What is the degree awarding gap?
In the UK in 2019-20, there was a 9.9% 'gap’ between the likelihood of white students and students of colour getting a 1st or a 2:1 degree classification. Some factors that contribute to the degree awarding gap include:
- Institutional culture
- A lack of ethnic diversity among role models and staff
- A lack of inclusive content, design and delivery
- Not feeling a sense of belonging
We believe this is wrong and we're making it a priority to work with UEA to address it. It is vital that students of colour voices are not only heard but listened to. Our paid Students of Colour Ambassador scheme recruit students of colour to ensure the lived experiences are at the centre of efforts to close the degree awarding gap.
If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact soca@uea.ac.uk.
What does a Students of Colour Ambassador do?
Students of Colour Ambassadors will work on projects which are decided by the academic school, however there is the opportunity to shape the projects that are being worked on. This role is focused on students of colour, so it is important that the Students of Colour Ambassadors work with students and staff. The Student of Colour Ambassador role is varied and will help you gain a range of transferable skills for future employment, some of the duties carried out are:
- Undertaking research
- Attending meetings
- Public speaking
- Creating and organising events
- Creating publicity (including the use of social media)
- And other tasks.
This role is supported by the Student Voice and Communities Coordinator (Students of Colour) on the Union side, who will provide training and general support. The School Lead on the University side will work with the Ambassador on projects and offer support.
Your current SOCAs
Pharmacy
Samiha
Priorities
TBC
Contact me
TBC
Merveille
Priorities
TBC
Contact me
TBC
Health Sciences
Yee 'Tiffany'
Priorities
I would like to focus on the communication, academic support and placement information for HSC students in order to narrow the degree rewarding gap.
Contact me
Yee-Ting.Kong@uea.ac.uk
Evanna
Priorities
To create a sense of inclusion and community amongst the health sciences. I want people to be heard, understood, and considered no matter their race. I want to celebrate the beauty of diversity and help students of underrepresented backgrounds feel supported.
Contact me
E.Lee-Kasaija@uea.ac.uk
Literature, Drama and Creative Writing
Amira
Priorities
I want to create a welcoming hub in the school of LDC where students of colour can connect, share experiences, and support each other. I understand that university can be a tough time for most, and want to provide a listening ear for students who might feel isolated or face barriers as well as celebrating the small wins and recognising achieves of students within the school.
Contact me
psx23wsu@uea.ac.uk
Dhara
Priorities
- Workshops & Employability: Continue to expand my EDI that I've developed and also run workshops/events that help LDC students of colour with skills, confidence, and career opportunities.
- Community: Create safe spaces and events such as a Cultural Ball that bring students of colour together, creating a supportive community and make campus feel more welcoming.
- Empowerment: Empower LDC students of colour to share their writing, stories, and voices in our events. Help students of colour feel confident to thrive!
Contact me
D.Ranavaya@uea.ac.uk
Biology
Noosha
Priorities
I am here to provide advocacy and support to students and create a safe and welcoming environment in the School of Biology. Whether it's to voice concerns, collaborate on projects, find the best coffee spots on campus, or just have a chat, I'm your person!
Contact me
n.yasrebi@uea.ac.uk
Azaria
Priorities
I want to help build a community where everyone feels comfortable and included in the School of Biology. I'm keen to listen to the experience of other students, share use of opportunities and resources for biologists of colour, and sure their voices are heard.
Contact me
cpz24jmu@uea.ac.uk
Law
Amber
Priorities
- Advocate for Equity and Inclusion: Advocate for an inclusive and supportive environment for students of color
- Support and Empower Peers: Mentor and guide students of color through academic and social challenges.
- Build Community and Visibility: Foster connection through events, outreach, and visibility initiatives
Contact me
Duc-Hanh-Minh.Nguyen@uea.ac.uk
Aura
Priorities
- Creating a safe space for everyone in campus.
- Work towards closing degree awarding gaps and helping with career progression.
- Making the changes that matters, be the change I want to see!
Contact me
Aura.Mondal@uea.ac.uk
Global Development
Anita
Priorities
Comfortability and a sense of belonging are two feelings that encourages a student to want to succeed. The comfort of knowing that there are people you can rely on when help is needed or for any uncertainty, and being in a place where you know and understand the area is the type of atmosphere us as Student of colour ambassadors want to create.
Contact me
Anita.Francis@uea.ac.uk
Taiyo
Priorities
As SOCA, I am committed to ensuring equal recognition, fair procedures, and equitable distribution for students of colour.
Recognition: Ensuring students understand the challenges and experiences faced by students of colour.
Procedure: Promoting fair and inclusive decision-making that involves all students.
Distribution: Ensuring resources and services are allocated equitably, supporting fair academic achievement and a fulfilling university experience.
Additionally, I aim to diversify events—from outdoor sports and international food fairs to indoor quizzes—to cater to a wider range of student interests.
Contact me
Taiyo.Suzuki@uea.ac.uk
Medicine
Deborah 'Debby'
Priorities
- To reduce any feelings of isolation and loneliness students of colour may feel during their time at UEA.
- To actively influence the medical school's curriculum and content.
- Creating and organising events
Contact me
D.Olusanya@uea.ac.uk
Tim
Priorities
As I have been in university for a while now, I have become more aware of the issues students of colour face during their studies and wanted to be part of the solution. Specifically I wanted to help bridge the attainment gap within the school of MED.
Contact me
T.Oduwole@uea.ac.uk
Media, Language and Communications
Megan
Priorities
- To empower people's creativity and coordinate the diverse student scene.
- Support students of colour in their university journey through hosting memorable events. Engage with the community and build a supportive network.
Contact me
Yuet.Tsui@uea.ac.uk
Nemi
Priorities
To see more diversity in MLC and create a community and a safe space where people can be their authentic selves.
Contact me
N.Asoka@uea.ac.uk
Computing Sciences
Vinisha
Priorities
Creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive space for all students, organising events and activities that bring students together and building a community, and supporting students of colour by promoting all available resources and offering guidance wherever possible
Contact me
V.Yadav@uea.ac.uk
Economics
Prosper
Priorities
- Creating a safe and welcoming environment for both new and existing students of all backgrounds.
- Enlighten students of opportunities that support them and prepare them for the future; tailored to their background, whether by race or other factors.
- Uplifting the voices of students of colour.
Contact me
P.Chidakwa@uea.ac.uk
Kareem
Priorities
- Inclusivity through encouraging diversity.
- Promoting all types of different cultures through many different ways.
Contact me
cqp23rda@uea.ac.uk
Education
Ahlem
![photograph of EDU SOCA, Ahlem]()
Priorities
- Add more diversity of nationality to PESH and encourage more people of colour to study the course.
- Advertise employability and career path routes within the course.
Contact me
bvg23qxu@uea.ac.uk
Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
Beverley
![photograph of EMP SOCA, Beverley]()
Priorities
To show to current and prospective students of colour that the EMP school is a welcoming and understanding community.
Contact me
fup21zhu@uea.ac.uk
Michael
![photograph of EMP SOCA, Michael]()
Priorities
Creating an environment where all students of colour who study enginnering, maths or physics, feel like they can succeed.
Contact me
txy24ntu@uea.ac.uk
Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies
Oreofeoluwa
![photograph of PPA SOCA, Oreofeoluwa]()
Priorities
- Creating a fun and safe community for students to freely by themselves.
- Shining a light on different cultures.
Contact me
psq24xau@uea.ac.uk
Elisha
![photograph of PPA SOCA, Elisha]()
Priorities
Representing my course as well as diversifying the political scene.
Contact me
pub24cmu@uea.ac.uk
Psychology
Kenïsha
![photograph of PSY SOCA, Kenisha]()
Priorities
- Creating a safe space for students of colour.
- Making a change within the psychology course.
- Uplifting the voices of students of colour.
Contact me
vzs24scu@uea.ac.uk
Joanitah
Priorities
- Encourage the university to do research into why there is a gap in awards given to students of colour compared to students not of colour.
- Engage more with other students of colour on my course so I can respresent their needs and wants.
Contact me
kjd24jmu@uea.ac.uk
Getting involved
At uea(su) we’re working with UEA to tackle the degree awarding gap that continues to affect students from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
This role is exclusively for students at UEA, and will add invaluable experience to your CV. Key areas where you'll gain experience include:
- Project management in an equality and equity sector
- Championing the voices of students from minority ethnic groups
- Collaborative working with the university to conduct research
- Development, promotion and delivery of events
- Attending regular uea(su), school and university level meetings