Sam reflects on their year as Undergraduate Academic Officer

Wednesday 29-07-2020 - 13:04

Sam points at a picture of them on the wallFighting for the best deal for students, throughout everything
Sam Johnson-Audini reflects on their year as Undergraduate Academic Officer

To write this I read over the notes I made in my first bullet journal of the year, it contains some real highlights such as my review of my first meeting with a member of university staff (“well that was horrible!”) and some vital notes including “I had a thought during the all staff meeting that I have forgotten so please try and remember it felt important”. Reader, they did not remember. 

At the start of the year, I was so terrified of being the “wrong kind of officer”, being too loud, too silly, things that were compounded by the fact I had not had the best experience during my degree. There were definitely some members of university staff that did not know how to take me when I showed up in dungarees with green hair and a septum ring, but we got through in the end. 

The year has gone so quickly, it really feels just like yesterday that I was knocking coffee on a senior member of the University’s papers at my first Senate, but so much has happened. I’ve spoken openly about my experiences of racism and ableism to rooms full of university executives, I’ve spoken at a national panel on inclusive education, I’ve pushed the university to improve student support, I’ve organised workshops for course reps, to name just a few. On top of two UCU strikes, a general election and a pandemic, and I feel so lucky to be a part of a Students’ Union that has consistently fought for the best deal for students throughout. 

My proudest achievementSam wearing a purple Durham SU jumper speaking at a strike rally

In terms of what I’m proudest of, it probably won’t be surprising to anyone that it’s the Decolonise Durham Network launch. At one point, I was genuinely worried it would not be launched this year, but not only did it launch, the response has been incredible. The Network manifesto has been the result of not just my work, but also countless hours put in by staff and student leaders from across the university. It would be impossible to talk about the Decolonise Durham Network without talking about how grateful I am to the entire exec of this year’s People of Colour Association, particularly Nailah, for all their help, drive and groundwork. I am so grateful to every student and staff member from across the university who has reached out to get involved. It feels bittersweet though, it took a global anti-racist movement to get a lot of people to listen to the things students of colour have been saying for years. I hope the momentum is sustained, so we can move beyond placatory measures and towards a genuinely progressive, anti-racist education, towards a university that all students can feel safe in. 

Responding to strikes and a pandemic

The UCU strikes feel so long ago now, but I am so proud of all the work we put in to support our striking staff, letting it be clear that students and staff will not be divided and played against each other. During the strikes, I was lucky enough to be asked to speak at two regional rallies, which was nerve racking. The relationship between Durham UCU and the SU has gone from strength to strength this year, I would like to personally thank Sarah, Siobhán and Sol for being so supportive and helpful whenever I have had a query or an idea about how we can work together. It has been shouted at rallies and on picket lines up and down the country, but staff’s working conditions are our learning conditions, workers’ rights are vital to any efforts to liberate our education, and we need to remember that. 

To say that COVID-19 changedSam and David back to back surrounded by fire. everything still feels like an understatement, but the way the SU academic team pulled together to ensure we were doing everything we could for students was incredible. From the start of lockdown arguing for better access to resources and pushing for action to tackle technological inequality, to lobbying for, and securing, the no-detriment policy. Alongside dealing with constant sector changes and university miscommunication. I know often students don’t know what the SU does, but we have achieved so much in this pandemic, changes that I know will have made the lives of students better and will continue to do so. 

Thank you and good luck!

I want to say thank you to every single staff member at the SU for all they have done this year, from just brightening up the office on a bad day to all the hard work they’ve put in delivering for students. Particularly, Emma and Richard for being supportive throughout every rant, for all the poor jokes, for providing constant help and support and always pushing me to be a better officer. My postgraduate counterpart David has been amazing, we’ve had our ups and downs, but I’m going to miss David’s wit and constant drive for fairness. It’s hard to fathom that we won’t be working together anymore, after a year of being each other’s backup (and at times hype men) against university bureaucracy.

This year’s entire officer team has been incredible, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of a collective of such strong dedicated individuals and so proud of all we have achieved together, in the hardest of circumstances. In particular, I will forever be grateful to all the work of this years’ President – Kate. Despite everything, Kate has consistently stood up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy, her passion this year has been unwavering, and I know Durham is a better place for it. I suppose all that’s left to say is good luck to next year’s team, particularly to my successor Nailah. Nailah has already achieved so much and I cannot wait to see what she does next with the role – continuing, as she already has, to hold the university to account and improve the lives of Durham students. Good luck, I know you’ll be incredible. 

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UG Academic Officer

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Sam Johnson-Audini, Undergraduate Academic Officer, 2019-20, Reflections,

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