Feedback from panellists
We've asked current and former members of our panel to share their thoughts on their membership of the Student Expert Panel; their comments provide an insight into the value they see in their role, both in contributing to change at the University, and in building skills for their own futures.
You can also meet our current panellists, and find out more about them.
"This has been a challenging and rewarding role, from which I have learned so much. Using my experiences as a young Black woman to help improve the lives of others, especially in the current climate of the Black Lives Matter movement, has been a privilege and pleasure. Discussions with my colleagues about effectively tackling the existing gaps in relation to the student population of York, and their graduate outcomes, has been a journey well worth my time and efforts, with a strong affinity to my own morals and values. Hearing the perspectives from a diverse range of backgrounds, including care leavers and mature students, has enriched my capacity to think critically about the issues faced by the student community. Furthermore, it has enabled me to build on my strengths and work on my weaknesses."
"As a member of the Panel, I have engaged with several important activities. In particular, I enjoyed participating in the creation of York’s Learning Community SPOC. Here, I recorded myself answering questions about University life, while giving advice to prospective students about queries such as independent learning. This was something I believe many students will benefit from, as the transition to online learning due to COVID-19 has meant that recruitment and retention strategies have to get even more creative in terms of student outreach. Seeing this idea come to fruition and become a tangible course has been incredibly fulfilling."
"I feel proud to have been a part of a team so special, who strive to ensure that the voices of all students are heard and acted upon. I hope this group continues to touch the lives of those who need it most; and make the student community a better place for everyone. I would like to thank the University itself for making this opportunity possible, and showing that actions do speak louder than words when it comes to addressing social inequalities."
"The Panel has introduced me to a range of new and diverse perspectives, which have collectively been incredibly valuable in broadening my understanding of the national social mobility landscape. I'm really grateful to have been able to engage with different Panel members on various issues, and to learn the considerations that have influenced our work."
"Thank you for the opportunity of working with the Student Expert Panel. It's given me some invaluable experience, let me help to make a difference and ultimately, has led to me wanting to pursue access and outreach as a career path. If you do plan on having ‘student panel alumni’ I would absolutely love to be a part of it, and am happy to help out whenever I can!"
"Being on the Student Expert Panel has been a highlight of my time as a student and the Represent York Symposium is also something I am so proud to have been a part of. Working with you has been a pleasure."