Image credits: The Lightscaper, Aaron Fedor
Once you have voted on the Conference resolutions (voting is open between 24 May and 7 June) and registered for Conference, you will be emailed a link to our Conference app where you can add sessions to a bespoke timetable. (These links will be sent out after voting closes.)
If you opted into the prize draw you will be in with a chance of winning copies of the books from our star speakers and a Kindle! When you join the Conference sessions online, each one you attend will count as an entry into another prize pool including tech prizes, exclusive Conference-branded stationery bundles and more! Check out the full list of what's up for grabs.
Here's what's on...
Students Association Business 10 - 11am
This session will kick off our Conference. During this session led by President of the Students Association Margaret Greenaway, students will be told the outcome of the voting on the Conference resolutions. Read more about the resolutions and make sure you vote between 24 May and 7 June!
You can submit your questions for this session in our form. If you have any questions about the resolutions ahead of Conference, you can submit them on our Voting and resolutions page.
Star speaker:
Quiet Leadership: A Fireside Chat with Susan Cain 1.15 - 2pm
Susan Cain is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, and Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, which was also an Oprah Book Club selection. She has spent the last twenty years exploring a particular realm of human nature: the quiet, the sensitive, the thoughtful, the bittersweet and will be talking at the OU Students Conference about Quiet Leadership.
When you attend this and other Conference sessions, each one will also count as an extra entry into our prize draw to win a copy of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (and lots more!).
You can submit your questions for this session in our form.
Star speaker:
Chris Packham: Love and Rage – how to change your mind to make a difference 3.15 - 4pm
Chris Packham is a broadcaster, and an environmental and animal welfare activist. His recent credits include ‘Earth’ and ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’ for the BBC, and ‘Is it Time to Break the Law’ for Channel 4. He is an ambassador for numerous wildlife and environmental NGOs, and organises his own independent campaigns and actions.
We are so excited to welcome Chris to our Conference to speak to OU students, you will also be able to ask Chris your questions!
You can submit your questions for this session in our form.
How to Forge Ahead with Nick Elston – A Lived Experience Mental Health Playbook 11.15 - 12pm
In this engaging session, Nick Elston will delve into his personal journey with mental health, from overcoming significant challenges to harnessing these experiences as a force for good. Nick’s approach combines heartfelt storytelling with a touch of humour, aimed at demystifying mental health and showcasing the power of resilience. This session will explore practical tips and insights on not just surviving but thriving, drawing from real-life examples and easy-to-implement strategies.
Nick will deliver a 35-minute interactive talk sharing stories and insights, followed by a Q&A.
You can submit your questions for this session in our form.
An introduction to the OU Students Educational Trust 11.15-12pm
In this session, you will hear about the history of OUSET, how they are set up and how OUSET supports students. There are also some really incredible fundraising events coming up that you will hear all about at this Conference session!
You will also hear firsthand from one of our students how OUSET has positively impacted their study journey.
Genuine Mwasha: The Cycle Breakers: Education for Change: Building a Poverty-Free Future for Sub-Saharan Africa and Humanity 2.15 - 3pm
One of our sessions at Conference will welcome Open University alumnus, Genuine Mwasha, who will be talking to us about the charity he set up; The Roof of Africa:
The Roof of Africa charity provides education and community support to the poorest children in Tanzania, East Africa. We are currently completing our first primary school with exciting plans for the future - The Roof of Africa (registration number: SC047518).
Genuine will also be taking questions from students at the end of the session.
You can submit your questions for this session in our form.
Beginning, middle, end: Tracy Buchanan on writing books 12.30 - 1.05pm
OU PhD student Antonia Saunders interviews author Tracy Buchanan on her journey to becoming a published writer, her creative process and the challenges of writing for a living.
You can submit your questions for this session in our form.
No Student Left Behind: An Introduction to SiSE 12.30 - 1.05pm
Did you know that students living in secure environments can, and do, study at the OU?
The Students Association's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team are running this Conference session on what they do to support these students.
Generative AI: what's in it for me? 12.30 - 1.05pm
By the end of this session you will understand what generative AI is along with some examples of tools and what they do. The current guidance will be discussed and speakers will tell students the main benefits and pitfalls of using generative AI. There will be time to ask questions too.
OU Student Footprints – What can you do about climate change? 2.15 - 3pm
The Students Association Environment and Sustainability Group will discuss examples of carbon footprints and advice on being more environmentally friendly in your day-to-day activities.
Student Leadership Team members, Lou and Nichola, will also be running a mini version of the very popular How Bad Are Bananas? carbon footprint game!
You'll come away from the session with some practical and realistic tips that you can implement straight away to reduce your carbon footprint.
Quiz 12 - 12:30pm
Our International Representative, Isabelle, will be running a quiz for students over lunchtime where you will get the chance to meet and interact with other OU students. The winner of the quiz will be sent an exclusive set of Conference-branded stationery!
Accessible desk yoga with Sarah Vallance 12 - 12.30pm
We are excited to welcome a qualified yoga instructor to run a tranquil and serene session of stretching; specifically designed for busy students on a TMA break!
Managing your mental wellbeing at university 12 - 12.30pm
Mental Health Adviser, Becky Talbott will discuss what mental health is, the risks and benefits of studying to our mental health, ways to increase awareness of our own wellbeing and more.
Chat and Chill: Association Café
There is an online cafe you can drop in to throughout the day to have a break from the scheduled sessions and chat with other OU students.
Don't forget to check your inboxes between Friday 24 May and Friday 7 June to get your link and voter code to vote on the Conference resolutions. If you have not received an email, please contact us at oustudents-conference@open.ac.uk. Once you have done this, you will be able to register and start planning which sessions you're going to attend!