The academic and inclusion student communities were a new initiative that launched last year. They help to give underrepresented groups a platform to have their voices heard on campus and beyond.
Olivia Davies
VP Wellbeing & Diversity
What is an academic and inclusion student community?
Well, the academic and inclusion student communities were a new initiative that launched last year. They help to give underrepresented groups a platform to have their voices heard on campus and beyond. As well as organising activities, events and campaigns, they receive support and work with the Students' Union to secure the general interests and rights of students that self-define into the relevant group. Each academic and inclusion Student Community is led by a Community Officer. Keep reading to hear a little more about them.
Last year, I was the Women Students’ Community Officer and absolutely loved the community that we created. It was so incredible to be able to advocate and give a voice for my community. I was able to be a part of so many different things such as Women’s History Month and the NeverOK Campaign. I got to run events with some incredible societies, host an International Women’s Day Breakfast and highlight some of the incredible women here at Royal Holloway with my ‘Women of the Month’ social media series.
Meet your Academic and Inclusion Student Community Officers and hear all about them and their plans for this year:
Black & Global Majority Students
Hello! My name is Piya Kher (she/her) and I'm currently a Law student at Royal Holloway. I'm really looking forward to embracing my role as Black & Global Majority Students' Community Officer. I'm excited for the academic year! Please email or dm me on Instagram if you have any questions or have any suggestions for events or campaigns you would like to see! I believe community inclusivity and collaboration is incredibly important and I hope to bring these two aspects into light to make our campus a better place for students of all backgrounds.
You can get in touch with Piya via email at blackandglobal.community@royalholloway.su or Instagram @rhsu_blackglobal_community
Disabled Students
Hello! I’m JJ (he/they), your Disabled Students Community Officer. I’m a fourth year studying Electronic Engineering. Designing and fabricating adaptive hardware for several years prior to university was one of the many reasons I entered this field. I ran for this position to ensure that campus continues to have an inclusive and visible community of disabled students of all abilities. Growing up within the world of disability has given me a deep understanding, commitment and literacy within accessibility and the community. I look forward to meeting and working with our community! During my time, I aim to create and curate a resource that enhances accessibility for all students and staff. This resource will allow everyone to look up the accessibility of buildings, rooms, and routes on campus in advance. This will address short- to mid-term needs and I hope will inform future decisions for campus accessibility. Additionally, I plan to establish and support infrastructure for a Neurodiversity Diagnostic Fund to assist students seeking private diagnosis and related healthcare.
You can get in touch with JJ via email at disabled.community@royalholloway.su or Instagram @rhsu_disabled_community
International Students
Hi everyone! I'm Farha (she/her), a second-year Business and Management student, and your newly elected International Student Community Officer.
I ran for this role because I understand the challenges that come with adapting to a new academic and social environment, especially when you're far from home. Having experienced this, myself as an international student, I'm passionate about fostering a welcoming and supportive community. I'm here to listen to your ideas and suggestions. Let's work together to make your time here enriching and unforgettable! This year, I'm dedicated to creating a platform where international students can connect, share experiences, and feel empowered. Here are some key goals:
- Social Events: Organize cultural exchange events and outings to help you integrate with the local community and fellow international students.
- Support Network: Build a strong support system with resources and workshops on navigating academics, cultural adjustments, and well-being.
- Advocacy: Be your voice and advocate for your needs within the University structure.
You can get in touch with Farha via email at international.community@royalholloway.su or Instagram @rhsu_international_community
LGBTQ+ Students
Hello! I’m Mohan Dave.
A little about me: I’m a third year studying film, television, and digital production, and I am excited to be your LGBT+ Community Officer. I’m a proud Brown Butch Lesbian. I use She/Her and He/Him pronouns. I have a genuine love and passion for queerness, and for advocating for fellow LGBT+ people. I love all things music - I love to play the guitar, write, and read (usually queer theory or fiction) in my free time! I hope to be a friendly face around on campus, and you’ll probably end up finding me tucked away in the library somewhere.
I plan on continuing to foster an uplifting and inclusive community at Royal Holloway, which includes (but is not limited to): making gender neutral bathrooms more accessible on campus, garner more support for the transition fund (check out LGBT society’s page to find more information about this mutual aid fund), to collaborate with the LGBT+ Society, work with the SU to get the campus GP to accept gender related shared-care agreements, as well as advocating for LGBT+ students facing discrimination, signpost recourses for support, and I hope to also aid students in advocating for themselves.
You can get in touch with Mohan via email at lgbt.community@royalholloway.su or Instagram @rhsu_lgbt_community
Students of Faith
Hello, my name is Naomi, and I prefer to be addressed by the pronouns she/her. I am in my second year studying Criminology and Sociology. I ran for the role of the Student of Faith Community Officer because I believe it is essential to understand and be comfortable with one's identity. For many individuals, their faith and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping who they are, and this is something I strongly advocate for.
- To fulfil my goal, I hope to change the negative views associated with religion, as I believe that genuine belief and faith in a higher entity are beautiful. It provides individuals with a sense of purpose and a goal to strive towards.
- I also aim to create an open space for both believers and non-believers, fostering an environment of love and peace. This space will allow people to learn from each other’s faiths, recognising that different cultures and practices are intertwined with one’s beliefs.
- Furthermore, I believe it is crucial to explore these aspects to broaden our mindset, promote diversity, and foster inclusivity.
You can get in touch with Naomi via email at faith.community@royalholloway.su or Instagram @rhsu_faith_community
Women Students
Hi, I’m Poppy Coates (she/her) and I am a third-year Psychology student. I have a particular interest in sex, sexuality, and menstruation (key parts of my manifesto!)
I was originally nominated for the role of Women’s Student Community Officer, and that’s why I decided to run for the position. I would love to enact change that will benefit women across campus, and I cannot wait to get started! I wish to improve the experiences of women on campus, whether that be through increased distribution of free menstrual products or support for circumstances of a sexual nature.
You can get in touch with Poppy via email at women.community@royalholloway.su or Instagram @rhsu_women_community
Commuting Students
I’m Yash Chavda (He/Him). As a commuter student myself I can understand the fears and challenges of other students I will surely work on that and provide the best solutions for students by giving them support in reaching campus on time. I will make sure every new student finds an easy way to reach campus and every student has a student oyster card, so commuting will not be as costly.
You can get in touch with Yash via email at commuting.community@royalholloway.su or Instagram @rhsucommutingcommunity
There are still roles vacant that will be elected in the Autumn Elections. These are Mature Students, Parents & Carers Students, Post Graduate Research (PGR) Students and Post Graduate Taught (PGT) Students. If you identify and would like to run to be that communities Community Officer, check out more information under the Representing You tab on the SU website 😊
How to join:
You might be wondering how do I become a part of an Academic and Inclusion Student Community. All you have to do is fill in the ‘Join your Academic or Inclusion Student Communities’ sign-up form which can also be found under the Representing You tab on the SU website.