Fabian Neuner (BSc European Politics, Society and Economics, 2009)

What motivated you to run for the position of Guild President?

My involvement in the Guild started in my first week at University and I was heavily involved (e.g., as Shackleton Hall President or Independent Chair of Guild Council) in the Guild throughout my time in Birmingham. During that time, I saw the power of student representation to make changes at the University and was inspired to campaign on issues of exam feedback, library access, and student-led Guild governance.

What lessons did you learn in your role that have been valuable in your career?

I learned how universities operate and the complexities and importance of strong university governance. This knowledge helped me be successful in graduate school in both the UK and the US and as a Professor. I also campaigned on developing standards for essay and exam feedback and am proud to say that, as a Professor, I now practice what I preached all those years ago.

What do you consider your biggest achievement during your time as Guild President?

Fulfilling campaign promises about developing standards for detailed and relevant exam and essay feedback as well as successfully lobbying for additional library resources and extended opening times.

Can you share a memorable, funny, or poignant story from your time as Guild President?

We were informed that the final Prime Ministerial debate of the 2010 election campaign was to be held at the University. While we were not permitted to share this news in advance, we were able to convince the Guild (without revealing the reason) to buy hundreds of t-shirts for a campaign against raising tuition fees. We distributed these on the day of the debate, leading to the campaign featuring prominently in the background of every news shot and thus raising the salience of the issue.

What advice would you give to current and future Guild officers?

Keep a journal. The year is hectic and goes by quickly. You will only remember a fraction of the exciting and challenging times. 15 years on, I wished I had taken notes and memorialised more of my formative time at the Guild. I recently got to spend a weekend with most of the officer team (with kids in tow!). They have become lifelong friends and the most lasting impact of your time as an officer will be the friendships you make during your time at the Guild.