Back in March, we published a blog post for International Women’s Day, highlighting the work of women as leaders in our society. Part of this included a feature on Oluebube Nwajiaku, the Equality. Diversity and Inclusion Lead for the King’s Doctoral Students’ Association. We caught up with Oluebube again to find out more about her role as EDI lead:
Tell us more about your role as the KDSA Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead.
As the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Lead for the King's Doctoral Students' Association (KDSA) during the 2022/23 academic year, my primary role was to promote a culture of inclusivity and equity within the doctoral community. This involved developing and implementing initiatives aimed at raising awareness about diversity issues, organising events to celebrate different cultures, and providing a platform for underrepresented groups to voice their concerns. I collaborated closely with university staff and other student leaders to ensure that policies and practices reflected the diverse needs of the student body.
As the current KDSA Wellbeing Lead, what strategies have you implemented to support the wellbeing of PhD students at King's?
In my role as the Wellbeing Lead for the 2023/24 academic year, I have implemented several strategies to support the wellbeing of PhD students at King's College London:
Wellbeing Workshops: Organised workshops focusing on stress management, mindfulness, and work-life balance.
University Mental Health Charter Award: Joined the UMH Charter Awards as a panellist and presented some of the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced by the PGR community so that they are fully considered in the university-whole approach
Resource Distribution: Curated and distributed resources related to mental health, academic stress, and available support services.
Wellbeing Events: Hosted events such as Meet, move, motivate; yoga sessions; mental health awareness days, and social gatherings to foster a sense of community.
Collaboration with Services: Worked closely with university counselling and health services to ensure students are aware of and can access these resources.
What are the most significant barriers PhD students face in academia, and how can universities address these challenges? What do you see as the most pressing wellbeing challenges for this community, particularly international students?
The most significant barriers PhD students face in academia include:
Isolation and Loneliness: PhD research can be a solitary endeavour, leading to feelings of isolation.
Financial Stress: Funding issues and the high cost of living can add financial pressure.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing intense academic workloads with personal life can be challenging.
Career Uncertainty: Concerns about post-PhD career prospects can cause anxiety.
For international students, additional challenges include:
Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new cultural and academic environment can be stressful.
Language Barriers: Language proficiency can affect academic performance and social integration.
Visa and Immigration Issues: Navigating visa regulations and immigration policies can be complex and stressful.
Universities can address these challenges by:
Providing Mental Health Support: Offering counselling services and mental health resources tailored to PhD students.
Creating Supportive Communities: Facilitating peer support groups and mentorship programs.
Offering Financial Assistance: Providing scholarships, grants, and financial aid options.
Enhancing Career Services: Offering career counseling, job placement services, and workshops on career development.
Can you tell us about an initiative or a project you worked on to enhance the experience of PhD students at King's? What were some of the outcomes or impacts of this initiative?
One of the key initiatives I worked on was the "Meet Move Motivate: PhD Unwind and Wellbeing Workshop" aimed at promoting mental health and wellbeing among doctoral students. The initiative included workshops on stress management, mindfulness yoga sessions, and informative talks by mental health professionals. The outcomes of this initiative were highly positive:
Increased Awareness: Raised awareness about the importance of mental health and the resources available.
Enhanced Community: Fostered a sense of community and peer support among PhD students.
Positive Feedback: Received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants who reported feeling more supported and informed about managing their wellbeing.
What motivated you to become involved in student leadership?
My motivation to become involved in student leadership stemmed from a desire to create a positive impact within my academic community. I have always been passionate about advocating for equality, diversity, and inclusion, and I wanted to use my leadership skills to drive meaningful change. Additionally, my own experiences as a PhD student highlighted the importance of mental health and community support, motivating me to take on roles where I could help address these critical issues and support my peers.
Can you share a challenging situation you encountered in your role as a student leader, and how you approached and resolved it?
One challenging situation I encountered was organising a large-scale event during a time of heightened academic pressure for many students. Balancing the needs of the event with the academic commitments of participants was difficult. I approached this by:
Collaborative Planning: Involving PhD students from different faculties in the planning process to ensure the event meets their needs and preferences.
Clear Communication: Keeping open lines of communication with students to address their concerns and gather feedback.
What advice would you offer to other students interested in promoting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing within their university communities?
My advice to students interested in promoting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing is:
Be Inclusive: Ensure your initiatives are inclusive and representative of the diverse student body.
Build Alliances: Collaborate with other student groups, faculty, and university services to amplify your impact.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with best practices and current issues related to diversity, inclusion, and mental health.
Listen and Learn: Engage with your peers to understand their needs and experiences, and let their voices guide your actions.
Be Persistent: Change takes time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.
Looking ahead, what initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented at King's to support PhD students?
Looking ahead, I would like to see the following initiatives and changes at King's:
Enhanced Mental Health Services: Increased availability of mental health support specifically tailored for PhD students.
Expanded Financial Support: More scholarships and funding opportunities to alleviate financial stress.
Flexible Workspaces: Dedicated and flexible workspaces for PhD students to foster a productive research environment.
Career Development Programs: Enhanced career development programs and job placement services for PhD graduates.
Cultural Integration Programs: Initiatives to help international students integrate culturally and academically, including language support and social events.
By implementing these initiatives, King's can further support the wellbeing and success of its PhD students, creating a more inclusive and supportive academic community.
Read our International Women’s Day post here.