Lawrence Coomber, Union President
This fortnight saw the beginning of the festive season for us at SUSU, with Father Christmas (possibly me) turning on the Christmas lights to mark the occasion! It was fantastic to see so many of you there enjoying the celebration and the myriad of street vendors we had selling all the classics. Outside of Christmas, I attended a Police and Community Together (PACT) meeting for the Bevois area of the city (think Gordon Avenue, Alma/Avenue Road and further South), where I was able to share what students experience with local police officers and councillors. The following week I had an away day with the University Executive Board, where we discussed the strategy for the University towards 2030. Next, I had a meeting with the Residences Team alongside our Halls Officer, Alex, about the possibility of setting up Community Pantries in student halls, so keep a lookout for those in the future! Finally, I had another recycling bag giveaway to student houses across the Flower Roads north of Highfield Campus, so if you received one, enjoy!
In case you missed it SUSU’s November Highlights are now live so you can see everything that has been going on!
Rebecca Would, VP Education and Democracy
I can’t believe you’ve had a whole (calendar) year of these from me, with only 6 months left to go!
In the last couple of weeks I ran part 2 of my Student Voice Workshop, creating lifecycle models for engaging with student voice throughout projects and helping staff and students recognise the number of different things that count as student voice and student feedback. I also ran the first part of ‘Did You Know?’ to help explain academic policies and processes, go to @susu_studentvoice for content on Understanding Your Degree and more and feedback to me there about what you want to see in February!
I could give a long update on everything else I’ve been up to – I’ve been busy! – but so have you, so if you want more updates keep an eye on my Monthly Updates. Otherwise a quick congrats to the very wonderful Emily Hurse-Faines for winning November Rep of the Month for her effective feedback gathering and approachability. Have a very well-deserved break over this winter, and no matter what you celebrate at this time, make sure you’re taking time for yourself and your loved ones – see you in 2025!
Emily Dugdale, VP Activities
Hi everyone! Over the past two weeks I’ve been busy wrapping things up before the holidays (I hope you’re all looking forward to a well-earned break). The Sabbs presented their plans to the Union Senate which were all approved, so I’m excited to continue working on them. I also supported SUSU’s Winter Festival, which was such a lovely event. It was really nice to see so many people getting involved, as well as enjoying some amazing performances from our societies.
I’ve recently also had a lot of University meetings, sitting in on things I wouldn’t normally get to learn about and it’s been really interesting broadening my understanding.
I’ve been working with the Activities Team to secure a set date for my performing arts showcase (hopefully an official update soon!) as well as finishing the first draft of my society development project, “Elevate and Engage”. I have a few more President 1:1’s to finish off the term and will be sending out more availability in January.
Also, now it has been confirmed, my hours have changed slightly so I wanted to update everyone on how best to get in contact. I am on Highfield Campus every Tues and Thurs, and I am contactable by email Mon-Thurs.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season. 
Lottie James, VP Welfare & Community
Hi everyone! Not long to go now until the Winter break. I hope you’re all keeping warm and prioritising your wellbeing. Here’s what I’ve been up to over the past 2 weeks.
- I’ve taken a break! I had three days off last week to ensure that I’m rested and ready to go for the last stretch before the Winter break.
- I met with SUSU Events to chat about making sure events are inclusive for neurodivergent and disabled students, as well as running more friendship making events as you’ve requested in the surveys!
- We’ve created a Sabb Engagement plan so we can come and visit you on your campuses and ensure you know we’re here for you!
- I met with students to discuss non-consensual photography during nights out. We’ll be sharing more information shortly.
- I officially have a mini working group on creating more LGBTQ+ resources and bringing together everything the University and SUSU offers into one place. I have been updated that the library deadnaming issue is being resolved, and misgendering and explanations will be added to the Inclusion & Respectful Behaviour Policy.
- I met with the Student Support team to discuss Student Support Reviews. If you have any feedback, please do get in touch – form to follow via Instagram.
- Planning for You Are More Than has started – and yes, we’re hoping for therapy dogs!
Lots more in the background but you’re more than welcome to come and chat with me. As this is our last update before the break, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday regardless of if you’re celebrating or not. The holidays can be fun, but they can also be difficult so make sure you’re reaching out to the Advice Centre or the Student Hub (open over the full Winter break) if you need it. Set boundaries, prioritise your wellbeing, and rest!
Conor White, VP Sports
I hope you’ve all had a fantastic final week of term, and you are excited for the upcoming winter break! It’s been wonderful hearing about the Christmas balls hosted by our clubs, really rounding the year off in style!
Yesterday, I chaired the final Sports Executive Committee meeting of 2024. During the meeting, we reviewed feedback from clubs on how they envision the Team Southampton Awards, aiming to make it as open and accessible as possible for everyone, and recognising everyone’s efforts throughout the year. We also discussed the progress of our kit tender process for the 2025/26 season, focusing on enhancing the Team Southampton identity and fostering a stronger sense of belonging across all sports.
It’s now been a month since the facilities forum, and it’s great to see many of the issues raised are starting to be addressed. Whether it’s related to operations, equipment, or customer service, you can expect to see significant improvements in Southampton Sports spaces when you return from the break. Please continue to report any issues using the QR codes located around the sites, by speaking to reception staff, or by contacting me directly. Your feedback is crucial to ensuring the best possible experience in our sports facilities.
Wishing you all a wonderful break, and I look forward to seeing you in the new year!
You Make Change Updates
You Make Change update: Thank you as always for your ideas and queries. We look forward to receiving more submissions in the next two weeks!