GCU Students' Association Handbook 2013-14

OUR MISSIONTo represent and enable GCU students to enhance all aspects of their student experience

OUR VISIONThat our students will have an outstanding experience that will live with them forever

OUR VALUES

Hello and welcome to GCU from your Student Executive Team here at the Students’ Association. Our role is to make sure you have the best possible student experience EVER!

Whether you want to be involved in sports clubs, societies or media or need some advice or representation, the Students’ Association is here for you.

We hope it’s an exciting but most importantly, a fun year for you! Our door is always open so please feel free to pop by and say hello.

Have a good year, Matt, Neill, Sinead and MonikaFull Time Officers 2013-14

Diversity We are proud of our diverse student body and are dedicated to activities that celebrate this diversity.

Community We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, allowing students to form and build upon strong, lasting relationships that contribute into an enjoyable and productive University life.

Participation We promote and provide the opportunity for widespread involvement through sports, societies, volunteering and in all our activities.

Fun We are dedicated and passionate about the professional nature of working for students whilst maintaining a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Support We provide a high level of consistent, reliable, confidential and independent support, ensuring the welfare of all our students.

Leadership Throughout all our activities we encourage students to become leaders, to take pride in their University and fellow students, enabling them to be outstanding graduates.

www.caledonianstudent.com

CONTENTS PAGEFULL TIME OFFICERS 3STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION BUILDING 4-5CALEDONIAN STUDENT VOICE 6REPRESENTATION & CLASS REPS 6ELECTIONS, CAMPAIGNS & NUS 7ADVICE CENTRE 8STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAMME 10VOLUNTEERING CLASS REPS & STUDENT VOICE MEMBER 11 WELLBEING 12 NIGHTLINE 12 THE EDIT MAGAZINE & RADIO CALEY 13 SOCIETIES 14 SPORT 14 ACTIVE LIFESTYLES 14 EVENTS TEAM 14ACTIVITIES SOCIETIES 15 SPORTS 16 EVENTS, ACTIVE LIFESTYLES 18 OUTDOOR BASKETBALL COURT 18 TRAVERSE WALL 18

@GCUSA_VPW

@

GCUSA_President

Matt Lamb Student

[email protected]

call: 0141 273 1601

Sinead Wylie

Vice President [email protected]: 0141 273 1612

@GCUSA_VPE

Neill Clark

Vice President Education

[email protected]: 0141 273 1602

@GCUSA_VPA

Monika MacDonald

Vice President [email protected]

call: 0141 273 1616

Find out more about your elected Full Time Officers at

www.caledonianstudent.com

FULL TIME OFFICERSElected by you, to represent you.

Student President: I can help you by making sure your University and Students’

Association works the way you want

it to.

VP Wellbeing: I can help you with general wellbeing, your mental and

sexual health, your safety and your

happiness.

VP Education: I can help you with your academic life

including feedback, contact time and learning facilities.

VP Activities: I can help you get more out of uni life through our Sports Clubs, Societies, Media Groups,

Events Programme and Active Lifestyles

Programme.

GCU STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK 2013-14

4

Level 2• Meeting Rooms (NH208 & NH209)• Full Time Officers• Activities Staff• Representation Staff• Student Involvement Zone

Level 1• Welcome Desk• Games Room• Advice Centre • Cafe and Games Area• Radio Caley

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION BUILDING

Student Involvement Zone

Advice Centre

Radio Caley

Cafe and Games Area

Welcome Desk

5WWW.CALEDONIANSTUDENT.COM FACEBOOK.COM/GCUSA @GCUSAINFO

Level 0• 24 hour Computer Lab• Student Social Space• Bookable Group Study Rooms

The Students’ Association is located at number 5 on the campus map and has room numbers beginning with NH.

T: 0141 331 3886E: [email protected]: www.caledonianstudent.com

www.facebook.com/gcusa

www.twitter.com/GCUSAinfo

We are here!

Study Room

24 Hour Lab


6

www.caledonianstudent.com/classreps

STUDENT VOICEStudent Voice is an important part of how we do things in the Students’ Association. We want to make sure everything we do is agreed upon by the students at GCU. That’s why any student can apply to join Student Voice and have their say about what activities we’re running (including sports clubs and societies), what issues we’re campaigning on and what services we provide. If there is something we’re doing that you don’t like – you can change that. If there’s something we’re not doing that you’d like us to do – well, you can change that too!

www.caledonianstudent.com/studentvoice

CLASS REPRESENTATIVESEvery programme within the University should have Class Representatives at every level – usually two but sometimes more. Class Reps are there to let lecturers know when there are problems so that things can get fixed quickly rather than turning into a bigger problem. They are also there to let lecturers know what students like about the course so that they will know to keep doing them!

There are also representatives for students studying for taught and research postgraduate qualifications and so every GCU student has a representative for academic issues.

Each year some Class Representatives are given the opportunity to become School Officers and become involved in higher level representation in their Schools. The School Officer role receives a small payment each trimester. These roles are normally appointed at the end of each academic year.

REPRESENTATIONAt Glasgow Caledonian University, the Students’ Association is here to make sure your needs as a student are represented at every level to make sure you have the best possible student experience.In order to do this we support Class Representatives on every programme, have our own democratic decision making body, Student Voice, and are led by four students in full time positions, the Executive Committee, who you get to vote for each year. We are also affiliated to the National Union of Students along with most other university and college students’ associations to work together to extend, defend and promote the rights of students.

Representation also means running and supporting campaigns to improve your time at GCU. From taking part in demonstrations and organising petitions through to lobbying the university and government – we’ll be there fighting for you.

Every student at GCU can make a difference by sharing their Ideas for improving the student experience at www.caledonianstudent.com/ideas.


ELECTIONSEverything we do in the Students’ Association is decided by the students at GCU – including who runs the place.

Each year we hold campus wide elections to elect our new four member Executive Committee. These roles are full time paid positions and all of them provide a unique experience of running an organisation with a budget of over half a million pounds and around a dozen permanent staff.

The elections take place in March and information about them will start appearing in December.

www.caledonianstudent.com/campaigns

www.caledonianstudent.com/elections

CAMPAIGNSThe Students’ Association is committed to campaigning to improve your student experience. Whether its protesting against tuition fees, fighting for fair treatment for international students or campaigning for better feedback on coursework, we’ll be there wearing the t-shirt (quite literally!). In a time when education is under threat from funding cuts, it has never been more important that students make their voices heard.

Your Students’ Association exists to represent all students at GCU. We have dedicated student officers and campaigns to represent all of the different groups within our student body. Not only that but we are always open to embracing new causes that help our students so new ideas are always welcome.

With a responsibility to our wider community we also campaign on wider issues beyond education and have campaigned for the rights of students in other countries, environmentalism and equal rights amongst many other issues.

www.caledonianstudent.com/NUS

NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTSThe Students’ Association is a member of the National Union of Student (NUS) which means all students at GCU are members too. NUS is a national campaigning body which exists to promote, defend and extend the rights of students. As part of NUS we work together with other students’ associations from across the country to campaign and lobby the government to ensure the best outcome for our students. We are always looking for students who want to get involved in national campaigns. Whether it’s taking part in a demo or writing to your MSP, you can help us make a difference.


8

ADVICE CENTREThe Advice Centre is located on level 1 of the Students’ Association Building. We provide a free non-judgemental and confidential service to all GCU students where we represent and promote the interests of both individuals and the student body as a whole.

We are the only service in the University that provides independent and confidential advice, guidance and representation to students on academic procedures such as Mitigating Circumstances, Academic Appeals, Student Disciplinary, Complaints and Harassment issues.

We also offer advice on a wide range of other issues including:• Problems on your course: Difficulties with fellow students or tutor? Do you feel your course is not right for you?

• Representation for Disciplinaries: Information on your rights and responsibilities including minor and major offences e.g. plagiarism and cheating, anti-social behaviour. • Listening and support: Coming to University for the first time can be daunting and challenging. If you just want to talk and need someone to listen in complete confidence or you might be worried about a friend, then pop in to see one of our Advisers as we are here to help.

• Financial worries: Why not come in and talk to one of our Advisers about it? If appropriate we can refer you to other services.

• Sexual Health: Would you like an unlimited supply of condoms and information about sexual health? Then pop into the Advice Centre and access the free condom service. Our service is linked to the sexual health clinic at the Sandyford Initiative.

The Advice Centre is open Monday – Friday,

9am to 5pm.Our two full time Student Advisers, Caroline and Kirsty can be contacted by phone and email to make an appointment in advance or you can just drop into the centre in the Students’ Association Building at a time that suits you.

Caroline MillerStudent Adviser

Kirsty McGregorStudent Adviser

Contact the Advice Centre Call: 0141 273 1650 or

Email: [email protected]

www.caledonianstudent.com/advice


www.radiocaley.com

Listen ALL day

EVERY day

www.TheEditGCU.co.uk, www.theeditGCU.wordpress.com


10

STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAMMEStart building your future today…

You’ve all found yourselves being asked that unavoidable question, “What are your plans after you’ve finished University?” Some of you might answer that you plan to get your dream job, go travelling, continue with your education, set up you own business or that you’ve not made up your mind yet. Well, no matter what your plans are, the Student Leaders Programme can make sure you’ve got all the skills to take you where you need to go.

The programme aims to get you to think about leadership and to realise that each and every one of you have the ability to demonstrate leadership throughout your University career, the workplace or in any volunteering or mentoring that you do. Getting involved in the programme will allow you to become more confident, perform better and most importantly you will learn how to ‘sell’ yourself in this increasingly competitive graduate market.

Once you have successfully completed the programme, you’ll then be invited to a awards ball to celebrate your achievements with other student leaders. You’ll also have the opportunity to be awarded the prestigious GCU Student of the Year Award!

Join the Student Leaders Programme to meet new friends, learn new things and start building your future today because you’ll be a graduate before you know it.

“I was asked at an interview what my involvement with the University was other than my course. They were impressed when I told them I had taken part in this programme and I ended up getting the job!”

Laura Tibbles, Student Leader

“As Principal, I am fully supportive of the Student Leaders Programme. This innovative programme will stand them in good stead after graduation as they grow in their careers and personal lives as global citizens.”

Professor Pamela Gillies, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, GCU

“To be part of such a unique programme has allowed me to stand out from fellow graduates. I am proud to be recognised as a Student Leader. “

Matt Lamb, Student President & Student Leader

“I was easily able to convey my skills during a lengthy post graduate recruitment process - abilities I attribute uniquely to my involvement with the Student Leaders Programme.”

Brian Reilly, Student Leader

www.caledonianstudent.com/SLP


VOLUNTEERINGThe Students’ Association offers GCU students a wide variety of volunteering opportunities and these are explained in this section of the handbook. Most opportunities require no previous experience and training and support is provided. Through volunteering you will learn and develop skills that are essential for graduates in any degree. We provide a resource area for volunteers to utilise on Level 2 of our building including PCs and printing. Students who volunteer with the Students’ Association can participate in the Student

CLASS REPSIn the first few weeks of term your lecturers should ask students on your programme if they are interested in becoming a Class Representative. If they don’t, then ask your lecturers about it. It is really useful to have one as soon as possible – especially in first year. Anyone can be a Class Representatives – you don’t need any experience and it doesn’t take up a lot of time (only two meetings a year). Being a Class Representative is a good way to develop communications skills, make useful contacts within your department and add something to your CV.

STUDENT VOICE MEMBERStudent Voice is open to all GCU students and it is your chance to be part of how the Students’ Association decides on what its priorities are each year; from the issues we campaign on to the services we provide and the activities we run. With only two meetings per trimester it won’t take up a lot of your time but you will get a real chance to have a say on what happens on campus and to meet lots of new people. Meetings of Voice are friendly and informal and everyone gets a chance to have their say which helps us to make sure we make the right decisions for all GCU students.

Leaders Programme and at the end of the year volunteers are invited to Award Ceremonies and given the opportunity to gain recognition for their commitment and contribution.

www.caledonianstudent.com/volunteering

www.caledonianstudent.com/classreps

www.caledonianstudent.com/voice


12

NIGHTLINE VOLUNTEERINGNightline is a confidential telephone and online listening and information service for students that is run by committed, trained and supported student volunteers from 7pm to 7am, 5 nights a week during term time. Being a Nightline volunteer is a commitment – it is both challenging and rewarding. It is a great opportunity to gain useful training and experience, to make new friends and to have fun whilst also providing a valuable service to your student community.

WELLBEING VOLUNTEERINGWhy not get involved and see how YOU could make a difference to the wellbeing of 17,000 students that attend GCU. Wellbeing Volunteers help to run campaigns throughout the year and help promote issues surrounding student welfare. In past years these have included personal safety, sexual health, cultural awareness, alcohol awareness, stress management and many more. With so many exciting areas to focus on, Wellbeing Volunteering is a lively activity to get involved with.

www.caledonianstudent.com/wellbeingvol

www.scnightline.com


THE EDIT MAGAZINEThe Edit is the Students’ Association’s award winning magazine written by GCU students for GCU students, it is published in print and online. You can volunteer to be a writer, photographer, graphic designer or PR and contribute to magazine while you study. Topics include fashion, arts, student news, music, writing reviews or any other subject of interest to students.

RADIO CALEYRadio Caley is the Students’ Association’s radio station; it’s organised and co-ordinated by GCU student volunteers. There are a number of roles that you can volunteer to be involved in. These include production, presenting, fundraising, music, PR and technical. No experience is necessary and full training is provided.

www.caledonianstudent.com/radiocaley

www.caledonianstudent.com/theedit


14

SOCIETIESAll of the Students’ Association’s Societies are run by student volunteers. The best way to get involved in volunteering for a society is to join one or meet up with the volunteer committee members and talk to them about what’s involved. Our societies include course based, culture, faith and liberation groups as well as social, interest and hobby based. If you don’t find a society you like then you can start your own.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLESThe Active Lifestyles Programme aims to promote healthy living through physical activity to GCU students. Volunteering with the programme will include running promotional campaigns and co-ordinating physical activity sessions.

EVENTS TEAMGet involved with the Events Team and be a volunteer in one of the most dynamic and fun parts of the Students’ Association! You can be directly involved in organising and running events and activities for students at GCU. Events in the past have included: Guy Fawkes, Halloween, Alton Towers trip, Caley’s Got Talent, St Patricks Day and Alistair Boyd Ball.

www.caledonianstudent.com/societyvol

www.caledonianstudent.com/sportsvol

www.caledonianstudent.com/activevol

www.caledonianstudent.com/eventteamvol

SPORTS CLUBSLike our Societies, all our Sports Clubs are co-ordinated by student volunteers. If you volunteer for a sports club committee you could be responsible for co-ordinating activities, leading the team on the pitch or organising social events. If you don’t find a Sports Club you like then you can start your own.

Find out more by talking to one of the current committee members in a club or on our website.


ACTIVITIESOne of the best ways to be part of student life at GCU is to become involved in one of our activities: join a society or sports club, take part in an event or drop into one of our Active Lifestyles sessions.

SOCIETIESEvery society is run by students so activities can be shaped by you and your fellow members, and there are over 40 societies offering activities during the academic year. These are course based, culture, faith and liberation groups as well as social, interest and hobby based societies. If you can’t see the society for you then it’s really easy to start your own. Many societies hold weekly activities and regular events.

JOIN NOW It’s really easy to become a society member. Simply pop into the Students’ Association, sign up and pay at the Welcome Desk.

START YOUR OWNIf you’ve not seen the society for you then why not start your own? It really is easy to do and you’ll be offered the support you need.

www.caledonianstudent.com/societies


16

The first sports club session you go to is FREE, after that you need to buy a membership.

Sports Clubs membership includes admission to ALL sports clubs, provides personal accident insurance and where applicable use of club equipment, coaching, facility costs, competition entry and subsidised transport to activities.

Some sports clubs may make an additional charge at each activity.

The membership gives each member voting rights at AGMs and meetings of the sports club indicated on the membership form.

www.caledonianstudent.com/sport

SPORT CLUBSGetting involved in sports clubs is a great way to make new friends, have some fun, be fit, active and feel good. There are 35 different clubs, all organised by GCU student volunteers and most hold weekly activities and participate in competitions throughout the year. Activities take place on campus in the Arc, off campus at local sports facilities and at venues around Scotland.

Buy Your Membership Onlinewww.caledonianstudent.com/membership

Annual Membership GCU Student: £35GCU Graduate and Staff: £50


PSLADVERT


18

EVENTS The Students’ Association runs loads of exciting and fun events throughout the academic year. Going along to one of our events is great for expanding your social circle, trying something new, relaxing with friends, having some fun and de-stressing from studying. Events we organise include: Ten Pin Bowling, Alton Towers, Awards Dinners, Caley’s Got Talent, Caley-Olympics, Pool Tournaments, Ceilidh Dancing, Chinese New Year, Halloween Party, Ice Skating in George and Global Café.

OUTDOOR BASKETBALL COURT AND TRAVERSE WALLTake some time out from study and use the outdoor basketball court or traverse wall next to the Students’ Association Building, the areas are free to use and is a great way to destress and be active.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLESLiving a healthy life at university by remaining active increases your general wellbeing dramatically and will benefit you in all aspects of life. Through the use of physical activity you can improve your mental wellbeing and can help to reduce stress. Active Lifestyles activities offers students an opportunity to participate in FREE and fun physical activities including Yoga, Badminton, Pilates, Basketball, Volleyball and Zumba.

www.caledonianstudent.com/events

www.caledonianstudent.com/activelifestyles

RATE OUR EVENTSWe would love it if you could take a second or two to star rate any Students’ Association run events or activities that you attended and give us some feedback so we can keep on improving what we do.

Please include your email address on the form so we can enter you into a prize draw for a chance to win a Samsung Tablet!

www.caledonianstudent.com/rateourevents

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Greenbay GCU Nifty60 A5 Advert PRINT.pdf 26/7/13 16:25:49

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Greenbay GCU Nifty60 A5 Advert PRINT.pdf 26/7/13 16:25:49

WALKABOUT AD

GCU Students' Association Handbook 2013-14

Documents

Transcript of GCU Students' Association Handbook 2013-14