Tired of sending emails and just want to speak to someone face to face? Then Community Forum is perfect for you. A regular RSU-led space for students to share concerns, experiences and be heard directly by the people connected to those areas.
A new space for students to have their say!
Community Forum is a brand-new regular RSU-led space for students to raise community concerns, share experiences and be heard directly by the people connected to those areas (e.g. RSU, College teams and relevant University staff.)
It focuses on community and wider student-life issues rather than academic matters*. If you were a student last year, you may remember “Open Forum”, and while the purpose remains similar, the Community Forum has added a few updates to improve the initiative for students.
With the first forum taking place this week on Thursday 22 October, we've highlighted all the changes. Here is all you need to know.
1. University staff now have involvement
One or more relevant University staff members may attend each forum depending on the agenda. Guests will be invited once the agenda is sufficiently developed and will receive a short briefing covering the purpose of Community Forum, the agenda item they are joining, likely themes students may raise, and how their contribution will work.
The aim is for students to hear relevant context directly from the responsible area and to have an opportunity to raise questions or concerns in the room.
2. Questions can be submitted before the forum
Students now have the opportunity to submit a question or concern in advance. Questions will be reviewed before the forum and grouped under the relevant agenda item. They will be anonymous when presented in the room.
Submit your questions here for Thu 22 Oct
3. There's a stronger agenda approach
Whilst the agenda will change from forum to forum, we will ensure the structure will remain clear and familiar, so students and guests know what to expect. Basically each forum will have its own student-facing agenda, prepared and promoted in advance. Agenda items will explain the issue being explored, why it matters, and the kind of experiences or questions we would like students to bring.
So, enough explaining. Here's the first Community Forum
Thursday 22 October
13:00 – 15:00
The Well, Southlands Chapel, Southlands College
Key topics will be:
Events and Campus Life - experiences of attending events hosted by both the university and students' union.
Accommodation and residential life - experiences of living on campus, facilities, communication and accommodation concerns.
Transport and commuting - experiences of travelling to and from campus and getting around Roehampton.
Cost of living and student support - practical challenges students are experiencing and awareness of available support.
Campus life and belonging - settling in, meeting people, getting involved and feeling part of the Roehampton community.
The forum will be chaired by Kshiteej Nimbalkar, SU President Community. We will also be joined by Roehampton Students’ Union’s Deputy Chief Executive/Head of Commercial Operations.
No registration or sign-up is required; students can simply attend. More information here.
*Academic matters will continue through the appropriate academic representation routes, including Education Forum.