Hello everyone! It's been an incredible journey since I began my role as the Vice President of Education, and I wanted to share with you the highlights of what I've been up to and the valuable lessons I've learned along the way.
Meeting the SU Team
My journey began by getting to know the incredible teams that make our Student Union (SU) run smoothly. These dedicated individuals handle representation, communications, activities, and social enterprise. Working alongside them has shown me the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving our goals.
First Board Meeting as a Trustee
I had the privilege of attending my first board meeting as a trustee. Trust me, if you know, you know! It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the responsibility and impact that comes with this role.
A Proud Moment: Graduation and Speech
One of the proudest moments in my life was when I graduated. It was an achievement that I hold dear, especially because I had the opportunity to make a speech at the graduation ceremony. It reinforced the idea that education is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.
Exploring Student Life at Burnley
Visiting our Burnley campus allowed me to connect with students and learn more about their unique experiences and challenges. Understanding the diverse needs of our students is key to effective representation.
National Connections at Lead and Change
I attended the Lead and Change event at Leeds Beckett University, where I met student officers from all over the country. Building these connections broadened my perspective and showed me that we're part of a larger community working towards common goals.
Advocacy on Student Issues
Participating in panels discussing student issues allowed me to advocate for change and hear the concerns of our student body. It's essential to address these issues and work towards solutions collaboratively.
Continuous Learning and Development
Attending external trainings with organizations like Wonkhe, NCVO, and Coole Insight, along with university-based training, enhanced my skills and knowledge, making me a more effective advocate for students.
Building Connections and Collaboration
Meeting with various individuals and organizations, such as Edge Hill, allowed us to explore how we can work together to better support students.
Engaging with the University
Engaging with senior figures within the university helped identify key contacts to facilitate positive change and improvements.
Active Involvement in Academic Matters
Participating in Category 4 academic misconduct panels and student complaints demonstrated the importance of addressing issues promptly and fairly.
Networking with Other Student Unions
Reaching out to student unions in the North West, including Manchester Metropolitan and Liverpool Hope, for potential meetings, opens up opportunities for collaboration and sharing best practices.
Board Responsibilities and Governance
Board meetings, while sometimes daunting due to the sheer volume of papers, are vital for governing and making informed decisions. It's where the real work gets done.
Supporting Recruitment and Freshers
Working with the Communications team to handle trustee recruitment and freshers' content is an important aspect of ensuring new students feel welcome and informed.
Mission Control Meetings
Our monthly Mission Control meetings are essential for aligning our vision and goals for the year, fostering cooperation among officers.
Strategic Planning with Steph
Collaborating with Steph to map out how to achieve my manifesto and identifying key collaborators is pivotal for setting goals and ensuring their achievement.
Engaging with the Community
Launching the Freshers website and Lampworks provides students with valuable resources and support for their academic journey.
Data Collection and Outreach
Collecting important data through messages to comparative student unions is necessary to drive evidence-based decision-making.
Collaboration with Deans of Schools
Engaging with deans of schools to discuss potential collaborations helps enhance the student experience and address academic concerns effectively.
Support and Self-Care
Completing the "Look after your mate" training with Young Minds and attending meetings on self-care emphasized the importance of looking after ourselves to better serve students.
Active Union Leadership
Attending Union leadership meetings and engaging with senior leaders helps shape our approach to student representation.
Striving for Excellence
Monthly mentoring sessions, students' issues meetings, and discussions on topics like micro-aggressions and the mental health charter reinforce the need for excellence in student advocacy.
Strengthening Connections
Participating in academic community events and engaging with school presidents, student council members, and various student groups strengthens our connections and advocacy efforts.
Hello Freshers!
Freshers season is always a whirlwind, but it's a great time to welcome new students and engage with them as they embark on their academic journeys.
Big Hellos and Important Meetings
Engaging with various schools, such as the Veterinary School, Law and Policing, School of Nursing, and Arts and Media, helps address specific needs and concerns within these groups.
Empowering Student Engagement
Societies fair, sports fair, and freshers fair are busy but crucial events for students to explore extracurricular opportunities and get involved in campus life.
Crumpets
The "Big Hello" event at Burnley was a delightful experience, and we gave away many crumpets. It's amazing how simple gestures can brighten someone's day.
Planning for the Future
Meetings with VCG and UCU are pivotal for outlining our plans and discussing potential future collaborations and actions.
As I reflect on my journey so far, I've learned that advocating for students is not just a job but a responsibility that requires dedication, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the well-being and success of every student. I look forward to continuing this incredible journey and working with all of you to make a positive impact on our university community.
Stay tuned for more updates and future endeavors!
Feel free to contact me here: sueducation@uclan.ac.uk