Abhishek’s Update: What I’ve Been Working on Since January

Hi everyone, 

Since my last update in January, it has been a busy and rewarding period. A lot of the work during this time has focused on delivering real outcomes for students, strengthening representation, and continuing to push forward key priorities around academic support, employability, and student experience. 

I also want to take a moment to share a personal milestone. I ran again for the position of Education President for the next academic year (2026–27) and was re-elected. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to continue this work. 

On top of that, I was honoured to receive the Best President of the Year award at the Student Voice Awards a recognition that reflects the collective effort of students, representatives, and staff working together to improve the student experience. 

 

Strengthening Student Voice and Representation 

A key focus since January has been continuing to strengthen how student feedback is captured and acted upon. 

I have been actively working on: 

• Developing Postgraduate Research (PGR) representation, ensuring their voices are better included in decision-making  

• Continuing engagement with student representatives to improve consistency across colleges  

• Raising student concerns at key University meetings to ensure issues are not only heard but addressed  

This ongoing work is about making representation more structured, visible, and impactful. 

 

Academic Support and Student Outcomes 

Supporting students through academic challenges remains central to my role. 

Over the past few months, I have: 

• Continued campaigning to improve awareness and accessibility of Exceptional Circumstances (ECs) and Extensions  

• Worked with departments on submission deadline adjustments where workload has been a concern  

• Supported resolving exam timetable issues, ensuring fairness and better planning for students  

 

Alongside this, I have continued working with the Union Advice team to support students facing academic difficulties, making sure they receive the guidance needed to move forward. 

 

Improving Student Experience on Campus 

Student experience goes beyond academics, and this period has included a strong focus on improving day-to-day campus life. 

Key work includes: 

• Ongoing Wi-Fi follow-ups, ensuring the University continues to prioritise improvements  

• Raising accessibility concerns, particularly around travel between campus and the sports park  

• Supporting improvements such as garden development work in Fleming Hall, enhancing student spaces  

These changes may seem small individually, but together they contribute to a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. 

 

Events, Community and Engagement 

This period has also been filled with meaningful student engagement and cultural events. 

• I was part of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebration in February, which was a major success and a proud moment for the student community.  

• I also joined the Holi celebrations with the team, which was a great opportunity to bring students together and celebrate the vibrant diversity on campus.  

Events like these play an important role in: 

• Building community  

• Celebrating cultures  

• Creating a strong sense of belonging at Brunel  

 

Continuing the Bigger Picture Work 

Alongside these initiatives, I have continued working on: 

• Strengthening communication between students and departments  

• Ensuring academic processes are clearer and more accessible  

• Representing student concerns consistently at university level  

A lot of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is essential in making sure systems improve and student voices lead to real outcomes. 

 

Looking Ahead 

As I continue into the next term and prepare for the next academic year my focus will be on: 

• Further strengthening representation, especially for PGR students  

• Expanding academic support awareness and accessibility  

• Continuing improvements in student experience and campus facilities  

• Driving forward long-term changes that benefit all students  

 

Final Note 

Being re-elected and recognised through the Student Voice Awards is something I am genuinely grateful for, but the real achievement is the progress we are making together. 

Your feedback continues to shape everything I do. Please keep sharing your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. 

A new update will be coming next month with further progress. 

Abhishek Ghawate 
Education President 
Brunel University of London