Who is the Academic Officer & Why They Matter to You 

The Academic Officer is a full-time, student-elected Sabbatical Officer at York SU dedicated entirely to representing your academic interests and fighting for high-quality, fair education across the university.

What Does the Academic Officer Do?

• Leads on Academic Representation: Oversees the Course Rep and Department Rep system to ensure student voices are heard at every level of the university.

• Escalates Issues to Top Leadership: Sits on major university boards, including the University Executive Board (UEC)to bring student feedback directly to senior leadership and drive policy change.

• Champions Academic Campaigns: Leads campaigns around fair assessment deadlines, marking turnaround times, accessible learning materials, and academic support resources.

• Integrates Accessibility & Inclusion: Directs academic equality initiatives, ensuring inclusive teaching, fair adjustments, and accessible course structures are built directly into university policies.

Why the Academic Officer Matters to Your Role as a Rep

As a Course or Department Rep, the Academic Officer is your primary ally and highest point of escalation within York SU:

• Your Direct Line to Senior University Decision-Makers: When departmental issues hit a brick wall, you don't have to fight them alone. The Academic Officer takes systemic or persistent issues raised by Reps straight to senior university management.

• Backs Your Feedback with Real Power: Whether you are raising concerns at the Big Academic Meeting (BAM) or submitting items via the feedback system, the Academic Officer uses your on-the-ground insights as evidence when lobbying for university-wide changes.

• Provides Support & Direction for Your Campaigns: If you want to launch an academic campaign, improve departmental policies, or address widespread module issues, the Academic Officer provides guidance, resources, and institutional backing.

• Not Everything Needs Escalation: Not every piece of feedback needs to go directly to the Academic Officer, most day-to-day issues, logging updates, or local quick-wins are handled routinely through the Feedback Form, keeping escalation saved for major or persistent blockers.