Welcome to Exeposé’s coverage of the 2026 Guild elections.
This year marks a major change for the ways elections are run by the Guild. The positions avaliable to run for have moved to two roles:
- Student life + communities Officer
- Education + Employability Officer
Throughout this issue we have spoken to almost every candidate running and are happy to report back on all their answers. We will also provide infomation on how and when to cast your votes!
We want to thank all the contributors that made this edition possible, as well as the Guild for the help, and the candidates for their co-operation and time!
Contributors to this special edition
What are Full-Time Officers?
The Guild’s Full-Time Officer Team are elected students who work as employees of the Guild to represent all students and influence change across the Guild, University, Exeter and Nationally. They are trustees of the organisation and can influence the work and strategy of the Guild.
Previous Officers have run campaigns on drugs harm reduction, safer walking routes, cheaper food on campus, changes to mitigation and decolonising the curriculum. Our Officers have shaped mental health charters and NHS plan submissions, always making sure that the needs of students at the forefront of policymaking.
Why Vote?
These elections decide who’ll lead your Students’ Guild – the people who’ll speak up for you, champion student issues, and hold the University to account. Voting is your chance to shape what student life looks like. Whether it’s better support, a stronger community, or new ideas, it starts with your vote.
@Exepose
@Exepose
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Front page images: William Veerbeek, Flickr, and Exeter Student Guild
I’m Zach, and I’m super excited to be running for Student Life and Communities Officer! I’m running to help create an Affordable Exeter, and Inclusive University and a Guild that’s Transparent in what it does. I’ve been involved in so much advocacy and activism in my time at Exeter, and I really believe I’m the best person for the job. Take a look at my Instagram page @zach4guild to see more!
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE
It really starts with my journey to Exeter and my experience here over the last few years. I grew up as a working-class student, attending a pretty underperforming state school. I also had a significant stutter growing up, leading to a lot of exclusion and anxiety. As time went on, I grew into my identities of being both queer and disabled, ultimately making my way to Uni. I’ve loved being in Exeter, but we’re far from perfect on inclusivity. I’ve personally experienced this, from Exeter’s classism problem to the major accessibility issues. This just isn’t good enough, so for the past few years I’ve dived into a whole variety of activism and advocacy roles to create real change as a student. Now I’m ready to expand this work full time as Student Life and Communities Officer. I think the biggest challenge is that there’s so much change to make, but change doesn’t happen overnight. What’s hard is that officers only stay in the role for 1-2 years, after which they hand over to the next person. We’ve had some amazing changes made by previous officers, such as the introduction of the £2 meal and the exehale wellbeing rooms, but these don’t tend to last. The £2 meal hasn’t been £2 in a long time, and the exehale rooms were falling into obscurity until my personal campaign this year to get them supported again. I want to make real change for students, and that c hange has to be lasting. To do this, I want to make sure my work brings students together and empowers them to hold the Guild accountable long after I leave.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
My priorities for this campaign are Affordability, Inclusivity, and Transparency. On affordability, I know I’m not going to be able to solve the cost-of-living crisis myself, but there’s still so much the Guild can do to support students. Alongside lobbying for local and national change, I want to see the Guild do more to directly help students financially. On inclusivity, we need a university where everyone feels safe and knows that they belong. Right now, that’s just not the case. From tackling gender-based violence to improving accessibility for disabled students, there’s so much work to do. And lastly on transparency, so many people don’t know what the Guild is or what it does. I want to change that, so students not only know what the Guild can do to support them, but also have a real say in what the Guild does.
In my time in Exeter, I’ve had so many advocacy roles and been a part of so many campaigns that make me a great person to take on this role. I’m President of both the LGBTQ+ Society and the Neurodivergent and Disabled Students Society, where I constantly fight for inclusivity on campus. I’m also on the Guild’s accountability board, where I regularly meet the Guild officers, ask questions, and ensure they’re focusing on student priorities. Beyond that, I’ve been an EDI rep, a Guild Changemaker, and I’m on so many different university boards and panels. This experience makes me the perfect person to continue making real change for students.
There are so many, but right now I’ve got to say being involved in the Exeter is for Everyone marches. It’s been so lovely seeing both students and the wider Exeter community come together to stand against racism and hatred in our city. It’s so important that everyone knows they belong here.
Student Life & Community Officer
HUDA PARACHA
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE ROLE?
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
What motivated me to apply for the Life and Communities role at Exeter is my own personal experience. In my first year, I often felt isolated and uncertain about how to connect with others. As someone of Pakistani descent living with a rare disability, I struggled to find a sense of belonging within the Exeter community. I want to change that by helping to make Exeter a place where everyone feels they belong and where diverse communities can come together and thrive.
The biggest challenge in this role would be managing situations where the Guild’s priorities conflict with the interests of Guild directors and higher-ups, especially when it comes to funding certain initiatives. In those cases, my approach would be to engage in open and constructive dialogue, listening to their perspective, understanding their concerns, and working collaboratively to find a solution that supports both student needs and the Guild’s broader objectives.
Affordability: I would push for a rent freezing initiative to ease financial pressures on students. I’d also work to introduce discounts on campus food and nearby restaurants, especially at endof-day clearances, to help budgets stretch further. Beyond this, I’d support students in keeping more money in their pockets by providing guidance on government schemes like PIP that can boost finances, drawing directly from my own experiences navigating these systems. Accessibility: Improving accessibility across campus is a priority, from better pathways and facilities to ensuring everyone can navigate spaces comfortably, drawing from my own experiences with disability. Wellbeing Support: I’d strengthen physical and mental health services on campus through expanded resources, workshops, and partnerships. This includes actively working to destigmatise conversations around money and mental health, creating open spaces where students feel supported in discussing these vital topics. Cultural Connection: Finally, I’d enhance cultural events near accommodations and launch cultural cafes featuring foods from different countries. I’d also strengthen different communities and bring them together through collaborative events, fostering belonging and unity across our diverse student body.
What makes a good candidate is listening, communication, and integrity. These values support listening to everyone, communicating my ideas and being transparent and honest. This coincides with values for this campaign I want to advocate for you. I want to voice my accessibility aim - make Forum Hill less steep 2026 - I want to be honest with all of you on what I can and can’t do for you. I don’t want to give promises. I give the promise that I will fight as hard as I can for my aims; that is what makes a good candidate. As a progressive, disabled, ethnically Pakistani candidate I will fight for you, I know the fight game.
My favourite memory from Exeter was last year’s Pakistan and India Ball, an amazing cultural event with authentic food and dancing. I want to create more events like this to foster truly inclusive spaces where everyone feels at home and no one feels excluded. I’d launch cultural food nights to explore different cultures through their cuisine, and of course include my favourite Pakistani dishes too!
Student Life & Community Officer
EDIE RUSTON
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles throughout my university experience, and my role as a Student EDI Consultant within the Guild has opened my eyes to the wide range of barriers other students face too. I’ve loved working within the Guild this year to help create real, meaningful change, and I would love the opportunity to continue improving the student experience.
From my experience, one of the biggest challenges is getting students actively engaged in Guild events and feedback processes. However, participation is essential- the more voices we hear from, the better we can represent our student body!
My main aim is to reduce gaps in participation and ensure that all students have equal access not only to their academic experience, but also to societies and Guild events. I want students to feel represented, welcomed, and empowered in all Guild and society spaces.
I believe a strong candidate is someone who is approachable, listens actively, and has a genuine passion for improving student experiences and creating meaningful change — qualities I strive to bring to everything I do. I’ve been involved in committees since my second year across multiple roles, and I have direct experience working within the Guild. As a wheelchair user, I’ve also had my share of “interesting experiences throughout university, which have given me the opportunity to work closely with both the University and the Guild to help implement improvements. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how different lived experiences shape students’ needs. Enthusiasm for this kind of work is definitely essential!
It’s hard to pick a single favourite university moment, but many of my best memories are with my housemates and through Calisthenics Society. Calisthenics has been my main society since first year, and it’s had a huge impact on my confidence. It’s a flexible, welcoming society and the source of many of my favourite memories — including camping with a large group of friends last summer. One of my biggest achievements there has been helping to increase the number of women attending sessions and ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.
EXEPOSÉ COVERAGE
Student Life & Community Officer
SAYALI JADHAV
Hi, I’m Sayali, an MSc FinTech student, and I’m running to be Student Life & Communities Officer for 2026-2027. I understand first-hand the pressures of student life such as balancing academic demands, parttime work, cost-of-living challenges, and managing everything independently. I’m passionate about travelling, meeting people from different backgrounds, exploring music, and creative design. These experiences have taught me the importance of community and inclusion. I want every student at Exeter to feel supported, included, and able to thrive beyond the classroom.
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE
I’m interested in this role because student life is about much more than lectures and deadlines—it’s about feeling safe, supported, and part of a community. Through founding and leading my student society, I’ve seen how powerful community can be. However, I’ve also realised that not every student has access to these spaces or feels welcome. I want to represent students on the everyday issues that shape life at Exeter—from wellbeing and belonging to housing and cost-of-living pressures. Most importantly, I want to amplify the voices of students who often go unheard.
The biggest challenge will be ensuring all students feel represented, not just the most visible voices. Exeter is diverse, with different needs and backgrounds. To address this, I’ll listen widely, stay genuinely approachable, work across different communities, and actively amplify overlooked voices. It won’t be easy, but I’m committed to making sure every student’s concerns are heard and no one feels left behind.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
If elected, my main aims are to improve student experience beyond the classroom. First, I’ll advocate for fairer housing conditions—students deserve safe, affordable accommodation. Second, I’ll strengthen cost-of-living support for those struggling to afford basics. Third, I’m committed to building truly inclusive communities where every student feels welcome. Finally, I want to ensure student voices genuinely shape decisions about wellbeing, inclusion, and support services. I won’t just listen to problems; I’ll turn feedback into real action.
I’m approachable, organised, and genuinely committed to supporting overlooked students. I have real experience—I founded a student society from scratch and lead it as President. This taught me how to listen to diverse voices, turn ideas into action, and create welcoming spaces. I’m also a student living these challenges daily, so I understand the pressures firsthand. I’m confident speaking up for others and working collaboratively to create positive change. Most importantly, I follow through on commitments—I don’t just make promises.
One of my favourite Exeter memories has been creating belonging through my student society—seeing students connect, feel welcomed, and build genuine community together. It showed me how powerful small, supportive spaces can be in shaping the student experience and how much students value real community. That experience strengthened my commitment to ensuring every student at Exeter feels they truly belong.
Student Life & Community Officer
PARAM SARASWAT
Confident, Finance, living life
to the fullest
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
I’m interested in this role because it allows student voices to directly influence decision-making at Exeter. Students regularly give feedback, but it isn’t always clear how that leads to change. This role gives me the opportunity to represent students in key discussions, support campaigns on issues that matter, and ensure feedback results in visible, meaningful action.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE
The biggest challenge will be representing a diverse student body while delivering clear outcomes. Students have different priorities, and change within the University can take time. Managing expectations while remaining transparent and consistent will be essential, especially in ensuring students understand what progress is being made and why.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
My main aims are to strengthen student voice, improve communication around assessment and feedback, and address pressures around wellbeing, accommodation and cost of living. I also want to close the feedback loop by keeping students informed about how their input leads to real change. Also the satisfaction of every student in regards of social life, studying, well being will be my aim to achieve.
I’m approachable, organised and committed to listening to students. I can confidently represent student concerns to senior staff while working collaboratively with reps and Guild teams. I care about accountability and follow-through, ensuring representation leads to outcomes students can see and trust.
My favourite Exeter memory is my first day of university, the welcome week. Learning the way I was going to learn, trying to be perfect in the future and meeting many people.
EXCLUSIVE EXEPOSÉ COVERAGE
Student Life & Community Officer
BRIGHT AFRIYIE
Hi everyone, I’m Bright Afriyie, a postgraduate student pursuing an MRes in Advanced Biological Science. As an international student from Ghana, I’m passionate about making a positive difference in others’ lives.
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE
I‘m excited about the Student Life & Communities Officer role because it allows me to support students and enhance their experiences. I believe every student deserves access to the right support and opportunities. This role aligns with my goal of driving meaningful changes and developing my leadership skills.
One of my biggest challenges is managing my desire to assist everyone simultaneously, as I strive to ensure that no student’s needs are overlooked. I’m learning to focus on sustainable change while ensuring that all students feel heard.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED? EXCLUSIVE EXEPOSÉ
If elected, my goals will focus on unity, inclusion, and practical improvements, strengthening community among diverse students, advocating for fairer rent and affordable accommodation. Additionally, encouraging the creation of peer groups at a departmental level to reduce loneliness and mental health pressures while championing student voices to ensure representation for all.
I bring lived experience, strong values, and proven leadership from my involvement in student committees. My empathy and commitment to uplifting others make me a capable representative.
My favorite Exeter memory is connecting with students from diverse backgrounds who share similar dreams. That sense of community inspires me to help create a more inclusive student experience for everyone.
COVERAGE
Student Life & Community Officer
AYSHAM KARIYA
Exeposé did not have the chance to speak to this candidate, but you can find their statement on the Guild’s website.
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
Student Life & Community Officer
NIKITA NANDANWAR
Exeposé did not have the chance to speak to this candidate, but you can find their statement on the Guild’s website.
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
Education & Employability Officer
ESTHER AGBENLA
Esther Agbenla is a strategy-driven social impact professional with over seven years’ experience across the public and non-profit sectors. Her work spans CSR and NGO management, stakeholder engagement, business development, and project and Partnership delivery, with a strong focus on youth development, employability, gender inclusion, and sustainability. She is known for building high-impact, multistakeholder collaborations and applying critical and design.
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE ROLE?
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
This role sits exactly at the intersection of what I care about most: education, employability, and inclusion. My work over the last seven years has focused on building partnerships and programmes that create real pathways for young people to access skills, opportunities, and networks. Being on the Exeter MBA has also shown me how powerful the student voice can be in shaping systems that actually work for students. I’m excited by the chance to turn strategy into practical support, whether that’s strengthening employer links, improving access to opportunities, or making sure no student feels left out of the conversation.
I think the biggest challenge will be balancing ambition with capacity, there are so many different student needs across faculties, backgrounds, and career stages, and it’s impossible to solve everything at once. The real work is in prioritising smartly, building the right partnerships, and designing solutions that are inclusive and scalable, not just well-intentioned. Another challenge is engagement, making sure students actually know what’s available and feel those services are built for and by them.
My main aim is to make employability support more accessible, inclusive, and practical for every student at Exeter. That means strengthening links with employers and alumni, improving skills-focused programmes, and ensuring underrepresented students have clear, supported pathways into opportunities. I want students to leave Exeter not just with a degree, but with confidence, networks, and real-world skills that translate into meaningful careers.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
I bring a mix of strategy, delivery, and people centred leadership. I’ve spent over seven years working across the public and non-profit sectors building partnerships, managing projects, and delivering impact-focused programmes, particularly around youth development and employability. I’m also a strong collaborator, used to working with diverse stakeholders and turning ideas into action. On a personal level, I genuinely care about student success and inclusion, and I bring energy, structure, and follow through to the things I commit to.
One of my favourite Exeter memories is being in class and realising how diverse the room is, different backgrounds, industries, and countries, all learning from each other’s experiences. Those discussions, especially when theory meets real-world stories, really capture what Exeter is about for me: community, growth, and preparing for impact beyond the classroom.
Education & Employability Officer
BONEVENTURE KAVUMA
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE ROLE?
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
I was drawn to this role because it places students at the heart of every decision the University makes. The chance to represent all Exeter students, ensure their voices are heard, and influence the direction of teaching, curriculum, assessment, and career development is an opportunity I find incredibly meaningful. The role’s combination of advocacy, collaboration, and changemaking aligns perfectly with what motivates me. Whether it’s shaping education policy through University committees, working with student reps, or pushing for fairer academic experiences, the role allows me to take real concerns and turn them into real change.
I think the biggest challenge will be balancing the breadth of responsibility with the need for clear, focused impact. This role requires me to engage in everything from curriculum transformation to library resources rollout, hidden course costs, national policy conversations, and trustee-level decision - making; all in a fast - paced environment where no week is the same. Another challenge is ensuring that student voices are not just “heard” but truly acted upon. That means navigating complex University structures, challenging outdated processes, and continuously closing the feedback loop so students know their input leads to real outcomes. But these challenges are also what make the role so impactful and exciting.
If elected, my main aims are fourfold.
1. Improve the academic experience and fairness across departments
2. Strengthen employability support for all students
3. Empower student reps and communities to lead change
4. Improve communication so students know their voices matter
I combine lived experience, professional skills and a genuinely people - focused mindset. As an MBA student with a finance background, hospitality and healthcare experience, and leadership on a UNDP- supported CSR initiatives, I am used to listening to diverse voices and translating complex issues into concrete actions. I am comfortable in committee rooms and community spaces alike, and my track record shows I can work collaboratively, challenge constructively and follow through; precisely what is needed from an Officer- Trustee representing all Exeter students.
My favourite Exeter memory is actually a very ordinary afternoon on Streatham Campus. It was pouring with rain, everyone was tired, and our group had been stuck on the same assignment problem for days. We ended up staying later than planned in the MBA suite, sharing snacks, arguing over ideas and slowly piecing everything together until it finally clicked. Walking out into the dark, wet evening, laughing and debriefing on the way to the bus stop, I remember thinking:,“this is what I came here for”: being challenged, supported and surrounded by people who want you to do well, even on the long days. That feeling of community in the middle of real academic pressure is what I want to help protect and strengthen for other students.
Education & Employability Officer
SAMRUDDHI PRAMOD PATIL
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE ROLE?
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
I was drawn to the Education & Employability Officer role because it directly connects students’ academic experiences with their futures beyond university. I strongly believe a degree at Exeter should be more than just a qualification— it should equip students with confidence, transferable skills, and clear career direction. Having seen both the strengths and gaps within higher education, I want to represent student voices and help ensure that learning at Exeter genuinely prepares students for life after graduation.
The biggest challenge will be ensuring employability and academic support is accessible and relevant to all students, regardless of background, discipline, or career path. There can often be a disconnect between courses, departments, and employability services, which means support can feel inconsistent. Addressing this requires strong collaboration with the University and the Guild, and making sure student feedback meaningfully shapes decisions rather than being overlooked.
My main aim is to strengthen the link between education and employability by advocating for inclusive, skills-focused learning and clearer pathways from university to careers. I want to improve access to placements, internships, and industry-specific opportunities, including for non-traditional career paths. Alongside this, I aim to support academic wellbeing, fair assessment practices, and clearer feedback, ensuring students feel supported, informed, and prepared for their futures.
I am a strong communicator and, most importantly, a listener. My academic engagement, leadership experience, and involvement in student projects have given me a clear understanding of the challenges students face. I am confident in raising student concerns, working collaboratively to find solutions, and challenging systems when necessary. I approach this role with professionalism, empathy, and a genuine commitment to ensuring student voices are heard and acted upon.
One of my favourite Exeter memories is spending time collaborating with fellow students on projects and events that brought people together from different backgrounds. Moments like these — whether in group work, societies, or simply sharing time on campus — reflect the strong sense of community at Exeter and reinforce why student representation and connection truly matter. And taking part in society events.
Education & Employability Officer
MIA TAYLOR-SEAL
I am a proud working-class, first-generation, state-educated student from the Black Country. I am actively involved in student life, playing rugby, windsurfing, surfing, engaging in art and creative projects, and leading across campus. I am the Co-President of Exeter’s 93% Club, Guild Change Maker, HASS Success for All Intern, on a Social Mobility Research Advisory Board, Class Officer for Exeter Feminist Society, A Brilliant Club Ambassador, 93% Club Mentorship Mentee, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, Social Mobility Advocate, and an Undergrad- uate Researcher at Exeter. I have also worked as a Research Intern at the University of Cambridge, and advocated for equality within academic spaces. I am an award-winning podcast host about ‘inclusion in Higher Education and Career spheres’, advocacy blogger, and experienced public speaker. All my work is rooted in lived experience and the belief that belonging at university should never require assimilation.
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
Because higher education was never built with people like me in mind, and I learned that early in my first year. I grew up in the Black Country in a single-parent family, first-generation, state-educated, and eligible for free school meals, in a low higher-education attainment area. University wasn’t an expectation; it was something I had to fight to imagine. When I arrived, it felt very conditional, not just on grades, but on how you speak, where you’re from, what you can afford, and whether you “fit” the model, and if you had to change to fit an unrealistic standard. From this, I saw how subtle systems worked, how confidence was assumed in some students and questioned in others, how employability advice wasn’t designed for those without networks, and how working-class and other experiences were rarely treated as expertise. Those experiences that first silenced me, are what now drive me to change these systems. I’m running because students regardless of their backgrounds and identity, shouldn’t have to shrink, assimilate, or feel grateful just to belong. Education and employability should build confidence and futures, not quietly gatekeep them and make university a survival game rather than a thriving one.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE ROLE?
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
The biggest challenge is changing systems that are invisible to those they work for but deeply felt by those they don’t This can be linked to; Jargon, hidden rules, inaccessible support, and “unwritten expectations” that shape confidence, grades, and futures, yet are often dismissed as individual issues rather than structural problems. University for most students isn’t just attending lectures, its working many hours at a part-time job, what feels like a full-time job, worrying about how to afford food, and looking at the future job market that decreasingly doesn’t value our degrees.Another challenge is reaching students who feel excluded or unheard, in particular the ones who don’t always show up, speak up, or know where to go because of a along neglect of student voice and direct change. Also, the ability to represent everyone even when we don’t have the same lived experience. That’s why listening has to come before action. Real change only happens when student voice lead restructuring initiatives and are not just consultation. In this role I am not here to speak for you in every room, I’m here to platform and empower your voice, so you can lead change.
My overall aim is simple. No student should leave Exeter feeling unheard, unprepared, or questioning whether university was worth it. I will keep pushing for: 1.Inclusive curricula shaped by student voice and get students into decision making rooms. 2.Continue to create better accessible employability schemes, not just for those with networks or can commit unpaid time. 3.Clearer academic skills support, without stigma, gatekeeping, or a bolt on exercise at the end of a lecture. 4.Stronger structures of support, so confidence isn’t a privilege, and help limit imposter syndrome where possible. Degrees alone don’t get jobs anymore, its experience, networks, and confidence that do. This is a problem when not everyone can afford unpaid work, already has networks, or can “just do more”. I want to close that gap so background doesn’t determine outcomes and our value when we walk across that stage to get our degree, whether that’s in 3 months or 3 years.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
I already do this work at mass scale, so imagine what I could do if this work was fulltime. When I discuss how I want ‘real’ change, it’s not an empty statement or convincing tactic, it’s filled with experience. Across the Guild, the University, and nationally, I lead education, employability, and social mobility work rooted in lived experience and backed by data. This year, I co-presided over the relaunch of Exeter’s 93% Club, growing it to over 300 members. I created the University’s first Social Mobility Week, produced institution-wide resources, built trusted student platforms reaching over 150,000 people, worked on Education policy, represented student voice in employability spaces, and led and created projects to break systemic barriers. In these, I listen first and act second, and turn access into real outcomes. Through leadership roles, workshops, a podcast, projects, policy change, and research, I’ve built spaces where students feel safe to speak honestly, and I actively turn those perspectives into action. I’m proud to be state-educated, proud of my regional identity, and proud of a background that taught me resilience and leadership long before university ever did. My work isn’t about deficit; it’s about the dignity to exist as yourself and to be proud of the fire that got you to university in the first place.
Rebooting the 93% Club and watching students realise they weren’t alone. Seeing students who had felt out of place, confused by jargon, or unsure if they belonged finally speak openly, and confidently about class, identity, and ambition reminded me why this work matters. It wasn’t just a society growing, it was self-healing, community creating and belonging being built. A strong community gives you confidence to perform in academic and employability spaces. This gave me the formula for how to create ‘Real, impactful and lasting Change’. The recipe is actually listen to students and create space for them to platform their issues, problems will never be solved if you do not create space to speak openly. That moment made Exeter feel more like home, and that’s the feeling I want every student to leave with, and to never feel like an imposter because of their background.
Education & Employability Officer
KARTIK THAPLIYAL
Exeposé did not have the chance to speak to this candidate, but you can find their statement on the Guild’s website.
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE ROLE?
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
Education & Employability Officer
FRANCIS STEPTOE
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE ROLE?
I’m Francis, I’m a physics student from North Devon and also the current education officer! Previously I was a department officer for 3 years, fighting hard to improve teaching quality and support a more balanced workload in education. I’ve also been the VP of hide and seek society, working to make the society more accessible and affordable. I want to keep standing up for students and give them more opportunities to hold the university to account, and create a fairer education for all. I’m passionate about sustainability and an experienced facilitator of discussion between staff, students and the local community. Throughout my time at Exeter I’ve seen common themes and concerns repeatedly fall to the sidelines. From lecturers ignoring ILPs to timetabling issues affecting students who work part-time. In higher education, there is little room for error - this is must change. Navigating the current national higher education climate. It’s not a secret that unis are making cuts nationwide, and it has never been more important to voice our concerns, organise and act to show how valuable an authentic and personal education is to us.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE ROLE?
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AIMS IF YOU GET ELECTED?
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXETER MEMORY?
After nearly a year of education work, taking on employability too will be a new challenge that I’m prepared to tackle head on. Every student has a passion worth pursuing and that makes providing true opportunities difficult, especially when not every student is given equal opportunity to develop skills. Not every student has a network nor do they necessarily want it. But every single one of us deserves the option to be supported in developing that if we wish.
1- If AI is becoming more integrated into life and our learning environment, it’s important that it supplements learning and doesn’t substitute. I’d like to set up a clear accountability mechanism for students to feed back when it is used irresponsibly such as in assessment feedback - our data matters! 2- Rep review. The guild is making so many additional part time jobs for students, but it’s important that these roles are creating meaningful support and representation for students, and aren’t just side gigs. I’m hoping that with more students able to get involved, we can move to better feedback methods such as people’s assemblies, so every students can not only voice concerns, but co-create solutions.
3- Address how inconsistent services at the university can be. Poor assessment feedback has been leaving students feeling without direction for too long. ILP implementation has left disabled students feeling singled out, ignored and frustrated. These issues need to fundamentally be addressed with standardised, embedded support that students are able to hold to account and get fast, reliable and compassionate responses.
After a year of being education officer, I’ve demonstrated that when I’m here students have to be listened to. From protecting PTA hour cuts in SPSPA to ensuring students are not only consulted but brought into the planning of curriculum change. I’ve worked hard to make sure student concerns are addressed and proactively supported. I’m passionate about all things education, with hopes of further study of my passion- accessible and inclusive teaching in Physics! I’m in this race to represent students because there should be no conversation about us without us at university, and I think that sometimes the Uni can forget that behind every student number is a passionate and talented person.
Doing science outreach with Space Exe. It always brought a smile to my face to be able to share my passion for learning with people of all ages, and talking to people about stargazing is always wonderful! Access to education is incredibly important to me, particularly coming from a deprived area, and being able to further other peoples opportunity is an incredible privilege..
STEP
Students can vote via: www.exeterguild.com/Elections OR https://my.exeterguild.com/student/login Any issues they can email digital@exeterguild.com
