon we are able to share our second edition and we are super excited for you to know all the new opportunities and changes happening at the Association.

This month’s newsletter we will be giving you updates on all things EDI at the Association. We have lots of exciting news to share and fun ways you can get involved so we get to hear your thoughts and opinions!

As always we hope you enjoy the newsletter and we continually want to give a big thank you to the support groups for their consistent and unwavering contribution to the Association.

EDI and Student Welfare team and VP EDI

A message to our valued trans and non-binary students and communities at the OU,

We understand the recent events have caused significant pain and disruption, and we stand with you in solidarity. We acknowledge the profound impact these events have had on your sense of safety and belonging within the community at the OU.

The EDI and Student Welfare team, along with our VP EDI and student groups are committed to fostering a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. While we recognise there is still significant work to be done, we are actively working to understand your experiences and identify concrete actions to better support our trans and non binary students.

This includes actively listening to your voices, engaging in open dialogue, and advocating for your needs with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment. We want to do more and we will. We stand firmly alongside you and are here to offer our support. We are working hard to explore ways we balance the rights of all students to create a community of respect and support.

If you have concerns, feedback, or suggestions on how we can better support you, please don't hesitate to reach out to the OU Pride group, the EDI and Student Welfare team, or our VP EDI.

With sincere empathy and a commitment to action,

EDI and Student Welfare.

All of us here at Open University Students Association are thrilled to introduce the newly elected Disabled Student Group committee! The EDI and Student Welfare team and VP EDI want to extend a warm welcome to this incredibly dedicated group of students who are here to advocate for and support the disabled student community at the OU.

The DSG plays a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for everyone where disabled students are supported, heard, represented, and celebrated within the OU.

The DSG committee will drive focus on raising awareness about the challenges faced by disabled students, providing peer support networks, organising engaging events with the help of EDI and Student Welfare, and advocating for positive changes in university policies and practices. One of the new projects they will be supporting on the ways the OU and The Association can better support neurodiverse students.

Their work holds immense significance, and with their dedication and commitment, we can all help to create spaces where all students with disabilities feel empowered and supported.

If you are interested in learning more about the committee's work or ways to get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to them or the EDI and Student Welfare team. Click the picture below to find out more.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Representative!

We are thrilled to announce a significant step forward in our unwavering commitment to fostering a truly inclusive and equitable student experience with the Students Association and the OU.

With the unanimous approval of the Student Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, we are proud to announce the creation of a dedicated Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Student Representative position. This vital role embodies our dedication to amplifying the voices and experiences of our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic student community, ensuring they are heard, represented, and empowered.

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Representative will serve as a crucial bridge between Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students and the OU and Students Association, playing a pivotal role in advocacy, representation and support, helping to champion the needs and concerns of this student demographic.

We acknowledge that this is just one step on the ongoing journey towards achieving true equity and fostering an environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

The creation of this Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Representative position signifies our commitment to continuous progress and signifies a tangible dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students at the OU. We recognise that much work remains, and we are deeply committed to collaborating with our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic student community to create a future where every student feels empowered to thrive.

We encourage passionate and dedicated Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students interested in making a positive impact on our student community to submit their applications. With collective effort and unwavering commitment, we can build amore vibrant and inclusive future for the OU and Students Association, one where every voice is heard and celebrated.

Applications for the BAME Student Officer position open tomorrow 12th March 2024! Click the link below and follow our social media accounts to find out more and how you can get involved.

Co-options for Committee members for OU PRIDE and BAME

Neurodiversity Focus Groups 18-24th March!

The EDI and Student Welfare team are committed to creating a student experience and environment that is truly accessible and supportive for all students. We are working on a project support plan for neurodiverse students and in order for us to understand your experiences and further refine our support systems, we're seeking your valuable feedback through two focus groups!

These focus groups aim to gather insights from neurodiverse students on how we can improve their learning and support at OU and the Association. Each session will last 45 minutes, with a short break included, and will provide a safe space for open discussion and sharing. As a token of appreciation for your time and participation, we'll offer a £5 voucher to the first twenty attendee sign ups and attendance of each focus group.

We understand that attending the focus groups might not be accessible for everyone. To ensure everyone's voices are heard, we're also offering a shorter survey as an alternative. Completing the survey will enter you into a prize draw.

Whether you join a focus group or complete the survey, your contribution will be invaluable in shaping the future of ND student support at OU. To register for the focus group and sign up for the alternative feedback and enter in to our prize draw, please click here:

LGBT History Month Round-up

Careers Opportunities

Don’t forget that as a current OU student or recent graduate you can search OpportunityHub for jobs and work experience opportunities, including a variety of schemes open specifically to students with protected characteristics.

Find out more about the Association Support Groups below