The University of Manchester has launched From Manchester for the world – our new strategy that sets out where we’re heading over the next decade. It’s an ambitious vision for how we’ll tackle big challenges in society, higher education, and the world around us.
But while the plan looks ahead to 2035, students are already central to shaping what happens next. It isn’t a finished product; it’s the start of an ongoing conversation. Your ideas, feedback and experiences will help guide how the strategy becomes reality.
Manchester Matters
Manchester Matters is a collaboration between the University and the Students’ Union to make sure your voice is heard and that there are clear, regular ways for you to input into University decision-making. It’s all about creating regular, open spaces for students and our leadership team to talk honestly – even about the tricky stuff.
There are a few ways you can get involved:
Oxford Road Chats – informal discussions with the Students’ Union and University leaders about topics that matter to students. These are filmed on campus and shared on @OfficialUoM so everyone can join the conversation.
Open Meeting podcasts – themed discussions where students put pre-submitted questions to University leaders – catch up on past Open Meetings covering everything from student activism to rent prices on our website.
Ask Me Anything sessions – in-person Q&A sessions with the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, where you can ask questions directly and hear honest answers about issues that matter to you. They typically run once a semester and are streamed and recorded if you can’t make it in person.
👉 If you’ve got thoughts or questions right now, submit your questions and come along to our next Ask Me Anything session on Tuesday, 21 October.
Other ways to have your say:
- Student Perspectives Group
Sign up to take part in one-hour sessions where you share your views on projects, services and campaigns. Your feedback goes straight to the teams leading the work, and you’re rewarded for your time.
- Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS) leaders
You can either become a PASS leader – supporting first-year students and feeding back to staff on what’s working – or engage with your School’s PASS leaders to share your perspective and feedback.
- Academic Reps
Academic reps are the link between you and the University on all things course related. They will listen to students’ thoughts and ideas about their course and feed this back to your School.
- Students as Partners
Students who work in paid roles with staff on projects that improve teaching and the student experience, bringing student perspectives directly into University decisions and the work we do.
- Students’ Union collaboration
The SU works in partnership with the University to campaign on student priorities – from affordability to wellbeing. SU officers meet regularly with senior leaders to make sure your views influence decisions. If you want to raise an issue or idea, you can contact your elected SU Executive team directly, or get involved in SU campaigns and activities.