The Race Equity Advocate scheme is a student-led collaboration between the Students' Union and the University with the vision to improve the experience of students of colour and close the awarding gap for Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) students.

With some of our advocates graduating next week, we caught up with Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Arham Farid, from the University of Sussex Students Union (USSU) about the scheme and working with this fantastic group of students to raise awareness of the awarding gap, creating safe spaces for BAME students and working with schools to develop race equity action plans.

What do you find most exciting or fulfilling about your work?

The most exciting bit is the collaborative nature of working together with various departments and faculties in ensuring a better campus for students. Every person you meet has fantastic ideas and is open to constructive criticism. Almost all of the work I do leads to some sort of a positive change on campus for the students, and that is definitely the best part about my role and work at Sussex.

What is something unique or interesting about your department? 

The USSU is quite a unique place, with people from diverse backgrounds working together for a shared goal: student safety, belonging and wellbeing.

Coming from a country that has a ban on student unions since 1984, it has been quite enthralling for me to witness active student politics and leadership.

My department in particular is all about student campaigns and engagement, so we get to hear first-hand all the amazing things that students want to do. This sort of leadership from young pupils is incredibly motivating, and to facilitate them with their ideas is a very rewarding experience.

Can you recommend any campus resources or clubs that have been particularly meaningful to you?

Some of the campus resources I have greatly benefited from are the careers centre workshops, the research support offered by the library, the various events hosted by the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts and attending sessions and events by the Inclusive Sussex.

Among the student clubs, the Sussex Yoga Society and the South Asian Student Society definitely stand as the most memorable ones. The Liberation and Culture Community is another space that I have been thoroughly enjoying and learning a lot from!

In what ways do you think Sussex fosters a sense of community and belonging? 

Sussex acknowledges its vibrantly diverse community, and that is why you will see a myriad of events whether it is Ramadan or the Lunar New Year. It is this collective celebration of cultures and values that greatly foster a sense of community and belonging. This sense of belonging is also strengthened by our wonderful and supportive alumni network. This ensures that you stay connected to the campus you spent such transformative years of your life in. It is quite lovely.

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about your team that people might not know? 

We have a TON, and I mean a ton of weird crafty things in our office which keep it very light and vibrant. Our work can at times become quite emotionally taxing, so it’s always nice to see crocheted figurines lying here and there to make you burst into a giggle.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell the Sussex community?

Our Race Equity Advocates cannot tackle the ethnic awarding gap at Sussex alone. There needs to be collaboration and allyship between students, staff, faculties, senior management and various university departments to achieve this one very significant and important goal.

Keep working towards positive and innovative change, collaborate openly with each other, and don’t be afraid to put forth your ideas - I believe the Sussex community is very open to new ideas and that there is an opportunity (as well as support) around every corner.