You’ve probably seen us around campus (and online!) chatting about the Representation Review — and you might be wondering what it’s all about. Here are five of the biggest myths about the Representation Review —and the real story behind them.
Myth 1: The Representation Review is removing Officer roles to save money
That’s not what’s happening.
This review isn’t about saving money — it’s about making your representation system work better for you.
We’re updating how we do things so we can put more funding into opportunities that actually benefit students. That means:
- More student leadership positions
- More relevant, course and community-level roles
- More paid, flexible opportunities to get involved
- More ways to share your voice beyond big elections
So don’t worry — this isn’t about cutting roles, it’s about creating more of the right ones.
Myth 2: Students haven’t been consulted as part of the review
They definitely have!
This review has been shaped with students from the very start. Over the past year, we’ve held chats, surveys, focus groups and drop-ins to hear what’s working (and what’s not).
You told us that some students don’t always feel represented in leadership roles or connected to decision-making. So, we’re using your feedback to build a model that’s more inclusive, more flexible and more reflective of real student life at Exeter.
Your voices are the reason this review is happening — and they’re shaping what comes next.
Myth 3: Representation is working fine as it is
We’re on a journey to make representation better for everyone.
Representation is at the heart of what we do as your Students’ Guild — making sure your voice is heard by the University and beyond. But a lot has changed over the past 20 years. There are more students, more online courses, and new types of communities across Exeter.
You told us that the current system doesn’t always reflect that reality. So, we’re giving it a proper refresh — to make it work better for everyone, not just the few who already know how it all works.
Myth 4: Students will have to be elected to all new roles
Not true!
While some positions will still be elected, others will be available through applications. That way, more students can get involved— whether you love campaigning or prefer to apply quietly in your own time.
We know that big elections aren’t for everyone, so we’re introducing a mix of opportunities: full-time elected Officers, paid flexible roles, and project-based positions that open up throughout the year.
More choice, more flexibility, more voices.
Myth 5: Student voice isn’t really that important
It’s actually the most important thing.
Your voice is the reason we exist. The Guild was created to represent students, support you through your time at Exeter, and make sure your feedback shapes the University experience.
Because we’re independent from the University, we can take what you tell us straight to the right people — pushing for the changes that matter most to you.
Every piece of feedback, every survey response, every conversation — it all helps us make Exeter better for students now and in the future.
So, what’s next?
We’re now in the final stages of the Representation Review —which means soon we’ll be sharing our ideas for new models: new roles, new voices and new ways for you to get involved.
In December, we’ll confirm the new two-Officer model and the wider structure of student leadership roles.
Then from 8 December to 22 January, nominations will open for anyone who wants to stand for the new positions or full-time Officer roles starting in 2026/27.
Got thoughts or ideas? Now’s the time to share them. This is your representation system — and we want it to work for you.