SU Presidents for Undergraduates, welfare equity and inclusion and Communities and Common Rooms share their experiences of being an SU President, the opportunities the roles offer and their thoughts on the importance of student representation. Each year, in Hilary term, Oxford SU elects a new cohort of Sabbatical Officers to lead the SU for the following academic year. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice join current SU presidents, Seun, Alisa and Shermar as they discuss their own experiences of student representation at the University of Oxford, what made them want to run for their positions and what you can get out of running for a sabbatical role at Oxford SU.

A conversation with Careers Service Director Jonathan Black on careers support at Oxford, employability, AI, internships, undergraduate and postgraduate support, international students, Oxford’s alumni network and the evolving future of work. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe, speaks with Jonathan Black, Director of the University’s Careers Service, about how Oxford students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, can transform their studies into meaningful careers. The conversation explores employability in an age of AI, the value of internships and hands-on programmes such as the Oxford Strategy Challenge, and the support available to international students navigating new job markets. Jonathan also reflects on Oxford’s global alumni network as a bridge for mentorship and opportunity, and on the importance of early engagement with the Careers Service. Together they look ahead to the future of work, examining how Oxford can continue to empower students across disciplines to lead with purpose, confidence and curiosity.

In this episode, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Oxford’s Chief Diversity Officer, Professor Tim Soutphommasane, about belonging, access, free expression, and how EDI is shaping the future of the University. In this episode of Oxford Student Voices, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Professor Tim Soutphommasane, Oxford’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Practice in Human Rights and Political Theory.

At the heart of their conversation is the idea of belonging: what it means to arrive at Oxford and truly feel part of its community. They explore how the University’s Everyone Belongs Strategic Plan aims to make that sense of belonging real for every student, from their first week through to graduation. Together they discuss the impact of initiatives such as Opportunity Oxford, the Astrophoria Foundation Year and Academic Futures, alongside the University’s ongoing work to close awarding gaps and strengthen graduate access.

The discussion also moves into more difficult territory: from how universities should respond to racism and online abuse, to questions about whether EDI plays a part in admissions, and how to balance inclusion with free expression in a diverse academic community.

Drawing on new research into public attitudes towards equality and fairness, Alisa and Tim consider what fairness and opportunity mean in today’s national climate, and how Oxford can lead by example.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of belonging at Oxford, and how together we can make the University a place where everyone feels at home and able to thrive.

References and Resources:

• Everyone Belongs: The Collegiate University EDI Strategic Plan 2024–27 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/article/everyone-belongs-new-collegiate-university-edi-strategic-plan

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2023–24 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-annual-report-2023-24

• Finding Common Ground on EDI – https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/finding-common-ground-on-edi/

In this inaugural episode, SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe speaks with Vice Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey about Oxford’s global leadership, student opportunity, and how today’s students can shape the University’s future. In the very first episode of Oxford Student Voice, Wantoe T. Wantoe, President for Postgraduates at Oxford University Students’ Union, is joined by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Ranked the world’s top university for nine consecutive years, Oxford is a place of extraordinary achievement and opportunity but also one facing global challenges and rising student expectations.

This conversation explores what “opportunity” means at Oxford today. From Irene Tracey’s own journey as an Oxford biochemistry student to her leadership as a pioneering neuroscientist and Vice Chancellor, the discussion covers the future of student access, the rise of student leadership, and Oxford’s responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

Together they reflect on the balance between tradition and innovation, the role of international students, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the evolving governance of the University. This episode sets the tone for the series, amplifying student voices while opening up transparent dialogue with those shaping Oxford’s next chapter.