The University-Students’ Union (SUSU) relationship event took place recently in October with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith, and SUSU President, Oliver Murray, who signed an agreement defining how the two parties will continue to work together to improve and enhance the student experience at Southampton.
The relationship dates back to 1903 when the Students’ Union was first formed, and the University of Southampton was known as Hartley University College. The collaboration has increased significantly in recent years, with Professor Mark Smith being the first Vice-Chancellor to invite the SUSU President to University Executive Board meetings.
Professor Mark Smith said: “I was very pleased to recently attend a ceremony and sign the University-Students’ Union relationship agreement for this year. Setting out in a public and positive way, the principles of what expectations we can have of each other as partners, to ensure the best we can for our students, is important.
“The Students’ Union is the key representative voice of our student body. I am pleased that the Student President attends our Executive Board so he can hear first-hand the issues the University is grappling with and contribute a student perspective in real time.”
Oliver Murray said: “I think it is vital for us to recognise that the Students’ Union are here to support the University as much as we are to challenge them. In signing the relationship agreement, I’m excited to see where the rest of this academic year takes us; together, achieving our missions of ensuring that every student loves their time at Southampton and feels empowered to change the world for the better.”