Student representative argues for partnership before consultation

Updated Sep 07, 2026

In a 13 July 2026 reflection published by Advance HE, Oluwatomisin Osinubi argues that students should help define problems before being asked to comment on proposed solutions. The page identifies her as Glasgow Caledonian Students' Association's 2025/26 Student President, with a biographical note saying she had recently completed her term.

The argument draws on her representative experience and the documentary Not Your Student, which she produced. It is her authored reflection, not a new institutional rule or a representative study of the sector.

The argument for earlier involvement

Osinubi describes students discussing interconnected pressures involving housing, employment, finances, wellbeing, belonging and identity. She questions whether separate institutional services adequately reflect that combined experience.

Her central proposition is:

“Consultation is important, but partnership should begin before consultation.”

She argues that students can help identify assumptions and overlooked circumstances at the start of policy, service and strategy work. Stories, in her account, add human context to quantitative indicators. She explicitly presents the documentary as an invitation to discussion, not a definitive account or a set of proven solutions.

This review examines the written reflection. The documentary and its premiere discussion have not been independently reviewed here, and no claim about their full content or effectiveness is made beyond Osinubi's account.

Applying the question locally

Choose an upcoming decision and identify the point at which students can still influence how the problem is framed. Explain what is open to change, what constraints already apply and how their contribution will be used. An invitation to participate is more useful when its purpose and limits are clear.

Consider several appropriate ways to contribute, including options for people unable or unwilling to attend a meeting. Do not assume a workshop or representative group captures every relevant experience. Record missing perspectives and disagreements as well as shared priorities.

These are practical suggestions for designing participation. The article does not demonstrate that earlier involvement always produces faster decisions, higher trust or better outcomes.

Keep experience and interpretation connected

A concern about housing may also involve money, work or access to learning. Where contributors describe those connections, preserve them rather than forcing each account into one service category. At the same time, avoid inferring relationships that the contributor did not express.

Different routes collect different kinds of evidence. A survey comment, a representative's account and a workshop discussion should retain their context when themes are brought together. Consistent coding does not make them interchangeable or turn personal stories into a population estimate.

The governance checklist can help clarify permission, review responsibilities and follow-up. Use analysis to support direct discussion with students, including their ability to challenge the interpretation. It should not substitute for the partnership the author advocates.

FAQ

What is the author's main proposal?

That students help define problems early, as well as respond to proposals after they have been drafted.

Is this official evidence of a sector-wide change?

No. It is an individual practice reflection published by Advance HE.

Has this review assessed the documentary itself?

No. It checks the written article and attributes documentary-related observations to its author.

Correction, 7 September 2026: Attributed the argument to its named author, clarified her completed presidential term and the written-reflection scope, and removed unsupported implications about speed, outcomes or a demonstrated sector-wide shift.

References

Oluwatomisin Osinubi: Rethinking student experience in higher education, Advance HE, 13 July 2026.