SU Academic Communities Network

Building the Future of Academic Representation Together

Across the Students’ Union sector, many of us are asking the same question: what should academic representation look like now?

After nearly seven years working in this space — first at the Union of Brunel Students and now at Undeb Aberystwyth — I’ve seen Academic Reps make real change for those they represent, but also academic departments where engagement is patchy. At the same time, academic societies have been busy connecting students, running events, and building community, often separate from formal representation systems.

Academic Communities work aims to bring these two worlds together — linking academic societies and student representation into one cohesive model. By aligning the social and academic sides of student life, we can strengthen belonging, develop leadership, and make student voice activity more accessible and meaningful.

Many Students’ Unions are now experimenting with this idea. Some are piloting academic community leader roles that combine social and representative responsibilities; others are restructuring staff teams or redesigning training and funding. Most are in their first or second year of development — testing, learning, and sharing what works.

That’s why I founded the SU Academic Communities Network: a space for SU staff, officers, and partners to share ideas, challenges, and emerging practice as we shape this work together. We meet online once a month, generally on a Monday morning, to explore case studies and discuss what’s working across the sector.

If you’re involved in Academic Communities work — or thinking about starting — I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message with your email address to join the Network and be part of the conversation about the future of academic communities.

This blog was written by Jacob Webb, Pennaeth Llais Myfyrwyr | Head of Student Voice at Undeb Aberyswyth. The SU Academic Communities Network isn’t an Organised Fun service but we are happy to share info about the Network to help spread the message!