Hitting The Ground Running...

Hitting The Ground Running...

Literally Less Talk, More Action!!

I'm not one for blogging, so forgive me if my style of writing comes accross as slightly report form. I've pretty well being working hard since being elected, having started the job two months early. I've been to lots and lots of meetings (listed at the bottom of this) and done loads and loads of things, on top of trying to complete my Masters Degree!

I set out this year to make sure we have a strong united Sabbatical team... and We do!! #TeamSabb have been busy doing lots and lots for the better of our students experiences, working together in every possible way. We've worked on most initiatives as a team and as a result have gotten a lot of things implimented, done, negotiated and produced. I've detailed below a bunch of things we've done as a team over the past few months (Apologies in advance, this blogg may be a long one!)...

#KeepTabsOnTheSabbs

* We finalized Freshers’ events and sent off the welcome week timetable to the University marketing department for designing and printing. Events were also sent out via email and facebook as soon as new students received their results and were accepted into USW. There were fully pledged welcome week timetables for all three regions and hard copies were given out in September. Three facebook groups for each region were also set up for prospective students to meet prior to arriving on campus.

* Alongside the welcome week timetable we also contributed to the international students welcome week and developed events for part time students who enrolled the week before freshers. International students experienced three extra days of freshers were they could find their feet in a new country and be introduced to what is on campus and in the area for them.

 

* We’ve developed a range of events for freshers, that incorporate all campuses and nationalities. We’re looking at pushing this through the year with our Integration innitiative.

* We’ve worked hard on providing events for our part time students this year making sure they have the opportunity to get involved when they are on campus during enrollment, so that they could meet other students and find out what we offer to support them.

* We’ve been working hard on promoting our officer positions that are vacant and will be elected in the bi-elections in October. 

* We become Trustees of the union in July and recruited external and student representatives. Trustees make sure that the Union functions legally, financially and strategically.

* We've been working hard on reshaping the Representation Structure where we have developed Student Representative Assemblies (made up of course reps, svrs, campus officers and sabbaticals), refined the number and placement of SVR’s and updated the role specifications of each one.

* We’ve reviewed the Student charter between the SU and the University. Final document to follow.

* We developed and produced the ‘University Students Want’ academic manifesto in collaboration with CELT and The University, which collated all slta data from previous years. We will be pushing and campaigning for these ideals throughout the year. Executive members of the University are pleased with the document and are eager to implement its core initiatives into the teaching and learning curriculum. 

* We decided to re-vamp and update our media strategy having updated the website to include a Sabb corner and to provide for all three campuses. We have also proposed to change and reshape our student media to have an online magazine, audio and video group across all regions. We recently had approval of the title 'Cwtch Media', which outlines all student media. 

* We produced a Union welcome video called Team Sabb Friends, designed to welcome students to USW and encourage them to keep tabs on what we’re up to. Watch the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUEHyeZCX0Y

 * We’ve developed an induction video for the induction period, relatively refreshing compared to the usual power point induction.

* We have organized Societies and Sport catch up fairs in both Atrium and City campuses, so that students who couldn’t make freshers fair can catch up on how to get involved.

* We’re developing a Visioning Strategy to note the direction of the Union over the next few years and to investigate how we can strategically disseminate staff across all five campuses.

 

* We’ve recently acquired management of the CampusWatch scheme, which we are looking to re-brand and expand. We are currently in talks with the local police, the community, the university and the local council to develop campaigns to promote different topics throughout the year. We've had numerous meetings to design and plan 5 campaigns for the year. We are also planning on expanding the group so that it covers all three regions under the management label 'Community Watch'.

 

On top of all this we've been having monthly Team Huddles to plan upcoming events, campaigns, meetings, developments etc. We have also been attending all Freshers events accross the three regions and have been in most days 8am-11pm for the last fortnight. We're very much looking forward to our sleep in October!!

 

 

#BusyBee #LifeOnTheRoad

 

 

There's a couple things I've also been working on as an individual, outside the realms of arranging and attending meetings...

 

 

* I updated the Student Council roles to include requirements and extended criteria, which allow for the application to the GradEdge bursary of £250.

 

* I also participated in a University welcome video which welcomed the new students of USW and was used as the cover video for most induction welcomes.

* The Pontypridd VP and I also participated in the University Open Day Video, which gives students an insight to Open Day’s at USW.

* I re-designed and delivered the student experience talks for upcoming and consecutive Open Days.

* The Cardiff VP and I met with Cardiff’s Welfare Officer to see how we could work in partnership on housing issues etc throughout the year. Cardiff Digs are going to work closely with us on informing students of housing responsibilities. As well as this we are going to have input on their website re-launch before freshers week: cardiffdigs.co.uk.

* I fought to voice the opinions of our students with regards to the planning of Atrium 2. We as a team compiled student feedback through survey, which I presented to the University, who are working closely with us on final changes prior to the build.

* The Pontypridd VP and I have been working hard on fighting for an SU space at Glyntaff. We’ve developed a Student Experience questionnaire to gather students feedback on the topic to take to directorate when we meet to discuss possibilities late September.

* I’ve worked with alumni in developing the seven step strategy to engaging Alumni. I’ve also developed the graduation packs that will be given to alumni at graduation in 2014.

* I’ve been in talks with the Art Department at Treforest campus to see if they will allow the AMC society use of a room during term time.

* I’ve been acting on last years’ mandates and have created an electronic representation board. I’ve also proceeded with our honorary membership granted at last years’ Pontypridd Region Student Council meeting.

 

* I produced the #KeepTabsOnTheSabbs 'Don't run away from your problems minion poster' and worked on the MeetYourSabbs poster with our communications manager. I've placed copies of these accross all five campuses.

* I’ve been investigating mascot opportunities and have looked into costing for a Cardiff Region mascot, leaving the Centurion at Newport Region and Gandolf at the Pontypridd Region. The Cardiff VP and I are working on a poll to determine the mascot and funding into purchasing the mascot.

* I’ve been looking into the finances of May Ball and looking for sponsorship opportunities that will cover the shortfall from previous years.

* I’ve produced the report for this years’ Annual General Meeting and have set a date to hold the AGM.

 

* I’ve been involved in the analysis of NSS results and am currently working with University members of staff to look at our action plan following these.

 

* I’ve been developing the Universities new Strategic Plan and Vision alongside the other members of the Board of Governors.

 

* I’ve set up Tour opportunities for Students at the University to go to Saloufest. Coaches for this event will be picking up and dropping off at both Caerleon Campus and Treforest Campus.

 

* I’ve been working with the Newport region VP and course rep co-ordinator from Newport on re-vamping the course rep handbook and training.

 

* I've also developed both a Campaign monthly planner and a Fundraising monthly planner, which organises campaigns and fundraisers into month and date order.

* I’ve been working on hosting St John’s Ambulance volunteer training on Treforest & Glyntaff campuses. St John's ambulance currently operate on Caerleon Campus.  

 

* I’ve been working closely with Estates and Directorate to develop a way of granting 24/7 access to the side gate. We've determined a method that will allow for this and are currently looking into the finances for it.

* I've set up a variety of activities across all campuses for the upcoming year e.g. Bungee jumping and paintball.

 

* I also helped both Caerleon and Treforest campus students move into halls accomodation and was at hand for officer Meet and Greets to help and chat to students.

* I’ve worked closely with the University in making industry relevant course trips a possibility during induction week. The University have put a program together for this.

* I've been working hard with the University to develop an engaging social media learning/contact platform.  We’ve been involved with educating lecturers on how to do this.

 

Apart from that I’ve fought a number of student cases, replied to millions of e-mails and attended millions of conferences, talks and events (slight exaggeration, but you get the picture).

Keep Peeled for more developments and the next update :).

 

For more frequent updates, follow me on twitter @USWSU_Pres and add me on Facebook - Carys Rhiannon USWSU.

 

 

Carys Rhiannon Thomas :D xx

 

 

P.s. A list of meetings I've attended to date...

 

 

#Representation #StickItToTheMan

 

   JUNE 2013

10.06.2013 Health and Safety Meeting Treforest

11.06.2013 Graduation Operational Group Meeting Treforest
11.06.2013 Projects and Student Input Meeting Treforest
11.06.2013 Students Engagement in Sport Meeting Treforest
12.06.2013 Union & University Engagement Meeting Treforest
13.06.2013 Academic Misconduct Meeting Treforest
14.06.2013 Academic Board Treforest
14.06.2013 VC Union engagement meeting
17.06.2013 Societies Expansion and Development Meeting Atrium
17.06.2013 Academic Regulations Meeting Caerleon
18.06.2013 Celt & HEA Collaboration Meeting Caerleon
19.06.2013 Y Talwrn NUS Wales conference Carmarthen
20.06.2013 USW Alumni Experience and Involvement Meeting Treforest
20.06.2013 Union & University Collaboration Meeting
21.06.2013 ViceChancelor/Chair of Board of Governors Meeting Treforest
24.06.2013 LRC Steering Group Meeting Treforest
25.06.2013 Directorate Treforest
25.06.2013 Equality and Diversity Meeting Treforest
26.06.2013 Atrium Phase II meeting

JULY 2013

01.07.2013 Student Affairs Committee Meeting
02.07.2013 Student Success group
03.07.2013 Shadow Academic Board Meeting
03.07.2013 Disability and Dyslexia Sub-group Committee Members Meeting
03.07.2013 Alumni Engagement Meeting
03.07.2013 Disability and Dyslexia Sub-Group Committee Meeting
04.07.2013 DISAG
05.07.2013 Media Planning Executive Meeting
06.07.2013 Open Day Welcome
06.07.2013 Student Experience Talks
08.07.2013 Board of Governors Meeting Treforest
08.07.2013 SISAG Meeting
08.07.2013 Course Rep & SVR Meeting
09.07.2013 FCF meeting
09.07.2013 Course rep & SVR meeting
10.07.2013 H&S Meeting
10.07.2013 Academic Board meeting
10.07.2013 ESSG
10.07.2013 FCF Meeting
11.07.2013 Student ID Card Meeting
11.07.2013 Graduation Operational Committee
11.07.2013 Student Verification and Appeals Meeting
11.07.2013 Estates Meeting
12.07.2013 Sports Facilities and Developments at Newport Campus
12.07.2013 Visioning Day
12.07.2013 Academic Infringements Committee
15.07.2013 Graduation Ceremony Attendance
16.07.2013 Trial Period for Opening the Side Gate Meeting
16.07.2013 Atrium II Meeting - Huw Williams
17.07.2013 LRC project steering group

18.07.2013 Graduation Ceremony Attendance
19.07.2013-21.07.2013 Y Talwrn Conference

   22.07.2013 GradEdge Away Day22.07.2013 Exec & Trustee Board Organisation Meeting Treforest
23.07.2013 GSP in collaboration with the Union Meeting Treforest
23.07.2013 Student Blogging & Media Meeting Treforest
23.07.2013 Estates facilities hire Meeting Treforest
24.07.2013 In House Training Treforest
25.07.2013 In House Training Treforest
26.07.2013 Sabb Team Meeting Treforest
26.07.2013 Freshers Welcome Meeting with Marketing dept Treforest
29.07.2013 Meeting with William Callaway Treforest
29.07.2013 The Union in collaboration with the Welsh Society Treforest
29.07.2013 Student Lead CELT Seminars Treforest
30.07.2013 Students as Partners Meeting Atrium
30.07.2013 Academic Manifesto Meeting Atrium
30.07.2013 Annual review of Student Charter & University/SU Relationship Agreement Atrium

AUGUST 2013

13.08.2013-16.08.2013 Lead and Change Conference Lancaster
19.08.2013 SABB Welcome Meeting Glyntaff
20.08.2013 I Love Tour Opportunities for Sports Teams Meeting Treforest
21.08.2013 Initiatives for the Private Sector Meeting Treforest
21.08.2013 Sabb Team Meeting Treforest
21.08.2013 Regulations for 2013/14 Treforest
23.08.2013 Representation Planning Meeting
27.08.2013 Volunteering through Campus Watch Meeting Treforest
28.08.2013 Argentina Research Training Day London
29.08.2013 Induction with University Secretary Treforest
30.08.2013 Induction with Andrew Wilkinson Treforest

SEPTEMBER 2013

02.09.2013 Students as Partners Pre-LTEC Meeting Treforest
02.09.2013 Estates and Strategy Sub-Group Committee Meeting Treforest
02.09.2013 Exclusion Process Meeting Treforest
04.09.2013 Using Panopto to Capture Course Rep Training Treforest
04.09.2013 Student Experience Panel Atrium
05.09.2013 Students as Governors Conference
09.09.2013 Sabb Team Meeting Glyntaff
09.09.2013 Trustee Board Meeting Treforest
10.09.2013 Community Initiatives Project Meeting Treforest
10.09.2013 LRC Developments Project Group Treforest
10.09.2013 Student Success group Meeting Treforest
11.09.2013 JMC for safety in sport and recreation Treforest
11.09.2013 Welcome Break Caerleon
11.09.2013 STAR Rep Introduction Briefing Caerleon
12.09.2013 Welcome Break Caerleon
12.09.2013 Campus Tours Caerleon
12.09.2013 SU Welcome Session Caerleon
13.09.2013 Part time Students Talk Caerleon
14.09.2013 Meet the Sabbs Caerleon
14.09.2013 Accommodation Welcome Talk Caerleon
15.09.2013 Meet the Sabbs Caerleon
15.09.2013 Accommodation Welcome Talk Caerleon

 

  16.09.2013 Governors Away Day Atrium17.09.2013 Welsh Information Talk Caerleon

17.09.2013 Art Induction Talk Caerleon
18.09.2013 FCF Committee Meeting Treforest
18.09.2013 Postgrad Meet & Greet Treforest
18.09.2013 CELT  Treforest
18.09.2013 Welsh Information Talk Treforest
19.09.2013 Freshers Fair Stand Caerleon
20.09.2013 International Coffee and Chat Caerleon
20.09.2013 Sports and Societies Fair City Campus
21.09.2013 Antics on the patio/Scavenger hunt Treforest