Wednesday 27-05-2026 - 13:45

 

One of the most significant pieces of representational work we undertook this year began during our very first Senate meeting in June 2025. A proposed revision to the Student Code of Conduct was brought forward for approval. We had identified that the changes made had not undergone any direct student consultation and given the potential impact on students, we requested that the proposal not be approved at that stage and instead be taken back for consultation.

Senate acknowledged this concern and tasked Governance and Legal Services with engaging with the Students’ Association. In response, we coordinated an ad hoc and diverse student consultation group to critically review the proposed changes. Together, we analysed the revisions, identified areas of concern, and submitted detailed written feedback and recommendations to the university. 
 

In the last month of our term, constructive engagement took place between the university and the Students’ Association. The revised Code of Conduct is now returning to Senate for approval in June 2026, with the majority of our feedback addressed or incorporated, alongside explanations where suggestions could not be adopted.
 

This work reflects a wider shift this year towards stronger co-creation and student partnership across the university, including progress on the Student Consultation Policy, Strategic Partnership Framework, timetabling review discussions, and our work around strengthening academic reps committee engagement.
 

The university demonstrated positive practice by taking our feedback seriously and working collaboratively with us through the process. At the same time, this experience also highlighted the importance of involving students earlier in institutional decision-making. We recognise that universities often work within short timelines and strict governance cycles, but early student involvement can provide valuable insight, strengthen trust, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for everyone.

You can Contact your Student President at: president@GCUstudents.co.uk