New and returning student officers are invited to sign up and participate in the National Education Officers' Network (NEON), run by sparqs. The second online meeting of the year, is now open to book...
Following feedback from student officers, we’ve decided to trial a shortened meeting time for our December meeting, taking place on Wednesday 17th December 2025 between 10.30am and 12.15pm.
What is on the agenda for December?
In the sparqs-led training component of NEON, we’ll be focusing on Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP). Participants will get to hear from student topic leads and from individual projects underway to support diverse learner journeys.
As always, the second part of the agenda is officer led. Officers are encouraged to suggest agenda items by emailing Chase at chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.
What is NEON?
The National Education Officers’ Network is designed as an ongoing training, development, and networking space for Scotland’s student officers. NEON is a space for student officers to learn more about the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF) and how to achieve their goals, as well as a space to discuss ongoing topics of relevance to student officers.
There are four NEON meetings in academic year 2025-26. In addition, there is a NEON mailing list, which officers can use to contact each other and share information (as well as receive occasional updates from sparqs).
Who should attend?
The network is open to education and representation elected officers in universities and colleges, with a remit in academic representation and education. Typically, this would include officers with a title like “President” or “Vice-President Education” but may include other role titles as well. Any students’ association officer who is interested in topics related to quality, learning and teaching, and student partnership are encouraged to attend.
If you’re unsure, please register and check in with Chase - chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.
Staff members should instead attend the Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN).
What are this year’s meeting dates?
The remaining NEON meetings for the year are scheduled online (Teams) on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday 17th December 2025 - online, 10.30am-12.15pm.
- see the event booking page for further details and to register to attend. - Thursday 5th March 2026 - online, 10.00am-1.00pm.
- Tuesday 12th May 2026 – joint, in-person meeting at QMU along with SESN and STAG colleagues, 10.00am-3.00pm.
Why is NEON important?
sparqs wants to ensure that officers have access to ongoing training and support throughout the year, as well as a space to network and talk about topics of shared priority. This is an important way to expand on what you’ve already learned at That's Quality! and to continue developing your skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. It’s also an excellent way to stay connected to other student officers throughout the year.
Register to attend our second meeting on Wednesday 17th December and sign up for the mailing list!
Queries
For any further information, please get in touch with Chase Greenfield, Development Consultant – chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.