This week, we’re recognising our incredible team of Guild Officers who’ve championed student voices, driven change, and made a lasting impact at Exeter. As we say a heartfelt goodbye to Guild President Alex Martin, Societies and Employability Officer India Walton-Salmon, and Communities and Equality Officer Thomas Tran, we celebrate their outstanding achievements and tireless dedication.
We’re also thrilled to announce that Kira, your Student Living Officer, will be continuing into a second term, and Seb Racisz, your current Education Officer, will be stepping up as Guild President for 2025–26!
Officer Highlights:
Alex Martin – Guild President
- Led Exeter’s student voice in the University Mental Health Charter application.
- Directed £25,000 to student-led projects through Your Say Your Way.
- Built powerful connections with MPs and alumni to advocate for international student rights and housing reform.
- Chaired the Trustee Board, steering key initiatives like the Representation Review.
India Walton-Salmon – Societies & Employability Officer
- Created a committee handbook packed with practical tools for society leaders.
- Made Welcome Week more inclusive with traffic light lanyards.
- Partnered with the Career Zone to deliver events like Creative Careers Week and Get into Politics Week.
- Amplified student voices on classism in employability through data sharing and advocacy.
Thomas Tran – Communities & Equality Officer
- Took student concerns to Parliament, lobbying on trans rights, disability benefits, and international student issues.
- Championed accessible campus maps, with pilots launching this summer.
- Ensured mental health remains central to academic support.
- Empowered students to launch events like the Cultural Festival and Open Mic Nights.
Seb Racisz – Education Officer
- Hosted 12+ paid student panels to gather curriculum feedback.
- Led deep dives into assessment fairness and feedback quality, shaping the University’s academic direction.
- Co-authored the Guild’s first report on classism, now influencing University policy.
- Strengthened support systems by integrating Pastoral Mentors into academic outreach.
Kira – Student Living Officer
- Helped launch Academics Against Assault in Exeter, with bystander training starting this September.
- Spoke in Parliament on the Renters’ Rights Bill, spotlighting student housing challenges.
- Advocated expansion to the Access to Exeter bursary for 2025–26.
- Delivered 840 meal kits through Feed Your Flat events, feeding over 4,200 students!
A Massive Thank You!
To Alex, India, Thomas, Kira and Seb — your year and leadership has left a legacy. You’ve inspired change, uplifted voices, and made Exeter a better place for every student. We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished!
Meet Your 2025–26 Guild Officers!
Let’s give a warm welcome to your new team:
- Rose Arhin – Communities and Equality Officer
- Francis Steptoe – Education Officer
- Gemma Veal – Societies and Employability Officer
We can’t wait to see what this dynamic new team will achieve. Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing more about them soon!