Access to Students’ Union Events Hastings
Events throughout the year: Freshers’ Fair Freshtival events Halloween Oktoberfest Snow Ball Ad hoc events Weekly club nights Society events Raise and Giving (RaG) events Hollywood Ball Garden Party in Eastbourne Election Results Party Jack in the Green Festival Varsity
For full information about our events plus more announcements throughout the year, check out our website: brightonsu.com & follow us on social media: subrighton brightonstudentsunion @ SUBrighton
Societies All of our 100+ societies are completely student led and cover a huge range of interests, from academic and cultural, to leisure and faith. Joining a society is a great way to meet like-minded students, make new friends, gain invaluable experience and share knowledge. Involvement with societies is where many students will have the best experiences of their university lives. Whatever your interests, there’s a society for you!
“Joining a society was the best thing I did while at University, I met some of my best friends there”
How to join Come to our Freshers’ Fair during your first week at University of Brighton. Here you will be able to meet the societies, find out what they get up to and how to sign up. Or you can join via our website:
Can’t find the society you like? You can create your own society if there isn’t one that matches your interest. The SU will support you all the way with advice, funding and training. You just need 5 people to start with and submit the society proposal to us.
brightonsu.com/societies.
“Starting a society was simple and easy thanks to the support from Brighton SU”
Get involved Societies are offered many training opportunities throughout the year including website training, team-building & public speaking. As you get more involved with a society, you might want to think about putting yourself forward for one of the leadership roles. Each group will have positions available like President, Treasurer and Secretary. Even if you don’t stand for a committee member role, you can still get involved with your society by helping organise social events or fundraisers.
Contact us: bsusocieties
BSUsocieties@brighton.ac.uk
brightonsu.com/societies
Societies on Campus Hastings offers a range of active student societies from academic and cultural to leisure and faith based groups. Students are also welcome to join societies based in Brighton and Eastbourne. You can find out more about societies and join any society at Freshers’ Fairs in September or Refreshers in January where you’ll have an opportunity to meet and talk directly to student society members. You can also join up to societies online at any time during the year by visiting the societies page on the union website at brightonsu.com/societies
Below are some examples of what Hastings-based societies have been up to: Latin and Ballroom Society Do you like Strictly Come Dancing? The Ballroom and Latin Society teaches all 10 dances, from cha cha to tango on a weekly basis – for free! The class is suited to all, whether you’re a beginner or have dance experience. During the last academic year, the society was highly commended for Best New Society of the Year 2016 in the BSU Volunteer Awards and is run independently by a former national competitor.
BioHaste The BioHaste society has been an extremely successful society. In the last academic year, a new committee was elected to give BioHaste a refreshing new look and events programme. The society is set up by biologists and is open to anyone who has an interest in science. Events include socials, quizzes and guest talks – the society won best event on campus during SocFest 2015.
Comic Book Society If you like comics, graphic novels or manga come and join the Comic Book Society where you won’t be judged on your taste. Whether you like DC over Marvel, Goku over Superman, you’re welcome in this society. During the year we screen many hero films including The Dark Night and Daredevil.
Contact us: BSUsocieties@brighton.ac.uk brightonsu.com/societies
Parklife
www.parklifeplay.co.uk
on the Hastings Campus
Parklife offers you, as BSU members, social and fun sporting opportunities. A great way to get in shape, try something new and meet new people. With a large range of leagues, drop in sessions and one off events, you can ‘play your way’. The Hastings programme has activities such as badminton, zumba and boxing. Sport Brighton have linked with local partners too, so you can swim for £1 at Summerfields Leisure Centre or try skateboarding at the newest venue in town - The Source. Keep your eyes peeled for the campus table tennis ladder as well as exciting events throughout the year including roller disco, glow sports, along with climbing and archery tasters.
er, your Parklife C Fish oo e k rd Mi in t a e Hi, I’m Mike and I run e the Hastings campus Parklife Programme. You can find me in Priory Square if you have any questions or would like to see something new on campus; maybe even challenge me to a game of table tennis! You can also contact me at m.fisher2@brighton.ac.uk or ‘Mike Fisher Parklife Hastings’ on Facebook.
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Most sessions are just £1
Sport Brighton Hastings
Sport Brighton is the University of Brighton’s sports service, run by the university in close partnership with Brighton Students’ Union. Services range from the activity zone on campus (Priory Square Basement) to a number of sports programmes. Getting involved in sports while at university is a great way to meet new people and keep fit and healthy.
There are two main sports programmes at the university: Sports Federation Clubs and Parklife. The Sports Federation Clubs are run by students for students. If your activity does not happen on campus then Sport Brighton can help to find you a local club, help you set up your own group or even offer travel subsidies to travel to other campuses so you can meet like-minded students. Parklife activities offer a recreational sports programme offering turn up and play sessions, lessons in new sports and internal sports leagues. This includes a swim for £1 offer at the local pool in Hastings as well as monthly sports events. Sport Brighton and representatives from the Sports Federation Clubs will be at our Freshers’ Fair in Welcome Week to answer all your sporting questions. if you can’t find what you are interested in then please contact the Sport Brighton Freshers’ Fair stall or Sport Brighton site receptions for more info. Join the Sport Brighton Facebook page or visit the website below for more information on sports services at the University.
studentsport@brighton.ac.uk brighton.ac.uk/sport sportbrighton sportbrighton sportbrighton
Student Media Brighton Students’ Union supports three main media outlets: The Verse online newspaper, Buzz Radio and Brighton TV. These outlets are run by students, for students, across all of the University of Brighton campuses, and they exist to give a voice to students on topics they care about. Anyone can get involved in student media! Have you always dreamed of writing an article for a newspaper, hosting your own radio show, or directing your own video shoot? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then come and say hi at our Freshers’ Fair stand or get in touch via one of the methods on the other side of this card. We look forward to meeting you! The Student Media Team
Student Media Student Media is a great way to flex your creative muscles, get a head start in your media career, and make new friends along the way.
Our three main media outlets are: The Verse is our online student newspaper featuring news, politics, music and film reviews, design, local events, competitions and much more.
@VerseBrighton
VerseBrighton
theverse.co.uk Buzz Radio is our online radio show run for students by students. Buzz airs a 5-day-per-week schedule of radio shows, ranging from music to interviews to hot topics and debates. Buzz Radio is a thriving community for students to play what they love and talk about what they like.
@buzzradiobsu
BuzzRadio
blogs.brighton.ac.uk/buzzradio Brighton TV produces and directs films, documentaries, animations, reports and interviews. Whether you are interested in filming, scriptwriting or producing films, Brighton TV is a great way to learn new skills and build your creative portfolio.
BrightonSUTV brightontvsociety
For general enquiries, contact studentmedia@brighton.ac.uk
Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) Action Team
It’s important that you take responsibility for your sexual health and our CaSH Action Team can support you in doing just that. The team is a group of student volunteers, trained to deliver a professional, non-judgmental and friendly advice service to our members, that’s you!
Be Prepared:
We believe sexual health education should be progressive, comprehensive and inclusive. We are funded by East Sussex County Council and run CaSH drop-ins on campus. We offer free condoms, pregnancy tests, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea screening, along with all the information you need about safer sex and signposting to other local services who may be able to help. We also do campaign and activist work, so you may see us around halls, on campus, at events or in local nightclubs. Make sure you come and say hello to us.
It can be easy to get swept up in the moment, but thinking about contraception before you go out makes it more likely you’ll be able to enjoy having safer sex. Sometimes, despite best intentions, things don’t go to plan, so knowing where you can access emergency hormonal contraception, and PEP (if you think you have been exposed to HIV) as quickly as possible is important, especially if you’re new in town.
University is all about having fun and trying new experiences – at times this may involve alcohol and may include sex. It’s good to be prepared and always carry a condom or Femidom.
You can find this information on our website: brightonsu.com/cash, along with information about screening for STI’s and contraception. For more information about alcohol, drugs and staying safe, visit: thinkdrinkdrugs.co.uk where you can also take tests to find out more about your alcohol and/or drug usage.
CaSH volunteers
Find out more: For more information about CaSH services on campus or to find out about volunteering, visit brightonsu.com/cash. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: Contraception and Sexual Health Action-Team
@CaSH_ActionTeam
To contribute to the student community To be a sexpositive activist
Reasons to be a CaSH Volunteer:
To meet new people and be part of a team
To gain experience in health promotion
To develop sexual health campaigns
To make a difference
What some of last year’s volunteers have said: “One of the highlights of my studies is volunteering for CaSH”
“It’s been great! It’s a brilliant volunteering role because you feel important in that you get to run the drop-in yourself, while also gaining skills”
“This year was such a wonderful experience for me. A chance to connect with other students who were volunteering and meeting students who utilised the service”
How to get involved: We are looking for Campaign Team Volunteers to help deliver our exciting outreach programme and Drop-In Volunteers to run our sexual health drop-ins. All CaSH volunteers receive full training and induction into the role, as well as on-going support to carry out their work for CaSH. Apply to be a CaSH volunteer by sending us an application form telling us why you’d be a great volunteer. You can find out more about CaSH and volunteering with us, as well as downloading an application form from our website: brightonsu.com/cash Hurry! Don’t miss the deadline to be part of this year’s team!
Work for your Students’ Union Do you want to earn good money, gain valuable skills for your CV, and work for an ethical, friendly organisation run by students for students? Then we have the job for you!
We’re Hiring
Brighton Students’ Union pay £7.20 per hour for up to 15 hours a week during term time, plus holiday pay if you work for more than a term at a time. All student staff receive excellent training, ongoing support, development opportunities, an above average hourly rate, monthly BACS payment of wages and a chance to join a professional and enjoyable student orientated employer of choice. Joining our pool of student staff is a great way to gain experience, get involved in the Students’ Union, make new friends and have fun whilst earning some much needed cash! Any questions? Check out our FAQ’s on the website brightonsu.com/jobs
We have a wide variety of roles available across many of our campuses: Campus Admin Assistant (regular lunchtimes) General Admin Assistant (various hours) Election and SU Campaign Engagement Staff (promoting the SU & our campaigns to other students) Other ad hoc work such as: Halls runs (delivering flyers & posters), minute-taking, Freshers’ Fair & other events crew
Check out our website brightonsu.com/jobs for an application form and email it to bsuhastings@brighton.ac.uk with ‘Student staff 2016/17’ as the subject. Please bear in mind that we always receive more applications than roles available so it’s in your own interests to tell us exactly how your experience and skills will benefit your Students’ Union.
Campus Action Team Course Reps School Academic Reps
Volunteer Community Organisers
Bike Co-Op
Part-time Officer Volunteer Community Organisers CaSH Volunteers Media Volunteers
Bike Co-Op
Course Reps School Academic Reps Media Volunteers
CaSH Volunteers
Media Volunteers
Part-time Officer
Volunteer Community Organisers
VOLUNTEERING Campus Action Team Volunteer Community Organisers
Freshtival Crew
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Here at the Students’ Union we love involving students in everything we do From our big team of Freshtival volunteers who make the Freshers’ fortnight unforgettable for you all, to Course Reps and Part-time Officers representing all students come rain or shine. We have plenty of opportunities throughout the year for you to get involved with! You could lead a society or start writing for our student online newspaper, you could even get involved with our Campus Action Teams and put YOUR campus on the map. Have a look at our website for contact details and joining instructions.
Look out for students and staff wearing teal Brighton Students’ Union t-shirts and come and say hello; we’d love to meet you. brightonsu.com/volunteering BSUvolunteering
Democracy & Campaigns Brighton Students’ Union is a student led democratic organisation; this means we work on the issues that affect you! The union is run by 5 full-time officers who represent the entire student body to the university, in the local community and nationally. We also have many part-time elected officers who campaign and run events for students across all campuses. There are lots of ways you can get involved in democracy and campaigns within the Students’ Union: Campus Action Teams Each campus has an elected Campus Action Team who help to run events and campaigns relevant to each campus. If you want to contact your Campus Action Team, simply go to your nearest SU campus office. Union Council Union Council is an open meeting held twice a term where you can hold your elected officers to account. It is also where we debate and discuss student ideas for new projects and campaigns that the SU should run. This meeting is open to all students to attend and submit ideas. NUS Conferences Brighton Students’ Union are a member of the National Union of Students (NUS) and each year we send delegates to their conferences. These delegate positions are open to all students who identify as a member of the specific group. Elections are held in the first term before Christmas. Visit brightonsu.com/changethings for more details. Students’ Union Leadership Elections If you would like to run the Students’ Union and become one of the 5 full-time officers or become a part-time officer alongside your studies, the Students’ Union Leadership Elections are held every year in the second term after Christmas.
brightonsu.com/changethings @BSUChangeThings BSUChangeThings
Got an Idea? If you have an idea like a campaign or project that you think the union should start doing, you SU should submit your idea on our Change Support It page brightonsu.com/changeit All students then have the opportunity When you submit to vote for their favourite idea. an idea via Change It, a The top 6 Change It ideas member of SU staff will email get discussed at the next you to discuss your idea further Union Council. and invite you to the next Union Council meeting to present it. If you’re unable to present your idea don’t worry, Union we will still discuss Council it! The top 6 Change It ideas will be presented at Union Council. Elected students attending Union Council will vote to accept or reject these ideas. Union Council meetings are held twice a term and all students are invited to attend and Accepted! to openly discuss and ☺ debate ideas! Rejected If 75% of Union Council ☹ agrees with your idea, it If 75% of Union becomes policy; the officers Council vote against and staff at Brighton SU your idea, it is rejected. You will work with you to All can make changes to your make it a reality. Student idea and submit it one Question! more time to Union Council that If your idea splits opinion academic at Union Council and 75% of of year. attendees don’t vote for or against it, the Idea is put to an All Student Question. All students at University of Brighton can vote on it. If the majority votes for it it passes!
The Change It! Process
Course Reps
Each year of every course at the University of Brighton has a Course Rep. It is a great role to take on, and one where you know you will be helping to ensure that you and the students you study with have the best possible academic experience while at university.
What do Course Reps do? Course Reps are an essential link between students and staff, enabling student feedback to be heard and acted on. By talking to their fellow students and gathering feedback, Course Reps find out what is working well on their course and any areas that could be improved upon. They then represent the students’ viewpoint in discussions and meetings with staff, and keep their fellow students up to date with what’s going on. ‘It was an interesting role to undertake, and I would love to do it again in the future’ Course Rep 2015-16 Brighton Business School
How to become a Course Rep? If you are interested in becoming a Course Rep, let your course mates and course leader know at the beginning of term when the role is discussed. An informal election is held for the position and is shared between multiple students on larger courses.
‘I really enjoyed it and would recomend it to any student who is passionate about their course and course mates!’ Course Rep 2015-16 School of Art, Design and Media
‘I have enjoyed my time as a Course Rep and would strongly recommend other students to take this role. It is a great way to meet new people and share everyone’s view’ Course Rep 2015-16 School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular
Becoming a Course Rep is a great way to: Meet new people- You will quickly get to know your fellow students and staff Make a difference- You will be ensuring that students’ views are heard and that they can contribute to improving the quality of your course Develop skills- Communication, organisation, research and negotiation, to name just a few Gain confidence- Through speaking to students and staff, attending meetings and knowing that you have made a difference
Talk to your Course Rep If you don’t stand for the role, it is still important to know who your Course Rep is. Make sure you give them feedback on your course- whether things are good or bad- so they can take it forward to course staff.
‘It has and I’ b ve me een fun t and with a intera wide would most li array of st cted udent kely n met. I’ sI ot h v lasting e made som ave otherw ise conne e stron ct g grate ful for ions and am and t Cours very e Rep he experie n 201516 Sch ce’ Sport ool of and Mana Service geme nt
Support If you are appointed, be sure to come along to the training session in your school and keep an eye on your emails for our Course Rep newsletter. There are loads of exciting things to get involved with as part of the role, including funding for projects and the opportunity to attend the national Course Rep Conference.
Find out more To find out more about the Course Reps, visit our website brightonsu.com/ coursereps or email any queries you have to coursereps@brighton.ac.uk.
We hope that you’ll have a great time at university, but if you’re having problems, Union Support (US) are here to help. Our friendly advisers are always on hand to provide advice throughout the whole year. Because we are independent from the university, we can represent you on academic issues and even keep your identity anonymous if you wish. You can speak to us freely, honestly and confidentially. Our role is to inform you of the options available and help you make informed choices to resolve issues. Helping you when you need it most, we can advise on a range of academic related issues, including academic appeals, fitness to practice hearings, academic misconduct, mitigating circumstances, disciplinary issues and complaints.
Contact us You’ll find Union Support at all campuses, please book an appointment or call ahead before popping in, so we can make sure we’re around. To book an appointment, email: bsusupportservice@brighton.ac.uk. To call ahead, dial 01273 642876 for Brighton or 01273 643817 for Eastbourne & Hastings.
We can advise on a range of academic related issues, including academic appeals, fitness to practice hearings, academic misconduct, mitigating circumstances, disciplinary issues or complaints.
We are able to support you through the complaints procedure, offering help, understanding the guidance, accompanying you to meetings and ensuring you are treated fairly throughout the process. We can also advise on the evidence that will support your application. We can offer advice on when it is appropriate to appeal a decision on your results as well as advice on the correct actions to take, the correct grounds for an appeal and identifying suitable evidence. If you’re accused of academic misconduct we can help by looking through your work, recognising the source of the allegation, and help to prepare you by discussing your options, potential outcomes as well as accompanying you to any meetings. We offer help and information on a wide range of problems affecting students’ lives, so, if you have problems that you can’t deal with on your own, book an appointment with US (Union Support). The earlier we see you, the sooner we can help.
Contact us You’ll find Union Support at all campuses, please book an appointment or call ahead before popping in, so we can make sure we’re around. To book an appointment, email: bsusupportservice@brighton.ac.uk. To call ahead, dial 01273 642876 for Brighton or 01273 643817 for Eastbourne & Hastings or head to brightonsu.com/support
BSU Collectives & Cooperatives
Enterprising not for profit activity run by & for students brightonsu.com/enterprise
Brighton Students’ Union has a growing number of student collectives and cooperatives. Like societies, the groups are run primarily by student volunteers but the services and activities they offer benefit the wider student community across all campuses. Co-op and collective membership can provide you with valuable enterprising and employment experiences and exciting social opportunities. The groups offer students opportunities to create sustainable services and skills for the benefit of the wider student community whether through bike hire and repair, providing £4 seasonal fruit and veg boxes, filming events with Brighton TV or designing for Brighton Design Collective. Co-op and collective activity is hands on and open to everyone.
Brighton Design Collective
Campus based student design collective offering cost effective design solutions to the student and university community. The collective recruits new members each year.
Big Brighton Marketplace Offers student makers and designers a campus space to market and sell their products and services. The marketplace runs in conjunction with the Bright Spark award.
Marketplace
Media Collective
Big Brighton Marketplace events take place each semester and all students and graduates can apply for a stall.
Brighton Bike Co-op
If you’re a maker, designer, have a product or service you’d like to market to the student and local community then Big Brighton is perfect for you.
Buzz Radio, The Verse online newspaper and Brighton TV.
Drop in student community bike hire and repair services developed and provided by students for students.
Brighton Food Co-op
Offering cheap, local and seasonal veg to its members. Sign up and help run the veg box scheme, local food socials and events.
Find out how to take part in the next event and apply for a Bright Spark award by visiting the union website. brightonsu.com/enterprise
Community Organising We believe that it is our job to be led by YOU! What is Community Organising? Essentially it involves lots of listening. Our team of organisers and their volunteers listen to lots of different people, where they live and where they study, and help them to change things that need changing. It can be as small as setting up a new group or a change to your course, or as big as a housing campaign. Community organising gives you the skills and support to turn ideas into action. They bring you together with like-minded people and help you to meet, organise or campaign. Become a Volunteer Community Organiser! We will have limited volunteering opportunities throughout the year. Past volunteers have worked on a number of different projects including helping a community reclaim a pub. Contact us to find out more (details below)! Do you have an idea or want to get involved? Catch us at one of our many listening stalls that we run regularly or email us on: Brighton: brightoncommunityorganisers@brighton.ac.uk Eastbourne: eastbournecommunityorganisers@brighton.ac.uk Hastings: hastingscommunityorganisers@brighton.ac.uk brightonsu.com/communityorganisers Volunteer Community Organisers 2015-16
Organiser Sam listening to ideas for Hastings
NUS Extra copy Start your student life and start saving with NUS extra and Brighton Students’ Union Start your student life by saving weekly with Brighton Students’ Union and NUS Extra Start saving on over 170 top brands on the high street and online on all your everyday expenses from clothes, books, food and equipment.The NUS extra card is the premium discount and membership card that is exclusive to Brighton students and helps you make substantial savings during your student life. Buy it TODAY! Make sure you take advantage of the benefits before you arrive and buy it today. You can purchase your card online today and it will be delivered to your home within seven days. You can buy a 1, 2 or 3 year card but you save even more if you buy a 3 year card! You can enjoy the benefits before you arrive. Buy your card online today and it will be delivered to your home within seven days. What are the benefits? A £12 NUS extra card entitles you to over 170 amazing discounts online and in store, all exclusive to card holders. NUS extra card discounts are available in a wide range of areas, from fashion, travel and transport, to gaming, books, music, beauty and software. Your card also doubles up as an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) so you can enjoy these fantastic benefits all over the world too. Look out for the main amazing discounts including Amazon, ASOS, Jack Wills, Apple, Spotify, Game, Superdrug, JJB Sports, UniKitOut, as well as 10% on every grocery shop at the Co-operative, 25% off at Dominos and Odeon!
Who is eligible? All University of Brighton students can apply for an NUS extra card. The card costs £12 and you can register online today at cards.nusextra.co.uk Discounts and deals are arranged to benefit all students – so whether you’re under 21, a mature student or an international student you can be sure to save the £12 purchase price many times over. Follow the instructions and select ‘University of Brighton’ when registereing for your card. Your card will be delivered to you at home within seven days of ordering. Brighton Students’ Union and NUS extra are run by not-for profit organisation which means all proceeds from the cards is recycled back into improving the lives of Brighton students! Buy your card TODAY and get it delivered to your home address even before you arrive at University. Make sure you have : A credit or debit card A digital photo ready to upload or access to a web cam BUY IT TODAY cards.nusextra.co.uk