Oxford Student Voice

About Oxford Student Voice

Oxford Student Voice is a podcast created by Wantoe T. Wantoe, President for Postgraduates at Oxford University Students’ Union. The podcast series brings students and senior University leaders into open conversation, making space for honest dialogue about opportunity, leadership, and the future of Oxford. It is a platform where students can hear directly from decision makers while also sharing their own perspectives. Each episode explores how Oxford’s governance and vision translate into the lived experiences of undergraduates and postgraduates, while also highlighting how the Students’ Union is representing and working on behalf of its members. Together, these conversations ensure that student voices are not only heard but valued at the highest levels.

Publisher

Oxford University

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Oct 2025

Latest episode

21 May 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 May 2026

   Oxford's collegiate governance, student leadership, and institutional challenges

   Drawing on his distinguished legal career as a Lord Justice of Appeal and Senior President of Tribunals, Sir Ernest Ryder explains the "people first" philosophy behind his leadership. In this episode of the Oxford Student Voice Podcast, Shermar Pryce sits down with Sir Ernest Ryder, Master of Pembroke College and Chair of the Conference of Colleges. Drawing on his distinguished legal career as a Lord Justice of Appeal and Senior President of Tribunals, Sir Ernest explains the "people first" philosophy behind his leadership. The conversation demystifies the "bumblebee" of Oxford governance, exploring how the 39 independent colleges collaborate with the central University. They also discuss the pressing challenges facing the institution today, including the mental health crisis, the sustainability of niche academic disciplines, and the maintenance of aging physical infrastructure.

2. 

   1 May 2026

   From Decisions to Experience: How Oxford’s Systems Shape Student Life

   Oxford SU President Wantoe Teah Wantoe speaks with Registrar Gill Aitken on how Oxford’s systems shape student life, digital change, and the role of student voice in governance. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Wantoe Teah Wantoe sits down with Gill Aitken, Registrar of the University of Oxford, for a conversation about how the University works beneath the surface, and how decisions made at the centre shape the everyday experiences of students. It is a conversation rooted not just in systems, but in people, in judgment, and in the often unseen processes that define how institutions function. Gill reflects on her journey from over two decades in Whitehall to one of the most senior roles at Oxford, and what that experience has taught her about leadership, accountability, and navigating complexity at scale. Together, they explore the role of the Registrar, not simply as an administrative function, but as a point where governance, policy, and delivery come together to shape how the University is experienced in practice. The discussion moves beyond structures to a deeper question of experience. How do systems feel from a student perspective, and who are they really designed for? What happens when they do not work, and how does change actually occur? It is a conversation about clarity, responsiveness, and whether Oxford’s systems are keeping pace with the expectations of a new generation of students. They also reflect on the University’s ongoing digital transformation, the role of artificial intelligence in administration, and the balance between efficiency and human judgment in decision making. Through it all, the episode points toward a central idea: that the strength of any institution lies not just in how it is designed, but in how it listens, adapts, and responds to the people it serves.

3. 

   14 Apr 2026

   The Schwarzman Centre: Students, Humanities, and the Future of Knowledge at Oxford

   Oxford SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe Teah Wantoe, speaks with Professor Daniel Grimley on the Schwarzman Centre, student experience, and the future of the humanities at Oxford. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Wantoe Teah Wantoe sits down with Professor Daniel Grimley, Head of the Humanities Division, for a conversation about where the humanities stand today and where they are headed. It is a conversation rooted not just in institutions, but in people, in lived experience, and in the quiet but powerful idea that education should expand who we believe we can become. Professor Grimley reflects on his journey from state education to leading one of Oxford’s most influential academic divisions, and what that journey has taught him about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of making space for others to rise. Together, they explore the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, not simply as a new building, but as an opportunity to rethink how knowledge is created, shared, and experienced. The discussion moves beyond access to a deeper question of belonging. What does it take for students not only to arrive at Oxford, but to feel that they have a place within it, and a role in shaping its future? It is a conversation about tradition and change, about who gets to participate, and about the responsibility institutions carry in opening doors that have too often been closed. They also reflect on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and what it means for disciplines rooted in human meaning, creativity, and expression. Through it all, the episode points toward a simple but powerful idea: that the future of the humanities, and of Oxford itself, will be defined not just by what we preserve, but by who we empower.

4. 

   24 Feb 2026

   More Than Varsity: Who Gets to Play at Oxford?

   Professor Alexander Betts, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, Sport and Community, talks about participation and belonging at Oxford, focussing on sport, wellbeing & inclusion broadening out to wider community engagement In this episode of Student Voices, Oxford SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa, speaks with Professor Alexander Betts, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, Sport and Community, about who gets to take part at Oxford, and what fair access looks like in a collegiate university. The conversation focuses on sport, wellbeing and belonging. Alisa raises what students share about uneven provision across colleges, barriers linked to timetabling and where you live, and how participation can start to feel like an all or nothing pipeline. Alexander reflects on how the University is working to strengthen sport and physical activity as part of a thriving student experience, alongside academic life. They discuss emerging plans for a central University gym and leisure facility in the city centre, intended to improve everyday access for students whose colleges have limited provision, and to reduce practical barriers linked to distance and getting to Iffley Road. Alongside this, they talk about wider ambitions to improve facilities, investment, and how colleges and the University can think more collaboratively about the collegiate sports estate. They also explore inclusion in practice, including how gym spaces can feel intimidating, and what it would mean to shape facilities, coaching and culture so that women and those who identify as non-binary feel welcomed in sporting spaces. Alex and Alisa share an early announcement of a women’s sport research network they are developing at Oxford alongside a small but diverse group of researchers, staff and practitioners to support a clearer institutional focus on women’s sport. Lastly, they address widening out beyond sport to town and gown. Alexander shares how sport can be used to build stronger relationships across Oxford and Oxfordshire through community programmes and volunteering, and Alisa signposts routes for students to raise barriers and shape change through student voice channels, including common rooms, Sports Federation structures, and the SU.

5. 

   30 Jan 2026

   Inside the Bodleian: Libraries, Students, and the Future of Knowledge

   A thoughtful conversation with Ant Brewerton from the Bodleian Libraries on library services, historic collections, student access, inclusion, digital innovation, and the evolving role of libraries at Oxford. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Undergraduates, Seun Sowunmi, speaks with Ant Brewerton from the Bodleian Libraries about the past, present, and future of Oxford’s libraries and their role in student life. The conversation explores Ant’s role at the Bodleian, highlights from the libraries’ vast collections, and the realities of caring for some of the world’s oldest and most valuable books. Ant discusses library access, student resources that support academic skills, and the challenges and opportunities of digital infrastructure, including social media engagement and public-facing initiatives. They also reflect on inclusion and representation within historic collections, how the Bodleian addresses difficult legacies connected to colonial histories, and what it means to create welcoming and safe library spaces for an increasingly diverse student body. The discussion considers sustainability, security, college library resource disparities, and how emerging technologies such as AI may shape the future of publishing and library collections. Together, they look ahead to how the Bodleian continues to adapt to changing student needs while remaining central to research, teaching, and discovery at Oxford.

6. 

   19 Jan 2026

   The Proctors’ Office: Tradition, Integrity and Student Voice in Safeguarding Oxford’s Academic Community

   A reflective conversation with Dr Grant Tapsell, Junior Proctor of the University of Oxford, on academic integrity, fairness, governance, and the role of the Proctors’ Office in safeguarding student standards & community life. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe, speaks with Dr Grant Tapsell, Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall, Associate Professor in the Faculty of History, and Junior Proctor of the University of Oxford, about the purpose and modern relevance of the Proctors’ Office. The conversation explores how academic integrity, due process, and fairness are upheld across examinations, student conduct, and institutional governance within Oxford’s unique collegiate structure. Dr Tapsell reflects on balancing centuries-old traditions with the evolving realities of a diverse, international student body, including digital assessments and changing academic practices. Drawing on his experience as a historian and senior academic leader, he discusses transparency, student engagement, and the importance of partnership between the Proctors’ Office, colleges, and the Students’ Union. Together, they consider how trust, accountability, and shared values continue to shape Oxford’s academic community and its future.

7. 

   27 Nov 2025

   SU Elections special: Oxford Shapes the world, you can shape Oxford

   SU Presidents for Undergraduates, welfare equity and inclusion and Communities and Common Rooms share their experiences of being an SU President, the opportunities the roles offer and their thoughts on the importance of student re Each year, in Hilary term, Oxford SU elects a new cohort of Sabbatical Officers to lead the SU for the following academic year. In this episode of Oxford Student Voice join current SU presidents, Seun, Alisa and Shermar as they discuss their own experiences of student representation at the University of Oxford, what made them want to run for their positions and what you can get out of running for a sabbatical role at Oxford SU.

8. 

   6 Nov 2025

   Oxford Careers Service: pathways and possibilities

   A conversation with Careers Service Director Jonathan Black on careers support at Oxford, employability, AI, internships, undergraduate and postgraduate support, international students, Oxford’s alumni network and the evolving fut In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe, speaks with Jonathan Black, Director of the University’s Careers Service, about how Oxford students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, can transform their studies into meaningful careers. The conversation explores employability in an age of AI, the value of internships and hands-on programmes such as the Oxford Strategy Challenge, and the support available to international students navigating new job markets. Jonathan also reflects on Oxford’s global alumni network as a bridge for mentorship and opportunity, and on the importance of early engagement with the Careers Service. Together they look ahead to the future of work, examining how Oxford can continue to empower students across disciplines to lead with purpose, confidence and curiosity.

9. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Beyond the Headlines: Oxford, EDI, and What Belonging Really Means

   In this episode, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Oxford’s Chief Diversity Officer, Professor Tim Soutphommasane, about belonging, access, free expression, and how EDI is shaping the future In this episode of Oxford Student Voices, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Professor Tim Soutphommasane, Oxford’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Practice in Human Rights and Political Theory. At the heart of their conversation is the idea of belonging: what it means to arrive at Oxford and truly feel part of its community. They explore how the University’s Everyone Belongs Strategic Plan aims to make that sense of belonging real for every student, from their first week through to graduation. Together they discuss the impact of initiatives such as Opportunity Oxford, the Astrophoria Foundation Year and Academic Futures, alongside the University’s ongoing work to close awarding gaps and strengthen graduate access. The discussion also moves into more difficult territory: from how universities should respond to racism and online abuse, to questions about whether EDI plays a part in admissions, and how to balance inclusion with free expression in a diverse academic community. Drawing on new research into public attitudes towards equality and fairness, Alisa and Tim consider what fairness and opportunity mean in today’s national climate, and how Oxford can lead by example. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of belonging at Oxford, and how together we can make the University a place where everyone feels at home and able to thrive. References and Resources: • Everyone Belongs: The Collegiate University EDI Strategic Plan 2024–27 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/article/everyone-belongs-new-collegiate-university-edi-strategic-plan • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2023–24 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-annual-report-2023-24 • Finding Common Ground on EDI – https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/finding-common-ground-on-edi/

10. 

    6 Oct 2025

    The Power of Opportunity with Oxford’s Vice Chancellor, Oxford’s Future Through Student Eyes

    In this inaugural episode, SU President for Postgraduates, Wantoe T. Wantoe speaks with Vice Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey about Oxford’s global leadership, student opportunity, and how today’s students can shape the Universit In the very first episode of Oxford Student Voice, Wantoe T. Wantoe, President for Postgraduates at Oxford University Students’ Union, is joined by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Ranked the world’s top university for nine consecutive years, Oxford is a place of extraordinary achievement and opportunity but also one facing global challenges and rising student expectations. This conversation explores what “opportunity” means at Oxford today. From Irene Tracey’s own journey as an Oxford biochemistry student to her leadership as a pioneering neuroscientist and Vice Chancellor, the discussion covers the future of student access, the rise of student leadership, and Oxford’s responsibility in a rapidly changing world. Together they reflect on the balance between tradition and innovation, the role of international students, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the evolving governance of the University. This episode sets the tone for the series, amplifying student voices while opening up transparent dialogue with those shaping Oxford’s next chapter.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.