Aarushi 'Aarushi' Chawla - Arts and Humanities Faculty Officer

Throughout my time at the University of Southampton, I have consistently championed student voice, equity, and collaboration across campus. As a second-year Fashion Marketing and Management student at Winchester School of Art (WSA), my roles as Art School President, Course Representative, and Student Ambassador have allowed me to understand and address student concerns from multiple angles. These leadership roles have not only deepened my commitment to student advocacy but also prepared me with the communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills essential for the Faculty Officer for Arts and Humanities role.

As Art School President, I have led a team of 46 course representatives, acting as the main bridge between students and academic staff. One of my most impactful initiatives was the creation of an informal WhatsApp group for reps to ease communication and improve feedback efficiency. This innovation significantly increased response rates and the richness of feedback provided, making our advocacy more evidence-based and timely. To prepare course reps for their roles, I introduced pre-SSLC informal meetings to help them articulate issues confidently and professionally in committee settings. These sessions have empowered my team to represent their peers more effectively, ensuring diverse concerns across departments are acknowledged and addressed.

In my capacity as a representative, I co-hosted SSLC meetings and participated in the Academic Year Review, directly advocating for improvements in academic structures and student support. My contributions helped refine assessment methods and highlighted the need for more inclusive teaching strategies. Beyond academics, I responded to concerns about campus life, notably working with university services to improve the WSA Café experience—tackling issues such as queue times, service hours, and menu variety based on student feedback.

Transparency and accountability have been central to my approach. I consistently close the feedback loop by updating students on the outcomes of meetings and actions taken, reinforcing trust between the student body and university leadership. My visibility and reliability as a representative have encouraged more students to voice their views, knowing they will be heard and taken seriously.

My commitment to supporting students also extends beyond structured roles. As a Student Ambassador, I’ve helped hundreds of students during university events, especially during freshers’ week and the Erasmus Park move-in, where I worked five consecutive eight-hour shifts to welcome and guide new arrivals. I’ve actively encouraged participation in key university surveys like the NSS to ensure students’ voices influence policy and strategic planning.

I am also applying to be a Peer Leader for my course next year, reinforcing my commitment to mentoring and supporting my fellow students. These cumulative experiences demonstrate my ability to lead with empathy, act with integrity, and deliver practical outcomes—all qualities essential for the Faculty Officer position.

With a clear understanding of faculty structures, a proven ability to communicate across diverse student groups, and a passion for inclusive education, I am confident in my ability to serve as the Arts and Humanities Faculty Officer. I look forward to continuing to amplify student voice and drive meaningful, lasting improvements for the wider university community.