Lawrence Coomber, Union President
This fortnight saw our second Housing Fair of the year on the 7th, which was hosted in Building 42 on the Concourse, it focused on helping those who haven’t found housing yet. It was great to see so many of you and we hope that speaking to the charities, private student accommodation and our very own accreditation scheme, SASSH (https://www.sassh.co.uk/Accommodation), where you can find housing that the University has approved to a certain standard.
We also attended the Southern Unions Conference at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. We spent the conference speaking to other Sabbatical Officers, sharing ideas, best practice and hearing talks from guest speakers and other Student Union CEOs about how to improve the student experience. One of the UEA Sabbatical Officers, Nathan, had completed a History Wall project for UEASU, using both their own and their university’s archives to impressively display all their history – I am now in contact with him to do the same here in Southampton, so keep an eye out for that in the near future!
We also held another of our Student Sustainability Forums. It had a great attendance, and it was fantastic to discuss so much about what you would like to see us push the University on, as well as put into practice ourselves at SUSU. This includes lobbying for the University to divest from fossil fuels more quickly, more career and development opportunities for those who want to go into sustainability as a career, and more support for sustainable volunteering activities. If you want to join the conversation, please come to our next meeting on the 18th March in The Loft above the Shop, 13:00 – 14:00!
That’s all from me, have a great fortnight and speak to you all soon!
Rebecca Would, VP Education and Democracy
Last week Conor, Lawrence and I went to Southern Unions, it was great to catch up with Sabbs from other unions and think about areas of shared interest and future focuses – I particularly enjoyed the Insights and Trustees sessions.
We also had our second rep social of the year, thanks so much to all the reps that came along, we hope you had a good time! I was particularly excited to speak to students thinking about running to be on the next Sabb team – nominations close this afternoon at 4pm, and the candidates are revealed next Friday. Make sure to follow their campaigns and read their manifestos so you can vote for who you want to represent you next!
This week I have been representing students on Joint Honours programmes, in assessment feedback and timetabling, in your views on PATs and BlackBoard Ultra, and promoting integrated methods of listening to student voices. I have also had the joy of several meetings with reps and students, and catching up with senior reps as they come to collect their hoodies!
Finally a reminder from me to nominate your reps and staff in our Academic Awards – we’re looking to get lots of good quality nominations, and there are 2 winners for every award in every Faculty, so there are lots of chances for your nominees to be recognised!
Emily Dugdale, VP Activities
Hi everyone! Over the last few weeks, I’ve had some exciting developments on my society workshop project, with ODAR willing to support and source alumni to deliver these talks. More coming soon! I’ve also been planning a fundraiser with the Zoology course reps and finalising ideas for a Performing Arts showcase in May.
Other than that, myself and Conor have been prepping for grant round 3, the final round of the year. We have gone through the grant guidelines, adding extra clarification to hopefully streamline the application process even more! We have also picked up some work that our predecessors started, looking at how we can hold societies and clubs accountable for our Expect Respect scheme.
Lottie James, VP Welfare & Community
Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well. It’s been a quiet fortnight from me, but here are the highlights:
- Met with our Marketing and Activities team to discuss website presence for our Disabled Students’ Network and our Student Parent/Carer Network.
- Created lots of social media content—make sure you’re following SUSU Communities on Instagram.
- Mapped out my remaining four months in office with key SUSU staff to ensure I’m on track and delivering what I’ve promised (and anything else you’ve raised with me).
- The February Disabled Students’ Network took place. Join the group here.
- Senate is next week, so I’ve been making sure my Senate report has everything it needs and practising staying within my allotted 10 minutes.
I hope you are all doing well and staying warm. Our next Break the Ice event is on the 28th, followed by Speed Bingo—get your tickets to test out your new friend’s bingo skills!
The POC LGBTQ+ Focus Groups will be happening on Monday 24th February, so make sure you’re signed up here.
A reminder that the Advice Centre is still open but operating online. You can contact them anytime via email or call 023 8059 2085.
For more information, visit:
Conor White, VP Sports
In the past two weeks, I’ve been working with various SUSU and University teams to find new ways to recognise our incredible Clubs. I’ve started discussions with the graduation team about giving more recognition to students who receive Colour Awards for their dedication and success in sport and our community. I’ve also been working with Emily on a new badge scheme to highlight what Clubs and Societies offer their members – I’m excited to share more soon!
Last week, I attended the Southern Union Conference at the University of East Anglia with Lawrence and Rebecca. It was great to hear from other institutions on topics that closely align with our manifestos!
Varsity is fast approaching, and ticket sales are closing soon! Grab yours before they sell out here! Your ticket includes access to all fixtures, including Football Men’s 1s and Ladies’ 1s at Silverlake Stadium on March 16, the main Varsity weekend on March 22-23, and the afterparty on March 23. Don’t miss out!
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!