Name:
Ross Thorne
My role:
Vice President Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
My priorities for the 2024–26 term:
Firstly, to carry on the great work that the previous VP EDI (Natalie Baker) was working on. I would like to reach out and listen to more students – hearing their concerns – and develop a working plan off of the back of this. I am a firm believer that the OU is in a unique position as a distance-learning university that can really benefit those who were put off the idea of a conventional university. I want to develop the OU's outreach to encourage these people to maximise their potential, as I feel this particularly applies to those with disabilities or under-represented communities in higher education.
What I’ve been up to and what I’m currently working on:
As I am nearing the end of my undergraduate degree, I have been exploring my options for a Masters, with the ultimate goal of completing a PhD. I work full-time in my family business, and I am in the process of changing roles, but I will always have an active role in my family's business.
What I’m studying:
BA (Hons) Criminology and Law – Level 3 in my final year.
What I do when I’m not studying:
I am massively into my martial arts and combat sports. I train four to six times per week in wrestling and Brazilian jiu jitsu. I also regularly compete in Brazilian jiu jitsu. I am volunteer with Crohn's and Colitis UK as a Local Network Volunteer for East and South East London, and occasionally participate in fundraising and awareness activities. Amongst all of that, I love putting my feet up and binging a series with my girlfriend.
My top study tips:
-
My top study tip is to not be too harsh on yourself. Set goals, but do not be disappointed if occasionally you do not hit them. Listen and learn from the feedback that you receive from your tutors, and do not be afraid to ask for further support. Studying a degree, especially part-time when you have other commitments, is a marathon and not a sprint.
-
Another study tip is to make use of the forums and discuss things with other students. It can feel a lonely journey sometimes, but there are so many people in the same situation as you.
How to contact me:
Email: oustudents-VP-EDI@open.ac.uk
Please note that a handful of Association staff team members have access to this mailbox.
Twitter / X: @Open_EDI