Somerville College is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds. We strive to ensure that every student, regardless of their identity or circumstances, feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Support for Diverse Student Groups
Ethnic Minorities
Somerville College recognizes the importance of representation and support for students from ethnic minority backgrounds. Our Junior Common Room (JCR) elects two Ethnic Minorities Officer to represent these groups within the college and provide advice on any concerns. Additionally, the college has established initiatives such as the Somerville-Ethox Visiting Scholarship, aimed at supporting early career researchers from Black ethnic backgrounds to pursue academic careers, and an annual BAME Open Day for prospective students from our link schools.
The JCR organises regular social activities for Minority Ethnic students, such as our annual Ethnic Minorities Formal and ‘Spice Night’, in which the ethnic minorities officers order different types of cuisines for students to enjoy.
LGBTQ+ Students
Somerville is proud to be an LGBTQ+-inclusive college. We have:
- Two LGBTQ+ Officers who are annually appointed from our student body to represent and support LGBTQ+ students within the JCR;
- A Gender Expression Fund to assist students with costs related to expressing their gender identity;
- Regular displays of the Progress and Trans Pride flags during Pride month and on significant dates;
- Our commitment to inclusivity extends to practical measures, such as the introduction of gender-neutral toilets in response to student requests;
- Our JCR runs a number of ad hoc events and initiatives to help foster a sense of pride and joy in our LGBTQ+ community, such as our highly popular drag brunch during Pride and an annual LGBTQ+ Formal.
Non-Traditional and Working-Class Students
Somerville values the diverse perspectives that students from non-traditional and working-class backgrounds bring to our community. The JCR annually appoints a Class Officer to cater for those who might feel out of place at Oxford, and Somerville offers tailored support and resources to ensure all of our students can thrive academically and socially within the college environment.
Young Carers and Care-Experienced Students
We understand the unique challenges faced by young carers and care-experienced students in transitioning to university life. Somerville is a member of the Young Carers Covenant, and has committed to organise an annual outreach event for Young Carers, details of which can be obtained from our Access Team.
Our Student Welfare Lead, Jo Ockwell, is available to discuss specific support that the college can provide to young carers and care-experienced students.
There is not currently specific support for young carers and the care-experienced within the University. However, Oxford SU Class Act is a student-led group supporting students from a range of non-traditional backgrounds which is planning (2024) to introduce a young carer officer to enhance university-wide student support. Outside Oxford, young carers may wish to consult the Carers’ Trust resources on Higher Education, which offer valuable guides for professionals supporting young carers into university.
Comprehensive Welfare Support
Student Welfare Team
At the heart of our support system is our Welfare Team, comprising our Student Welfare Lead, Jo Ockwell, our College Counsellor and College Nurse, and our Student Welfare Advisers. Led by Jo, the Welfare Team oversees all student welfare matters, including disability. Students can also access support from:
- Personal Tutors and College Advisors
- Student Welfare Advisors available outside office hours
- JCR Welfare Officers and Peer Supporters
- University Services
Somerville students have access to a wide range of University-wide support services, including counselling and mental health resources.
Equality and Diversity Initiatives
Somerville College is committed to removing barriers and creating an environment where all students can succeed. Our initiatives include:
- Regular publication of Equality Reports to monitor and improve our inclusivity efforts;
- Equality and Diversity Officers elected by the Junior and Middle Common Rooms;
- Ongoing review and implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
At Somerville, we believe that diversity enriches our community and enhances the educational experience for all. We are dedicated to continually improving our support systems and fostering an environment where every student feels respected, valued, and empowered to achieve their goals.