Sarah Djuric, Chair of CUBO Residence Life Group and Conference Host
In this powerful and deeply human keynote, Jacob Dunne shares the story of a single moment that changed multiple lives forever,and the extraordinary journey that followed. At 19, Jacob’s impulsive act of violence led to the death of a stranger. What came next was not just a criminal sentence, but a profound reckoning with harm, accountability, and the ripple effects of our actions.
Through his experience of restorative justice, coming face-to-face with the parents of the man he killed, Jacob explores the transformative potential of dialogue, empathy, and responsibility. His story challenges conventional ideas of justice as punishment, instead revealing a process that centres healing, understanding, and meaningful change for everyone affected.
Blending personal narrative with insight into the wider justice system, this keynote invites audiences to reflect on conflict, human behaviour, and the possibilities for repair in our own communities and organisations. Honest, moving, and ultimately hopeful, it is a call to rethink how we respond to harm and how we create the conditions for real, lasting change
Building Connections. The Power of Residence Life in Student Experience. Hosted by Sarah Ead (Gobal Student Living)
In this session, we’ll explore what it means to be a positive disruptor - someone who challenges, innovates, advocates, and acts with courage. We’ll look at how you can create change from where you are, recognise the value you already bring, and reframe disruption as building better ways of working. Expect a mix of insights from my book, stories, reflection, and practical ideas to take back into your day-to-day.
Sarah Djuric, Chair of CUBO Residence Life Group and Conference Host
Accommodation for all delegates is at Burleigh Court
Tonight we recognise outstanding staff and teams working within Residence Life teams from around the UK.
Drinks reception from 19:00
Call to dinner at 19:30
Vegan/Vegetarian must be pre-ordered
Breakfast served at Burleigh Court
This panel will review a number of different resdience life staff Models.
Hosted by Helen Rylands (Loughborough University)
Panel members:
Events & Programming - Hosted by Hannah Byrne & Asha Oguri (University of Leeds) - Conference Room 3
Residence Conduct Sanctions - Hosted by Sarah Djuric & Aphrael Spindloe (University of Leeds) - Conference Room 1
Digital Masculinity, The Manosphere and Student Wellbeing Hosted by Clem Akran (2020 Dreams) - Conference Room 2
Gen Alpha, the first generation to grow up with AI and constant connectivity, are now just a few years away from university. But beyond the headlines, what do we actually know about them — and what does it mean for student living?
Drawing on new primary research with 11–15-year-olds and their parents, this session explores how Gen Alpha think about education, identity and connection before they arrive at university.
Caroline Cockell, Director of Marketing, Student Roost
Sarah Djuric, Chair of CUBO Residence Life Group and Conference Host
