Do you want Ruth's job for 2008-9? Click here to find out more.
What does your job actually entail? What do you see as your main responsibilities?
- Resolving the issues faced by mature students at Cardiff and, if necessary, taking these concerns back to the Union
- Creating a long-term solution to communication issues and promoting the links between mature students and the Union
- Making the Union a place that all mature students can use and enjoy
- Supporting and promoting the Mature Students' Society
NB. Although some courses have a large proportion of mature students, the majority don't and this often leads to alienation and high drop-out rates.
What do you think the job demands in terms of personal attributes or skills?
- A drive to help others
- A lot of tenacity and willpower
- Patience
- Not a skill or attribute, but having the time during the day is a necessity
What do you enjoy most about the job?
- Knowing that something is being done to help mature students with the challenges they face
- Being a part of the opening of education to all
- Challenging stereotypes of students
What are the challenges/obstacles you face?
- Conflicting advice and empty promises
- Intra-university communication difficulties
- Targeting those mature students who feel alienated
It was, and still is, my intention to target all mature students (defined by the University as aged 21 or over at enrolment) via regular email shots, allowing a coherent channel of information and support. I'm currently struggling to implement it and require support from the wider exec on this issue.
What have you achieved since coming into your role?
- Initiated the monthly meetings for mature students throughout the University
- Instigated discussions with Graduate Centre regarding usage by mature students
- Represented the position of mature students on the Gair Rhydd online forum
- Working with the Mature Students' Society to create an active, well-connected mature student body
- Identified a major problem with the Union/University's communication policy
- Defined a bi-directional pathway with the Widening Access team for support of mature students
What's next?
- Continuation of the monthly meetings
- A targeted poster campaign, in conjunction with the mail shots, to raise awareness of the position of the Mature Students' Officer and the support available
- Continuing to assess what it is that mature students want and need from their elected representative and Union
- Organise the next social event with the Mature Students' Society
Would you recommend your role? If so, why?
Thoroughly, if you have the time and patience to do it. You can make a difference.
