Thursday 04-04-2019 - 10:30

 

It’s Amie here, bringing you an update on everything that’s happening at The Union this term. I’m hoping these termly updates will eventually become the forum where we can discuss and get feedback from you on the campaigns and initiatives we are working on. Read on to find out what we’ve been doing to help support you this term. And, as always – have your say on what matters to you.

 

Making Lecture Capture more widely available
Lecture capture, if you haven’t already heard, is the system for recording your lectures – allowing you to listen back at a later date. It’s a great idea, but as it stands, the technology is only available in 40 lecture halls and lecturers need to opt in to make the recordings available to you. Luckily, our Education Officer, Lucy has been on the case. Back in January, feedback from lecture capture survey gave the evidence necessary to lobby the university to begin making positive change. The project isn’t over yet – automatic publishing of lectures, a revised opt-out policy, wider implementation of the tech, are key next steps to tackle.

Lecture Capture survey winner

 

Bee Together – more inclusive sport at uni
Ross, Sports Officer, is on a mission involve more students in sports, by breaking down traditional barriers to entry. Feedback from LGBTQ+, postgrads, commuting students and religious societies fed directly into developing new committee member training and workshops to support inclusion and build a more open culture within sports clubs. We’ve had almost 900 signatures so far from students and staff backing the initiative.

 

Deciding your officers for the year ahead in the Officer Elections
18,000 votes, 5,145 student voters and an overall turnout of nearly 16% – this year has been our biggest yet for the officer elections. If you haven’t already, make sure you find out who’ll be your student officer team for 2019/20. What do the officers do again? We work full time for The Union and spend the majority of our time on campaigns and initiatives to make student life better. Got an idea for a project, or need to speak to us about an issue? Don’t be shy – get in touch.

Campaigning during Officer Elections

 

Housing campaign – empowering students with the right information
Wellbeing Officer, Andy has been campaigning to improve housing provision for students. So far, he’s been busy creating a student housing charter – essentially getting out there and finding out from you what makes good housing. As part of the project, Andy’s developed links with Greater Manchester Housing Action – a collective of organisations whose aim is improving housing and renters rights in Manchester. The opportunity will give access to support from the organisations involved, and will be a platform to share students’ stories and experiences. If you feel you’re not being treated fairly by your landlord, or need any other housing related support, the Advice Centre offers expert advice for free.

 

Drug testing kits
Some people take drugs, and some drugs are cut with harmful substances, putting people at risk. Wellbeing officer, Andy, and Societies and Development officer, Anna are exploring the initial stages of a project to offer drug-testing kits to students. The kits will enable users to test what actually comes in their drugs and if everything goes ahead, will be available to pick up for free from the Advice Centre. Advice and support on drugs is available from Counselling and Wellbeing service.

 

The Advice Centre
Nestled away on 2nd floor of The Union, the Advice Centre have helped over 1,500 students this term alone with support and advice, with particular focus on academic issues such as plagiarism, exceptional factors and complaints. So far, they’ve gained students over £215,530.41 in funding – made up from correcting mistakes with student finance applications, applying for government benefits like Universal Credit, and assistance accessing university hardship fund applications.

 

Course Rep Con 2019 – empowering our Course Reps to be the best they can be
Course reps are great – they volunteer to represent their fellow students, giving important feedback to help improve your course. In March we held Course Rep Con 2019 – a one day conference at The Union featuring workshops and talks exclusively for Course Reps to help develop skills and confidence in their role. We’re hoping to make Course Rep Con 2020 even bigger, equipping more course reps with the skills to make real change.

Course Rep Con 2019 

 

Making the most of things with Project Cheshire
All good things must end and unfortunately, this is the last year for the Cheshire Campus. But, things aren’t coming to a close quietly and Project Cheshire fund has already seen 14 successful bids for some amazing events, including CrewePauls Drag Race, MMU let’s C your Talent and Crewsicle the Musical. Applications for Project Cheshire are still open if you have an idea for an event.

 

Sustainability at The Union with Go Green Week
Back in Feb, The Union celebrated sustainability with its #MCRGoGreenWeek campaign. There were deals on meat-free ranges in The Union shop, events by Yoga Society and MMU People and Planet, a pop up stall and pledge board, and an organised a litter pick. Read more about sustainability at The Union.

 

Celebrating student societies at the National Societies Awards
We are proud to be this year’s hosts of the UK’s biggest event to celebrate the work of student societies. We’ve invited all other Students’ Unions and their societies from across the country to join us on 30 April, at The Union to celebrate all the amazing achievements and contributions their societies have made.

 

Board of Trustees
As an educational charity, The Union has a board of trustees is in place to help steer the overall direction of The Union, make sure we comply with law and remain financially sustainable. Here’s a full report of what they’ve been working on this term.
 

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Amie Atkinson
President, The Union