Working to make a positive difference in the experiences of our PGM students
People of the Global Majority
People of the Global Majority (PGM) is a collective term for people of Indigenous, African, Asian, or Latin American descent, constituting approximately 85% of the global population.
PGM is an inclusive term adopted by the University and Students’ Union to recognise different racial and ethnic groups within this diverse world.
What do your PGM Ambassadors do?
PGM Ambassadors are students whose work includes, but is not limited to:
- working alongside the Students' Union and the University in developing and running student-led campaigns focused on building an inclusive culture – different voices, one community – that makes a positive difference in the lives and experiences of our students and staff.
- to seek out, listen & act upon feedback and opinions from our PGM students about their student experience while studying at University, and to amplify their voices within the University where there is a lack of diversity in decision making.
- to actively lobby and contribute to the work of the University in tackling the Awarding Gap;
- to audit the University for any implicit racism
Awarding Gap
The Awarding Gap is the difference in the proportion of First or 2:1 degrees being awarded to different groups of students, particularly between students from a White background and students from a People of the Global Majority (PGM) background.
- The biggest gap in Portsmouth - between UK White students and Black students - stands at more than 25% in many areas
- The awarding gap impacts a large number of our students. More than a quarter (28%) are from a PGM background.
PGM Ambassadors have an important role in raising awareness of the Awarding Gap. This includes challenging and supporting the University to close the Awarding Gap, with a particular focus on decolonising the curriculum, diversifying student experience, proactively encouraging more coordinated and better-funded heritage months for PGM students and supporting the student population and the community in racial campaigns.
PGM Ambassadors discuss the Awarding Gap
Our People of the Global Majority (PGM) student ambassadors share their experiences of the awarding gap and what it means to them.
The Awarding Gap is a failure in the educational system where we see a discrepancy between what white students managed to graduate with and what's considered a good degree and what PGM students managed to graduate with. White students tend to find it easier to connect on an interpersonal level with lecturers and staff.
We are not able to speak up and ask our questions. We are not able to relate to the examples or even the colloquialisms used by the professors.
I've noticed there's kind of a pattern where non-white students are treated like we know less than our white students. If I was asked a question in a lecture they wouldn't really answer the question. They would focus on the part that I didn't really ask, if that makes sense? I don't really reach out to lecturers unless I really, really need help. If anything, I'll ask my friends. I'll ask people in the group chat we have on our course, or I'll just use Google, honestly.
You put in so much effort, and it's not a guarantee that you're going to come out with a desired result. Going forward, when someone looks at your transcript, they're going to judge you by that, and that might not be a true reflection of what you can or cannot do.
The University could approach it from a number of angles. That could be by diversifying the curriculum, where thy try and actually show representation from all cultures. It could be even by bringing in external speakers.
With speaker events. We're trying to diversify the actual speakers to include more PGM speakers and women as well because it's very male-focussed.
Working together with the people who are being affected, I understand how I'm being affected by the Awarding Gap more than anyone else. The University cannot work under the assumption that A or B or C is going to be beneficial to me: how about you ask me?
I strongly believe creating awareness among students is really, really important. And taking ownership that yes, this is something that we need to address, and soon.
It's a heart breaking thing. People will enter university already at a disadvantage and lots of PGM students aren't aware of it, which I feel like is an even bigger problem.
I don't think anyone really knows about the Awarding Gap. I didn't know about it until I did the job.
We have to talk about it. The University has to give a voice to it so everybody knows that we do know there is a problem, and we have to all work together to ensure that this problem is being solved.
Success to me is a situation where the Awarding Gap no longer exists, with equitable opportunities for all PGM students.
I guess being able to experience uni the same way as non PGM people experience it.
Seeing PGM students feel comfortable and confident, and also seeing them feel like they have potential to be successful and they're not at a disadvantage to other students.
Sincerely speaking I just want to say I appreciate the fact that the University is taking the initiative to bring this to the table for discussion. It's a big sigh of relief for me to stand in front of the camera to talk about the Awarding Gap by virtue of the fact that the University is being intentional about it, and I just hope that we are going to see it through and ensure that there are practical results that come out of it.
Who are your PGM Ambassadors?
You can contact the Ambassadors as a group by emailing pgmambassador@upsu.net or contact your faculty representative from the list below.
Lead PGM Ambassador
Gareth Ncube
Lead PGM Ambassador
gareth.ncube@upsu.net
About Gareth
- Final Year Software Engineering Student
- 2nd year as a PGM Ambassador
- Work experience: Placement at UBS and Internship at HSBC
- Dedicated and passionate about driving positive change and making a difference for students, communities, and the University.
Manifesto
The Voice of PGM Students
I will continue to be a championing voice and presence for PGM students in conversations and spaces where the PGM voice has been disregarded or underrepresented. This is done by using feedback and knowledge of the PGM student experience to raise distinct challenges that contribute to the awarding gap in meetings with staff and senior leaders within the University.
Targeted Campaigns, Initiatives, and Programs for PGM Students
I will continue to run targeted events that celebrate the successes and discuss the issues that are relevant to the People of the Global Majority. This is done through Heritage Months such as Black History Month and events during Global Week, Induction Week, and different points over the academic year.
Audit the University for Any Implicit Racism
I will continue to actively audit the University and its practices or policies for any implicit racism. Any form of racism that I come across will be raised and dealt with according to the Zero Tolerance to Racism Policy.
Faculty of Business and Law
Alimatu Sardiya
alimatu.sardiya@upsu.net
About Alimatu
- I moved to Portsmouth with my family in 2023 to study for a PhD in the Faculty of Business and Law (BaL)
- I've observed that postgraduate research (PGR) students were categorically less enthusiastic about extra- curricular activities. This can significantly impact their student experience
- I was attracted to the PGM ambassador role because I want to help promote an enhanced PGR student experience for PGM students here.
Manifesto
Enhancing PGM Postgraduate research student experience
It is common for Postgraduate students to feel alienated during their studies. Many postgraduate students in BaL are PGM and/or international students who must juggle family, work and studies. They are likely to feel isolated, which can undermine their integration into the University and ultimately, their academic progress.
I will work with the UPSU Insights team to develop a survey to understand where there might be bottlenecks to PGR PGM student participation in union activities.
I will work with university support services to tailor existing products to the needs of PGM PGR students.
Diversifying the Curriculum
Aside the fact that the PGM awarding gap is a pressing concern, it is also high in BaL due to the relatively high number of PGM students in the faculty.
Myself and other PGM Ambassadors are working with Students' Union Elected Officers on the Diversifying the Curriculum project.
We are working to identify where there might be learning challenges for PGM students, and we are consulting broadly and exploring practical ways to build a more inclusive curriculum which has a global outlook. This will contribute to better teaching and learning experience for PGM students, such as working with university librarians and faculty staff to introduce learning materials that PGM students can identify with, and working with faculty members to encourage student dissertations that focus on PGM issues.
Tithi Rathindra M
tithi.modak@upsu.net
About Tithi
- MSc Human Resource Management student due to start PhD in Strategy, Marketing & Innovation in October 2024 with research interests in EDI, intersectionality and gender in leadership
- HR internship at University of Portsmouth HR department and continue to volunteer with the EDI department and the University chaplaincy. Previous work experience was in various leadership capacities and an active PROSCI Change practitioner
- As a mature student, Course Rep, and PGM Ambassador, I leverage my distinctive experiences and steadfast commitment to advocate for the rights, recognition, and representation of People of the Global Majority in our student community
- My goal is to cultivate an inclusive and fair environment where every voice is respected, appreciated, and empowered to succeed. I am committed to supporting and assisting projects that aim to close the PGM Awarding Gap by decolonising the curriculum and diversifying the student learning experience. I was accoladed with the “Full Colour- 2023'' award to recognise my active participation and exemplary service in the community
Manifesto
Ethnic Diversity and Outreach Campaigning
Expand outreach campaigning to raise awareness and improve representation of PGM students across the University. This includes hosting information sessions, workshops, and social events to connect PGM students with campus resources and each other, building a stronger sense of community. I collaborate with BAL faculty to develop and implement EDI interventions that diversify both curriculum and teaching practices.
Group Work Guidelines
Drive a positive change in group work dynamics by representing PGM student perspectives to university management, championing clear guidelines to establish shared expectations for working together, and ensuring inclusive practices are consistently implemented to foster a welcoming learning environment.
Mature Students Representation
Recognising the unique challenges faced by mature students, I work to develop dedicated support programmes encompassing mentorship, peer support groups to provide wellbeing and mental health support, and tailored workshops to provide the resources and guidance needed for success.
Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries
Imogen Anderson
imogen.anderson@upsu.net
Imogen's Manifesto
Closing the Awarding Gap
The Awarding Gap is a gap in educational performance which shows that white students are more likely to be awarded top grades in their degrees than non-white students. As a PGM ambassador I aim to find the causes of this gap and create initiatives that motivate and support PGM students.
Representation and Employability
I believe that representation for PGM students is imperative, therefore I will work on bringing in more guest speakers of colour. Seeing themselves represented in the industry that they want to go into will inspire and motivate PGM students. I will also aim to present CCI students with more creative opportunities to expand their portfolios and build their skills.
Social events
PGM students struggle a lot with their mental health because of how isolating university can be, because of this I want to create more opportunities for PGM students to build social connections. Becoming a part of a community can greatly improve mental health since students will feel supported and heard. I would also like PGM ambassadors to be present at these events in order for us to become more student facing.
Daniella Sijuwade
daniella.sijuwade@upsu.net
About Daniella
- Final Year Computer Animation and Visual Effects Student
- 2nd year as a PGM Ambassador
- Work experience: Customer Advisor at the London Borough of Bexley
- Focused on providing equal opportunities for students and ensuring the University works to take down any barriers that put PGM students at an academic or social disadvantage
Manifesto
Reducing the Awarding Gap
I will continue to work with the University to reduce the Awarding Gap. This will be done by finding out the contributing factors and implementing services that take these alongside providing more inclusive teaching methods.
Planning events for PGM students
I will continue to plan events that celebrate the achievements of PGM students. It is essential to provide spaces for PGM students where their voices feel valued. I aim to collaborate with societies to host panel discussions and networking events alongside providing safe spaces for students.#
Decolonising the curriculum
I will collaborate with my faculty to ensure that the curriculum integrates diverse perspectives and modules. I would like the curriculum to reflect the experiences and cultures of all students. This will be achieved by collating information from students about what they would like to see being taught in their classes and work with staff to implement these changes.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Walkukah Gonshing
walkukah.gonshing@upsu.net
About Walkukah
- I am a PGM Ambassador because standing by and for people; fostering equality, diversity and equity has become an integral part of my identity. I forfeited a rewarding career in Human Resource Management to pursue a career in social work because of my burning desire to stand with people who otherwise cannot stand on their own and speak for people who otherwise cannot speak for themselves.
Manifesto
Over the years, I have acquired a vast amount of experience working with people and have horned my advocacy skills through constantly challenging systems, policies, and organizational stance that puts a person or a group of people at a position of disadvantage.
With the core belief that every individual should be treated with dignity and respect and that opportunities should be open to everyone with fairness, I have promoted equality, diversity and equity with every opportunity I have had.
My desire remains the same; to gain access to every possible door and challenge policies, systems and structures that puts the People of Global Majority (PGM) at any form of disadvantage. To continue pressing until the awarding gap is eliminated and to continue working until there is unity of focus, desire and result on all fronts.
Faculty of Science and Health
Alisha Chambers
alisha.chambers@upsu.net
About Alisha
- Final year BSc Pharmacology student
- I've always felt strongly about fair opportunities and experiences for all students, and I know that as PGM ambassador I can help fulfil that within the University
- As PGM ambassador my end goal is to create a university where every individual, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, feels valued and empowered to achieve their fullest potential
Manifesto
Supporting and empowering marginalised groups
I will facilitate networking events aimed at giving marginalised students an insight into the different job sectors available to them. I will create mentorship programmes to support new and returning PGM students and I will create safe space where students can share experiences and seek support.
Fostering a culture of respect and belonging
I aim to launch campaigns that promote respect and empathy within the university community. With these campaigns I aim to implement a zero-tolerance policy towards hate and intolerance where incidents of discrimination and bias are promptly and effectively dealt with.
Consistent improvement
With the fast-changing society we live in, consistent evaluation of our processes and rules are needed. In my role as a PGM ambassador, I aim to regularly assess the effectiveness of our inclusion initiatives through surveys and feedback sessions. I also aim to continuously seek support from the university community to identify areas of improvement.
Eman Arshad
eman.arshad@upsu.net
About Eman
As your SAH PGM Ambassador, I commit to these principles fully:
Manifesto
Equality and Inclusion
Making sure all voices are heard at all levels of the decision-making process.
Advocacy
Ensuring advocacy work and changes to the curriculum are being made to ensure a diverse range of people are represented in the scientific literature studied.
Campaigning
Campaigning against all form of discrimination, microaggressions and stereotypes happening to PGM students.
Solidarity and networking
Opening up doors for PGM students through networking opportunities and strengthening allies with group and organisations that support common causes.
Faculty of Technology
Alan Mayer
alan.mayer@upsu.net
About Alan
- I'm in my final year of studying Accounting with Finance and it's a pleasure to share my journey and aspirations with you as a PGM Ambassador for the Faculty of Technology (TEC)
- Since I started this role in February, I’ve been immersing myself in initiatives that drive positive change, even if the tangible results are just beginning to surface
- Thank you for taking the time to learn about my work and our initiatives: together, we can create a more supportive academic environment for all
Manifesto
The Awarding Gap
One of the pivotal moments was a seminar I conducted, which set the foundation for addressing the Awarding Gap in the School of Business and Law, my home faculty. This issue is a priority, and our efforts to bridge this gap will intensify over the summer and into the 2024/25 academic year.
Peer-to-peer mentoring
My leading project is the development of a peer-to-peer mentorship scheme. This initiative is designed to foster a supportive academic environment for PGM students, starting with a pilot program in the Faculty of TEC for the upcoming academic year. The ultimate goal is to expand this scheme to other faculties, ensuring that every student benefits from this valuable support network, essentially working towards bridging the awarding gap.
Key stakeholders, including the University's Head of Diversity and Equality, the Associate Dean of TEC, and the School of Computing, are on board and eager to collaborate. Their support is crucial as we work to implement this program swiftly and effectively.
Ad hoc support
In addition to this flagship project, I also provide support for various ad-hoc queries and challenges faced by fellow PGM Ambassadors throughout the year.
Tafari Imara
tafari.imara@upsu.net