Reflections on Student Voices Week
Thank you to all staff and students who helped to organise, and attended, the events for Student Voices Week, which took place in week 4 of the spring semester.
Student Voices Week highlighted the diversity of students at the School of Law.
There are students studying at different levels (undergraduate, postgraduate taught and PhD), from many different backgrounds, with many different characteristics and facing many different challenges as they navigate their way through their studies.
Event 1 involved a discussion, about failure and resilience, between the following panel members and other attendees:
Gareth Bramley (University Teacher in Clinical and Legal Education)
Cat Atkinson (Student Wellbeing Advisor)
Sehrish Tasneem (a PhD student at the School of Law)
Xahria Preudhomme (an undergraduate student and Academic Rep at the School of Law)
A number of key themes were explored within the discussion, such as control, knowledge, identity and relationships.
In relation to control, students sometimes worry about things which are beyond their control. Students should focus on what they can influence and accept that they cannot control the behaviour of others, outcomes or the past. In relation to knowledge, students should recognise that they cannot know everything in advance. Students will develop their knowledge and skills as they progress throughout their studies. In relation to identity, it is clear that how students perceive themselves and others is important.
There is no perfect or ‘ideal type’ law student.
Every student has their own challenges to navigate and their own vulnerabilities. All students depend on others. In relation to relationships, it was noted how important it is to draw on support when difficulties arise. In this respect, students can draw on the support of their families and friends, their Academic Tutors and support services at the University of Sheffield, such as the Student Mental Health, Counselling, Therapies & Wellbeing Service.
Mature students face their own unique challenges and Event 3 was a specific event for mature students, which was organised by Gilly Sharpe (the Deputy Student Experience Lead (WP) at the School of Law). Gilly will follow this up by making contact with all mature students shortly.
At Events 2 and 4, students had the opportunity to meet with their Academic Reps and to ask questions to staff in senior leadership positions at the School of Law. The Academic Reps represent students in the student-staff committee (SSC). In addition, some Academic Reps attend the Education Committee at the School of Law and faculty level student-staff committees. The SSC meets four times each academic year and discusses important issues relating to learning and teaching, assessments and support. The discussions at SSC have informed changes at the School of Law, such as changes to ensure that feedback on assessments is more consistent. Further information pertaining to Academic Reps is available here.
Event 5, facilitated by Jiahong Chen (the EDI lead at the School of Law), was an opportunity for staff and students to discuss inclusive learning at the School of Law. The event also included colleagues from the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) and Elevate.
There are many students studying at the School of Law who have learning support plans (LSPs). Such LSPs outline the adjustments that those students require in relation to learning and teaching and assessments. Jiahong has been leading on developing best practice in relation to inclusive learning and has been grateful for the input of staff and students.
The University of Sheffield recognises that the support needs of students may change over time. Students can get in touch with DDSS if there are any changes to their support needs.
Event 6 was an opportunity for students, who are set to embark on a year undertaking a placement or a year abroad, with students who have already undertaken placements and a year studying abroad. Students who have studied abroad and secured placements kindly shared their experiences at the event. Students are afforded much support in preparing to study abroad and in endeavouring to secure relevant placements.
Studying abroad and undertaking placements provides students with excellent opportunities to enhance their knowledge and experiences, which is beneficial both for their academic studies and their career ambitions.
Thanks again to everyone who was involved with Student Voices Week.
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