Get Involved
How you can get involved and contribute to change
Here you can explore what opportunities are available for you to get involved in developing the student experience at the OU
OU Exclusive Virtual Internship: Co-researcher on LGBTQIA+ student experience
Location: At home / online Duration: On-going Dedication: On-going
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The acronym ‘LGBTQIA+’ refers to a broad diversity of people whose gender and/or sexual identity does not conform to societal norms. This includes, but is not limited to, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual, and aromantic.
Very little research has been done about the experiences of undergraduate and taught postgraduate LGBTQIA+ students in The Open University, or in distance learning contexts more generally. Our project seeks to explore the qualitative experiences of LGBTQIA+ students at The Open University through one-to-one dialogue. The focus will be on the challenges and opportunities that distance learning brings to LGBTQIA+ students, as well as exploring the complex dynamics of gender and/or sexual identity disclosure (‘coming out’) for OU students.
We are a project team of LGBTQIA+ scholars from a range of disciplines, staff roles and lived experiences. We are passionate about LGBTQIA+ inclusion and are keen to work with LGBTQIA+ students as partners in bringing about a more equitable student experience. We are looking for a student intern who is similarly passionate about LGBTQIA+ inclusion to work with us as a co-researcher.
By identifying challenges that LGBTQIA+ students face, we hope to develop strategies and recommendations for the OU and other distance learning providers to improve the learning experience and outcomes for LGBTQIA+ students and create a more inclusive culture generally within the university.
We value diversity and we recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We promote diversity in employment.
The successful intern will be employed through Pertemps, an agency working with the OU.
This role is home based and is offered for 8 hrs per week for 20 weeks (160 hrs in total). Some work to be carried out in office hours but some can be flexible.
Key responsibilities • Attend and contribute to regular project team meetings • Assist with the key administrative tasks in project-managing the research • Co-design and co-deliver an online engagement event for LGBTQIA+ students at the OU to explain who we are and what and why we are researching • Listen with compassion to, and act on, feedback from LGBTQIA+ students to co-design research interviews which centre trust with students, and allows them to report their experiences in a psychologically safe environment • Produce written project summaries at regular intervals to report on the project’s progress and contribute to the final report.
Person specification
Experience may have been gained in a work, study or personal situation.
Essential • Experience (or lived experience) of living within, or working closely alongside, LGBTQIA+ communities • Passion and commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion • Compassionate appreciation of the wide diversity of lived experiences within LGBTQIA+ communities • Ability to work collaboratively and collegiately with others at a distance • Ability to work independently to agreed deadlines • Good written and oral communication skills
Desirable • Experience of designing and/or undertaking qualitative research methods • Experience (or lived experience) of living within, or working closely alongside, communities which face other forms of marginalisation beyond LGBTQIA+ issues
This role will develop students' skills and experience in • Being part of a research project team • Designing and delivering online meetings and events • LGBTQIA+ inclusion
Mentoring and support: The successful intern will be supervised by one or more of the project team throughout their internship. There will be regular weekly meetings between the intern and their supervisor(s), which will focus on pastoral support, career development, and management of agreed work tasks.
Technical Requirements: • Access to the internet
Find out moreStudent Voice Week – Shape Your OU (15–21 November)
Location: At home / online Duration: Flexible Dedication: Flexible
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This year’s Student Voice Week is taking place between Saturday 15 November – Friday 21 November and we’d love you to join us – register here. Join workshops, panels, and discussions to share what matters most to you about your OU experience with students and staff. Whether it’s positive feedback or constructive criticism – we want to hear it all.
The first 500 students to register and attend a session will have the chance to win an OU hoodie!
Be in the know. Give your views on new developments on curriculum, study pace, AI, and the learning experience. Be curious. Hear about OU mental health and wellbeing research, our 'Mumentum' campaign, assistive technology, and support for neurodivergent students. Find support. Get tips and advice on how to succeed at the OU from alumni and share what works for you with other students in our study skills exchange. Be empowered. Learn how the National Student Survey works and how the OU and the Open SU uses your feedback to make positive changes at the University. Sign up now by clicking the link below and be part of the conversation. Your feedback makes a difference.
Find out moreSign up to the Student Voice and Student Consultation mailing list
Location: At home / online Duration: Flexible Dedication: Flexible
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Sign up to the Student Voice mailing list to find out about all current opportunities that need your opinion, your voice, to make changes within the OU.
Please click on the 'find out more' button to be redirected to the mailing list sign up document.
Find out moreDo you have a passion for the environment and/or sustainability at the OU?
Location: At home / online Duration: Flexible Dedication: Flexible
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If you have a passion for the environment or a general interest in making things more sustainable, then OpenSU would love to hear from you!
Join the Environmental and Sustainability Society, which is for students, former students, and staff of The Open University, as well as others who advocate our society’s aims. “We envision a regenerative world, working together towards sustainable practices for a healthy environment, without compromising on the needs of future generations”.
The society members will support activities, events, and environmental action in the community and as individuals. The society are looking for help as it grows so if you are interested in joining as a member or a volunteer, contact us by following the link on the 'find out more' button. The link will take you direct to an article with much more information and contact details.
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