JCR President’s Report

Sara Cepele (Jurisprudence, 2019)

Every student has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another this year. Each JCR Bench member stood for election with that in mind. It became clear that our main challenges were to bridge the disconnect and strengthen bonds within the JCR. A shared commitment to increasing accessibility, diversity, and justice greatly helped us in our endeavours.

In 2021, Mansfield was awarded ‘College of Sanctuary’ status, with the JCR assisting in the application process: an incredible achievement. We set up a Refugee Week Committee which organised fundraisers and increased student political activism and awareness of the position of those with fragile immigration statuses. Links to articles and petitions were posted each week in Trinity term, and events were run during Refugee Week. We also adapted our constitution better to reflect our commitment to cultivating a welcoming environment at Mansfield. This included introducing an anti-discrimination policy and specifying that a core aim of the JCR is to promote diversity and inclusivity.

The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of immediately addressing the Climate Emergency. The Environment and Ethics Officer and I have worked with the College to set about achieving a goal of a net-zero carbon emission and biodiversity net gain by 2030. In our pursuit of sustainability, the ‘Mansfield Clothes Swap’ has resumed. Here, JCR members can donate unwanted clothes and buy any donated item of clothing for £1. We look forward to achieving our set goals and hope Mansfield can play its part in responding to the Climate Emergency.

The JCR Bench has also worked diligently to maintain inter-year communication and social links. We have continued the ‘College Family’ and ‘Adopt a Finalist’ traditions, organised virtual quiz nights, and also reopened social spaces in line with Government guidance. The College Bar was revived in Trinity term 2021 with a new list of affordable drinks – just in time for the Euros! The turnout was amazing, and we hope this continues. We were also able to run a few formals before the long vacation; these were reminiscent of pre-pandemic times – lots of good music, food, and people. The Mansfield Ball Committee is now working hard on the 2022 ball, which we are all looking forward to attending.

We continue to support our student body. Thanks to Mansfield alumni, we were able to help establish an ‘Alumni Mentorship Programme’ to connect current JCR students with alumni. We hope this allows Mansfielders to explore new areas of work and be supported in their pursuit of a career by alumni who remember what it was like to be in their shoes.

Welfare has always been a particular focus for the JCR, to ensure students can thrive at Mansfield. We have extended our Peer Support Programme to join with

St Edmund’s Hall so that Mansfielders can speak to an external peer supporter if they would prefer. In Trinity term, we were also finally able to host an in-person Welfare Tea.

With the waiver of the residency requirement, the International Officer ensured that those students living outside of Oxford had the opportunity to connect with the JCR through poetry and quiz nights. The JCR Bench was also quick to respond to concerns over safety, which spread across the country. Following the tragic case of Sarah Everard, the JCR passed a motion to create a dedicated taxi fund for those who feel unsafe travelling back to their accommodation alone when in Oxford. Mansfield also joined in the ‘Safe Haven’ scheme, which spreads the message that students from any college are welcome to enter Mansfield’s Porter’s Lodge should they feel unsafe walking home.

I could carry on at length about the achievements the JCR has made this past year alone. We have managed to remain connected despite being physically fragmented. I would like to thank the JCR Bench for working tirelessly to carry out their roles. Thanks, too, to the JCR for being consistently responsive and involved. I am also grateful to the SCR for being receptive and empathetic to student concerns. Everyone’s dedication to ensuring that Mansfield is a welcoming and inclusive place is what makes our College so great. It is a pleasure to be the JCR President here for 2021/22.

‘The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of immediately addressing the Climate Emergency.’

Sara Cepele (left)