​Happy talk at Student Conference

The international day of happiness was the perfect time for Walsall College to host its annual student conference. Over 60 students – a mixture of student reps and student union members – came together to discuss all aspects of college life and learning.

“This is one of the key events in the college’s calendar,” said Carol Egan, Director of Student Journey. “This year’s conference was about celebrating the fantastic work we do to make students’ college experience the best it can possibly be and an opportunity for them to tell us what they would like to see improved.

“It was also an open platform for ideas to be shared and debated. It is really important that we support our students to develop both personally and professionally – the conference is an excellent way to do this.”

The students took part in feedback sessions about behaviour, careers and next steps, and freedom of speech.

Walsall Health Watch also attended the event to invite students to give their views on local health services and any barriers they may have faced when accessing treatments and medical support services.

Everyone who attended agreed that it is important that students have their say and that their opinions are heard and acted upon.

Kirsty Morey-O’Gara who studies childcare and education at the college said: “I’m glad that our views are taken seriously – even if everyone has a different opinion. I found it useful to hear other peoples’ experiences of being a student here.

“Best of all was talking about all the good things staff and students have worked on together.”

Software and web development student, Sarunas Ruzgis agreed. “The changes that have happened at the college and the proposals we made at the conference will hopefully raise awareness of what the student reps do to help everyone. It might encourage others to sign up for the role or take part in forums. The more students that get involved in these kinds of things, the better for everyone.”