Thursday 21-05-2026 - 14:19

This week marked a huge win for the Students’ Union, QMU Sport Teams and student-athletes across the university.

On Wednesday 20th May, I presented the new Sport Exemption Policy proposal to the QMU Student Experience Committee after developing the policy throughout April and May. Following the research conducted during Semester 1, the support shown through petition signatures, and the evidence gathered from the S&S Survey, the proposal was unanimously approved and will officially be implemented from the upcoming academic year.

This is a major step forward for sport at QMU! The new policy will allow student-athletes representing QMU in official competitions (including BUCS fixtures and SSS events) to self-exempt from classes without their participation negatively affecting their academic attendance. Most importantly, this protects students from being academically penalised for representing the university, while offering greater flexibility and support to all athletes, particularly international students who can face additional attendance pressures.

This change recognises the value of student sport and the commitment shown by athletes competing for QMU. It ensures students no longer have to choose between representing their university and protecting their academic record.

More information on the process and how to submit exemption forms through the SU will be shared over the summer and explained further during S&S Committee Training in the autumn.

Wednesday sport flexibility has been a key point of my President manifesto over the last two years, and as a QMU athlete myself, this has always been something I cared deeply about. To have had the opportunity to research, prepare, and present this policy at the end of my term has been incredibly meaningful and something I am genuinely proud of, a fitting way to finish my time as President, Student Activities. 

A huge thank you goes to all of the SU, University staff members and fellow Sport Presidents who have supported me, double-checked the paper, and given me advice, and to all of the students who I've worked with in the last two years, you have been absolutely incredible and I can't wait to see what you'll do next. This achievement belongs to all of us!

It's a great day to #BleedBlue!
Silvia Cardinale (President, Student Activities)