A Student-only Forum with LSE Director Minouche Shafik was held on Monday 15 October 2018, in The Venue, Saw Swee Hock Student Centre (SAW) at 12.15pm.
The Forum was an opportunity for students to meet Minouche and Dilly Fung, the new Pro-Director for Education, who spoke about her vision for education at LSE and answered questions from students about how their education and experience is central to the new LSE 2030 strategy.
Minouche began by warmly welcoming everyone to the Forum, reaffirming her ongoing commitment to improving students’ experiences and explaining how students can contribute to the new strategy. The Director then answered questions from students in the audience.
a) Student experience
Minouche Shafik restated that enhancing students’ experiences remains the top priority since she joined LSE last year. She discussed her commitment to raising £150 million to provide better access to LSE, especially to those who might not consider higher education. She also spoke of plans to give all students their own common room within their departments, as well as boosting funding for social events for students with their classmates.
Minouche spoke about the new Centre Buildings opening in May and the benefits of reopening the heart of campus on Houghton Street that will create physical community space. She also mentioned that over 8000 students are now on the Student Hub app, and discussed the new Academic Mentoring Portal which aims to prepare students, and their Academic Mentors, for the discussions and support shared during these meetings.
b) LSE 2030
Minouche also explained that earlier this year, over 1800 students, staff and alumni took part in the online strategy consultation, which will help shape the future of LSE. LSE 2030 will outline the School’s approach to education, global engagement, new research areas, the nature of programmes offered, better alumni relationships, and staff development. The strategy will guide the School towards where it wants to be by 2030.
c) Education for Global Impact
Professor Dilly Fung spoke about her plan to deliver an LSE education for global impact - empowering students so that they are leaders of change, encouraging them to engage with the LSE community and embedding research practices across the School. Dilly also outlined opportunities for students to get involved now, whether through the LSE Research Festival, in departments, or on collaborative School projects.
Dilly then opened the floor to questions from students, who asked about learning specific skills on their courses, how to connect with departments, and about the launch of the new Change Makers programme the Pro-Director is running with the Students' Union.
After discussing the Schools plans and answering all of the questions raised, Minouche thanked everyone for their time and contributions during the Forum and wished all students a fantastic year ahead.