Term 2 Reflections

From Firefighting to Future-Shaping: A look at what we’ve done and what’s ahead

As Term 3 begins, we’re reflecting on a term of proactive advocacy, student wins, and preparations for the future. 

Strategic Conversations and Budget Advocacy

We've begun key negotiations around our 2025–26 budget, advocating for protected SU funding and engaging with Goldsmiths UCU on sector-wide solutions. We’re also preparing for a smooth handover to new Sabbatical Officers in June.

Advocacy and Student Wins

This term, we’ve secured meaningful victories for students:

• Graduation Date Moved Forward: We successfully lobbied to move graduation from October to mid-September, ensuring international students and those with expiring visas could attend.

• Personal Tutoring Overhaul: In collaboration with the University, we’ve redesigned the personal tutoring system, focusing on equity, accountability, and improved staff training.

• Freedom of Speech Policy: We participated in consultations to ensure that Goldsmiths’ response to new national legislation safeguards student rights and protections.

Daily Representation and Support

In addition to major wins, we’ve continued to represent students on everyday issues such as housing support, accommodation concerns, and academic feedback. 

Key Achievements and Projects

• GARA Fund: The £20,000 fund continues to support student-led anti-racist initiatives, funding six projects so far.

• Palestinian Scholarship Fund: Three postgraduate students have been supported through this fund, initiated by student activism.

• Environmental Sustainability Action Group: We’re working to revive this group to engage students in sustainability efforts and influence university policies.

• Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policies: We’ve contributed to shaping Goldsmiths’ sexual misconduct prevention policies in line with OfS guidelines.
   

Ongoing Campaigns

• African Advocacy Foundation: Promoted PrEP and HIV awareness, with nine students signing up for testing.

• Disability Support: We’re working on improving accessibility within the SU, including a new stairlift for the building.

• Deaf Awareness Week: Two events are being planned for May 5th–11th to raise awareness about issues affecting the Deaf community.

• Career Event for International Students: In collaboration with Career Services, we’re planning an event to support international students’ employability in the UK.
   

Student Welfare and Support

• Housing Support: We’ve launched a physical housing board and are developing an online housing forum to help students find accommodation and connect with flatmates.

• Liberation Events: A variety of events, including Trans & Non-Binary socials and LGBTQ+ History Month, fostered inclusivity and rebuilt the post-pandemic community.

• Sports & Societies: Despite Goldsmiths losing the Varsity competition to UAL, the day was a success. Sports activities resumed smoothly after a brief evacuation due to a scoreboard malfunction.

• Within the SU: We’ve reviewed our feedback processes and launched a new internal audit to ensure accessibility in our communications.
   

While challenges remain, we’re committed to holding the University accountable, pushing for progress, and ensuring a more inclusive and student-led Goldsmiths. If you’d like to share feedback or get involved, please reach out.