Student story: Wantoe T. Wantoe, SU President for Postgraduates

I am Wantoe T. Wantoe, the President for Postgraduates at Oxford University Students’ Union, representing more than 13,900 research and taught postgraduate students. I represent students on the University Council, the Planning and Resource Allocation Committee, Education Committee, Taught Degrees and Awards Panel, Research Degrees Panel, Graduate Admissions Committee, Graduate Access Sub-Committee, the Joint AI Working Group, General Purposes Committee, and several others, helping shape decisions on education, access, student welfare, and Oxford’s digital transformation. 

I graduated with a Master of Public Policy from Pembroke College and an MSc in Comparative and International Education from Somerville College. I am from Liberia, where I have also served as a youth advocate and policy leader. 

Can you describe what your role as a student representative involves day to day? 

As President for Postgraduates, I work to ensure that postgraduate students are meaningfully represented across the University’s decision-making structures. My work involves engaging with senior leadership on policy, finance, and academic governance while advocating for improved welfare, access, and funding opportunities. 

Part of my role also includes chairing the MCR Presidents’ Committee (PresCom), a gathering of all MCR Presidents across Oxford colleges, where we coordinate common room priorities, discuss college-level challenges, and strengthen the collective postgraduate voice across the collegiate University. 

How did you get involved and what has it brought to your personal/Oxford experience? 

I was inspired to serve because I have always believed that representation bridges lived experience with institutional change. Previously, I served as President for the Class of 2022 and Vice President for Club Relations at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in New York, where I first discovered the impact of student advocacy on campus life. Those early experiences shaped my leadership philosophy and continue to guide my work at Oxford. 

My journey has shown me how dialogue and empathy can turn student feedback into structural action. It has been incredibly rewarding to work with diverse communities and contribute to shaping a more inclusive Oxford. 

Why is it important that students have a voice in university decision-making? 

Oxford’s strength lies in its diversity of perspectives. When students are involved in governance, it ensures decisions are not only strategic but also human-centred. Student voices make policies more reflective, inclusive, and responsive to real needs, and that is essential for a university that aspires to global excellence. 

Looking to the future, what impact do you hope to have by the end of your term? 

I hope to leave behind a legacy of stronger postgraduate inclusion and communication. Beyond committee representation, I have focused on building bridges between students and decision-makers through initiatives like the Oxford Student Voice Podcast, a platform I established to make governance more transparent and accessible. The podcast features conversations with senior leaders, including the Vice-Chancellor, and highlights the importance of student voice in shaping Oxford’s future. 

Why should other students consider running in SU elections for either part-time or leadership positions? 

Leadership in the SU is transformative. It gives you the rare opportunity to influence real policy, develop your voice, and work collaboratively with extraordinary peers and University leaders. It is a learning experience that deepens your understanding of governance and community. 

What opportunities are there for other students to get involved? 

The SU offers countless ways for students to get involved and make a difference. We now have course and divisional representatives across Oxford’s divisions including Humanities, Social Sciences, MPLS, Medical Sciences, and Continuing Education, ensuring every academic area has a strong voice. 

Our new structure also includes the Conference of Common Rooms (CCR), where Common Room Presidents and SU Officers come together to build a collective student voice. Each Common Room sends a representative, usually the President, to vote on motions that reflect their members’ views. CCR meets twice a term and provides a vital space for collaboration and community-led action. 

We also have Equity Officers who represent students from marginalised communities, focusing on equality, welfare, and inclusion through campaigning and policy work. The SU is driving a more student-centred approach, ensuring that student perspectives inform every area of policy and decision-making. 

I am always available for ideas, feedback, and collaboration. Please feel free to reach out on Instagram or by email if you would like to connect, share suggestions, or get involved.