I Became a Social Mobility Representative. Here’s Why.
While increasing numbers of first-generation students are entering university every year, the reality of the situation is still disappointing: first-generation students are less likely than others to apply to such institutions in the first place, especially those who are part of the Russell Group [1]. First-gen representation is therefore of utmost importance, and various universities have recently created new roles, including social mobility representatives and working-class representatives, to ensure ‘non-traditional’ students feel seen and valued. In particular, Durham University, a stereotypically ‘elite’ institution in the Northeast, is working to ensure that such a position exists on each of its college’s student committees – I’m proud to be Social Mobility Representative for St Chad’s College.
What Exactly is a Social Mobility Representative?
Like all student leadership positions at my college, Social Mobility Representative is an elected role and forms part of St Chad’s Representative Committee (‘RepComm’). Candidates are required to make a short speech, two students come forward to second them, and then all undergraduates can vote – it’s a pretty simple process. However, with St Chad’s being part of an ‘elite’ institution, where the student committee wears Hogwarts-style gowns and meetings are held in a Grade II listed building, I can’t deny that it was still a rather daunting experience. As I stood in front of everyone, sharing that I was a first-generation, working-class student from a state-school background, a sense of imposter syndrome did start to creep in. But this is exactly why universities, especially those belonging to the Russell Group, need first-gen representation on their student committees. I belong in my college as much as any other student does, and now, as Social Mobility Representative, I strive to ensure that students with backgrounds similar to my own, feeling as though they belong there too. As well as the obvious emotional benefits, this sense of belonging can also increase motivation, academic engagement and achievements [2] – visibility is clearly crucial. So, to sum up, a Social Mobility Representative is a leadership position, a promoter of equality, diversity and inclusion, and also just a friendly face.
What do I do?
According to the college constitution, my role is to represent students from first-generation, working-class and lower socio-economic backgrounds. From passing on students’ questions to the head of RepComm to hosting forums for sharing information (and thanks to FirstGens, I’ve had a lot of resources to offer!), I hope to make university an easier journey for everyone in any way I can. Along with other members of RepComm, I’ve also helped to plan topics for the college’s ‘Culture, Heritage and Diversity Series’, a forum which allows both students and staff to discuss their experiences and identities. However, while highly important, it’s not always about serious discussions – the social side is just as necessary! As I’ve mentioned, each college has a role similar to social mobility representative, which means we can all work together to create fantastic networking events. Much work still needs to be done, of course, and the role can certainly be challenging; there’s a fine balance between empowering first-generation students and making them feel singled out from their peers. However, when navigated correctly, the role is greatly rewarding – there’s no better feeling than seeing first-gens thriving together.
Why do I do it?
Now I’m in my second year of university, I can honestly say that St Chad’s lives up to its stereotype as ‘the happy college’ – its motto alone, ‘non vestra sed vos’ (not what you have, but who you are), gives a pretty good indication of its welcoming, inclusive environment. However, as part of Durham University, all colleges, unfortunately, become associated with the institution’s elitist reputation [3], which can be a major source of anxiety for first-generation students, both during the application process and after. Having a role such as social mobility representative is thus crucial to easing these anxieties and, along with joining organisations such as the 93% Club [4] and Durham Working Class Association, can be such a simple but effective way to promote equality, diversity and inclusion while at university. Ultimately, I want to empower students by providing them with all the knowledge and resources they need to flourish at university – something which I lacked during my first year. I only learnt about internships, bursaries and networking this year because of pure luck, but luck alone can’t help every first-generation student. What we need is representation and education, and roles such as social mobility representatives are key to making this possible.
What can you do?
· Get involved with your student committee/council – apply for a role like social mobility representative, or if it doesn’t exist, create it!
· If leadership roles aren’t your thing, share your thoughts, ideas and experiences with students who already hold the position – they’d love to hear what you have to say!
· If you’re state-educated, join UK organisations such as FirstGens or the 93% club to network with students from a similar background.
[1] Winnard, M.C. (2021). Non-traditional students as field outsiders: a case study of the institutional sub-field of an `elite' university and its role in social reproduction, Ph.D. Thesis, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/14041/
[2] Pedler, M.L., Willis, R. & Nieuwoudt, J.E. (2021). “A sense of belonging at university: student retention, motivation and enjoyment”, Journal of Further and Higher Education, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 397-408.
[3] https://www.palatinate.org.uk/stateing-the-obvious-durhams-elitist-reputation/