For almost 65 years, Oxford University Students' Union (Oxford SU) has been representing and campaigning on behalf of students at every level of the University.
Long before the Education Act (1994) required universities to provide Students’ Unions, Oxford students created their own Student Representative Council to oppose censorship of the student-run Isis magazine. For nine years, students campaigned for formal recognition from the University Proctors—going as far as petitioning the Government to amend legislation. In 1970, student leaders succeeded, and in 1971 Emily Wallace (Somerville) became the first elected President formally recognised by the University.
A lot has changed since 1961 - well before the internet, smartphones, or the 165 universities that now exist across the UK (compared to just 31 in the 1960s). Like the world around us, student representation has evolved too. Key moments include a renaming to Oxford University Students' Union in 1974 and, more recently, a transformation of our democratic structures and officer roles in 2024.
How Oxford SU Is Run Today?
Oxford SU is run by students, for students. Each year, our members elect a team of student leaders who work with the Conference of Common Rooms to shape the Union’s priorities, represent student interests, and drive positive change across the University.
Sabbatical Officers
Students elect four full-time Sabbatical Officers who represent the student body on University committees, working groups, and in discussions with senior leadership. Their positions on key issues are informed by the Conference of Common Rooms (CCR) - a forum of elected representatives from across all Colleges.
Learn more about the CCR
Meet your Sabbatical Officers
Equity & Community Officers
Students also elect:
These are part-time roles. Equity Officers are elected by students who self-identify as belonging to the communities they represent. Together, Equity and Community Officers lead their Representative Committees (RepComs) and ensure diverse voices are heard across all SU activity.
There will also be a Sports Officer position which will be elected in accordance with Sports Federation rules.
Student Trustees
Oxford SU is a registered charity, independent of the University. As part of our governance, we have a Board of Trustees. Each year, students can elect Student Trustees, who volunteer their time to help oversee the strategic and financial direction of the SU.