Emma Vessey

I came to the University as a mature student in 2015, graduating with a first-class degree in History in 2019. I subsequently completed my MA in Historical Research, graduating in 2021 with a Distinction and winning the George Richard Potter MA Prize in History.

I worked and volunteered in various roles during my time as a student. As an ambassador for the Department for Lifelong Learning (where I began my own academic journey), I assisted in student learning activities, helped with outreach events, and provided advice about the wider mature student community. As Vice-Chair of the Mature Students’ Committee within the Students’ Union, I campaigned for mature student voices to be heard across the university with our ‘We are Here’ campaign, promoting greater visibility and awareness of the mature student journey. I also volunteered as a mentor to provide support for new students to the university.

I joined the School of Law in November 2021 as a Student Experience Officer: Engagement and Communications. My role involved supporting students in their journey, helping to create a sense of community, planning and organising all of the extracurricular activities and working alongside the Employability and Wellbeing teams in the School. All of these roles have allowed me to understand how different the student experience can be, the barriers that impede students on their educational journeys, and how the University can provide invaluable support to assist in overcoming the challenges to fair and equitable access, and promoting a more inclusive university environment. 

I joined the Information School in September 2022. I support the student experience from induction to graduation and beyond.

University responsibilities

• Student voice
• Wellbeing
• Employability and skills
• Personal tutoring 
• Widening participation
• Disability and learning support
• Student placements and study abroad
• Alumni relations