The first Assembly meeting of the academic year happened last Monday 21st of November at Northampton Suite with over 33 Assembly Members and 16 students attending the meeting.
The first meeting focused on the Cost of Living crisis and what it means for students at City and in Higher Education. The Assembly started with a Panel of experts that were able to provide an informative update on the plans for City, University of London, but also for the community to tackle the current Cost of Living crisis. The panel was chaired by Aaminah Patel, Deputy President, and had the following panellists:
- Jim Dickinson Associate Editor, WonkHE
- Susannah Quinsee Vice-President (Digital and Student Experience), City University of London
- Sian Thurgood Director of Student Experience, City University of London
- Councillor Diarmaid Ward Islington Council
After having hearing from the panel, the students in room were able to discuss the evidence and their lived experiences around the Cost of Living crisis in small groups of 8. Working together, each table created a ‘Cost of Living manifesto’ with several recommendations for the university to take forward. Students highlighted the need for additional financial support, cheaper catering on campus, removing additional costs such as graduation and printing and lobbying for an effective timetabling for students.
At the end of the meeting, all students were able to enjoy a nice meal together.
We will be posting our full Cost of Living manifesto soon! Stay tuned ??
Our next meeting will be happening on the 4th of February – all students welcome! Find out more about the Assembly here and who your Assembly members are here.
If you have any questions, email SUAssembly@city.ac.uk.
