Celebrating Equality at LJMU!
This year we introduced new roles at JMSU to help us champion minority groups of students at LJMU. Our Equality Rep positions cover six underrepresented areas: LGBT, Trans and Non-binary, International, Women, Disabled and BAME.
Six students filled these positions and have been working in these roles since October 2018 alongside their studies and other commitments to achieve incredible things for LJMU students and their minority groups.
Meet our Reps and find out what they’ve been up to…
Alec – Trans and Non-Binary Rep
I’ve been working to raise awareness around trans issues across LJMU, for both students and staff. I worked with JMSU to create table signage outlining FAQ’s and do’s and don’ts to help people understand trans issues and etiquette, and I’ve also done training for LJMU library staff on this subject. I plan to continue doing more within faculties next year.
I have also worked with the IT and registry services to address name changes for trans students. As of September, they will update preferred names and genders in student records, which will include your student card, email address, etc.
I’ve been able to make some great contacts from this role and have been able to do work in the community, for example, I am now in the planning committee for Trans Pride which had its first official march this year, which means I get to help organise the event next year.
Simon – LGBT Rep
As part of my role I worked with the SU to highlight LGBT figures across campus during LGBT History Month, which received really positive feedback from staff and students. I was also involved in creating a session at the Teaching and Learning Conference for LJMU staff to help embed awareness and respect across the university.
I’ve since met with the LJMU Estates team to discuss promoting inclusivity in LJMU spaces by displaying more visuals of aspirational figures across campus throughout the year.
Sacha – International Rep
I've been working on various ways to help international students feel settled and at home during their time here. I’ve organised social events over the holidays so that international students staying here don’t feel lonely. I also wrote a popular blog over the Christmas period to point students staying in Liverpool to various events and activities taking place in the city.
I have helped organise specific welcome events for international students for this coming Freshers’, alongside an information leaflet highlighting key services such as the JMSU International Society, the mentoring scheme at LJMU, Student Advice and Wellbeing service, careers, student opportunities and the Students’ Union.
Mary – Women’s Rep
I’ve spoken to female students across LJMU and have gathered feedback about what would make their experience better to feed back to the Students’ Union and University. For example, I have been told that a crèche in the library or simply being able to bring your children there is really needed.
I’ve also been speaking to disabled women and have had feedback that there needs to be more understanding for people with mobility issues who travel from lecture to lecture across the city. I've enjoyed being able to speak to different female students across LJMU and understanding their issues.
Ellie-Mae – Disabled Rep
I’ve really enjoyed the different experiences the position has given me and the range of people I’ve been able to meet because of it.
The main thing I’ve been able to do is raise awareness on the many different accessibility issues at LJMU which people might not have known or thought about before and help make sure this is addressed.
Lois – BAME Rep
I am currently planning events for students to celebrate Black History Month in October, which is really exciting.
I also felt strongly that the reading lists are LJMU are not diverse enough, so I am working with JMSU and the LJMU libraries on a campaign to make reading lists and materials more inclusive of BAME authors.
Thank you our amazing team of Equality Reps for the inspiring work you’ve done so far this year!
More info about the roles
The Equality Rep positions were a pilot for this year and due to their success, we are re-launching the roles for 2019/2020 as Part-Time Officers to work more closely with our full-time Student Officer team. We have also added a new role to represent Postgraduate students. If you’re interested in the roles, you can find out more and register your interest by emailing studentsunion@ljmu.ac.uk.
