Cerys Prince-Rayner
I’m Cerys, a Department Officer in the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies. I collect student feedback from different courses and reps, working with academic staff and the Guild to drive change that benefits everyone in your department.
You Said
Students wanted more chances to build community in the Institute, due to difficult current events and a loss of community from previous years.
We made an anonymous lock box and we got feedback saying that the student missed past community events and felt disconnected from what had been a strong community between teachers and students. As well as other student voice feedback taken at events by myself, reps, and our DESE.
We Did
We organised two big events this year to promote community. A winter mixer in first term, with students and staff sharing pizza and mince pies. Then a Ramadan Iftar in second term, with dates, juices, curries, and samosas. Both events had massive turn out, enabled students and staff to chat and enjoy themselves, and brought people together in what has been a tough year for those from the Middle East.
What This Means For You
We created community and a safe place for students and staff within the institute.
Suhaib Shaukat, an MA student involved in the planning for the iftar, said, "In the midst of the ongoing crises across the Middle East, the gathering for iftar stood as a quiet yet powerful reminder of unity, compassion, and shared humanity. As the community came together to break the fast, the iftar table became more than a meal, it represented a symbol of resilience, solidarity, and a collective hope for peace and stability for all.''
What's Next
We are hoping to keep these events going more frequently, and keep building up our IAIS community. All are welcome, so keep an eye out!
Your voice shapes Exeter
Keep speaking — we’re here to listen and act.
Every win shared here began with feedback from students like you — and every change reflects the impact you’ve made on campus, your course, and your community.
Working In Partnership
Thanks To You X Love Exeter
We’re working side-by-side with the University to make sure your voice leads to action. Together, we’ve already improved things that matter to you, and we’re not stopping here. There’s more to do, we’ll keep lobbying the University to make sure they keep listening.
