GET INVOLVED!GET INVOLVED!Student GuideStudent GuideStudent Guide

Hello from the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union!

The Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every Portsmouth student during their time at University. As a charity led by our values and guided by our students, the Union provides wide-ranging services and learner support to the 23,000+ students of the University of Portsmouth.

Fundamentally, we are your student voice and we are here to represent your needs. We run independently from the University and we exist to stand up for what you want. You are paying a huge amount for your education and we need to fight for the education you deserve!

We want to help you get the most out of your degree. Whether it is making sure that you are receiving quality teaching, being treated like adults, or getting enough support - we are here for you! We also offer various enriching activities such as sports clubs, societies, student media and other events you can get involved in.

So what are you waiting for? Get Involved!

Your Sabbatical Officers.......01Student Voice........................02How to Join............................04Societies.................................05Sports......................................08Give it a Go...........................10

Union Advice Service............11Volunteering...........................12Raising and Giving................14Student Media.......................15Events Timeline......................16Directory.................................17

Contents:

Cat is the Union President elected by the student body. Overseeing everything at the Union, Cat is the person at the top, here to ensure your views are aired at the highest level and providing support you when you need it.

If you’re in need of some advice; whether it’s housing, volunteering, personal or just want a chat,

Mario is here for you. There’s even confidential rooms in his office so you can talk privately.

Rich is responsible for all sporting activities at the Union. Whether you want to join a club, need support developing your sport or maybe want to set up a sports club, then Rich is your guy.

Responsible for all student activities, from student media to societies; if it’s not competitive sport

it’s Roxy’s responsibility to ensure your needs are catered for.

When it comes to representation, Zulfa is your go-to-girl. From Course Reps to Student Council, it’s Zulfa’s role to ensure your voice is heard across the University and the Union.

Cat Redding - President

Mario Oliveros - VP Welfare & Community

Rich Glover - VP Sport

Roxy Negru - VP Activities

Zulfa Kaseruuzi - VP Education & Democracy

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Sabbatical OfficersThere are 5 Sabbatical Officers who are elected by students every year to help run the. The officers attend University Committees so that the Union has the power to influence some of the big decisions the University makes. They have usually just graduated or take a year out of their studies (sabbatical!) to do the job. Any student can nominate themselves to be a sabbatical and it’s paid! Nominations open in February so keep an eye out for our promotion early in the New Year.For more information please visit:www.upsu.net/representation/elections

Student CouncilStudent Council is where big decisions and policies are made. It meets once a month and combines a number of elected representatives from the Unions executive committees as well as the Student Officers who get involved in the debates and vote on issues. Any student can attend and join the debates and you even have the opportunity to vote collectively with other students. Did we mention

there is also free pizza? Visit www.upsu.net/studentcouncil for dates and upcoming hot topics.

Course RepsCourse Reps act as a spokesperson for the students on their course. All reps receive Union training at the start of the year and are required to attend three meetings a year highlighting the things students like and don’t like about their course. There is even the opportunity to chair the meetings and receive specialist chairing meeting training.For more info please visit:www.upsu.net/representation/course-reps

Get Involved in: ChangeStudents run the Students’ Union and there are lots of opportunities for those with a desire to change the University (and the World!) and get involved. All opportunities look great on your CV and can help you develop transferable skills.

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Faculty RepsFaculty Reps liaise with Course Reps and make sure that common issues raised by students are highlighted at a higher level in the University. Faculty Reps meet monthly and take key concerns to Student Council. Elections take place in October.For more info please visit:www.upsu.net/faculty-reps

Student OfficersThere are ten Student Officers elected every October. These officers focus on representing students from a variety of backgrounds and supporting the Unions diversity. Keep an eye out for information about elections at Fresher’s Fayre and at the start of term.For more info please visit:www.upsu.net/representation/student-officers

Executive CommitteesThe Union has a number of Executive Committees that work to improve the activities of the Union. These focus on key areas of the Union including Societies, Sports, Media, Volunteering, RAG and Course Reps. The majority of these elections take place in April in preparation for the next academic year. Please contact each committee to find out specific election dates.

Democratic Compliance CommitteeThis committee assists in the running and organisation of Student Council and hold the officers to account. The committee is elected at the first Student Council of the year so you just need to turn up to find out more and nominate yourself.

General MeetingsThese are open to all students to attend and focus on just 1 issue for discussion. Everyone who attends gets to vote on the issue and really get involved in what the Union does.

ForumsA Forum is used to shape policy and discuss issues more widely. Issues from forums are then taken for discussion and voted on at Student Council. These happen at various times throughout the year.

More Info: upsu.net/change03

All of our student groups (including sports clubs, societies, media and volunteering groups) are listed on www.upsu.net

Some of them are free to join and some of them have a membership fee. Whether or not your group is free, you will need to add them to your basket in the online shop at www.upsu.net and checkout. Once you have paid any fees due and checked out, you will be automatically added as a member to that group and will receive email updates from them about their activities through our website.

All University of Portsmouth students are automatically registered as users on our website

so you will only need to use your University login ID to gain access to your profile on the website and start joining groups.

If you are a non-student (such as Alumni or Staff) or a student from one of our associate or affiliated institutions then you can still join our groups – there just will be an additional charge to pay which will be added automatically to your shopping cart during check out on our website.

If you have any questions about anything in this guide then please contact us:

Email hello@upsu.net for any general enquiries and we’ll make sure it gets to the right person.

Get Involed in: Joining

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Get Involved in: Societies

AcademicAccounting and Finance Societyaccfin@upsu.net

American Studiesamerican.studies@upsu.net

Artart.soc@upsu.net

Bio Socbiology@upsu.net

Bright Futuresbrightfutures@upsu.net

Portsmouth Business Schoolpbs@upsu.net

Civil engineering and Surveyingcivilengineering@upsu.

netComputing Societycomputing@upsu.net

Earthearth@upsu.net

Economicseconomics@upsu.net

Elevation Networkelevationnetwork@upsu.net

History historysoc@upsu.net

Human Resourceshuman.resources.society@upsu.net

Geographygeography@upsu.net

Lawlaw@upsu.net

Pharmacologicalupps@upsu.net

Property Developmentpropertydevelopment@upsu.net

Radiographyradiography@upsu.net

UPMEDupmed@upsu.net

Common InterestAnimeanime@upsu.net

Beer Pongbeerpong@upsu.net

Carerscarers@upsu.net

Cinemacinema@upsu.net

Comedycomedy@upsu.net

Creative Writingcreativewriting@upsu.net

Drum & Bassdrumandbass@upsu.net

Film & Photofilmandphoto@upsu.net

First Aidfirstaidsociety@upsu.net

Gamingcomputergames@upsu.net

Gospel Choirgospel-choir@upsu.net

JAG (Jam & Gig Society)jagsoc@upsu.net

Legolego@upsu.net

Our Societies are a great way to meet people, learn new skills or to keep up an existing hobby or interest. All groups are run by students and are classified into particular areas. Here is a breakdown of all our societies. To get involved or find out more, either visit www.upsu.net or contact them directly.

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Get Involed in: SocietiesMIG (Metal, Industrial & Gothic Music Society)mig@upsu.net

Motorcyclemotorcycle@upsu.net

Music Society music@upsu.net

Nail Artnailart@upsu.net

Real Ale and Ciderrealale@upsu.net

Rockrock@upsu.net

Sci-Fiscience.fiction@upsu.net

Show Choirshowchoir@upsu.net

Pokerpoker@upsu.net

Professional Wrestling Fanspro.wrestling.fans@upsu.net

UPRAW(UP Roleplaying and Wargaming Society)upraw@upsu.net

CulturalACS(Afro Caribbean Society)acs@upsu.net

Bulgarianbulgarian@upsu.net

Frenchfrenchsoc@upsu.net

Germangermansoc@upsu.net

Greek & Cypriotgreek@upsu.net

Kenyankenyan@upsu.net

LGBTlgbt@upsu.net

Malaysianmalaysian@upsu.net

Nepalesenepalese@upsu.net

Pakistanipaksoc@upsu.net

Romanianromsoc@upsu.net

Saudi Societysaudi.society@upsu.net

Scandinavianscandinavian@upsu.net

FaithAhlul Baytahlulbayt@upsu.net

BLW (Believers Love World Society)blwportsmouth@upsu.net

Catholiccatholic@upsu.net

Christianchristianunion@upsu.net

Collaboration of Common Valuescommon.values@upsu.net

Great Big Lifegreatbiglife@upsu.net

Hinduhindu@upsu.net

IFCS (International Fellowship of Christian Students)ifcs@upsu.net

Islamicislamic@upsu.net

Krishna Consciousnesskrishnaconsciousness@upsu.net

Pagan & Spiritualpass@upsu.net

Sikhsikh@upsu.net

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Get Involed in: Societies

PoliticalAmnesty Internationalamnestyint@upsu.net

Conservativeconservative.future@upsu.net

Innocence Projectinnocenceproject@upsu.net

Labourlabour@upsu.net

Political Unionpoliticsanddebate@upsu.net

Socialist Studentssocialiststudents@upsu.net

SOS Africasosafrica@upsu.net

UN Societyun@upsu.net

PhysicalAikidoakido@upsu.net

Airsoftairsoft@upsu.net

Bellydancing bellydancing@upsu.net

Breakdancingbreakdance@upsu.net

Circus Skillscircusskills@upsu.net

Classical Balletclassicalballet@upsu.net

Kabaddikabaddi@upsu.net

Kartingkarting@upsu.net

Kayakingkayak@upsu.net

Mountaineeringmountaineering@upsu.net

Paintballpaintball@upsu.net

Pole Dancingpoledancing@upsu.net

Pool & Snookerpool@upsu.net

Re-enactmentreenactment@upsu.net

Slack lineslackline@upsu.net

Skydiveskydive@upsu.net

SSAGO(Student Scout and Guide Organisation)ssago@upsu.net

UPSAC(UP Sub Aquatic Club Society)upsac@upsu.net

Women’s American Footballwomens.american.football@upsu.net

More Info: upsu.net/activities07

Get Involved in: Sports

American Footballamericanfootball@upsu.net

Archeryarchery@upsu.net

Athleticsathletics@upsu.net

Badmintonbadminton@upsu.net

Basketballbasketball@upsu.net

Boxingboxing@upsu.net

Cheerleadingcheerleading@upsu.net

Cricketcricket@upsu.net

Cyclingcycling@upsu.net

Dancedance@upsu.net

Dodgeballdodgeball@upsu.net

Equestrianequestrian@upsu.net

Fencingfencing@upsu.net

Footballfootball@upsu.net

Golfgolf@upsu.net

Gym & Trampgymtramp@upsu.net

Hockeyhockey@upsu.net

Karatekarate@upsu.net

Kickboxingkickboxing@upsu.net

Lacrosselacrosse@upsu.net

Netballnetball@upsu.net

Octopushoctopush@upsu.net

Roller Hockeyrollerhockey@upsu.net

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Our Athletic Union is made up of over 35 sports clubs. Whether you would like to compete for the University or just play a sport socially then there are plenty of options for you!

Get Involved in: Sports

Rowingrowing@upsu.net

Rugbyrugby@upsu.net

Sailingsailing@upsu.net

Ski and Snowboardskisnow@upsu.net

Softballsoftball@upsu.net

Squashsquash@upsu.net

Surfsurf@upsu.net

Swimswimming@upsu.net

Table Tennis tabletennis@upsu.net

Taekwondotaekwondo@upsu.net

Tchoukballtchoukball@upsu.net

Tennistennis@upsu.net

Ten Pin Bowlingten-pinbowling@upsu.net

Ultimate Frisbeeultimatefrisbee@upsu.net

Volleyballvolleyball@upsu.net

Wakeboardingwakeboarding@upsu.net

Windsurfingwindsurfing@upsu.net

Women's Footballwomensfootball@upsu.net

Women’s Rugbywomensrugby@upsu.net

More Info: upsu.net/activities09

Ever dreamt of cycling along the canals of Amsterdam or reliving your childhood at Disneyland Paris? Or fancy trying out orienteering or decorating yummy cupcakes? Yes! Then Give it a Go is for you!

Your Students’ Union provides a fun and exciting programme packed full of activities, trips, events and experiences for you to get involved in. This year over a thousand students took part in Give it a Go, and you should too!

Want to take part in our Give it a Go programme? Here’s how…• Look through our activity guide• Decide what you would like to do! • Buy your ticket online at www.upsu.net/store or through the Welcome Centre on the ground floor of the Students’ Union. • Tickets must be purchased in advance. Popular events sell out very quickly… please buy your ticket early to avoid disappointment!• Turn up, get involved and Give it a Go!

For more information please get in touch:Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/giveitago.portsmouthE-mail: giveitago@upsu.net

Get Involved in: Events & Trips

More Info: upsu.net/giveitago10

The Union Advice Service offers free and impartial advice to any student in need. They run independently from the University, but work closely with them to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

The best way to avoid problems, is to try and deal with them before they get out of control. If you have any concerns, you should first contact your personal tutor. If that doesn’t resolve your issue, come and make an appointment with one of our Academic Caseworkers.

Making an AppointmentOur Academic Caseworkers will offer you a friendly ear and free impartial advice. We have private rooms which are used for your confidentiality. Appointments need to be booked in advance, so please contact us on the details below. Can’t wait for an appointment? We also offer a Drop-in Surgery.

Drop-in Surgery Our Drop-in surgeries occur every Thursday 1-5pm. No appointment is required and students are seen on a first come first served basis. Whether you drop-in, or book an appointment, we can help you with:

Extenuating CircumstancesComplaints and AppealsPlagiarismExclusionsBullying and HarrassmentPrivate Housing Issues

Contact us on:E-mail: advice@upsu.netPhone: 02392 84 3637

Get Involved in: Your Welfare

More Info: upsu.net/advice11

VIP Volunteering-in-Portsmouth is an award winning student led group that offers one-off projects for students to get involved with.

Any volunteer can help shape the projects that VIP run. In the past, we have organised a Spring Tea Dance for elderly residents, Eastney Beach Clean, helped at the Great South Run and volunteered at school disco’s. Email vip@upsu.net to find out more about getting involved and sharing your ideas.

SU Heroes SU Heroes are volunteers who look out for the welfare of other students on nights out. You’ll see us out and about during freshers week, helping to direct students and make sure they are safe in Portsmouth.

Throughout the year SU heroes will be at club nights handing out condoms and making sure students make it taxi’s and home.If you are interested in being a Hero please email volunteer@upsu.net

Get Involved in: Giving TimeThere are many different volunteering opportunities at Portsmouth, ranging from 10 minute tasters to year long projects. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with the Union and meet some great new people without having to pay to join. If you want to get involved please email, or we are located in Gunhouse @ The Union if you want to come and speak in person.

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Student Minds Formerly called SRSH; Students Minds is a peer-led group for those experiencing issues with eating disorders. Trained volunteers facilitate confidential group sessions where it is safe to talk any issues that you may be facing.

Volunteer Facilitators can help you to seek further support, we are supported by Student Minds Staff, University Counselling Service and UPSU Staff. If you would like to come along to a group session please email studentminds@upsu.net. If you are interested in becoming a facilitator please email volunteer@upsu.net

Intergenerational Projects The Union has organised projects to run in three elderly care homes and day centres in Portsmouth. There is an opportunity to volunteer on a regular basis throughout the year. You will be working with a variety of service users mainly suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Activities have included compiling family histories, helping to look after a patch of

the gardens, and reminiscence sessions. If you want to be challenged in a very rewarding project; email volunteer@upsu.net.

Reading Projects The Union has set up sessions at six schools in Portsmouth. On a weekly basis, students volunteer throughout the year to help pupils with their reading skills.

Everyone is welcome to volunteer, however, this project offers fantastic experience for students looking to do their PGCE or to enter another area of teaching. The schools require volunteers to attend weekly at a set time and day, for more information please email volunteer@upsu.net

Many More The opportunities above are a snapshot of the programme of volunteering available to students at UPSU. Events are added to the website and social media throughout the year so please keep in touch!

E-mail: volunteer@upsu.net

More Info: upsu.net/volunteer13

Raising and Giving (RAG) are an award wining student led fundraising group at The Union. Each year we hold events in and around the Union with the proceeds going to charity, these are some of the events you can get involved in:

Mount Kilimanjaro, Inca Trail, London to Paris Cycle, Bratislava or Bust Car Challenge - In Partnership with Student Adventures, RAG runs adventures all over the world. Students raise a set amount for charity and get to experience the challenge of a lifetime in the process.

LOST - Every year RAG takes students in blacked out minibuses to a secret location, drops them off and then leaves! In teams of 3, the aim is to hitch-hike back to Portsmouth as quick as you can completing challenges as you go! Before you go you must raise a minimum of £150 per team for charity.

RAG Ball - Quickly becoming one of the most successful nights in the social calendar; RAG ball is a black tie event showcasing live music, DJ sets, competitions and a sit down meal is included. Add RAG on Facebook to find out when tickets are being released. All profits from the night go to the chosen.

RAG Week - A week filled with charity events at the Union. Keep an eye out for lots of events including Poppy Appeal, Big Break Pool Competition and our Open Mic Night. To get involved in any of events or to suggest your own please e-mail rag@upsu.net

Sports and Societies - Every year AU teams, Societies and individuals raise money to contributes to the Union’s fundraising total. To find out whether your Club or Society is organising any fundraising events either contact them directly or e-mail rag@upsu.net and they will be able to find out for you.

Get Involved in: CharityLast year students raised £132,000 for charity, smashing the target of £100,000! There are a number of ways you can get involved in fundraising, whether its supporting your favourite charity or meeting new people there are always opportunities to get involved.

More Info: upsu.net/rag14

Do you want to feel the excitement of live TV, host your own radio show, or see your name in print? Join UPSU Media - Portsmouth’s student media created by students, for students!

Grab the opportunity to be part of our media groups: the Galleon newspaper, Pugwash magazine, Pure student radio, and UPSU TV. It is free to join and any student can contribute - no matter what subject you are studying! Don’t worry if you haven’t got any media experience, as all training is provided.

Sign up or find out more by emailing studentmedia@upsu.net

Get Involved in: Journalism

Galleon NewspaperThe Galleon is the University of Portsmouth’s official fortnightly student newspaper. Full of the latest news, sports, reviews, features and opinion. The newspaper is editorially independent, and holds no political bias.

Pugwash MagazinePugwash Magazine is the University of Portsmouth magazine produced by students, for students. Our aim is to deliver entertaining and informative content that truly demonstrates the talent and development of the students studying at University.

Pure FM Student RadioPure FM is the radio station for students, by students. We are here to provide a real life radio experience to all students at the University of Portsmouth in our state-of-the-art studios.

UPSU TVThe newest branch of UPSU’s Media, our TV team get out and about filming big Union events, such as Varsity or Carnival whilst also providing a platform for the students at the University of Portsmouth to get their own work on show.

More Info: upsu.net/media15

Get Involved: All Year Round

September18th & 19th - Freshers' Fayre23rd - Term Starts

OctoberBlack History Month16th - Student Officer Elections

NovemberMovember19th - Campus Market

December13th - Term Ends

January6th - Term Starts 17th - Refreshers Fayre

FebruaryLGBT Month

MarchInternational Woman's Month9th - Varsity10th - Elections Voting23rd - Triway Tounament28th - Term Ends

April5th - 11th - AU on Tour22nd - Term Starts

May30th - Term Ends30th - Carnival

Here’s a quick overview of key events happening in the academic year. Visit www.upsu.net/whatson for more information and updates!

More Info: upsu.net/whatson16

UPSUwww.upsu.nethello@upsu.net02392 84 3665

Cat ReddingPresidentcat@upsu.net02392 84 3627

Mario OliverosVP Welfare & Communitymario@upsu.net02392 84 3635

Rich GloverVP Sportsrich@upsu.net02392 84 3663

Roxy NegruVP Activitiesroxy@upsu.net02392 84 3657

Zulfa KaseruuziVP Education & Democracyzulfa@upsu.net02392 84 3634

Democracywww.upsu.net/representationchange@upsu.net02392 84 3665

Societieswww.upsu.net/activitiessocieties@upsu.net02392 84 5345

Sportswww.upsu.net/activitiessports@upsu.net02392 84 5345

Give it a Gowww.upsu.net/giveitagogiveitago@upsu.net

Advice Servicewww.upsu.net/adviceadvice@upsu.net02392 84 5310

Volunteeringwww.upsu.net/volunteervolunteer@upsu.net02392 84 3672

RAGwww.upsu.net/activities/ragrag@upsu.net02392 84 3672

the Galleongalleonnews.comcontact@galleonnews.com02392 84 5993 UPSU TVupsu.tvenquiry@upsu.tv02392 84 5993Pure FMpurefm.comoffice@purefm.com02392 84 5993 Pugwash Magazinepugwashmagazine.comdeputy@pugwashmagazine.com02392 84 5993

Get In: Contact

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