Download - The Scene - March 2011
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -1
UCSU starts as it means to go onelection candidates canvassyour election candidatesyour sabbatical candidatesthe SU annual general meetingmoney weekactivities assembley calledsave saintsvolunteering latestBUCS season resultsUCSU guide to tower hamletsimprovements in your academic experience
elections edition // March 2011
With 2011 now well underway The University of Cumbria Students’ Union (UCSU) Representation Sabbatical gives an update on the Union’s recent workings and looks ahead to the things to come over the next few months. Continues overleaf
UCSU Starts As It Means To Go OnArticle by Martin Dodd
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www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -3
Representation
Firstly and unsurprisingly as you may have been able to
tell the 2011/12 Main Elections are now in full swing
with nominations closed and candidates currently
campaigning hard before the results are announced at
the UCSU’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 10th
March (see page 18).
Nominations have continued to remain healthy
despite the major changes the Union has undertaken
in direction over the past year with a number of roles
contested including for the first time ever the London &
Tower Hamlets Site Representative position, an example
of the strides the Union has taken in representing
students far and wide this year.
On Tuition Fees the Union continues to balance
working alongside the University as well as holding it to
account, with a decision on a future fee expected over
the next few months we are continuing to feed into
the process. When a proposed fee is put forward the
Union will work to ensure it is reasoned and evidenced
by carefully balancing: a) the recovery of the funding
cuts imposed by government; b) an opportunity to re-
invest in academic quality and services; c) the continuing
need to maintain access to all students; d) what future
students are likely to regard as value for money.
The work remains largely sensitive and confidential
while the union is tied to say much further at the mo-
ment there have been positive spin off work looking
at the Student Deal as a whole, in-terms of what the
basic offer is to students, how they improve this as well
as ensure expectations are clear between both future
students and the University. Looking at everything from
university marketing, academic quality and the possible
creation of a student charter which sets what future stu-
dents should expect from their university and vice-versa.
Academic Meanwhile the Union has continued to focus on its
purpose of “working for a better education for you” by
continuing to promote academic quality. The majority of
this work has revolved around the university’s upcoming
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Audit which includes
the compilation of the Student Written Submission and
participation in the University’s Briefing Visit and Audit
Visit (see page 38).
Further the Union held its first ever Engage Week
(Monday 14th - Friday 18th February 2011) which
included promotions of the National Student Survey
(NSS) (open to all final year undergraduates), the Learn-
er Views Survey (open to all further education students)
as well as the nominations stage of the Main Elections
(see page 6). Participation in the NSS is already up on
last year showing both the Union’s and University’s clear
message as to its importance in enabling students to
engage and feedback on their whole University
experience, both positive and negative.
As well as this the Union in partnership with the
University has also achieved a pilot to reduce turn-
around of assignments where appropriate to 20 days
from September 2011 with a view long-term to reduce
turnaround to 15 days.
UCSU Starts As It Means To Go On
Well it’s been a busy few months since the last edition of the scene and what a few months they have been with a whole number of things keeping your UCSU Sabbaticals busy...
Student Life
Meanwhile in-terms of Student Life work has continued
to focus on the condition and satisfaction of University
accommodation receiving nearly 500 responses to the
Union’s Accommodation Satisfaction Survey, which is
almost 50% of all University student accommodation.
Work has also begun in preparation with the
University to support Money Matters Week (part of the
2011 National Student Money Week) promoting careful
budgeting and supporting University of Cumbria stu-
dents’ on money issues. The Union has also managed to
initiate a process of becoming a Hate Crime Reporting
Centre in order to increase both support and guidance
to students who are often found to be the victim of
hate crime and let it go unreported.
Union Community Within the community the Union has continued to de-
velop ties as well as manage relations both on campus
and within the local community.
On campus the Union has actively visited all
gateway sites to promote the recent elections as well
as looking increase representation of those sites, shown
through the number of candidates either standing as site
representatives or non-portfolio officials(with a scope
which represent another campus). Further the Union
has continued to meet with the University raising and
seeking commitments on issues such as study space in
Tower Hamlets, 24hr book issuing equipment in
Ambleside and the long-term implementation of the
Campus Carlisle concept.
In the local community where issues have been
raise by local residents the union has continued to
work tirelessly where possible. Such as issues surround-
ing inconsiderate parking around the Brampton Road
campus in Carlisle where working with local residents,
students, the university, police and city councillors we
have launched a flyering campaign asking students and
staff to be considerate of local residents while
promoting on-site parking and local transport links.
In terms of volunteering the Union celebrated
National Student Volunteering Week (Monday 21st –
Sunday 27th March 2011) participating and organising
numerous opportunities and one off events across
the week (see page x). Further the Union in a balance
between both community relations and volunteering
held the first of ten sessions where student volunteers
provide Community IT Skill Sessions to local residents.
Overall work in 2010/11 has been positive but with
the election ongoing comes new ideas and a period
where possible to reflect on the Unions progress and
review many of the changes it has experienced in the
last twelve months. While the Union is in a positive
position to go forward many of the changes achieved
are still yet to be realised, primarily increased engage-
ment of which will become an increased priority over
the next year and of which this year’s elections are
only the start.
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -5
The Students’ Union elections are in full swing, with
candidates across a range of sites campaigning for votes
in their effort to win a position. Once elected these
student activists will lead the Union in the 2011/12
academic year, setting the tone and objectives of the
organisation in our continuing mission to improve
the educational experience of all University Of
Cumbria students.
The full list of candidates is listed on the following
page, and the manifestos of the main Sabbatical runners
are presented so you can make your choice on who
you’d like to back. The manifesto of every candidate is
featured on the SU website, and as these volunteers
will be fundamental in representing your interests to
the University you should not only vote but interrogate
each candidate’s pledges to see if they reflect your
aspirations. The Union is a primary agent for change on
behalf of students, and the elected officers are at the
forefront of that work and only by securing your partici-
pation can the SU ensure that our aims are student lead.
There will be an open Question Times held at the
Lancaster and Carlisle Fusehill sites, (Lancaster Saints Bar
12.30-2pm Monday 2nd March and Carlisle Calva Bar
12.30-2pm ) where any and all students can come
along and quiz the candidates as to the specifics of
their reasons for standing and what they hope to
achieve if elected.
Voting opens via the Union website from 6pm
Friday 4th March and runs through until 6pm
Wednesday 9th and can be accessed here:
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk/election
Once you have clicked the ‘Vote Here’ link you will
be asked to enter your University log in and password,
this will authenticate your student status and then once
you have logged into the website you will be presented
with your unique ballot paper. Vote and then come
along to the Annual General Meeting from 6pm Thurs-
day 10th March from 6pm in the Hugh Pollard Lecture
Theatre in Lancaster and Learning Gateway Lecture
Theatre in Carlisle to hear the results.
Remember you only get the opportunity to select
the leaders of the country once every five years, the
SU is more interested in being a true representative
organisation so we offer the potential to change the
leadership of the Union annually, so make the most of it!
Candidates canvass for your vote
YourElectionCandidates
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Brampton Road
Fusehill St.
Newton Rigg
Newton Rigg
Representation SabbaticalKarl Barnsely
Emma-Jane Gregg
Liam Walker
Academic SabbaticalLorri Millar
Student Life SabbaticalRachel Garlick
Ben Iveson
Union Community SabbaticalTom Underwood
Student TrusteeRobbie George
Anna Beaumont
Carlisle Exec RepLewis Walker
Penrith Exec RepRahul Mehorta
Mature Exec Rep Daniel Sencier
International Exec RepJulian Neilson
Women Exec RepParys Hatchard
LGBT Exec RepJonathan Kirkham
Environmental Exec RepMatt Tennant
London Site RepDavide Angeletti
Alex Walker
Carlisle ABS RepGrant Hopkins
Lancaster Education RepSalman Khan
Carlisle Non-PortfolioAnna Beaumont
Laura Poustie
Lancaster Non-PortfolioMatt Hayhurst
Robbie George
Laura Tombs
Penrith Non-PortfolioMatthew Whinray
Student DirectorGrant Hopkins
Fusehill St
Newton Rigg
Lancaster
Lancaster
Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets
Caldewgate
Lancaster
Brampton Road
Caldewgate
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Ambleside
Caldewgate
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -7
YourSabbaticalCandidatesPlease read through the Manifestos and make an informed choice
Thank you for taking the time to read this manifesto
for my campaign to become your Representation
Sabbatical for this coming year. I am standing for this
position after completing my degree in Drama. I have
been active in the Students Union for two years now as
the Representative for the Arts Faculty. During this time
I have campaigned hard for the Students I have had the
honour to represent.
With the massive problems the University faced
last year I fought hard alongside the people I repre-
sent to minimise impact on students and although
we did not have total success we did achieve enough
concessions to reduce the impact on Students. When
representing Students at Faculty meetings I have made
sure that the issues which we the Students care deeply
about are never brushed aside and as a result we are
now seeing positive discussion on issues such as
Anonymous marking and coursework feedback.
I regard the work of the Union as one of an
ongoing campaign to improve life at the University of
Cumbria. I understand rarely is the work of the Union
completed within one year and therefore my two years
as an academic representative and the experiences I
have collected is invaluable in what makes not just a
good Representation Sabbatical, but an outstanding one.
I will therefore continue the campaign against the rise
in fees whilst helping the University to prepare itself
for the rise thus ensuring that Students will get a much
more positive experience from their time here.
I took an active role in developing the structure
of the Students Union last year and that was because
I understood that there was a necessity for change. I
understood then and I understand now that the issues
most important to Students is not just the procurement
of cheap booze (don’t get me wrong this is important
to people), but that they are safe and comfortable in
their accommodation and they are able to study to the
best of their ability with nothing holding them back.
One of the biggest concerns that comes out of
surveys, including the NSS is that of how organised the
University is in running its courses and Student support
services. Too often I hear horror stories of placements
being badly managed. I have heard stories of course-
work going missing and the Students losing out because
of this. To improve that state of affairs is something is
something I care about and is something I will campaign
to improve this in this coming year. If we are to pay
much more in tuition fees than at present it is impera-
tive that we as Students get value for the money and
hard work we invest in our education.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this
manifesto and would like to encourage all Student’s,
young or old, part time or full time, onsite or distance
learners, drunk or sober to please make me your choice
for Representation Sabbatical. You will then have played
your part in having one of the most enthusiastic, dedi-
cated and passionate person representing your views.
Karl BarnsleyRepresentation Sabbatical Candidate
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -9
Rachel GarlickStudent Life Sabbatical Candidate
Hi, I’m Rachel Garlick. I’m hoping for
your support as Student Life Sabbatical.
From being nicknamed “Mommy Rach” in my first term,
I’ve shown a commitment to practical student welfare
over four years. Part of the Freshers’ Week team for 3
years, I’ve welcomed, helped the lost and bewildered,
leafleted, directed, and pub-crawled newcomers. I’ve
developed and run games to build social networks and
support, and worked on UV and other nights for the
fun of it too. I feel all this has helped me develop my
people skills and confidence.
I have been part of the SU volunteering group and
this year was asked to be RAG leader. In this role, I’ve
worked across campuses with the Sabbs and Volunteer-
ing Co-ordinators to: listen to students individually and
in meetings about what they want to happen; publicise
the opportunities, including e-mailing options; offer
advice about tasks people want to do themselves; and,
helping where they want my input. Together, we’ve
organised and I’ve made happen, socials, sales and
many other events/fundraising opportunities - all raising
money for different charities.
I enjoy the University’s sports life, playing on the
women’s basketball team, swimming and being an infor-
mal cheerleader (not the rake thin kind with pompoms)
for many of the other teams. I’m keen to know what
you believe can be improved for clubs.
When it comes to campaigning and liaising with
University departments, I’ve started out as part of
the British Youth Council’s campaigning network and
demonstrating against tuition fee rises, and I’m keen
to use my planning experience from RAG and course
placements to improve the universities performance,
especially around LISS career advice at a time when
graduate unemployment is a real risk for all of us.
Emma-Jane GreggRepresentation Sabbatical Candidate
Hey, my name is Emma-Jane Gregg but to many I
am known as EmJ and I am applying to be your
Representation Officer 2011/2012. I am currently
completing my 4th year of Primary Teaching with Drama
at the Lancaster Campus and for the past four years,
although I am originally from Windermere, I have made
Lancaster my home. Over my time at university I have
thrown myself into activities held in the SU as well as
taken part in cross-campus competitions and events. I
have been involved in RAG, the READ project and sup-
porting various sports teams, art exhibitions and drama
productions. However, there have also been some
negative issues in my time here: loss of lecturers, the
cancelling of lectures and seminars and cramped lecture
theatres. It is for these reasons I wish to take on this
role so as to guide and oversee the improvement
of the universiity experience, both through academical
and social roots.
I intend to use the comments from the recent National
Student Survey to help create the University experience
you want, using communication and diplomacy skills I
developed whilst acting as a Residential Co-ordinator
to deal with remaining and future issues. I also propose
more interactivity with the Students union website so
that any student can log on and find out such things
as themes for upcoming socials and all the voluteering
opportunities we are currently running. I believe that the
SU have already done a fantastic job within their roles,
leading the university at Tuition fees demonstrations,
which I was a part of. I suggest these achievements and
activities need to be fed down to the students and local
communities through the website and local newspapers
to highlight the achievements and successes of the uni-
versity and its students. These changes would help lead
to the union being more transparent so that all students
are able to look in and see what is happening.
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -11
Ben IvesonStudent Life Sabbatical Candidate
Have completed three years of study at the Uni-
versity of Cumbria, I have found myself examining
what I have gained from my experience of university
life. In many ways it has fulfilled my expectations since I
arrived and in respects of the drama course that I have
pursued, I feel it has allowed my confidence to flourish
in terms of how I can communicate with people across
the social spectrum, from the loud and approachable
to those of a nervous disposition. The course and the
atmosphere of each of the campuses have taught me
to appreciate the importance of maintaining a delicate
communal ambience and a sense of belonging for all
who attend. Though in some cases I think there is room
for improvement.
In the role of a Student Life Sabbatical, I would
consider it of high importance that the SU contin-
ues to encourage every campus’ inhabitants to feel
obliged to provide it’s wide ranging opinions on a more
regular basis, in terms of the upkeep of activities and
sports groups, suggestions for a wide range of future
entertainment endeavours and to address the welfare
of students that appear “sat on the fence” rather than
comfortably integrated. In this role I would encourage
research into how this mentality comes around and
affects attendance rates, from results in past polls to
evenings of entertainment. Relying on past experience
as a member of a band has taught me to be persistent
and determined in terms of event organisation, to get
straight answers over what is required of a venue and
how to best manage the time given to it. By encouraging
more input through simple means, such as putting extra
time into making yourself more available to the student
public at busy points in the student-working day, more
feedback about ongoing events and issues of wellbeing
can be addressed on a less formal but qualitative man-
ner, with less pressure on the student to feel over-anal-
ysed. Though various surveys are put forward to get to
grips with how successful a campaign is, these methods
appear only as correlative and do not fully grasp a
student’s full-bodied view on a matter, something which
is invaluable towards maintaining
the Student Union.
With changes such as the rise in student tuition
fees upon us, I feel it is of great importance that these
issues are discussed and thrashed in detail by the
students as well as trustees, as it may have invariably
affected their view on the future of their education and
once they have left to pursue whatever field they aspire
to. These changes aim to come into action in the follow-
ing year, and I feel that working parties could be used
to great effect to make the student lifestyle appealing to
future intake, if not to aim towards reducing the impact
of this by reassessing the apportion of the budget in
other fields to compensate. Apathy towards the notion
of students involved in politics across the campuses is
an issue which, I believe, is something that must be faced
with sheer determination and plenty of tact.
Ultimately, after a year of careful restructuring of the
Student Union, I believe I can provide a fresh, open and
positive attitude towards the delicate workings of the
upcoming academic year, in order to provide a spring-
board for all future generations that come to study
within this establishment. So let’s not just be “Genera-
tion Y”, but be “GENERATION “I”!!!
Lorri MillarAcademic Sabbatical Candidate
Vote Lorri #1 for Academic Sabbatical
H i I’m Lorri Millar and I am standing for
Academic Sabbatical 2011/2012.
A little about myself. I studied at the Lancaster campus
for four years doing my degree in Primary Education
with a specialism in Religious Education. I was also
heavily involved with the Students’ Union during this
time, having held three previous positions, Academic
Affairs, 07-09 and Clubs and Societies officer 09-10.
I am currently the Academic Sabbatical for this
academic year and have really enjoyed my time in this
role. I strongly believe that your academic experience is
of great importance and that this needs to improve in
the University of Cumbria.
So far, I have been involved with the construction
of the Student Written Submission (SWS) the implanta-
tion of the RARA (Rules and Regulations Awareness)
Campaign. Of which I’m sure you have seen the
bookmarks, stickers and screen savers. I have also been
the led sabbatical on the promotion of the National
Student Survey (NSS), the development of the Student
Academic Representative System (course Reps) and a
key member in representing students on the universities
Academic Boards and committees.
My aspirations for the year ahead if I was re-elected
is to introduce student led teaching awards, whereby
students are able to recognize the hard work and
contributions of university staff and staff are able to
reward and value the views of students.
Student Academic Representatives are an instrumen-
tal in improving the quality of education on the University
of Cumbria courses. I feel that a social aspect should be
developed within the Student Academic Representative
System, to aid and improve the current system.
In previous campaigns I have endeavoured to try and
improve the academic experience of students and
especially with educational placements. This was greatly
highlighted in the student written submission as a
current issue and something that I have been trying to
solve. To do this I have been developing relations with
the education faculty to try and understand the issues
surrounding their placements. If re-elected I feel I would
like to be able to make a significant difference and build
on the work that I have already done in this area.
Vote for Lorri Millar as your Academic
Sabbatical - Millar Genuine Sabb.
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -13
Tom UnderwoodUnion Community Sabbatical Candidate
Vote Tom Underwood #1 for Union Community Sabbatical
I have loved working in the Students’ Union over the
past year as the Union Community Sabbatical, and am
so grateful for the opportunity I have been given. With
it being the first year of the position I have been faced
with some challenges but I feel I have achieved success
in a number of areas and really got the position off to a
good start. I have campaigned and lobbied MP’s and the
University on fairer tuition fees, to save EMA, for study
space for students in Tower Hamlets, lobbied the Uni-
versity for weekend access for Brampton Road students
to use the Gateway building at Fusehill. I have increase
accessibility for library services in Ambleside by getting
a self-service machine and have created the initial and
maintained strong external relations between students,
local residents and external organisations which are
vital to improve social cohesion in the community.
Next year I will;
1. Prioritize gateway sites and smaller campuses and
ensure they are always considered when running
campaigns, events and support services.
2i. Improve the quality of the student experience
for our students at gateway sites and smaller ca
puses such as Ambleside, Penrith, Barrow, London etc.
2ii.Create an official Ambleside Campus Representative
3. To maintain and further develop the current prog-
ress I have started between students, local residents
and external organisations such as the council, police
and community groups at our larger sites.
4. I will hold all cross campus officers and sabbaticals
to account to ensure they distribute their time fairly.
I genuinely feel I can continue to deliver and improve
on the previous work I have done so, vote Tom
Underwood in for a second term as Union
Community Sabbatical! If you have any questions please
contact me on [email protected].
I really hope to see you next year!
Tom.
Liam WalkerRepresentation Sabbatical Candidate
Making changes Reality, Giving you a valued voice
H i everyone, I am Liam Walker standing for the
role of Representation Sabbatical. I am currently
the Student Life Sabbatical at the Students Union (SU).
Why have I Chose the role?
Its simple; I love representing Students. I have been
thankful for being elected in the last year and feel ready
to step up to the challenge of being the lead Sabbatical
and am ready to lead with you in mind.
I want everyone involved in the decision making
process. As I have worked as a sabbatical for the last
year, I feel I know the structure of the Students’ Union
and the University. I already have established relation-
ships with the University staff and would be able to use
this knowledge to progress the University.
What do I want to do?
• Continue the fight for Equal University Access
(ensuring the University provide students with low
tuition fees and only the best learning resources).
• Continue to press for the better use of the
learning Gateway (in Lancaster).
• Continue to press for convenient library facilities,
course materials (whoever may require them).
• Press for better provision (and regularly visit) at Gateway
sites, such as; Ambleside, Tower Hamlets and Energus.
• Ensure all Exec members and volunteers are fully
engaged within the Union and are regularly seen by
you by including them centrally in the SU’s work.
This is something which I feel needs attention.
• Help Make a clear Welcome programme
(meet and greet your new Sabbaticals).
• Ensure the University have you and other students
at the centre and core of ALL discussions
(for example any changes on Campus Carlisle).
• Ensure all is done to ensure FE are represented
by the new provider
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -15
What I have achieved this year:
• Spoke to students from every University owned
Acommodation as part of my Accommodation
campaign which a booklet will be produced to
theUniversity to make positive changes.
• Been heavily involved in National Demo and tuition
fee work. While I lead the Save the EMA campaign
dueto my passion of education for all.
• Made strides in Intramural sport.
• Developed a booklet for the start up of future
Student Groups.
• Liaised with the University to Ensure services are
run with you in mind.
• Ensured FE students have been engaged in the Union
by attending FE forums and working closely on other
issues with the FE University team (i.e. EMA).
Thank you for reading and I hope
to speak to you soon.
Believe in P+sitive Change
Do you believe the Gateway can
be used more effectively?
Are you happy with Library Facilities?
Are the University listening to your concerns?
Are you Happy with SU Presence?
Is the University Clear with what they expect?
Are you getting Value for money at the University?
£9,000? Not on my Watch
Does your timetable suit you? If not....
Liam Walker Continued...
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -17
“ Will working for a business, on a project basis, increase my chances of graduate-level employment?”
qualifications + experience = success
The simple answer is YES.
The Unite with Business programme can provide you with PAID opportunities to work in a business on a meaningful project relevant to your studies. These short-term opportunities last for 20 days and provide a real insight into the workplace.
To register for notification of Unite with Business opportunities please email the team on [email protected] or call 01228 616315
SU ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING(You don’t even have to wear a tie).
Whether you are a member a sports team, volunteer for
a charity or in some cases as an employee of a business
there is one event many people while aware of often fail
to recognise its importance in any organisation...
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the most
important meeting of the year for your Students’ Union.
It’s a chance for students to hold it and its trustees to
account. As a charity the Students’ Union as well as being
governed by charity law and a board of trustees who
oversee the function of the organisation, ensuring that its
core values and purposes are reflected in its operations.
As well as an opportunity to openly question trust-
ees of the Union, be presented with a report of the
Union’s progress as well as its accounts for 2010/11, it’s
YOUR chance to submit and make key decisions for the
year ahead.
The 2010/11 AGM is being held on Thursday 10th
March at 6pm via Video Conferencing in both Carlisle
(Learning Gateway Lecture Theatre) and Lancaster
(Hugh Pollard Lecture Theatre).
The deadline for proposals to be considered (known
as motions) is Thursday 3rd March 2011. For information
on how to propose and submit items for discussion or if
you would like to request an additional video conferenc-
ing suite at a site near you email Martin.Dodd@cumbria.
ac.uk or call 01228 616253/01524 526566.
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -19
final poster.indd 2 9/2/11 14:01:02
National Student Money Week has been organised to raise student awareness of the advice available at university to help them manage their money and achieve better financial skills. Learning, Information and Student Services (LISS) in conjunction with the Students’ Union are running some events which include:
Money Advice StAndS Monday 7 March 12pm – 2pm
Shopping on A Budget Tuesday 8 March 12pm – 2pm
clotheS SwAp Monday 7 March 3.30pm – 7.30pm The Gin Case, Newton Rigg
Keep an eye on the student’s union F-book page for more information.
For ideas on how to save money on your shopping and get a free meal in a bag.
See the SU facebook page for details of venue on each campus.
Tuesday 8 March 5.00pm – 8.00pm Calva Bar, Fusehill Street
Tuesday 8 March 2.30pm – 7.30pm The Saints Bar, Lancaster
Get a new wardrobe without it costing you a penny! The week before the event, take along
clothes/accessories and you’ll get a voucher to exchange for the same number of items on the day.
Ask a money question and get a wealth check
Information Commons, Brampton Road.Learning Gateway, Fusehill Street.Gateway Building, Lancaster.Brambles, Newton Rigg.
Money weeknAtionAl Student
7 – 11 March 2011
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -21
The activities assembly is your opportunity to express any ideas or concerns you may have in relation to Student Groups (sports and societies). It should be noted the as-sembly is open to anyone.
The assembly will be on Tuesday 15th March at 5.15. The room’s available (at the time of print) are:
• LongCorridor:HPLT(Lancaster)• Eskdale:E009(Penrith)• Skiddaw:F05(Carlisle)• Skiddaw:F20(Carlisle)
Youareabletosubmitanythingyoulikepriortothemeeting,isthereanythingyoudonotcurrentlyenjoyoristheresomethingyouwouldliketoseeadded?ThisisYOURchancetosubmitandmakekeydecisionsfor the year ahead! The current motions are as follows:
Motions:•StudentGroupsHandbookproposal(how
tosetupastudentgroup–andkeepitsuc-cessful,aguide).TobeavailablefromTue8thMarch.Thisistotryandmakethestartupofnewgroupsthatlittlebiteasierforyou and additionally for any current student groupswhohaveanypotentialissuesitprovides a number of potential issues and providingsolutionstothem.•Numberstojoin–loweringfrom10.Wewouldjustliketohearyourcommentsonwhetherastartupnumberof10isfairorwouldyouliketoseeitlowered?•AnyotherfundingissuessuchasNorth-ernCountiesandextraclubfunding.
The deadline for proposals to be consid-ered(knownasmotions)isTuesday8thMarch2011.Formoreinformationonhowto propose and submit items for discussion orifyouwouldliketorequestanadditionalvideoconferencingsuiteatanothersitetojointhemeetingemaileitherliam.walker2@[email protected](Carlisle),01524526566(Lancaster).
Activities AssemblyTuesday 15th March 5.15pm
Room Allocations:HPLectureTheatre–LancasterF05,F20–Carlisle(FusehillSt)E009,EskdaleLectureTheatre–Penrith
Items to be discussed:No.ofmembersneededtostartasociety.Raisingthejoinupfee(from£10to£20).NorthernCountiesandotherfunding
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As you were all enjoying the end of yourholiday’s staff at the Students Union were
back at work missing the buzz of having the students about, so what better way to celebrate your return than putting on a Refreshers week of fun and Frolics to get you back in to student life.
From the pub tour to glowing at the UV party and being mesmerized by the Fantastic Lo Ried everyone seemed to have a fantastic time, even if some of you thought the quiz question were a little to hard, not that the winners of the £100 prize were saying that.
Julian Neilson a Business Management student from Carlisle said “The pub tour was really good fun, I always enjoy it. I also went to see the hypnotist Lo Reid she was fantastic, but I didn’t expect anything else, I have seen her three times now and she never fails to impress.
Chloe Merna from the Students Union was involved in organising the events and said“Refreshers went off with a bang this year, it’s brilliant to see students having a great time after the exam blues and before the new term really kicks in, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did”
Article by Jeanne Gate
A refreshing start to the year
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT LIFESTYLE CARD
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dob: 25/02/85
EXTREME DISCOUNTS, INTERNATIONAL ID AND SUPPORT FOR NUS
DEMAND EXTRA NOW - FROM £11
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EXCLUSIVE TO
NUS EXTRA
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -27
Don’t miss the newly introduced
BLURED MONDAYS that will be
taking place in the SAINTS BAR
from Monday 7th March
8.00pm – 12.00am.
Saints
University of Cumbria
Students’ Union Building
Bowerham Road
Lancaster. LA1 3JD
The open mic night is open to
anyone so come and impress! If you
think you have the skills to pay the
bills then this one is for you!
Thursday 10th March. Starting at
8.00pm ‘til late. All welcome!
ADMISSION FREE.
See Glynis at the bar to get involved.
This Indie and Britpop night is sure
to impress and make you come
back for more. As well as fab music
there will be exciting drinks promo-
tions and a free tequila jelly for
anyone that arrives before 9.00pm.
£1.80 Double vodka and mixer
£1.90 Double JD and Mixer
FREE ENTRY BEFORE 9PM
only 50p after.
Blured Mondays
Open Mic Night
What’s On
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk/volunteering
MUCH MORE
Volunteering
Student Run Self Help (SRSH) is an innovative project working to involve students in peer-to-peer support for students and young people with eating disorders. Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are estimated to af-fect between 1 – 3 % of the population. Resources for treatment of these disorders are patchy, with minimal support available for mild to moderated cases or for individuals in recovery.
Self help groups offer a safe atmosphere for discussion. They hope to support people living with eating disorders and allow individuals to realise that they are not suffering alone.
Training, ongoing advice and mentoring is provided for students keen to run a student led project. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to student life while also developing your own skills and CV. Initially, this will be run on the Lancaster campus and will hopefully become available across other sites.
For more details on the project please email Emma at [email protected] or call into the Lancaster SU office to see her.
Volunteers for this project need to be able to commit to working with the project until the sum-mer of 2012. Volunteers work in a small team of three or four to run self help group meetings every two weeks during term time and will be required to commit to a minimum of 2 hours a fortnight to the project, as well as additional time to work on group publicity and administration.
Volunteers also need to be able to attend a two day training workshop at a mutually convenient time and location.Volunteers do not need any prior experience with eating disorders.
Eating Disorders Self Help Group
The application deadline: 11th March
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Volunteering
On Friday 17th December 2010 the Student Occu-pational Therapy Society (SOTS) ended the semester in style by hosting a conference focused on ‘Trans-forming Occupational Therapy for a Greener Future.’ The event was attended by occupational therapy students and professionals from across the region and represented the successful culmination of many months of planning and hard work. Various members of the SOTS volunteered their time to ensure that all aspects of the event ran smoothly. This included hosting workshops; making gifts for speakers; prepar-ing delegate packs; organising catering for the day; approaching companies for sponsorship; stewarding and running stalls at the marketplace.
The day included inspirational speeches from two keynote speakers, a range of practical and discussion based workshops and a bustling marketplace with representatives from businesses linked to occupa-tional therapy. Feedback from those who attended was very positive, indicating that the conference was both informative and motivating. Delegates specified that they found it interesting and useful to learn about innovative occupational therapy practice in the region. A popular workshop presentation focus-ing on the transition from student to practitioner was also praised by attendees as being ‘worthwhile,’ ‘relevant’ and ‘reassuring’.
Student Conference SuccessArticle by Carrie Bulmer.
Treasurer, University of Cumbria
Student Occupational Therapy Society
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -31
Above: Conference attendees proudly show off their bears made in the ‘Memory Bears’ workshop.
The conference provided a valuable learning opportunity and a unique addition to CVs for all volunteers involved with organising and execut-ing the event. Skills learned and contacts gained by volunteers are likely to prove very useful in enhanc-ing future employment opportunities. The SOTS are keen to continue their involvement with similar projects in the future.
Top: Jenny Heath, newly qualified occupational therapist (far right) leads a workshop about the transition from student to practitioner.
Bottom: Carla Bharathi, an MSc student, tries out a bicycle adapted for people with physical disabilities (provided by Watchtree Wheelers).
Article by Allan Stavert
Volunteering
Article by Sarah Hodgson
Social Work degree from University of Cumbria
I initially wanted to be involved in volunteering as I thought the experience would look good on my CV and I could enhance existing skills and gain new ones; useful when coming to getting a job after I had graduated.
I decided to volunteer with a local Brownie Pack as in the future I want to work with children. Their weekly meetings became something I missed when I was unable to attend and two years later I continue to volunteer with the pack.
After completing a Practice Work Placement with Adults who suffer from Learning Disabilities and Mental Health problems I began volunteering with a young adult whom I had started work with whist carrying out the placement.
Finally when I completed my final Practice Work Placement working with Young Carers I asked if I could continue to work with them as a volunteer after the placement had finished. Due to the current climate I was aware that getting a job after gradua-tion would be difficult and wanted to stay up to date with relevant knowledge and volunteering offered this, as well keeping skills and abilities relevant to the job role alive.
Once I had started volunteering I soon realised that it would do more than I had originally thought. Volunteering whilst being a student not only added to my CV and enhanced my skills but it gave me a sense of achievement and left me feeling as though I had given something invaluable to others. I have made new friends, gained new skills, achieved awards and have also been offered a job from one organisa-tion and a leadership role from another.
So volunteering whist being a student proved to not only enhance my skills but I have made new friends, worked with people whom I may not have done without the volunteering opportunities and now have a job.
Volunteering helped me get a job, straight away after Uni.
Well as the season draws towards its final few weeks, who is still in contention I hear you shout.
Well down here at Lancaster, Netball 3rd’s gained promotion and won their League yesterday and remain unbeaten while those still in with a chance for promotion include Men’s Hockey who have two tough games, one away at arch rivals Lan-caster, but can still get top spot and Men’s Basketball who are three points behind the leaders but with them still to play at home.
The only remaining cup team are Men’s Rugby Union 1st who play Lancaster University 1st in a Conference Cup quarter-final game on Sunday 6th March 2011, 2pm kick off down at the Vale of Lune RUFC.
Up in Carlisle, Men’s Football 1st are on course for promotion and winning their League and remain unbeaten with just one game to play away at Bolton on 9th March.
Unfortunately several other teams from all three campuses face the threat of relegation and the prospect of playing lower tier sport next season.
Awards EveningsYes it is that time of the year, and Carlisle & Lan-caster have already arranged their presentation nights with Carlisle opting for Friday 1st April in the Calva Bar and Lancaster having there awards evening the following Wednesday 6th April in Saints. Tickets will be on sale soon, so make sure you get yours.
Sports Afternoon On the afternoon of Wednesday 6th April 2011, several Lancaster based teams are holding a sporting afternoon with Men’s Football, Netball & Basketball all inviting their corresponding teams from Carlisle & Penrith to take part in a fun filled friendly afternoon of sport. Do you want to get involved, if so then contact [email protected] for more details.
New Student Group At LancasterA new Student Group has been set up at Lancaster for students studying English Literature and they are having drop in/sign up sessions between 12noon & 3pm in Smarties Lounge in the Students’ Union building on Tuesday 8th & Wednesday 9th March 2011.
If you are unable to visit them you can also email Charlotte Smith (S0901321@ cumbria.ac.uk) or Chloe Watson ([email protected]) for further details.
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Activities
Article by Allan Stavert
5
6
SCONUL- Can be obtained from the Library and provides you with access to Libraries all over the UK. – www.sconul.ac.uk
Enjoy being in London, in a few years it’s about to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games so expect to see regeneration all over!
BaCkgrOUNdBy Tom Underwood
UoC and formerly St Martin’s College have been involved in teacher education in London since 1984 building on a long tradition of teacher education established by the Church of England in the East End of London in the last 19th century.
There are approximately 300 students studying at Tower Hamlets.
The courses are offered in a Professional Development Centre (PDC) owned by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets where we lease space.
We offer a range of courses at the campus in-cluding Foundation Degrees, Undergraduate QTS degrees, PGCE’s and an MA in Education.
The majority of our students in Tower Hamlets are from ethnic minorities reflecting the local population.
UOC also has a strong relationship with the London Borough of Newham. UoC is the largest supplier of Newly Qualified Teachers in Newham. Approximately 40 students per year who have studied at Lancaster or Carlisle gain jobs there.
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4
SU adviceGreat advice from a professional run service. – [email protected]
FacilitiesWe can use the Library of Queen Mary University and are in talks to ensure we can join their societies.
Shopping- 20 mins. by train to ‘The West End’- One of the biggest shopping areas in London.- 45 mins. by train to ‘Westfield London’- Newly built shopping centre with more than 265
shops, you’d be sure to find a bargain or job here.- Very close to the new ‘Westfield’ being built
at Stratford.
discounts- The NUT Countdown Card- Discounts in many places, even Thomas Cook! - - - Ask the NUT Rep when they visit.- NUS Extra Card- Only £11 and you can receive discounts in shops
ranging from Superdrug, New Look, Game andeven Orange. – www.nus.org.uk
- Student Oyster Card- £10 per year and has to be ordered online with
a photo, it entitles you to 1/3 off your travel whenyou purchase a weekly, monthly or yearly Travelcard. – www.tfl.gov.uk/photocard
TOp TipS FOr TOwer HamLeTS STUdeNTSBy Alex Walker
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This & much more available at The Shop, in the Students’ Union building, Lancaster campus. Come and visit us!
Unisex & Ladies HoodiesAvailable from the Students’ Union and online at www.thestudentsunion.org.uk/shop
Unisex - £24Ladies - £2810% discounts with NUS card
www.thestudentsunion.org.uk -37
The Students’ Union has been
working on your academic
experience
swsThe University Of Cumbria is currently being involved
in the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Audit. This
is a bit like an Ofsted for the University. As part of
the audit the Students’ Union produced a document
called the Student Written Submission (SWS) 2010.
In order to collect the information needed to write
the Student Written Submission, students were asked
to participate in the UCSU Snap survey in December.
This was combined with the National Student Survey
(NSS) results for 2010 and other USCU surveys. These
provided evidence which enabled us to be able to write
the Student Written Submission. If you would like a copy
then a request can be made by e-mailing
nssThe National Student Survey (NSS) is a survey of how
final year undergraduate students feel about quality of
their academic experience of studying on their course.
All final year undergraduate students are eligible to
fill out the survey. The survey asks 22 questions which
students are asked to rate their feelings on a scale of 1-5
and focuses on issues like learning resources, organisa-
tion and management, and assessment and feedback.
The University can then use the information gathered to
improve the teaching and learning at the University of
Cumbria. The university also receives an overall satisfac-
tion score. The survey started on the 24th March and
will be open until the 29th April.
So if you are in your final year please fill
out your NSS. This is your chance to speak up.
www.thenationalstudentssurvey.com
lvsIf you are on a Further Education (FE) course at the
University of Cumbria, you can fill out the Learner
Views Survey. (LVS) The survey is run by the Skills
Funding Agency and asks learners about their views on:
- The information, advice and guidance they have
received from their provider;
- The quality of teaching and learning on their
programme;
- Their overall satisfaction with their learning experience;
- Their satisfaction with the level of support available to
them from their provider;
- Whether or not they are treated with respect; and
whether their provider is responsive to their views.
The link to the survey is https://surveys.ipsosinteractive.
com/wix/p684089662.aspx” https://surveys.ipsosinterac-
tive.com/wix/p684089662.aspx
It Looks Like This
Article by Lorri Millar
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