Luana Vasconcelos

Student feedback is at the core of the Voice Zone and the VP Voice role. I am here to listen and amplify your voices; working closely with your student representatives like our course reps, head reps, equality network leaders and society signatories to ensure you are heard at the highest levels of the University.

Thew Voice Zone offers various opportunities to speak up about important issues that affect student life. From Speak Week, Student Voice Forum, Union Forum, and Pulse Survey, we’ve been collecting student feedback on cost of living, employability, accommodation, placements, exams, personal tutors, academic support, and so much more! 

Together, we have achieved much when it comes to: 

• Employability
• Exam Invigilation
• Attendance
• Interdisciplinary Modules
• Cost of Living
• Academic issues
• Support and representation for International Students, Disability & Neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, Race Equality, etc 
  

Let me share some highlights with more details about our wins for student voice in 24-25. 

Employability

Employability is a core issue for students, and both students and staff have continuously raised concerns about the career support that Surrey should be offering. I have attended multiple meetings to discuss this topic, including the University Employability Forum and Integrated Employability Review. 

In collaboration with the Employability & Careers Team, I hosted an Employability Survey to gather insight into how students are accessing our career services, including Surrey Pathfinder, and what improvements can be made. 

With over 250 responses, you have helped us to gather more insight into YOUR views on Employability at Surrey, and what you want this to be like. Your feedback will ensure future students feel even more supported by our Employability & Careers team! 

Attendance

Attendance is an important topic that has been discussed multiple times at the University since the launch of MySurrey Engagement and MySurrey Attendance. This year I have spoken to our Interim Chief Student Officer, Emma Rowsell, about plans to review the attendance policy to increase student engagement and presence in lectures.  

To ensure the student voice was heard, Emma set up a meeting and I invited our student representatives to share their views on attendance and our engagement tracking apps. This ensured that students got to ask their questions and inform the University about issues and things to keep in mind before making any changes. 

Exam Invigilation

In April, Liam and I attended Senate, which is the highest University committee meeting where all the big decisions are made. One of the topics we discussed was exam invigilation, as a paper proposed some changes to the process. 

After the meeting, I coordinated with our student representatives to gather insight into the student experience with in person exams and invigilation, issues you have faced and solutions proposed. Our reps raised many concerns, particularly from a disability & neurodivergence perspective. 

Your feedback has been essential to keep the University informed about these issues and ensure that any changes are taking the student voice into account. 

Interdisciplinary Modules

This year I've had the honour of attending a working group with University staff to discuss the introduction and expansion of Interdisciplinary Modules. It's been interesting to see what kind of opportunities students may have to explore different subjects and diversify their learning. 

To ensure that student preferences would be taken into account, I conducted a survey so you could vote on your favourite options to be introduced. Your feedback has highlighted a deep interest in Psychology and AI, as well as the desire to have Languages back after the dissolution of GGA Languages last year. 

Hopefully these examples show that students are empowered to influence the University, and the importance of letting us know your thoughts via our Voice Zone campaigns and initiatives. 

I want to thank everyone who has shared their views with us, and helped to shape the future of Surrey and make changes to improve the student experience. 

Never be afraid to speak up, because you will be heard. Your voice, your power!