In the second issue of our implausibly gripping approximate monthly newsletter, we update you on what’s happened this month, what’s planned for next month, and any little titbits we think might tickle your representative fancy.
Hello student representatives! February was a very busy month behind the scenes – and March is shaping up to be no different!
This is the second issue of our implausibly gripping approximate monthly newsletter, updating you on what’s happened this month, what’s planned for next month, and any little titbits we think might tickle your representative fancy. Read on for the latest update, including the opening of both the Catalyst building and Leadership Race nominations, and what you would do if you ran the University....
Speak Week (Public Speaking Not Included)
Don’t panic - we’re not asking you to talk to everyone! Every year, we take one week to ask everybody we can one question: ‘What would you do if you ran the university?’ We’ve had some great answers in the past, ranging from unifying digital platforms and resources to changing laundry providers and improving recycling. You may have seen the effects of our work in these areas already.
This year Speak Week is very neatly timed, and we’re going to pretend that’s entirely deliberate. The National Student Survey is live (side note: here’s another prompt to do that) and we’d like you to ask your cohort to reflect based on their NSS answers from this year (individually) and last year (some tasty statistics we’ll be sharing with you shortly). Based on that, what would they do if they were in charge? What would you do?
Look out for our suggestion boxes out and about campus to have your say, or complete our online form. Suggestion boxes can be found in the reception areas of Ember, Cadman and the Sports Centre, in the seating areas of Squeezebox and the Catalyst cafeteria, and on the bar at Verve. All are accompanied by a nice big green banner - you can't miss them!
Welcome to our New Old Reps
We recently put out a circular to Course Directors and Heads of Department to spread the good word of the Leadership Race. In the process, we snuck out a little reminder; we realised at the start of the month that there were a few of you who hadn’t been registered with us. We’ve seen an influx in registrations as a result, so we’d like to take the opportunity to extend a very warm* welcome to everyone who’s already been a rep for months and just didn’t know we exist. Please be sure to complete your training as soon as you get the chance (see last month’s newsletter for why that’s so important) and then we can add you to the channel for your department.
*It’s been a few months, so we reheated it in the microwave
Catalyst Open
As I’m sure you’ve seen already, the Catalyst building is now open – some features of the University’s new flagship building that we think are particularly worth mentioning are the new multifaith chaplaincy (second floor, in the far-left corner as you leave the landing), and the open learning space in the middle of the second floor. We hope to be holding more open drop-in events there in future - particularly forums and councils!
A Leadership Race Update
Now I know we told you about this last month, so this is just a quick reminder – you have just over three weeks to nominate yourself or a friend to stand in the leadership race. Don’t miss your chance to #leadstaffs!
February Update…
- You can read the write-up from the meeting with Nuala Devlin at Representatives Meeting with Executive Dean (staffsunion.com)
- DTA students’ opportunity to catch up with the Associate Dean for Students is now a regular monthly occurrence – the catchingly-titled ‘Coffee, Cake and Conversation’ – and every rep in DTA is welcome to attend. Keep an eye on the Rep Hub calendar and your Teams notifications for the next one!
- Representative Council was every bit as productive as we’d hoped it would be, and we should have plenty of updates to share with you as the situation develops!
Coming Up in March…
- The latest round of Course Committee meetings are beginning; course reps, keep an eye on your inboxes and be sure not to miss this vital opportunity make sure your coursemates' voice is heard!
- Thinking of running in the Leadership Race? Come and chat with us at 1pm on the 7th, 17th, 23rd, or 29th
- Our Trustee Board meets on the 25th, and welcomes our five new student trustees
- NUS conference season approaches - on the 28th and 29th we’ll be sending a team of delegates to represent you at National Conference, and on the 30th and 31st we’ll be sending another to Liberation Conference.
Later in the Semester…
Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ve got coming your way over the rest of the semester:
- Green Week
- Voice Conference, where we compare notes with Course Reps on how it’s all going
- And more progress on the Team Manifesto from your Officers
Voice Team, Out!
Enjoy your week – we’ll be back to get on your nerves again shortly!
Thank you for all your hard work,
Hannah
On behalf of your friendly Student Voice team,
Mari, Ant & Jamie