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Me :)
Thursday 29 May 2014
May USWSU e-mail shot
May'hem
May’hem
May has been an expected jam packed month full of Exams, Crazy events, Student Casework and Hearings, Reviews and Meetings. It’s been non-stop, nevertheless here’s a little of what I got up to this very brief but busy month. 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.
#TimeTabling/RoomBooking
I’ve been pushing to try and get it
implemented that students get their academic timetable around May/June time.
This will allow prospective and current students to plan in advance for work
experience/other commitments. I’ve also been trying to combat the issue of room
booking through having an e-mail reminder/do you still need it system. The
University are currently looking in to systems that can be put in place to best
utilise these rooms.
#Sponsorship
I’ve been working hard with staff in the
Union to offer sponsorship opportunities for our Sports teams and societies
(much like Glam have offered previously). Hopefully we’ll have some pleasing
news to deliver over the summer.
#JUSTFEEDME/Exam-DeStressors
The company Just Eat came to the University
of South Wales on the 15th May 2014, in order to have a delivery of
free pizza. A student-lead event was set up on the Tre
forest campus titled Exam De-stressors, where this took place. Bubble wrap popping, ball pit diving, nap corner, live DJ and freebies were some of the highlights of the event. I hope to expand on this next year with pat a puppy and massage :D!
forest campus titled Exam De-stressors, where this took place. Bubble wrap popping, ball pit diving, nap corner, live DJ and freebies were some of the highlights of the event. I hope to expand on this next year with pat a puppy and massage :D!
#SU Job Shop/Newsletter
I’ve spent the last few days updating and
posting new vacancies on our job shop (uswsu.com). There are currently around
7-8 vacancies. I’ve also started the newsletter back up based on our core
principles (Academic, Welfare, Representation, Democracy, Campaigning), it also
contains events information across our campuses. I’m hoping to get this
developed so it becomes a weekly newsletter once more come September. In order
to receive the updates please sign up to uswsu.com.
#Elections
We’ve compiled an elections overview/report
following our away day. This report will be presented at the next Trustee Board
meeting.
#GoldenSTAR’s
The Golden STAR Awards were launched this
month. We received over 100 nominations! I’ve been working hard to analyse
these and organise the awards. The student winners are currently being chosen
by a panel and the staff awards will follow. There won’t be an official awards
ceremony this year (a first for all campuses) but there will be awards given
;).
#YGymraegYnYrUndeb
I’ve been appealing to the University and
the Union to have bilingual signage in Atrium II. As much as the Union want to
expand on their Welsh provision it is proving difficult with no finance to do
so. I am working with developing the new Union website in providing some Welsh
sections (currently not provided) but it proving difficult work for one
individual. I’ve also highlighted the Welsh language into the review and hope
to appeal to the University to finance/budget for a translation company/member
of staff. I will feed this information back to representatives when a more
stable position can be established.
#ReviewofAcademicBoard
I’ve been involved with a group responsible
for the review of Academic Board. I’ve held a number of interviews with
sabbatical officers, council officers and students to collect data that will go
into the report. The report has been completed and has been sent to be
presented to the board of governors 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 have hit sell-out point in Newport. I’m working with events
students on the Treforest campus to see if they would like to do something
similar and am working even harder to echo and broaden the success of this year’s
Newport event with the VP Newport elect’.
#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
tran
sformation 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. Individual regional handover has began and I’ve booked the incoming sabbaticals summer NUS training.
sformation 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. Individual regional handover has began and I’ve booked the incoming sabbaticals summer NUS training.
#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 assista
nce 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. As I only received a response from JAMS I cannot take much to the last student council meeting. I am however working fair funding to all extracurricular activities into the SU/University review.
nce 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. As I only received a response from JAMS I cannot take much to the last student council meeting. I am however working fair funding to all extracurricular activities into the SU/University review.
#StrategicPlanning/SUReview
We have held our first two meetings and are
working hard on having the report completed mid-June. The report will provide
recom
mendations for the Long Term. Based on the final report, the SU will be able to work on its Strategic Plan. I have had responses from two student council officers in the Pontypridd region (Women’s officer and Glyntaff Officer). I am still waiting on surveys from all other officers and the Chairs.
mendations for the Long Term. Based on the final report, the SU will be able to work on its Strategic Plan. I have had responses from two student council officers in the Pontypridd region (Women’s officer and Glyntaff Officer). I am still waiting on surveys from all other officers and the Chairs.
#SUGovernorLink
I’ve been working with the University to
review the effectiveness of the student affairs committee. It has currently
been put on pause by the Board of Governors. As the sabbaticals rappor with
staff is generally good, we tend to approach them individually for specific
needs. A lot of the papers which was raised at the meeting was also repetitive,
so the meeting served little to no purpose. A Governor Link has been placed
within the University, to consult with the Union on various issues. Each VP
will report discussions at their monthly course representative assemblies to the
individual, to take forward to the relevant individuals if needed and I will be
working closely with them over the next year. The initial meeting has happened
and I am looking forward to subsequent meetings.
#CampusDevelopments
The IB building has now been demolished and
the University have been working hard on Library developments. I’ve also been
working closely with the VP Newport elect’ to plan for next year’s end of year
event, in hope that it will be even more successful than this year’s. I’ve been
fighting Caerleon’s corner in relation to course closures and courses moving to
other locations. I’ve raised these at both academic board and mentioned it in
the report given to the individual appointed to feed information to specific
areas. I’ve also raised wifi in halls and on campus issues with the University
and am working on regulations to allow for extended deadlines in such instances
where disruption is caused.
#Cardiff
I’ve been surveying students with regards to
catering in Atlantic house and feeding the information back to the University.
The University are currently looking into provisional arrangements. I’ve also
highlighted the need for cleaners/designated individuals to keep the catering
areas in Cromwell House clean. Atrium IIa is making good progress and we are
looking forward to moving in to the new SU space.
#City
I’ve raised the possibility of having the old
Atrium SU cabin to City on a provisional basis. The University are currently
looking into this, however no promises can currently be made. I’ve also
appealed to the University to have the Social Space renovated, but I’ve been
advised as previous officers have failed to utilise the space well and take
care of it, it will be difficult. It has been noted that the access issues to
the corridor and room have been resolved.
# Glyntaff
The University are currently looking into possibilities
of improving the lower car parks. We’ve also made progress in the SU with the
information boards having been put up. We are waiting for the ideas wall pens
to arrive before putting them in the space.
#Treforest
Work has began on the Air hanger and surrounding
areas. Construction work will continue through the summer to get it completed
in time. The 24/7 access to the side gate is also now live :D. I’m currently working with the University with regards to
making the library 24/7 and am discussing further computer access during the
holiday periods.
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.
Carys Rhiannon Thomas :D xx
P.s. A list
of meetings I've attended since the last blogg...
#Representation #StickItToTheMan
May 2014
01.05.2014 Graduation Committee,
Treforest02.05.2014 Just Eat Opportunities Meeting, Treforest
02.05.2014 Golden STAR Awards meeting, Treforest
06.05.2014 Just Eat Opportunities Meeting, Treforest
06.05.2014 USW Staff Choir, Treforest
07.05.2014 ESSG, Treforest
07.05.2014 USW Staff Choir, Treforest
07.05.2014 Assessment Infringements Committee, Treforest
07.05.2014 USW Chapel BBC Reading/Recordings, Treforest
08.05.2014 University Website Developments, Treforest
08.05.2014 Casework, Treforest
08.05.2014 Golden STAR Awards meeting, Treforest
08.05.2014 Faculty Student council meeting, Glyntaff
08.05.2014 I Love Tour meeting, Treforest
12.05.2014 Caswork team, Treforest
12.05.2014 Institutional Review meeting, Treforest
12.05.2014 GradEdge Meeting, Treforest
12.05.2014 Student Success Group, Treforest
12.05.2014 Human Resources Committee, Caerleon
13.05.2014 Race and Religion Sub-Group Committee, Treforest
13.05.2014 Welsh in the SU, Treforest
14.05.2014 FCF, Treforest
14.05.2014 Trustee Board, Treforest
15.05.2014 Equality and Diversity Sub-Group, Treforest
15.05.2014 DISAG, Treforest
16.05.2014 Students’ Union Review Group, Treforest
19.05.2014 Board of Governors Away Day
19.05.2014 Board of Governors, Treforest
19.05.2014 Remuneration committee, Treforest
19.05.2014 Nominations committee, Treforest
21.05.2014 CaseWork, City
22.05.2014 Misconduct meeting, Treforest
22.05.2014 Website Development meeting, Treforest
22.05.2014 Social media policy meeting, Treforest
22.05.2014 Golden STAR Awards meeting, Treforest
23.05.2014 CaseWork, Caerleon
28.05.2014 FCF Committee, Treforest
28.05.2014 Golden STAR Awards meeting, Treforest
29.05.2014 Governor Link meeting, Treforest
29.05.2014 Student Job opportunities, Treforest
30.05.2014 CaseWork, Glyntaff
30.05.2014 Golden STAR Awards meeting, Treforest
Thursday 1 May 2014
Along Came April
Along came April
April’s been an odd one, having only been
in the office for 5 days and having dislocated my shoulder. It’s been tough
having to balance a dissertation deadline, finishing off on preparations for
May and going through the students’ union review. It’s also the period for
reporting to most boards and meetings, so managing those five days wasn’t easy!
Nevertheless here’s a little of what I got up to this very brief but busy
month. 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.
#JUSTFEEDME
The company Just Eat have offered to come
to the University of South Wales on the 15th May 2014. In order to
have a delivery of free pizza students need to click attending on the following
event and share the image (posted on the event) with their reason, venue and
hashtag #justfeedme. Everyone loves free stuff right?!
https://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/events/627299897338101/?notif_t=plan_user_joined
#BratislavaorBust
I held and ran two Bratislava or bust Information
evenings in Caerleon and Treforest. Bratislava or bust is an organised car rally
for charity. Want to sign up/find out more, take a look at the video via t
he event link or click on the link to the website below:
#Elections
After the second round of elections our Newport
region now has an elected VP. Congra
tulations Drew Burman on becoming USWSU’s second ever VP Newport.
#GoldenSTAR’s
Following 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.
Nominations will open on the 7th May 2014 for a two week period.
#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 took place yesterday. The input
given will aid the University in guiding it’s academic plan.
#ReviewofAcademicBoard
I’ve been involved with a group responsible
for the review of Academic Board. I’ve held a number of interviews 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.
#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. This is currently being written up
by both the VP Newport and the VP Cardiff.
#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. So far I’ve only had a response from JAMS.
#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 and 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. We had our first meeting and will be looking at our
next come May. I’m currently reviewing the Sports funding element and Welfare
element to feed back.
#StudentAffairs
I’ve been working with the University to
review the effectiveness of the student affairs committee. It has currently
been put on pause by the Board of Governors. As the sabbaticals rappor with
staff is generally good, we tend to approach them individually for specific
needs. A lot of the papers which was raised at the meeting was also repetitive,
so the meeting served little to no purpose. An individual has been placed
within the University to consult with the Union on various issues. Each VP will
report discussions at their monthly course representative assemblies to the
individual to take forward to the relevant individuals if needed.
#CampusDevelopments
#Caerleon
I’ve been fighting Caerleon’s corner in
relation to course closures and courses moving to other locations. I’ve raised
these at both academic board and mentioned it in the report given to the individual
appointed to feed information to specific areas.
#Cardiff
We’ve had a number of wins in Cardiff again.
There’s been a promise to look into catering providion in Atlantic House, we’ve
seen developments with Atrium IIa and opening hours have been extended.
#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 over the summer. There is however scope
to have a student advice service at City, which has not been previously
provided.
We’ve had much a positive response from
students regarding our newly obtained Glyntaff SU space. Computers have now
been placed in the area and our notice boards have been put up.
24/7 access to the side gate is underway and
will be available to students through swipe card as of the end of May! I’m also
working with the University with regards to making the library 24/7 and am discussing
computer access during the holiday periods.
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 :).
Carys Rhiannon Thomas :D xx
P.s. A list
of meetings I've attended since the last blogg...
#Representation #StickItToTheMan
April
2014
01.04.2014 Graduation Committee,
Treforest01.04.2014 Sychronous Web Testing, Treforest
01.04.2014 Course Rep Assembly, City
02.04.2014 USWSU Tour, Treforest
02.04.2014 FCF, Treforest
02.04.2014 Atrium IIa meeting, Treforest
03.04.2014 Review of Effectiveness of Academic Board, Treforest
03.04.2014 Bratislava or Bust, Treofrest
03.04.2014 Bratislava or Bust, Caerleon
04.04.2014 SU Review Group Meeting, Treforest
04.04.2014 Facilities and Services meeting, Treforest
14.04.2014 Installation of the Chancellor, RWCMD
15.04.2014 Board of Governors, Treforest
28.04.2014 Sport at USW, Treforest
29.04.2014 Choir Practice, Treforest
29.04.2014 Meet the Casework Team, Treforest
30.04.2014 FCF, Treforest
30.04.2014 Regulations meeting, Treforest
30.04.2014 SVR Portfolio meeting, Treforest
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