October – Diversity

October sees both Black History Month and World Mental Health Day (on 10 October), so we used the whole month to celebrate our student diversity and the Association's 50-year work in this area.

Read about the great work done by the OU Students Association EDI and Student Welfare team...

Some of the EDI work at the Students Association

To kick off our celebrations this month, Eesha, Chair of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Students Group, took over our Twitter to share some messages on the importance of diversity and inclusion at the Association.

Hi everyone, I’m Eesha (she/her) and I’ll be taking over the Students Association Twitter account today as part of Black History month! #OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

I am a South Asian woman and I have recently been appointed Chair of the Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Committee!
Before being appointed the role of Chair, for the past year I had been a Change and Awareness Officer within the Committee.#OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

The Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Group is way for students to gain a community at university and connect with other students who have similar life experiences. #OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22 #Blackhistorymonth2022
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

Nominations in the by-elections open on Tuesday 11 October!

It is important students from minoritsed backgrounds stand in student elections.

Your voice matters and this is your chance to bring your ideas to life! #OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22 #BlackHistoryMonth
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

Freshers fortnight starts on 10th October, all incoming and returning OU students should get involved to help us build upon the student community here at the OU Students Association! ??#OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22 #BlackHistoryMonth
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

Join us online on Tuesday 11 October for the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Students Group Freshers Drop-in session from 8pm-9pm ??#BlackHistoryMonth #OUStudentsFreshers22 #OUstudents50
https://t.co/TEcxXpaaZr pic.twitter.com/ziEwGKiJ4Q
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

3 Steps to further inclusivity and diversity at the OU:

1.Get involved in committee groups and events.https://t.co/FUo5yJPZYk not be afraid of raising issues (or idea!) - reach out to Committee group members.#OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

Question: ‘What events would #OUstudents be most interested in seeing from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Students Group?’#OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

For Black History Month, on our Facebook Group, our Events and Communication Officer, Narraser has been posting a ‘daily inspirational person’ to celebrate and highlight Black people in History. Check it out!#OUstudents #OUStudentsFreshers22
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

That’s all from me today!

If you’d like some more information about how to join the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Students group head to https://t.co/mNItB7SfGU
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 6, 2022

Watch out for our upcoming by-elections and Freshers events, which are taking place throughout the month of October.

Have a read of this Hoot article to discover five books written by black authors. You'll want to add these to your reading list this month.

Five books by black authors you don't want to miss!

For our latest podcast, our host Verity Robinson (Head of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Student Welfare) talked about the Association's work in this area, and spoke to two members of our wonderfully diverse student community, Laura Cranstoun (Disabled Students Group) and Sristi Sengupta (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Students Group) about their experience as part of the Students Association. Ciaragh Hubert (Director of Accessibility at The OU) also joined us to talk about the University's ongoing work in the accessibility arena, and how students can access support and get involved.

The Association Conversation Station – Episode 7 –
Accessibility, student groups and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; how we support our diverse student community

Marilin, Chair of the Disabled Students Group took over our Twitter this month to talk about what the DSG do and how we can all become more inclusive online.

Hi everyone, the Disabled Students Group, @DSG_OUSA, will be taking over the Students Association Twitter account today! What do you want to hear from us?
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 19, 2022

I am Marilin, the Chair of the DSG committee. I’ve been part of the group since 2018 in various roles. I am studying towards a psychology and counselling degree. You can find out more about the rest of the committee here. https://t.co/ChH6Bo4RNO pic.twitter.com/d0oZTffTx0
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 19, 2022

One way to ensure you are creating an inclusive online space is to stay educated. Keep up to date with terminology and technology, support policies that promote diversity and ask for feedback when you are unsure.
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 19, 2022

Lack of awareness commonly results in content and spaces being inaccessible. Help us to create an inclusive community by educating yourself in this area, using accessibility features and spreading the word.
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 19, 2022

The DSG is for anyone with a physical or mental health condition. It is a support group and a community where everyone is welcome. You don’t have to disclose your disability to the university to be eligible to join. If you have questions, you can always get in touch by email.
— OU Students (@OUstudents) October 19, 2022