Long term plans outlined for University student services and Oxford SU space

University student services will be consolidated into a single student hub in Wellington Square from 2026, while Oxford SU will move to a new home in the Exam Schools.

The plans are part of a wider project to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of central University space, support collaboration and free up funding to support essential services.

Under the new arrangements, the University Offices at Wellington Square will be transformed into a central, easily accessible hub for students.

This is designed to improve the visibility of central student services and increase collaboration between student-facing teams, in support of the student experience. It will also include closely affiliated teams, such as the Alumni Office.

There will also be separate hubs for senior officers and external-facing teams at Radcliffe Humanities, and for administration teams at Worcester Street and the Malthouse 

Oxford SU will move from its current Worcester Street location to the Examination Schools, making use of space vacated by teams moving to Wellington Square in 2026.

These are high level plans which will take several years to implement. Most of the moves are not expected to take place until 2026, after the expected opening of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. 

A detailed planning phase will begin from Michaelmas term 2023, involving in-depth space-planning and creating a phased relocation plan. There will be ongoing engagement with students as appropriate as part of the planning process.

Professor Martin Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), said: “I am pleased about these plans, and about the positive impact on students in the long term. Having a single hub for student-facing services will help us provide a more seamless experience for students seeking support; while the SU will benefit from facilities in the heart of the city. We will work closely with our student community as our planning progresses to ensure the new spaces meet their needs.”

A spokesperson for Oxford SU said: “During the recent elections, our candidates consistently heard from students a strong desire for a more centrally located SU. The proposed move to Exam Schools presents an opportunity to deliver just that. We are looking forward to working with the University and our members to make sure this space is one students will engage with, right in the heart of Oxford.

The decision of the University to relocate its student support teams under one roof at Wellington Square will make it easier for students to locate and access these important services.

More information is available on the UAS Space Review project page.