Student story: Seun Sowunmi, SU President for Undergraduates
Seun Sowunmi is Oxford SU's President for Undergraduates this year, representing your interests to ensure the student voice is heard across the University. Read Seun's blog to learn more about her role and opportunities to get involved.
Tell us about yourself!
I studied History at Wadham. I’m from Birmingham but my family originates in Nigeria. I love building lego, baking, singing, student democracy and exploring historical sights. For example, when I went on holiday with my partner, I took prints of fun textures in the Girona Cathedral.
Can you describe what your role as a student representative involves day to day?
My role involves speaking to key stakeholders across the University including students, University staff members, heads of colleges and society leaders. Primarily it involves academic representation on committees, which means a lot of my time in the week is spent on reading hundreds and hundreds of pages. Sometimes, it involves running events, for example in October I ran a series of events in the SU to celebrate Black History Month. It’s busy, but, it’s all worth it in the end because it means I get to be the voice of students in the University and represent you the best that I can. Read my reflections on Black History Month in this blog.
How did you get involved and what has it brought to your personal/ Oxford experience?
When I first came to Oxford at Freshers’ Fair I met one of the sabbatical officers in 2022. She was so kind and lovely, and it made me wonder what the SU was and what went on there. When the SU was in its old building, I received free sub-fusc which helped me massively. It made me think I want to get involved in a place like that so I became President of my JCR (Wadham SU), as well as taking part in Oxford SU’s student council and was a member of Oxford SU’s scrutiny committee. I was also co-chair of CRAE (Campaign for Racial Awareness and Equality) and BAME Officer in Class Act. These allowed me to get involved in the student community, and it made me realise my passion for doing that so I ran for President of the Students’ Union. I genuinely want the best for all students, and feel like in this role I am able to do that on a broader scale.
Why is it important that students have a voice in university decision-making?
It’s important because students are on the receiving end of these decisions. If you are on the receiving end of the decisions, you have a right to say what you believe in, and are what is best for you. The student voice is powerful because when we work together as a collective, we can roar very loud and create more change than we ever thought possible.
What impact do you hope to have by the end of your term?
I want to ensure that student voices are respected and listened to in every corner of the University. I recognise that the rate of change at Oxford can be slow, so I want to push the snail a little further.
Why should other students consider running in SU elections for either part-time or leadership positions?
It’s not a Students’ Union without the students. One of our primary purposes is to create change, and represent students. However, we can’t do that if students don’t get involved, and therefore miss their invaluable insights and experiences. Also, it’s just good fun. If you are an officer (sabb or part time), you have your own budget for your own projects and you can use that to lead to impactful change. It’s a sappy phrase that ‘be the change you want to see in the world’ but, it’s so true. If you feel like you don’t belong in any place in Oxford, then Officer roles give you a chance to engage with others who look like you and create a home away from home.
What opportunities are there for other students to get involved?
Come to our events! If you are a marginalised students’ officer in your college or society (e.g. Class, LGBT+) then come to our RepComs. Plus, any student can come to Conference of Common Rooms. In these spaces you can then help to influence what we will be representing you on at University committees. Plus, in Hilary we will be electing the new team of Equity Officers, Community Officers and Presidents so consider standing yourself and make sure you use your democratic rights to vote. Or, just pop into the SU and say hi; one of us is usually in the office (I promise, we don’t bite).
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