Because you told us it wasn’t working for everyone.

Many students haven’t always seen themselves reflected in leadership roles – we’ve heard that time and time again over the last year.

We’re building a structure that better represents students from all backgrounds and experiences. This is about creating something that feels more inclusive, more flexible, and more reflective of real student life at Exeter. Shaped with students, for students.

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Some roles will be elected, some will be applied for, giving more students more ways to get involved in a way that works for them.

We know that big elections don’t work for everyone. That’s why we’re designing a mix of opportunities - from full-time elected Officers to paid, flexible, project-based roles you can apply for throughout the year.

Right now, we’re still shaping the details and your feedback will guide what comes next.

Once the consultation closes, we’ll work through the final structure and recruitment process, with our Trustee Board making the final decision based on what we hear from students.

So, if you’ve got thoughts, now’s the time to share them.

This isn’t about cutting opportunities. Changing the structure means we’re freeing up funds to invest in more.

- More elected or hired student leadership positions

- More relevant, course-level and community-level voices

- More money in students' pockets through new paid, flexible roles

- More chances to get involved beyond traditional elections, such as panels, student staff roles and new ways to get your voice heard

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Short answer: you do and you already have.

The roles we’re developing are being shaped by your feedback, your experiences, and what you’ve told us needs to change. From drop-ins and surveys to conversations and workshops, your voice has been at the centre of it all.

Once the consultation closes, we’ll work through the finer details, looking at what roles are needed, how they’ll work, and how they’ll be filled. Our Trustee Board will make the final decision, but it will be based on what we hear from you.

This is about building a structure that reflects the real Exeter student experience, not just what’s always been done.

Yes. By students, for students.

You told us the old system felt too centralised and didn’t reflect the real diversity of experience here. You asked for more say in your academic experience, stronger community voices, and leadership that works for more people.

That’s what we’re moving towards - representation designed with you, for you.

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You’re still very much in the picture.

The current 5-Officer model and reps will continue for the 2025/26 academic year, until 10 July 2026.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• 22 September - 31 October, you can have your say on what matters most to you via suggestion forms, workshops and face-to-face conversations.
• In December, we'll confirm the new two-officer model and what they'll do, plus the wider structure of rep and leadership roles.
• Nominations open on 8 December until 22 January to stand for one of the new Full-Time Officer roles starting in 2026/27.
• We'll roll out new ways to get involved in Terms 2 and 3 - including paid, flexible, and community-based opportunities for students who want to lead change in ways that work for them.

So, whether you're already in a role or thinking about getting involved, there’s space for you in what comes next.

We're sharing what's already been shaped, what's next, and how you can get involved. This isn't happening behind closed doors. Students are in the loop and at the heart of it.

We’re asking for your thoughts from 22 September - 31 October. This is your chance to shape what student representation looks like at Exeter.

Here’s how you can get involved: ‍

• Complete our form - it's quick, easy and your feedback goes straight into shaping the future.

• Find us at pop-ups (7 Oct Forum, 9 Oct Cross Keys) – come say hi, ask questions, and share your thoughts face-to-face.

• Join an Officer-led drop-in – open to students and student leaders, these are safe spaces to chat, challenge and co-create.

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Yes, and you’ve helped shape what that looks like.

Your feedback has helped co-design a new two-Officer structure that focuses on the things students have told us matter most:

- Education Officer: Here to make sure your course, academic support and career opportunities work for you.

- Student Experience Officer: Focused on your day-to-day student life, from housing and wellbeing to community and belonging.

This structure keeps the best bits of full-time leadership, but makes it clearer, more focused, and more reflective of what students actually need.

You might be in your final year, but your voice still matters. You’ve seen first-hand what works, and what doesn’t, so your experience is key to shaping a representation model that actually reflects student needs.

This review isn’t just about now; it’s about leaving a legacy and making things better for the students who come after you. Plus, if there’s anything that’s frustrated you over the years, this is your chance to speak up and help fix it.