Yes definitely - I had a good skim and will return for a closer read. The democracy angle is really helpful.

Fascinating - never heard of Friedrich Fröbel, so am enjoying reading up on him. What an interesting and influential person.

We now need people doing performative things in liminal spaces.

Will such an approach make the problem go away? No. But will it bridge the gulf between students and management, or empower students (and especially reps) to better understand the problem and thus engage realistically? Perhaps. Does it, fundamentally, show you care about students? For sure.
4/4

"What are the most important features of your course?"
"If we combined your course with this one, what would be the red lines and what could you tolerate as changes?"
"Given X financial problems, what would you do?"
"How can your voices be heard nationally on this issue?"
etc
3/4

Of course, some might fear asking students when the answer is likely (a) obvious - don't cut our course, or (b) impossible to deliver - don't save money here. But it depends on the Q you ask: "may we cut your course?" is the wrong starting point. But try more empowerment and less binary Qs, eg 2/4

What an extraordinary and impressive looking building!

All the best Megan - though we will of course be seeing her in her new role too!

Yes of course quite right - I am also a bit fan of standing at the back with big "5 mins" and "1 min" notices.

That's a great technique! I'm really passionate about this too (and very occasionally guilty myself, due to my tendency to waffle). It's actually rude, because you're taking time from others - either downtime or the next speaker.

Have a good trip!

Goodness. I shouldn't be surprised (I bet that changes at promoted levels). Scotland had Gender Action Plans (aiming for at least 75-25 in all student numbers in all subjects) but they kind of died with COVID. Sadly (maybe relatedly) some subjects/functions seem more open to this kind of reflection.

Really interesting paper, such important thoughts. I work (and occasionally research/write) in the sphere of student engagement, and it's a very female-dominated area which brings huge strengths as it rests on care, empathy etc. But I've always wondered about gender implications for strategy.

Very sad. And here we are still picking up the pieces.