Oxford Student Voice

Oxford SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe Teah Wantoe, speaks with Professor Daniel Grimley on the Schwarzman Centre, student experience, and the future of the humanities at Oxford. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Wantoe Teah Wantoe sits down with Professor Daniel Grimley, Head of the Humanities Division, for a conversation about where the humanities stand today and where they are headed. It is a conversation rooted not just in institutions, but in people, in lived experience, and in the quiet but powerful idea that education should expand who we believe we can become. Professor Grimley reflects on his journey from state education to leading one of Oxford’s most influential academic divisions, and what that journey has taught him about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of making space for others to rise. Together, they explore the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, not simply as a new building, but as an opportunity to rethink how knowledge is created, shared, and experienced. The discussion moves beyond access to a deeper question of belonging. What does it take for students not only to arrive at Oxford, but to feel that they have a place within it, and a role in shaping its future? It is a conversation about tradition and change, about who gets to participate, and about the responsibility institutions carry in opening doors that have too often been closed. They also reflect on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and what it means for disciplines rooted in human meaning, creativity, and expression. Through it all, the episode points toward a simple but powerful idea: that the future of the humanities, and of Oxford itself, will be defined not just by what we preserve, but by who we empower.

Professor Alexander Betts, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, Sport and Community, talks about participation and belonging at Oxford, focussing on sport, wellbeing & inclusion broadening out to wider community engagement In this episode of Student Voices, Oxford SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa, speaks with Professor Alexander Betts, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, Sport and Community, about who gets to take part at Oxford, and what fair access looks like in a collegiate university. The conversation focuses on sport, wellbeing and belonging. Alisa raises what students share about uneven provision across colleges, barriers linked to timetabling and where you live, and how participation can start to feel like an all or nothing pipeline. Alexander reflects on how the University is working to strengthen sport and physical activity as part of a thriving student experience, alongside academic life. They discuss emerging plans for a central University gym and leisure facility in the city centre, intended to improve everyday access for students whose colleges have limited provision, and to reduce practical barriers linked to distance and getting to Iffley Road. Alongside this, they talk about wider ambitions to improve facilities, investment, and how colleges and the University can think more collaboratively about the collegiate sports estate. They also explore inclusion in practice, including how gym spaces can feel intimidating, and what it would mean to shape facilities, coaching and culture so that women and those who identify as non-binary feel welcomed in sporting spaces. Alex and Alisa share an early announcement of a women’s sport research network they are developing at Oxford alongside a small but diverse group of researchers, staff and practitioners to support a clearer institutional focus on women’s sport. Lastly, they address widening out beyond sport to town and gown. Alexander shares how sport can be used to build stronger relationships across Oxford and Oxfordshire through community programmes and volunteering, and Alisa signposts routes for students to raise barriers and shape change through student voice channels, including common rooms, Sports Federation structures, and the SU.

A thoughtful conversation with Ant Brewerton from the Bodleian Libraries on library services, historic collections, student access, inclusion, digital innovation, and the evolving role of libraries at Oxford. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Undergraduates, Seun Sowunmi, speaks with Ant Brewerton from the Bodleian Libraries about the past, present, and future of Oxford’s libraries and their role in student life. The conversation explores Ant’s role at the Bodleian, highlights from the libraries’ vast collections, and the realities of caring for some of the world’s oldest and most valuable books. Ant discusses library access, student resources that support academic skills, and the challenges and opportunities of digital infrastructure, including social media engagement and public-facing initiatives. They also reflect on inclusion and representation within historic collections, how the Bodleian addresses difficult legacies connected to colonial histories, and what it means to create welcoming and safe library spaces for an increasingly diverse student body. The discussion considers sustainability, security, college library resource disparities, and how emerging technologies such as AI may shape the future of publishing and library collections. Together, they look ahead to how the Bodleian continues to adapt to changing student needs while remaining central to research, teaching, and discovery at Oxford.

A reflective conversation with Dr Grant Tapsell, Junior Proctor of the University of Oxford, on academic integrity, fairness, governance, and the role of the Proctors’ Office in safeguarding student standards & community life. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe, speaks with Dr Grant Tapsell, Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall, Associate Professor in the Faculty of History, and Junior Proctor of the University of Oxford, about the purpose and modern relevance of the Proctors’ Office. The conversation explores how academic integrity, due process, and fairness are upheld across examinations, student conduct, and institutional governance within Oxford’s unique collegiate structure. Dr Tapsell reflects on balancing centuries-old traditions with the evolving realities of a diverse, international student body, including digital assessments and changing academic practices. Drawing on his experience as a historian and senior academic leader, he discusses transparency, student engagement, and the importance of partnership between the Proctors’ Office, colleges, and the Students’ Union. Together, they consider how trust, accountability, and shared values continue to shape Oxford’s academic community and its future.

SU Presidents for Undergraduates, welfare equity and inclusion and Communities and Common Rooms share their experiences of being an SU President, the opportunities the roles offer and their thoughts on the importance of student re Each year, in Hilary term, Oxford SU elects a new cohort of Sabbatical Officers to lead the SU for the following academic year. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice join current SU presidents, Seun, Alisa and Shermar as they discuss their own experiences of student representation at the University of Oxford, what made them want to run for their positions and what you can get out of running for a sabbatical role at Oxford SU.

A conversation with Careers Service Director Jonathan Black on careers support at Oxford, employability, AI, internships, undergraduate and postgraduate support, international students, Oxford’s alumni network and the evolving fut In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe, speaks with Jonathan Black, Director of the University’s Careers Service, about how Oxford students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, can transform their studies into meaningful careers. The conversation explores employability in an age of AI, the value of internships and hands-on programmes such as the Oxford Strategy Challenge, and the support available to international students navigating new job markets. Jonathan also reflects on Oxford’s global alumni network as a bridge for mentorship and opportunity, and on the importance of early engagement with the Careers Service. Together they look ahead to the future of work, examining how Oxford can continue to empower students across disciplines to lead with purpose, confidence and curiosity.

In this episode, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Oxford’s Chief Diversity Officer, Professor Tim Soutphommasane, about belonging, access, free expression, and how EDI is shaping the future In this episode of Oxford Student Voices, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Professor Tim Soutphommasane, Oxford’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Practice in Human Rights and Political Theory. At the heart of their conversation is the idea of belonging: what it means to arrive at Oxford and truly feel part of its community. They explore how the University’s Everyone Belongs Strategic Plan aims to make that sense of belonging real for every student, from their first week through to graduation. Together they discuss the impact of initiatives such as Opportunity Oxford, the Astrophoria Foundation Year and Academic Futures, alongside the University’s ongoing work to close awarding gaps and strengthen graduate access. The discussion also moves into more difficult territory: from how universities should respond to racism and online abuse, to questions about whether EDI plays a part in admissions, and how to balance inclusion with free expression in a diverse academic community. Drawing on new research into public attitudes towards equality and fairness, Alisa and Tim consider what fairness and opportunity mean in today’s national climate, and how Oxford can lead by example. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of belonging at Oxford, and how together we can make the University a place where everyone feels at home and able to thrive. References and Resources: • Everyone Belongs: The Collegiate University EDI Strategic Plan 2024–27 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/article/everyone-belongs-new-collegiate-university-edi-strategic-plan • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2023–24 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-annual-report-2023-24 • Finding Common Ground on EDI – https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/finding-common-ground-on-edi/

In this inaugural episode, SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe speaks with Vice Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey about Oxford’s global leadership, student opportunity, and how today’s students can shape the Universit In the very first episode of Oxford Student Voice, Wantoe T. Wantoe, President for Postgraduates at Oxford University Students’ Union, is joined by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Ranked the world’s top university for nine consecutive years, Oxford is a place of extraordinary achievement and opportunity but also one facing global challenges and rising student expectations. This conversation explores what “opportunity” means at Oxford today. From Irene Tracey’s own journey as an Oxford biochemistry student to her leadership as a pioneering neuroscientist and Vice Chancellor, the discussion covers the future of student access, the rise of student leadership, and Oxford’s responsibility in a rapidly changing world. Together they reflect on the balance between tradition and innovation, the role of international students, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the evolving governance of the University. This episode sets the tone for the series, amplifying student voices while opening up transparent dialogue with those shaping Oxford’s next chapter.