The Students’ Union is run by students for students – that means we’re completely dedicated to representing students at Staffs and helping provide what they want from their student experience. That covers everything from advice and support, great venues and events to representation, sports clubs, activities and even a dedicated student media service.
We’re constantly striving to ensure the best possible experience for all students at Staffs and free membership of the Students’ Union is automatic on enrolling at Staffordshire University. That means our students get to have their say in what we do and how we do it.
Staffordshire University Students’ Union is a democratic organisation, working entirely for the benefit of students.
The Students' Union sponsors and supports a diverse range of student-run groups. These include both competitive and recreational sports groups, special interest groups, academic societies and some that we are unable to categorise! You can find out contact details and any info the groups have posted by following the links below.
The Student Advice Centre (SAC) offers confidential and impartial advice on a variety of issues, such as: student finance, academic affairs, student housing, debt management etc. In addition, there are a number of online self help materials which you can access from the Advice Guide.Find out more...
Academic Reps can raise issues when something is wrong or tell the University what works for you and your student experience. If you need advice regarding your course then contact your Academic Rep.Find out more...
Money Doctors is part of the Students’ Union Student Advice Centre. It is free, independent, impartial and confidential. Click on the logo to see how we can help you keep your finances healthy and make your money achieve what you want it to.Find out more...
You can feel safe in the knowledge that the University has a Cop Shop with a friendly campus police officer who is around to answer any questions. You can speak to him about anything from the security of your property, your personal safety or to report a crime.Find out more...
LRV is the Stoke Campus nightclub and holds our regular clubnights such as the ever popular Gobble on a Wednesday night and Super Friday. LRV is the Union’s largest venue with 1300 capacity.Find out more...
Legends and The Lounge are the Union's Beaconside campus venues. The Lounge is a recently refurbished, stylish bar serving great food and coffee as well as the traditional bar refreshments seven days a week. Legends is the Stafford Campus's nightclub and holds our weekly clubnight Mukky Duck as well as regular live music performances. Find out more...
The Ember Lounge is Staffordshire University Students' Union second Stoke Venue. Winner of Best Late Night Venue Midlands and Wales and a Best Bar None award, the Ember Lounge offers something for everybody. Whether it's an early morning espresso to get you ready for the day, a great value lunch or a night of cocktails and entertainment, we aim to deliver. Find out more...
The Squeeze Box has a delicious menu for both breakfast and lunch. For those wanting something healthy, yet tasty, Squeeze Box caters for all with options big and small. There is also a wide variety of hot drinks, with Fairtrade products being used where possible. Find out more...
Verve is Stoke’s newest venue offering students a funky place to relax and enjoy a tasty burger and the creamiest milkshakes. Open all day, students can pop in for food and drink, listen to some music, catch up on the latest magazines and just take a break from the world outside. Find out more...
The Students’ Union is a student-led organisation, and in that spirit endeavours to hire students and harness their skills where possible.
The latest video updates from the officer team about their work on behalf of the students at staffordshire University
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A few years ago, the general student feeling was there was a gap between the issues students were having and what was being fixed by academic staff. The reason for this gap appeared to be because many of the issues were very specific to the course or department, and so did not always make the agenda of university-wide committees. This meant a lot of these issues, that were incredibly important to the students affected, but not necessarily to the wider university, were often left unsorted.
The Students’ Union always realised academic representation was a bit hit-and-miss, so it applied for funding to have dedicated staff members for the academic representation scheme. This application was successful and now the Union offers enhanced rep training, financial incentives to reps and an annual conference for all reps to share experiences and best practice. We now have just under 500 reps registered with the programme and supporting students.
The University had indicated its intention to cancel the X1 bus service that shuttles students and staff between the Stoke and Stafford campuses from 2011/12 onwards. The service costs the University approximately £200,000 a year and its usage level is quite low. However, for those few students that do use it, it is an essential part of their ability to study at Staffs.
Following extensive lobbying from the Students’ Union, the University were convinced of the need to retain the bus service for another year at least, meaning it will run in the 2011/12 academic year. The Union has also agreed to look into more feasible options that would still give students what they need, offer an environmentally friendly transport option but not cost the University as much.
The National Student Survey, which all final year students are asked to fill in, identified that students were not happy with the way they received academic feedback. Feedback came back too late for some students to change their work before the deadline and lecturers were found to take more than a month in some cases to respond.
Using its position on the Academic Board, one of the most senior committees in the University, the Students’ Union applied pressure for change. The Union proposed a new academic feedback structure to the board that would commit lecturers to feedback to students within four weeks. At first this was met with opposition, leading to further meetings and unconferences to discuss lecturers’ concerns. However, lecturers quickly came round to the Union’s way of thinking and it was agreed at Academic Board not long after.
This is a huge improvement for students as it gives them a guaranteed time in which they will get the feedback to help them improve their assignment before final submission.