March’ing through
It usually gets busy around March-April
time with term coming to an end and preparations for the end of year kicking
off, but it’s been even busier this month due to the Executive voting period
and a further round of elections in our Newport region. I’ve written a little
about the things I’ve been organising and planning below. If you’d like to know
what else I’ve been working on/would like to ask a question then please do not
hesitate to contact... p.s. thanks to everyone who voted for me in this year’s
elections <3
#NUSWalesAwards
We were nominated for a number of NUS Wales Awards this year:
* Students' Union of the year
* Sampson King Staff member of the year
* Eindsleigh Student of the year
* Student Media of the year
* Student Journalist of the year
#Elections
Following the first round of elections,
preparation for the re-opening of nominations for VP Newport kicked off right
away. Paperwork had to be drawn up and processed quickly to allow for the position
to be advertised before the end of the second term. We’ve been posting on
social media and gearing up for another round of voting. Keep an eye on
uswsu.com for developments and announcements. Voting will open 31st
March – 3rd April 2014.
#SALT’s/Golen Star'sFollowing the development of the SALT awards, we managed to obtain funding for two student placements. The IT placement will be responsible for developing a data capture macro, which will automatically collate nomination data. The second placement will be responsible for the publicity of the nomination process and events. They will also be responsible collectively for the design of the nomination process. Keep an eye out for notifications as to how you can nominate for your lecturers/peers.
#SVR’s
I’ve been working hard along with
University staff on portfolio planning and input into the Universities’
academic plan. We’ve designed training that will take place at the end of
April.
#ReviewofAcademicBoard
I’ve been involved with a group responsible
for the review of Academic Board. I’ve held a number of in
terviews with sabbatical officers, council officers and students to collect data that will go into the report. The report will be presented to the board of governors when completed and will provide the basis to implement changes to the board.
#EndofYearEvent
We’re still working hard with our newly
formed student committee to develop the end of year events. Reps have been
pushing hard and we are almost at the needed ticket sale amount in our Newport
Region. There are one or two fundraisers planned to raise money for t
he events. One of which is the Regional Rumble. Tickets are currently £7 and can be collected from the reps/SU. Details of the event can be found below:
We are also competing in a spotify
competition to win £5000 to go towards the events! All we have to do is have
the most playlist followers by May the 1st 2014 to win. USW are
currently in 4th Place. Follow the playlist via the link below (it’s
free!!):
I’ve also got balloons ready for the end of
year event, which people can purchase to release at the end of year events. The
money raised from this will go towards next year’s end of year events.
#StudentAffairs
Following the request and submission of the
regional issues, a University staff member was allocated to look into them.
They are currently compiling progress reports to feed back to our Course
Representative Assemblies.
#MeetingAssistance
I published two documents, advising
students/individuals on how to survive a meeting. The documents highlighted what
to do when preparing for a meeting, what to do when at a meeting and how to
overcome the barriers to communication. These are available via my blog.
#OfficersElect’Induction
Induction in the past has compromised of a
very un-organized brief hand over, a talk-through of different representative
groups and the signing of contracts and forms. I’ve been working on a
transformation of inductions. Each officer elect’ will be provided with a
folder containing all the information needed to carry out the role effectively.
Each contains regional details and useful contacts within the union, university
and the sector. I am also organizing individual induction meets with each
member of staff to go through their roles and responsibilities and how they can
help. The folders will form the basis of
induction week, with campus specific handovers happening in each of the roles
in their respective regions. We are also currently planning group handover,
trustee training and officer training ready for the new academic year.
#ElectionsOverview
Following the low voter turn-out, we have
planned an away day to produce a report based on the elections. The report will
contain information on elections turn out, voter demographic, usw specific
elections overview, past statistics, comparative data, why people vote/don’t
vote and provide recommendations for future.
#FundingforSportsTeams,ClubsandSocieties
Following request from a number of students in
varied societies, I presented a proposal for adequate funding to be given to
our sports teams, clubs and societies. Student council have requested for
further information on what is wanted/needed. The
societies officer and I am looking at how things are done with budgeting etc
but I need all of your assistance with the other bit. They have asked for what
societies/clubs would like to be amended and the reasoning for numeric values.
I’m collating a brief report/ mini statement outlining what the societies think
they should receive, what is received now, what the money will go on if they
were given a contribution and the cost of expenditure and what the reprucutions
of funding clubs and societies will mean. I’m hoping to have something by the
next student council meeting.
#StrategicPlanning/SUReview
I’ve been working hard with the CEO in
developing our Strategic Plan. The SU review group are looking at both the review
of the Union and the University Stakeholder submission an
d I have been working on collating data for the Student Stakeholder submission. I’ve developed a questionnaire that has gone to members of the executive for comment. This will then go to Student council for comment before being passed to student representatives to promote.
#CampusDevelopments
#Caerleon
The Cashmachine issue seems to have resolved
and the University have promised the implementation of the new machine by the
end of the month. In relation to courses, I’ve been to a number of meetings and
have voiced the dissatisfaction of the moving of courses to a different
location. I’ve highlighted History as an example, with the roman fortress
playing a remarkable attraction to history students studying on the Caerleon
campus. I’ve also been pressing the developments of issues raised at the last
course rep assembly and have been tirelessly looking at funding opportunities
for the end of year events.
#Cardiff
We’ve had a number of wins in Cardiff over the
last few months including extending of opening hours. I’m currently collecting
feedback on Atlantic and Cromwell House catering opportunities, which I will
feedback to the University when I’ve received enough responses. I am also
working with the commercial team and newly appointed campus officers to see
what we will be able to provide in the newly built Atrium SU.
#City
We seem to be hitting a brick wall with the
developments at City Campus SU. I’ve been chasing the situation and have been
re-assured that this will be looked at in April.
# Glyntaff
We’ve had much a positive response from
students regarding our newly obtained Glyntaff SU space. Although students
requested and have pleasantly welcomed the pool table, it has c
aused aggravation to one or two members of staff. The University has requested that the pool table be removed, but we are currently in talks with regards to this.
#Treforest
Estates have began work on the side gate
making it accessible 24/7. They have pushed the work back to April so that it does
not affect students during term time. The side
gate will be transformed into a turn style gate with card access points (much
like the one in cathays). Students will have access to the gates through their
enrolment cards. Those that cause disruption to the community will have their
access revoked, which will not affect those students who do not. This will also
prevent non-student/staff members walking onto campus at night and will reduce
crime opportunities when the gates become available 24/7.
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).
For more frequent updates, follow
me on twitter @USWSU_Presand add me on Facebook - Carys Rhiannon USWSU.
#Representation #StickItToTheMan
March
2014
05.03.2014 ESSG, Treforest05.03.2014 FCF meeting, Treforest
05.03.2014 USW Staff Choir
05.03.2014 Newport Chaplaincy Constitution, Treforest
05.03.2014 Academic Board, Treforest
05.03.2014 Open Mic Night, Treforest
05.03.2014 Score, Treforest
06.03.2014 Student Opportunities in marketing, Treofrest
10.03.2014 Freedom of Speech Policy, Treforest
13.03.2014 Team SABB Meeting, Treforest
13.03.2014 Review of Academic Board focus Group, Treforest
13.03.2014 Introduction to the new Vice Chancellor, Treforest
13.03.2014 Cyfarfod possibiliadau y Gymraeg, Treforest
14.03.2014 Regional Rumble Promo filming, Treforest
17.03.2014 Academic Misconduct hearing, Treforest
18.03.2014 Nightline meeting, Treforest
18.03.2014 Student council meeting, Newport
19.03.2014 FCF meeting, Treforest
19.03.2014 Partnership Quality sub-group committee, Treforest
20.03.2014 Student council meeting, Glyntaff
21.03.2014 SLTA development interviews, Treforest
21.03.2014 LRC Project steering group, Treforest
26.03.2014 AIESEC Information session, Treforest
26.03.2014 Quality Assurance Committee, Treforest
26.03.2014 NUS Wales Awards, Cardiff
27.03.2014 SABB Away day, Cardiff
31.03.2014 Glyntaff Nursing induction, Glyntaff
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