Our mission
- We’re on a mission to make a positive difference for all OU students. This is a mission we believe in and that we use to make all of our decisions.
Our vision
- Your Students Association will:
- Empower a student voice that is strong and effective in representing the diversity of our members.
- Work collaboratively with the University to ensure that students are at the centre of decision-making.
- Build an inclusive community which nurtures a sense of pride and belonging.
- Provide relevant, quality services which enhance the student experience.
Our values
Our values support our mission and vision and underpin everything we do. They demonstrate what the Association cares most about, as the things we value make us who we are:
- Welcoming: We ensure every student feels welcome and supported whilst celebrating diversity, embracing all backgrounds, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Accountable: We are accountable to our members and actively work towards their best interests.
- Bold: Empowering people to be creatuve and ambitious in their actions, whilst striving to improve the experience of all our members.
- Adaptable: We are dynamic in meeting the needs of our diverse members and reactive to changes that affect their experience.
- Sustainable: Ensuring we are responsible in our activities, safeguarding the future of the association and promoting a positive environmental impact.
Read our Values and Behaviours Policy
Student voice and academic representation is at the heart of what we do, and students sit on Council, Senate, and committees throughout the University ensuring students views, opinions and ideas are expressed and heard.
We build student community through a network of volunteers who facilitate meet-ups, online and face to face, as well as two busy Freshers events held at the start of the academic year and also at the end of January. We have over 60 clubs and 16 societies affiliated with the Association, and if that’s not enough, if you can’t find a club or society that covers your interests – academic or any other area you’re interested in – then we can help you set up your own.
Students are supported on their student journey by fellow students through Peer Support and with signposting to support groups at the OU and externally. If a student finds themselves in financial hardship, our Open University Students Educational Trust (OUSET) may help.
Our student leaders and volunteers are supported by a dedicated team of staff based at the OU’s leafy campus in Milton Keynes.
Our responsibilities as a charity and our charitable objectives
The Open University Students Association Limited is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It is also governed by the Education Act 1994.
Our governing document is our Articles of Association, further developed by our bye-laws.
The Association’s charitable objects are the advancement of education of students at The Open University for the public benefit by:
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Defending the principles of equal opportunity and of open access to the University regardless of academic qualifications or financial circumstances.
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Promoting the interests and welfare of students at the Open University during their period of study and representing and supporting students.
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Being the recognised representative channel between students and the Open University and any other external bodies.
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Asserting that all students studying with the Open University have the right to have their views heard and acknowledged by the University; and
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Providing social, cultural, and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of its students.
Our company number is 12031028 and charity number 1183837.
The Association has a Relationship Agreement with The Open University that sets out how we will work together.
You can read our full governing and other important documents on our website.
Any questions? Check out our FAQ section or contact us via the website.
Next step: Volunteering at the Students Association