nu:life issue 38

Issue No.38 2014

FREE to a good home

The Official voice of Northumbria Students’ Union

www.nulife-online.co.uk

2014

ELECTION

RESULTS

HOW TO GET YOUR TENANCY DEPOSIT BACK! SUMMER SNACKS Plus: Spotted, Get Involved with Welcome Week and much much more Written by Northumbria Students for Northumbria Students.

Hi everyone, So, this is emotional. Welcome to my last ever edition of NU:Life – don’t cry, the excellent Tom Bromwich will be taking over from me and I’m sure that he’ll take this magazine to new heights. Make sure you check out this edition, to see who the other four sabbaticals officers are ,too!

It’s summer time so make sure that you have an amazing break- and if you’re departing Northumbria forever like me, make sure you take a deep breath and remember the amazing time you’ve had here. I’m sure you’ll all do amazingly, ‘Northumbrians’ are a special bunch! So many students do so much more than just a degree so check out what occurred in Volunteer Northumbria Week.

We’ve also got some other articles, about the marketing boycott and also why you should get involved with being a part of Welcome Week 2014.

I’d just like to thank my incredible committee, that have really taken this magazine from strength to strength this year and everybody who has contributed to an edition, or the online version, in the last two years of me being the editor. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve produced and none of this could be possible without the incredible talent of our writers, Happy Reading, Mike Contributors Cameron Giles NSU Election Results Josh-Waterton Bailey ‘The Great Student Debt Sell Off’, What’s All This Fuss About?

Josh Mclean A Marking Boycott – But Will I Graduate?

Goodbye University, Hello World Katie Lowe Porn Again Christian Adam Crawley Activities Awards Winners, Welcome Week – Sign Up For The Best Week Of Your University Experience!

Jemma Graham Volunteers Cheer For VN Week Chloe Normyle Fix Up For Summer! 5 Healthy AND Scrumptious Snacks Hamish Yewdall How To Get Your Tenancy Deposit Back Annabelle Coakley Why Every Student House Should Have A Pet Dean Wilson Day In The Life Of A Fine Art Student Chalotte Hall 10 Things The First Year At University Has Taught Me...

Daisy Vickers The End Of Life As A Fresher James Dix Drama Society

NEW & FEATURES NSU Elections Results 4-5 ‘The Great Student Debt Sell Off’, What’s All This Fuss About? 6 A Marking Boycott – But Will I Graduate? 7 Porn Again Christian 8-9 Activities Awards Winners 10-11 CULTURE & REVIEWS Goodbye University, Hello World 12-13 Volunteers Cheer For VN Week 14 STUDENT LIVING Fix Up For Summer! 5 Healthy AND Scrumptious Snacks 16-17 How To Get Your Tenancy Deposit Back 18-19 Spotted 20 Sabb Spotlight 22-23 Why Every Student House Should Have A Pet 24-25 A Day In The Life Of A Fine Art Student 26 10 Things The First Year At University Has Taught Me... 28-29 The End Of Life As A Fresher 30 GET INVOLVED Welcome Week – Sign Up For The Best Week Of Your University Experience! 31 Drama Society 32-33 UNI NEWS The Human Body: What Lies Beneath? 34 Shining A Light On Student Enterprise 35 Team Northumbria Win Calvert Cup 36-37 Bringing Science To Life 38 Northumbria International 39

Special thanks to my sub-editors; Josh Mclean, James Dix, Chloe Normyle, Amy Urwin & Cameron Giles

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NEWS & FEATURES NSU Elections Results

NSU ELECTIONS RESULTS The 2014 Northumbria Students’ Union elections saw a record number of candidates stand to run the union for the next year, with current Vice Presidents Mike Potter, Nicole Pegg and Sarah Price coming to the end of their terms in office and not seeking re-election, three of the positions were wide open – current President Natalie-Dawn Hodgson and VP Jamie Thompson also faced stiff competition in re-election bids and a variety of part time positions were also heavily competed for.

Just short of 3,000 votes were cast in the election, an increase on the 2013 elections and similar – if slightly lower – to turnout at comparable universities. Of the 45 candidates, 20 were elected – 5 of these to the full time sabbatical positions, and the remainder as lay student councillors and equality reps, all of whom sit on student council.

The most heavily contested of the elections, the battle for Vice President Academic Affairs was one of the closest of the week, in the first round of voting 3 candidates lead the way; Cassandra Hines, Joe Holt and Josh Waterton-Bailey all had more than 400 votes, at this stage only 18 votes separated the three leaders.

The recent strike action was one of the major points in this category, with all candidates wanting to ensure students were not adversely affected. In the penultimate round of voting Hines lead the way with 719 votes, with Holt in second with 696, Josh Waterton-Bailey was eliminated leading to a jump for Joe who then leapt to first place with 956 votes to Hines 902 and was elected.

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Of the 10 equality rep elections, 9 had a single candidate face off against RON (Re Open Nominations), each of the candidates had a busy week reaching out to their respective equality groups, particularly in the election for Students with Faith representative, a newly created position for which this was the first election. All of the candidates were successful in being elected, with several seeing a jump in the turnout for their category, particularly Disabled Students’ Rep Rebecca Farren who nearly doubled the turnout from the previous year, perhaps demonstrating the variety of work done by herself and the union over the last year.

In the election for Vice President Welfare & Equality current VP Jamie Thompson saw 3 candidates challenging, Jamie emphasised the need for a financial advice service within the students’ union, in the final round of voting Jamie faced Fiona Campbell who wanted to see more community engagement and discounted Metro fares, the final vote saw Jamie win with 1066 votes to Fiona’s 916.

In the campaign for Vice President Activities & Development six candidates set out their vision for RAG, Eco NSU, Societies and Volunteer Northumbria; candidates wanted more opportunities for students to try out volunteering and greater rewards for volunteers – in the end it was Nichola McKenzie who won student over with non-competitive sporting opportunities and establishing more course based societies.

International Students’ Representative was the only equality rep position to see two candidates; Manu P Thampi faced Akanksha Akanksha to see who would represent students from over 100 countries who study at Northumbria, the election was the closest of the week with only 5 votes deciding the balance, in the end it was Akanksha who came away victorious on a campaign

focused on better interaction between home and international students and a campaign for Halal food on campus.

Vice President Communications & Democracy saw Danny Duncan, James Dix, Matthew Shepherd and Tom Bromwich face off to see who would oversee NU:TV, Student Council and this very magazine, campaigning for a more accessible student council with live streaming and a stop to outsourcing in the union – Tom Bromwich’s 1033 votes saw off all competition to take the prize.

In the election for lay student councillor – of which five positions were available – saw Andrew Carter, Annabelle Coakley, Cameron Giles, Ahmed Khan and Dean Wilson elected to shape the work of the union for the next year; the newly elected team share similar priorities focusing on finances, conditions in halls, and assessment and feedback and will work alongside the sabbaticals and student council in leading campaigns over the next year.

2014

NATALIE - DAWN HODGSON President

The Presidency was the final election to be announced, Natalie-Dawn Hodgson, current Union President ran highlighting her successes in her first term of office including securing 24 hour opening in CCE, the launch of refreshers week, and supporting employability sessions.

Hamish Yewdall was the most prominent opponent to Natalie, wanting to see a more direct student engagement by the union and better support for campaigns, however Natalie’s promises of improved timetables, financial support for work placements and work leading up to the 2015 general election won support from over 1200 students.

The elections may be over for this year; but the work of student council, the sabbaticals and reps at all levels continues. As the newly elected representatives are trained and take office over the coming months, we’ll see their campaign pledges shape the way the union works and the start of new campaigns for all of us who study at Northumbria.

JOE HOLT Vice President Academic Affairs

TOM BROMWICH Vice President Communications & Democracy

JAMIE THOMPSON Vice President Welfare & Equality

Cameron Giles

The elections may be over for this year; but the work of student council, the sabbaticals and reps at all levels continues.

NICHOLA MCKENZIE Vice President Activities & Development

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NEWS & FEATURES ‘The Great Student Debt Sell Off’

So you may have heard a bit in the media about the proposed ‘student debt sell off’, scary stuff right?

Well, you’ll be pleased to know that, whilst it is scary, yes, it’s not a new plan. Before I get into the debt sell off though, let’s wind back a few decades.

In the 1960s, the original conception of a University was for the public good. Students would receive free education, funded by the taxpayer, which would then in turn benefit the taxpayer because of an influx of highly trained graduates into the economy, who would then fuel the economy and be able to look after those taxpayers when they got older.

Simple right?

This was changed in the 1990s, when tuition fees were introduced. The Labour government introduced £1000 fees and increased them to £3000 in 2004. The new ‘branch’ of tuition fees in 2004, were to be funded by loans which were repayable dependent on income earned. The government were now only responsible for the part of the loans which did not get paid off, if any. Still simple?

In 2012, the Coalition Government tripled the fees to £9000. This was in an effort to introduce a market-based system in Higher Education. With better resourced, ‘higher-end’ Universities offering more expensive degrees, and poorly-resourced Universities offering cheap degrees. This wasn’t quite the case.

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So students across the country now take out loans which are borrowed from the Government, who get the money from borrowing elsewhere. Here’s the catch though, the Government has estimated it probably won’t be able to start reducing the amount its borrowing for these loans until at least 2040, because students won’t start paying it off with interest for at the very least 3 years after taking the loan. Trouble for the Government!

In 2010, the government issued Rothschild investment bank to investigate selling off these loans, so that they could cover their backs for the next bunch of loans they had to issue. Rothschild couldn’t find anyone who wanted to take on these loans, because the returns are so hard to predict.

What will the Government do then? The Government may change the terms and conditions of the loans issued. ‘They can’t do that! I signed a contract’. This contract is basically worthless. In the small print, the contract says that the Government withholds the right to change the terms and conditions at will. The selloff of the loan is not just risky for students, but it’s yet again another massive leakage of public money into the private sector.

The Government is on record several times saying it won’t change the T’s and C’s, but they’ve lied before, haven’t they?

Josh Waterton Bailey

NEWS & FEATURES A Marking Boycott

Northumbria University was kind enough to shed some light on a situation that isn’t just about: “money […] it is about dignity, respect and a fair deal.”

Hansen believes the UCEA (The Universities and Colleges Employers Association) could stop the strike if they: “negotiate properly about pay with lecturers’ union, UCU (University and College Union)” by coming to a deal before the 28th of April.

Yes…well probably…maybe…possibly?

For many final year students jumping over the last hurdles of their degree (myself included), news of a marking boycott by university lecturers is not the kind of motivation we need. Especially in this stressful and hectic period.

The facts aren’t great. From the 6th May, University lecturers will refuse to mark exams, coursework, essays, and portfolios of work after a dispute over a 1% pay rise.

Whilst some of you may roll your eyes at this, when put into context of inflation within the last five years, our tutors’ pay will have actually fallen by 14.5%. Despite the cuts, the Vice Chancellor’s pay has increased on average 6% this year alone.

To those familiar with academic history, a similar predicament came to a monumental height in 2006. Academics held their first marking boycott, leading to a multi-year above-inflation pay offer as reported on The Times Higher Education website.

Will history repeat itself in the coming months?

For many tutors, actions such as these are a last resort. They want to do their job and allow their students to gain their true potential, but after many months of failed negotiations and protesting, they believe they have no other choice.

With many lecturers feeling the same sentiment, another lecturer, who did not want to be disclosed, says: “I deeply regret the thought of our students being affected by the proposed marking boycott. But unless UCEA and the government take UCU’s claims seriously, after many months of protest and failed negotiation, industrial action is unavoidable. UCU’s claims reflect widespread concern among university staff and students about where academia is going.”

They went on to say: “It’s important to bear in mind that the current dispute is also about future generations of university teachers and researchers, who will include many current students. They should be able to expect a fair starting salary after having invested so much time and money into their education.”

Get your point across - Northumbria students have a voice that should not be silenced.

Josh Mclean

But why should we, as students, pay for this?

Firstly, our final assignments might not be marked. This would delay our overall graduation, raising concern for any summer plans, further education and dare I say it – our careers?

But to examine the academic integrity of any marking that may happen could be compromised should a boycott take place.

Meaning, markers who don’t teach our modules could assess our work. Personally, I am not happy about that in terms of my dissertation I have been writing for the best part of a year.

Dr Adam Hansen, a Senior Lecturer in English Literature here at

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NEWS & FEATURES Porn Again Christian

Porn is unavoidable. We’ve all seen some sort of porn, from the XXX stuff on the Internet to soft-core Page 3 or sexy, naked people selling things; it’s everywhere. Diane Abbott, a shadow health minister, recently warned about the ‘pornification’ of our culture causing children to be ‘hypersexualised’ from a young age.

The Internet and smart-phones have made porn accessible in the playground. Kids are ‘sexting’, sending naked pictures of themselves and trying out things they’ve seen in pornos. But is porn really that bad? In the right context, porn has been said to revitalize relationships, bring couples closer together and represent our sexual revolution.

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The Student Life society had Teresa, an ex-porn star come in to talk to students about her experience of the sex-industry and her journey to faith. Before the event, Student Life asked students to fill in the blank; ‘Porn is..?’. Descriptions included ‘deceptive’, ‘distorted view’ and ‘full of blurred lines’. Students were concerned porn gave unrealistic standards of beauty and normalised violence and aggression.

Interestingly there were also numerous positive responses, but students weren’t as keen to commit them to paper, suggesting perhaps the ‘guilty pleasure’ aspect of enjoying porn.

Teresa has been to different universities sharing her experiences and has spoken to students using webcams or glamour modeling to fund their studies. Their choice as consenting, mature young adults. But when asked if she had any advice for someone considering venturing into the industry, Teresa gave a clear message; ‘think long and hard about it, and be very, very careful.’ She described

the addictiveness of the sex-industry, the lure of the money and the sense that ‘I’ve already done it, so I may as well carry on now’. The sex-industry crept up on her; first she was glamour modeling, modeling with other girls, then kissing other girls and eventually videos.

She felt uneasy going to sleep at night and her parents didn’t want to talk to her about it. Sex became a chore and being naked and having people put make-up on her bits became the norm.

Teresa shared an overwhelmingly cautionary tale. In a society where porn is so normalised, it’s sometimes hard to hear how destructive it can be; how something we consider just part of our daily life can be so damaging to those watching and participating. Teresa had her faith in faith to give her the strength to escape the industry that she hated; others might not be so lucky.

In a society where porn is so normalised, it’s sometimes hard to hear how destructive it can be...

Katie Lowe

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NEWS & FEATURES Activities Awards Winners

Every year, the volunteers of Northumbria Students’ Union give up hours of their time to get involved in the many projects and societies that happen at university. From getting involved raising money for RAG, helping walk dogs or running a society, hundreds of students make the most out of their time at Northumbria through volunteering. Making new friends, gaining skills and experiences and having a great time along the way, the Students’ Union offers so much to do.

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Each and every volunteer is an asset to the university and to celebrate the hard work they put in, this year hosted the first Activities Awards! This looked at the successful year had by RAG, EcoNSU, VN, NU:Life, NU:TV and societies. At the awards, outstanding volunteers of all strands were recognised for their tireless work and commitment. Here is a breakdown of the awards that were won this year.

Best Promoting Group Award Snow Sports Northumbria NU:TV Leadership Committee Member of the Year James Dix NU:TV Volunteer of the Year Tally Kerr Best New Project Dog Walking VN Leadership Committee Member of the Year Nicky Henry Eco NSU Leadership Committee Member of the Year Sarah Mayne Committee of the Year Snow Sports Northumbria Societies Leadership Committee Member of the Year Rachel Breen Most Improved Society Drama Society (Highly Commended) Writers’ Society (Highly Commended) Music Society NU:Life Volunteer of the Year Cameron Giles NU:Life Leadership Committee Member of the Year Adam Crawley

RAG Leadership Committee Member of the Year Tom Ford Best Fundraising Event Rang De Holi – Hindu Soc (Highly Commended) Whiteout 3 – Snow Sports Northumbria Project Comms of the Year Amy Urwin Project Treasurer of the Year Bethany from Dog Walking Secretary of the Year Natalie Constantinou Paul Roberts (Highly Commended) Best Event of the Year Val Thorens ’13 – Snow Sports Northumbria (Highly Commended) Open Mic Night – Music Society Society Treasurer of the Year Ana Weir Best Grant Presentation Dance Society Project Leader/Producer of the Year Joe Temple President of the Year Shareeka Girrach (Highly Commended) Fiona Simpson & Chloe Beale Unsung Hero Mozin Ali

Additional Committee Member of the Year Ria Wilkinson

After the excitement of this award ceremony, the fantastic year we’ve had will come to a close with the Annual Awards on 1st May, which will host some of the most prestigious awards that are available at Northumbria Adam Crawley

Are you interested in volunteering Northumbria Students’ Union? Find out more information about how to get involved at www.mynsu.co.uk.

CULTURE & REVIEWS Goodbye University, Hello World

So this is it, the closing stages of the last three years of my life.

Should I be happy? Should I cling on to my Student lifestyle with both hands?

Or should I come to conclusion that this is the beginning of something exciting?

In a world of essay deadlines and student socials, the change from Student to Professional is daunting, yet intriguing.

Having spent the last three years, firmly attached to a book whilst sat a computer, I’ve become comfortable to these familiar surroundings- maybe a little too comfortable.

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‘The Real World’ is on the cusp of my horizon, but I somehow don’t feel brave enough to reach out and submerge myself in the 9-5, Monday-Friday routine that will be cemented in my life until I retire. But, I can’t stay where I am forever.

Well, actually, I could do an MA and stay another year, but when that finishes, then what? A PhD? Become a Doctorate?

Although it would be cool to see that on my post, I feel that I’m finished with University, having had the best time of my life, I know I am ready to move on.

But where to – back to my family home?

For some, if not most students, returning to the nest after three crazy years will be hard and a challenge. Negotiating an acceptable time to come in after a night out, co-existing without stepping on

anyone’s toes is going to be difficult. But on the plus side, free food and warmth galore. I am telling myself this already, three times a day, in preparation for my return home in August.

Although home may not be the party life you have become accustomed to, your wallet shouldn’t be taking a hit from rent and bills. This is going to be a good time to save and plan for my future (the one I don’t know yet). I can save to go travelling, help rebuild a village in Africa, take the trip of a lifetime – anything!

And you’re not alone. So what I’m going to do, and I’m suggesting you to do, is this: Join a job agency site, join a dating site for the fun of it, look at all aspects your degree can offer and what doors can be opened, venture down the road less travelled, throw caution to the wind, and take a chance, because in order to make a footprint, we have to take a first step.

Josh Mclean

But what about my career, the one I went to University for?

Well, that is a good question. And to be honest, it’s one I do not have the slightest idea how to answer, because I too, don’t know what I want to do. nu:life 13

CULTURE & REVIEWS Volunteers Cheer for VN Week

Volunteer Northumbria Week (VN Week) asks students to get involved and give all they can for one week.

“Despite it being my 8th and final volunteering week it it is probably the best. A great way to go out and highlighted how much of an impact it has made on my life!” – Dean Scobie

This year Volunteer Northumbria Week 2014 was a huge success! From all of the Committee we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved, whether it was one hour of volunteering you did or 20! These are a few comments from some of the people who took part in VN week:

Thank you very much to everyone involved and we hope you enjoyed it as much as the committee did organising it!

Jemma Graham.

“I really enjoyed VN week, it was a great opportunity to get to know other volunteers a lot better and to make a positive impact on other people’s lives. My highlight was definitely the free hugs. It just made me feel so happy!!!” – Tim Gorringe All the activities ran successfully and everyone involved gave their 110% to make it enjoyable and productive.

“I think VN week went really well, all the events I went to always had lots of people and it was great to see so many students willing to devote their time to helping the community.” – Meghan Coulton There were an absolutely amazing and very impressive 935 hours of volunteering achieved in total and there were 101 individual volunteers.

“I love how in vn week we’re actively doing something for the community rather than just donating money. My favourite part was the people that volunteered, I have met the most lovely people through volunteering and in weeks like this they really feel like family.” – Tally Kerr During VN week there were 15 daytime activities, 8 socials and an end of week awards.

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Future Projects

If there’s anyone who took part in a volunteering activity and thinks it would be a good project to start in September 2014 then get in touch with us and we could make it happen! Starting your own project looks great on a CV and you can enjoy yourself at the same time doing something you love. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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STUDENT LIVING Fix Up For Summer!

Along comes summer, and with it, the promise we make to ourselves to eat a little better in preparation.

To make it things easier, here are some amazing ideas for healthier nibbles, which are an alternative to the traditional nutritional snacks!

1) Propercorn In at the top, it’s Propercorn. It is a much-believed myth that popcorn is an unhealthy snack. This is not the case, when #doneproperly it is perfectly nutritious.

Hand popped in rapeseed oil, gluten and wheat free, this is the most delicious snack to crush a craving, during that mid afternoon slump, at around 100 calories per pack. Best of all- it’s available in our Student Union!

Get Involved:

@PROPERCORN

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2) Graze Why not put together your own dreamy concoction of yummy treats, then have it delivered to your door? We’re talking high fibre, low fat brownies, super healthy carrot cake & summer berry flapjacks- all at under 100 calories! You’d better believe it.

Get Involved: Order online at www.graze.com/uk/products

3)Nakd Bars Next time you crave a bar of chocolate, instead, pick up one of these! Raw fruits and nuts smooshed together, 100% natural and wheat and gluten free- it’s a bar of absolute goodness. Whether you fancy Berry Delight, Pecan Pie, or Cashew Cookie, there’s definitely a flavour for you.

Get Involved:

@nakdwholefoods

4)SNOG Frozen Yoghurt Hot days require a cool down, often in the name of ice-cream, nobody can deny that. But, a great alternative is frozen yoghurt. A little snog is just 142 calories and completely fat free. It tastes as good as ice-cream, so why not go for this guilt free alternative, available in high street stores.

Get involved: http://www.ifancyasnog.com/#home

@ifancyasnog

5) The Nut Hut Got that nibbly feeling again? Not to worry, here’s your answer. The Nut Hut is an online and in store brand, which offers nuts and dried fruit to be delivered to your very own door. From yoghurt coated raisins, to fiery wasabi green peas, this is a perfectly healthy snack to fill in between meal times, it’s perfect for the library, and of course it tastes darn good!

Get involved: www.thenuthut.co.uk Chloe Normyle nu:life 17

STUDENT LIVING How To Get Your Tenancy Deposit Back

DEPOSIT A deposit is the money put down to protect against damages to the house. It should be returned to you at the end of your tenancy.

Right from the start of the process think of it as your money. It isn’t money you should have to beg back off the landlord, its money the landlord should have to justify to take off you.

Basically if you are sensible in the house and don’t leave to bigger mess and don’t smash down all the walls you should see most of your deposit back, you may just have to complain about it.

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Cleaning the property, make sure you clean thoroughly, you don’t want to give the landlord any opportunities to deduct from the deposit, you shouldn’t need to clean the property to a ridiculous standard, if a contract says you need to hire professional cleaners for example, you should take this up with the landlord as it’s potentially an unfair term they can’t enforce.

Check A letter should arrive once you’ve left the property stating how much you are getting back, it should outline what they have deducted and why. Remember to ask for receipts for any costs such as painting and cleaning. They may say you owe £30 to paint a wall but will they really paint it?

Challenge From receiving the deposit you have 10 days to challenge the decision you can do this through the deposit protection scheme or through the courts.

Remember the landlord CANNOT deduct from the deposit without your agreement, although you also can’t access it without their agreement, it’s about reaching an agreement that’s fair and reasonable.

What to make sure you do protect your deposit next time At the start of your tenancy Discuss How your deposit payment/ repayment will work. If it’s suggested the lead tenant will distribute the deposit at the end of the tenancy ask whether this is necessary?

It is better for the tenants and it’s easier to challenge if the letting agency pays each tenant their own deposit.

Check your deposit has been registered. Your landlord should register the deposit with one of four companies: mydeposits, the deposit protection service, the dispute service and capita, you can check if it has by using their websites. If it isn’t protected by one of these companies you could be owed compensation.

Check your itinerary when you move into the property, note any damage or anything that’s wrong.

Take photos of the property to show what the standard was like when you move in.

Hamish Yewdall

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With over 80 different societies, we have an incredible amount of stuff going on at your SU.

Join a society today!

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STUDENT LIVING Placements In Australia

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STUDENT LIVING Sabb Spotlight

SABBSPOTLIGHT JAMIE THOMPSON Vice President Welfare & Equality

Your Sabbatical team were elected last March on manifestos of what they wanted to do to change your Students’ Union. This is where we report back on what we’ve been doing. Remember we’ll be elected a new sabbatical team in March so this what you’re voting for!

NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON President What is your role?

Leading the best Students’ Union, changing the University to work for you and having a national impact!

What’s been your biggest achievement this year?

My biggest achievement this year has been achieving 24/7 access to city campus east including the Law practice library. I am really proud of that fact that the campaign was a success and I managed to convince the University executive that this was something students really needed. Throughout, elections week I heard some great feedback from students about how positive the extended opening hours have been.

What is your role?

It’s my job to ensure that nothing outside of the classroom negatively impacts upon your student experience and causes you not to achieve the best degree you can. These issues can be anything from housing, to health and crime. I also lead a strong representation team – your Halls, Community and Equality Reps, who exist to make sure your voice is heard and change is made on all of these issues!

What’s been your biggest achievement this year?

I think my biggest achievement this year is making sure our students feel comfortable talking about mental health (or certainly making a good start on it!). Aside from that, the thing I love about my role is seeing our students grow in confidence and finding their feet, using their voice and passion to make a change about what they believe in. I adore being a mentor for the equality reps and can’t wait to do start planning for the coming year!

What is the one last thing you want to achieve by July?

I want to start the campaign to get students more printer credits, so I will be thinking about how best to achieve this before my first term in office ends. I will also be thinking about how I can achieve the manifesto points which I have ran on and been elected for this year.

What is the one last thing you want to achieve

by July?

There’s two key things I’m working on at the minute 1) planning a series of awesome events for Welcome Week 2014 which do not involve alcohol (running alongside the exciting club-style events we do), which would run through the night too, to make our Welcome Week the best it possibly can for every student at Northumbria.

And secondly, submitting my recommendations to the university about expanding and improving the mental health provisions we have on campus for our students.

What is the best thing about Northumbria Students’ Union?

The best thing about Northumbria Students’ Union is the fantastic volunteers, reps and society members who are truly inspiring in the work they do and also the brilliant staff we have who work hard every day to have a positive impact on the lives of all our students. If you haven’t been involved in the Students’ Union it is not too late! We are always eager for more students to get involved, our next big opportunity is welcome team. You can sign up by emailing su.activities@northumbria.ac.uk

What is the best thing about Northumbria Students’ Union?

The best thing about NSU is obviously our passionate, inspirational volunteers and representatives who always work really hard to improve students’ lives. I’m proud to work with such incredible people and honoured to call them my friends!

n.hodgson@northumbria.ac.uk NSUPres PH

jamie2.thompson@northumbria.ac.uk

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PH

NSUWelfare1

MIKE POTTER Vice President Communications & Democracy What is your role?

I look after this beautiful magazine but so much, much more. I oversee NU:TV, Student Council, the elections where you pick your leaders of the Union each year.

As a sabbatical officer, I represent students on many different types of issues and go to lots of meetings to influence change in the university and the local community.

What’s been your biggest achievement this year?

It’s hard to pick but it’s my last sabb spotlight so I’m going to cheat and mention a few. We got a bigger Coach Lane bus, we’ve put voter registration of a key priority for the Union and we’ve seen a huge increase in voter turnout for students voting in our elections. Huzzah!

What is the one last thing you want to achieve by July?

Officially getting a radio station, I’ve gained funding and now just need to mitigate risk as an organisation so we’ve have our very own radio station for students to get involved in and have all their voices heard on the airwaves.

What is the best thing about Northumbria Students’ Union?

Where do I start – from the incredibly supportive staff, dedicated officers and incredible volunteers but I still think that the best thing about the SU is that it can have such an impact on every student. From CCE now being 24/7, £14 million pounds of bursaries and countless other wins by your Sabbatical Officers and reps. mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk PH

NSUCommsOfficer

NICOLE PEGG Vice President Academic Affairs What is your role?

My role is to lead on education related campaigns, mentor all academic reps at Northumbria and lobby the university on academic issues. I represent students on various university committees and in meetings at the highest level.

What’s been your biggest achievement this year?

I’d like to say there has been a few, but the biggest one is probably the priority campaign on group work, which has led to the university implementing guidelines on how group work should be managed, so watch this space!

Oh and not forgetting after lots of lobbying, that the university finally has an electronic submission and feedback system in place, ready to be rolled out fully in September! You can check out my blog ‘Closing the feedback loop’ on nu-life online to find out about my other achievements.

What is the one last thing you want to achieve by July?

There’s a lot I would still like to achieve, however I’m not sure I’ll have the time for everything. So I think that a fantastic and effective handover for my successor, Joe Holt, is the thing that will be my biggest priority, ensuring that he is ready and fully prepared to work on more academic issues over the next year. This is definitely the last time I’m writing here after I said it was last time, whoops. .

What is the best thing about Northumbria Students’ Union?

There are way too many things to name! The ability to campaign and do it well, for instance getting 24 hour opening hours for City Campus East and getting £14 million put into bursaries amongst many other things. Then there’s the friendly and welcoming attitude of everyone that works at and volunteers with the Students’ Union as well.

SARAH PRICE Vice President Activities & Development What is your role?

In my role I look to maximise the impact and experience for students in societies, Volunteer Northumbria, EcoNSU, RAG, Fast Friends & Welcome Team. I also ensure that development of volunteers does not fall off the radar, looking at things like employability and ways to develop in volunteer roles that we have at the union.

What’s been your biggest achievement this year?

One of my biggest achievements this year has to be the introduction of the Activities Awards. I wanted to make an awards ceremony where anyone could come and celebrate the amazing work that activities volunteers do. It was a huge success and I hope it continues when I leave!

What is the one last thing you want to achieve by July?

By July I want to have made a policy around casual sport in the students’ union. I’ve built a relationship with Northumbria Sport this year, and we’re working together to make sport accessible for all.

What is the best thing about Northumbria Students’ Union?

There’s so much to do! It can be a very fun as well as a very serious and responsible place to be, and I’d like to think we cater to everyone’s interests – and if we don’t, let us know and we’ll do our best! sarah.price@northumbria.ac.uk PH

NSUActivities1

nicole.pegg@northumbria.ac.uk

Remember to drop by our Coach Lane Office and see us at our second home

Mike Jamie Nicole Natalie Sarah

Thursday Morning Tuesday Morning Tuesday Afternoon Wednesday Morning Wednesday Afternoon

PH

NSUAcademics

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STUDENT LIVING Why Every Student House Should Have A Pet

I have a cat. I call him Babycat and he is currently the love of my life. He’s all black and looks like Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. For the first 6 months of his life we thought he was a girl. What’s unusual about Baby? Well, he lives in my student house along with 8 of my other Housemates.

1.

Responsibility Having a pet is a huge responsibility, you learn to be accountable for a little ball of fun.

2.

Stress Release Being a student is stressful. It’s been proven that stroking an animal helps to reduce stress and releases endorphins.

Trust me, this will come in handy during exam time.

3.

They Help You Be Clean With an animal around the house you can’t have vodka spilt on the floor or left over take-away strewn about. Drunk cats with noxious farts is not ideal.

4.

Love There’s unconditional love when it comes to owning an animal. There’s no joy like coming home to a pretty face, full of excitement.

Here’s what I’ve learned about having a pet:

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5.

A New Best Friend There is no one that makes a better best friend than a little ball of fluff. They’re also the best secret keepers.

6.

Conversation Starter I admit it, at least 60% of my conversations start with ‘my cat’. I show randomers pictures and every single person I know must know at least one story about him.

The best part? I’m not even sorry.

7.

Entertainment Instead of watching other people’s videos of their pets doing hilarious things, you can see your own version in real life.

8.

Routine By having a pet you get into a routine. As nice as staying in bed until 2pm may be, it isn’t productive. Pets give you that motivation to get up and get on with it all.

9.

It Brings Housemates Together Amongst the stress of bills, washing up and whose turn it is to buy bin liners, there is hope. When there’s a pet in the house there is always a common interest, reducing stress and tension.

10. You Can Never Be Lonely Remember that song by The Feeling? Well, it’s true, you can never be lonely. Especially when you have a pet. They’re always there, are top napping partners and are just generally the best housemates ever.

(Just make sure you check with your landlord first!)

Annabelle Coakley

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STUDENT LIVING A Day In The Life Of A Fine Art Student

Right. Which pair of jeans doesn’t have paint on them? Silly question.

Okay, shift through piles of paper on the floor and try and hoke out something that doesn’t stink of linseed oil - again, unsuccessful.

Doesn’t matter, it’s going to be ruined anyways, just get something on and get to Lipman! It’s a little embarrassing that we’re rushing out of bed to make a 3:30pm lecture at this point, but sure!

We get there, the lights go down and the artist at the front starts speaking. Cue nearly an hour of a man (who is studying for a PhD, people) talking about how he likes to dress up in a boiler suit with a cardboard box tied around his neck and stand with his nose against a wall.

I kid you not.

15 minutes in, any semblance of attention has long since dissipated into swirly doodles in the corner of my sketchbook. Either that or drawing the people in front of me so as to stay awake! Roughly a year and a half later, he finishes –thank god- and we start to pack up.

“Any questions?”

We, 400 art students as one, look steadfast at the lecturer. Each one of us throwing as much shade as humanly possible. There is a palpable tension until 26 nu:life

yes, of course, at the last possible moment, a hand shoots up from somewhere near the front and sends us spiralling into another 10 minutes of pretentious nonsense Anyways, it’s done now, back to the studios.

Squires - the only place on campus where extended screaming in the name of performance isn’t even blinked at. There also happens to be a massive latex balloon just casually occupying most of the colour and materials studio! It’s such an interesting environment to walk around and visit, and most of the students are really open and willing to speak about their work.

From masking-tape sculpture to massive oil paint canvases, to wearable painted boxes to absurdly detailed frescoes painted onto the building itself, it’s impossible to walk through the studios and not be inspired. He says, typing this up and sneakily ignoring the unfinished canvas propped against my door.

Ah well, I knew this painting lark wouldn’t be easy - get the overalls on, ignore the smell of funky egg tempura and get creative!

Dean Wilson

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STUDENT LIVING 10 Things The First Year At University Has Taught Me

As my first year at Northumbria University draws to a close, not only have I panicked at just how quickly the time has gone but I’ve also reflected on what I’ve learnt over the past 6 months, so I thought it would only be right to compile a list for you, and hope that you can relate to a couple too..

1. Perhaps one of the most shocking things learnt this year, is the price of food. Since when does getting a few ‘essentials’ result in a weeping bank balance?

2. No one is going to hand you everything you want from life on a silver platter whilst you sit on your derrière watching Netflix - so you want a first, a good job, work experience? Go get it.

3. Being away from everyone at home helps you figure out those worth coming home for and also those that aren’t.. Effort is a two way street people!

4. It’s no fun having £15 to live off for the last month before the next loan instalment, so as boring as budgeting is, it makes life so much easier.

5. Going out to a restaurant and ordering pasta is a huge mistake.. Especially if you aren’t paying..

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6. Up until this year, the bins magically took themselves outside, and dirty pots would appear clean and dry in the cupboard. Now I’ve learnt that wasn’t magic, that was parents.

7. Clothes shopping is a long and distant memory.

8. Try to avoid the camera on a night out - that heart attack when those Facebook notifications come through just are not worth it.

9. Naps are as important to students as they are to babies.

10. It’s ok to miss people, and to cry because of it, but life at university is a rollercoaster so push yourself, and don’t give up and when you come through all those highs and lows, you’ve become a much stronger person because of it.

I’ll end with a quote that I think sums up being a fresher perfectly..

Charlotte Hall

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STUDENT LIVING The End Of Life As A Fresher

The countdown of our final days of being a fresher has begun.

Who can believe it? This time last year we were still at college fretting about getting the grades to attend Northumbria; now we’re here about to finish our first year. Since when did time move so quickly?

Many people say the first year of university is the best: drinking so much you can’t remember your name or what happened the night before, halls of residence known for its many flat parties and chances for promoters to promote, promote, promote. Truly it has been a messy year.

My first year has been an amazing experience, moving to a city four hours away known for its student nightlife, which has definitely not disappointed me. It’s fantastic how many new people you meet; which is an obvious thing to point out seeing as you’re in a brand new city with brand new people, but it’s true. Your Facebook friends and followers on Twitter hit the roof during Freshers week and most of them you don’t even end up speaking to again.

First year is a perfect insight into what life at university will be like for the next three years: the work load, socialising and looking after yourself for the first time without the aid of your parents is a real life changing experience. Thinking back to this time last year no one could imagine moving out and having to fend for yourself, but now it has happened it feels like you’ve been doing it for years.

I am going to miss life as a freshman because getting amazing grades and focusing on your degree isn’t only the biggest worry; but it’s also settling in, making new friends and finding your feet. The next two years are going to be challenging but I’m looking forward to the endless messy nights and hung-over 9am starts whilst edging closer to gaining my degree.

Good bye first year and hello to the next two!

Daisy Vickers

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GET INVOLVED Welcome Week

Sign up for the best week of your University experience!

Every year, thousands of new students flock to Northumbria University to start on their next big adventure. They have sometimes travelled for hours and for many of them, this is the first time they’ve been away from home, for any length of time.

Naturally, this is quite a nerve-racking experience, so it’s up to the current students at Northumbria, to make sure that they settle in and make the most of their time here.

Welcome Week is the perfect opportunity, and chance, for the newcomers to settle in. The Students’ Union runs daytime events, to showcase all of the incredible opportunities on offer. With around 80 societies and some of the most exciting and inclusive volunteering schemes in the UK, there is certainly plenty to get involved in. Once the sun goes down and the stalls are packed away, the Union becomes the main event of Newcastle every night for the rest of the week. Putting on events such as a mime-filled silent disco, a star-studded evening ball and Lo Reid, the fantastically lewd hypnotist, it’s certainly the place to be!

But how can all of this be pulled off? Enter the fantastic volunteers of Northumbria Students’ Union!

Hundreds sign up to make the Freshers’ experience better and better each year. Current students give up their time to help move the students into halls, inform them of all the events going on, ensure their wellbeing over the course of the week and, most importantly, be the first point of contact for anyone who’d like a chat. Being in the Welcome Week is an opportunity available to any student at Northumbria who is willing to give up their time and offer the experiences.

Having done Welcome Week as a Fresher and twice as a volunteer, I can guarantee that it only gets more fun with time. The long hours and early starts are more than worth it for the friends and connections you will make, both with other volunteers and with Freshers. If the opportunity to be part of a brilliant team isn’t appetising enough, as a member of the Welcome Team, you get free access to every event the Union has on offer, so you get to relive the experience without the nerves of being a first-year.

So, be sure to sign up on the Volunteer Database as a Team Leader or Team Member of Northumbria Students’ Unions Welcome Week!

Adam Crawley

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GET INVOLVED Northumbria Drama Society

This time last year a new committee for Drama Society was being elected. The reigns passed on from a small group of about sixteen members to what have become at least sixty different members this year.

President Chloe Patricia Beale, alongside her evergrowing committee has proved that no matter how small your society is - there is always the ability to expand and develop.

A clear action plan was made at the start of the year to make sure it was the members who were the driving force of the society.

The shift changed from one play last year to attempting to put on a multitude of different shows.

Beale asked members of the society if anyone wanted to direct and had a small meeting with them to ask them what they would like to do, five individuals were picked and their plans were set into motion.

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The aim was to put on The Snow Queen, Case 10.06.91, An Inspector Calls, On Love and Chatroom before Christmas. The shows were ready but then they came across a bump in the road when they were denied access to performance spaces. Either the rooms were booked or they weren’t allowed to use Lipman Theatre because it was not part of the Students’ Union.

In the meantime, Drama Society added a new section for improvisational comedy. Led by Chris Buttrick, the ensemble put on a performance at Music Society’s Open Mic Night.

Four of the plays were pushed back for after Christmas, whilst The Snow Queen showcased in Domain with a successful two night run from the 11th of December, directed by Gina Bainbridge.

Unfortunately the director of On Love had to return to Portugal and so the show had to be left, the cast were still proud of a full run of the show they managed to achieve before Christmas. Another issue arose when professional interest in the right for An Inspector Calls meant that the show could not go on.

This was not the end as Chatroom directed by Esther Irving and Case 10.06.91 directed by Mozin Ali, had great feedback. Both shows were the result of hardwork and dedication and were both very different in style.

Semester Two saw the beginning of new shows including Dead End, Welcome To Grandis and Alice.

Improvisational comedy also started performing at the Dog & Parrot’s upstairs room as part of Long Live Comedy on a Tuesday night.

The Society added new committee roles for Marketing and Social Sec in order to keep up with their many members and productions.

Dead End, directed by Abi Lunn, was a huge achievement, produced in seven weeks and the Italian writer Letizia Russo got in contact and supported the show.

Welcome to Grandis was directed and devised by Abbey Frances Jones with the help and support of her cast.

Alice was written and directed by James Dix, showcasing a lot of new members and some wellloved older members.

Rounding up the year the society are still to perform Punk Rock, directed by society president Chloe Patricia Beal on May 2nd and 3rd. Improvisational Comedy also plan to put on a show in May. For more details about the society connect with their social media: @DramaSocietyNSU, ‘Like’ Northumbria Drama Society and YouTube Northumbria Drama Society.

The committee is incredibly proud of all the hard work of its members, but also very grateful to all the students, friends and parents who have turned up to see the shows this year.

Drama Society will return next academic year for even more excellence.

James Dix

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UNI NEWS The Human Body: What Lies Beneath?

THE HUMAN BODY: WHAT LIES BENEATH? We all know that bingedrinking and unhealthy eating isn’t good for us but when you’re tucking into that last slice of pizza it’s hard to picture how it affects you on the inside.

From 17 May, a Northumbria expert will be able to guide you through a world-famous exhibition that strips the human body bare.

BODY WORLD Vital is making its UK debut at Newcastle’s Life Science Centre next month.

The exhibition brings together a collection of real human bodies and organs, willed by donors and preserved through plastination.

Vital tells the fascinating story of how best to fight life-threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart ailments, through healthy choices and lifestyle changes.

Stephen Boddy, Senior Demonstrator in Life Sciences at Northumbria, will be Anatomist-in-Residence at Life throughout the exhibition.

He will guide visitors through the fascinating anatomy, physiology and health of real human bodies – donated and preserved by a ground-breaking process invented by scientist Dr Gunther von Hagens. Healthy and diseased organs will be shown alongside each other allowing visitors to see how lifestyle choices may affect the body, such as how smoking affects the lungs.

Stephen said: “BODY WORLDS Vital will be an eye opening and insightful exhibition enabling the general public to discover what lies beneath their skin.

The specimens on show at the exhibition offer an honest demonstration of how lifestyle choices affect us all.”

Stephen’s involvement is part of a wider partnership between Northumbria and Centre for Life that aims to draw the public into the world of science. Launched last month, the partnership sees the two institutions work together on public engagement events, research projects and the delivery of a new MSc Public Engagement with Science degree.

Over 38 million people have experienced BODY WORLDS in over 90 cities worldwide including Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico City. Vital features a unique set of anatomical specimens enabling visitors to learn about human anatomy by viewing real human bodies.

Interested in seeing the exhibition for yourself?

BODY WORLDS Vital opens at Life on 17 May and runs until 2 November.

For more information or to book your ticket, visit www.life.org.uk.

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SHINING A LIGHT

UNI NEWS Shining A Light On Student Enterprise

On Student Enterprise Are you tired of having to fork out cash to replace your mobile phone charger when the wires burst through?

Well, enterprising Northumbria students are winning awards and making a profit to boot after designing a clever solution to the problem.

The Stable Cable Company – made up of six final year students – has designed and developed a 3D printed component that protects Apple Lightning charger cables from costly breakages caused by wear and tear. Their innovative product was created after the students realised that many people often had to replace their expensive chargers.

The new product has already proved popular with customers at trade fairs, as well as online, and scooped a hat-trick of awards at the North East Young Enterprise Trade Fair in February.

Students on the module, which marks its tenth anniversary this year, sell their products online and at trade fairs held at the University and other venues in the North East.

They are supported by research-informed teaching as well as guest lectures by industry professionals. The businesses are disbanded at the end of the academic year, with students sharing any profits made between them.

Managing director of The Stable Cable Company, Anthony Burnell, said: “Why look for a job when you can create one?

The students impressed expert judges and walked away with This module is a great way to utilise skills gained from previous the ‘Best Product or Service’, ‘Best Start-up Programme Company’ years of study and working in industry and to enhance and ‘Overall Winner’ titles. They also won the Young Enterprise entrepreneurial flair.”

Regional Finals, held at the Northern Design Centre earlier this The module has also produced another award-winning month and will now go forward to the national competition in student company.

Canary Wharf in May. Get Lamped, design and sell contemporary, laser-cut wooden The Stable Cable Company is made up of Product Design desk lamps, adding a touch of class to any stylish home or Engineering students Paul Robinson and Christian Usher, office. The student team won ‘Best Sales and Marketing Award’ Engineering Management student Anthony Burnell and Fashion and also went through to the Young Enterprise Regional Finals.

Communication students Ola Ebiti, Jodie Lancaster and Sarah Winslett.

Get Lamped benefits from the talents of students from a mix of product design, business and IT courses: Sophie Hardy, Ben Their award-winning business was formed as part of Chipping, Tom Briscoe, Christian Harvey, Richard Reynalds and Northumbria’s Graduate Enterprise module which gives Stephen Murphy. students from a variety of degree courses, the opportunity to run their own live business for a year.

To find out more about The Stable Cable Company or to purchase a cable protector, visit http://thestablecableco.com/. Visit www.getlamped.com for more details about Get Lamped.

Calling all entrepreneurial students! The Graduate Enterprise Module teaches core business and interpersonal skills, providing you with the opportunity to establish, trade and liquidate real businesses. For more information on enterprise and graduate business start-ups, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/graduatesintobusiness.

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UNI NEWS Team Northumbria Win Calvert Cup

WE DID IT!

After six years of heartache Team Northumbria has triumphed over Newcastle University to win the Stan Calvert Cup in one of the UK’s largest varsity sporting events.

By now you’ve probably seen the tweets and heard the buzz but if you didn’t get to the event itself, here’s a round-up of the main sporting highlights.

To find out more about Team Northumbria,

visit www.nusportcentral.com

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...one of the UK’s largest varsity sporting events.

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UNI NEWS Bringing Science To Life

BRINGING SCIENCE TO

LIFE

Are you bamboozled by physics? Mystified by astronomy?

Baffled by nutrition?

If so, a new postgraduate degree course at Northumbria aims to help us translate complex research and understand the impact of science in our daily lives.

The MSc Public Engagement with Science degree is a handson programme taught by staff at Northumbria and the International Centre for Life.

Carole L. Marshall, a Registered Nutritionist and senior lecturer at Northumbria, will lead the new degree programme.

In her role as a consultant nutritionist, Carole explains the science of nutrition to a range of community groups and organisations.

Carole said: “Scientific research might tell us how various properties in food can impact the body but it’s my job to translate it into things people can understand. If I can explain to the mother of a child with ADHD why cutting out or introducing certain foods can help that child’s condition, they are motivated to put it into practice as they can see the real benefits for their child and the wider family.

Calling all science students!

“I’m now looking forward to teaching and working with a new generation of scientists who can share the research in exciting, accessible and creative ways.”

The MSc Public Engagement with Science postgraduate degree is the only one of its kind in the UK and is just one of the many exciting projects Northumbria and the International Centre for Life are working on as part of a new partnership.

The degree will teach science graduates how to make complicated scientific findings come to life through exciting cultural activities, exhibitions and public outreach events.

It will prepare them for a range of interesting careers which could include community outreach, clinical research and consultancy, and engagement managers in universities, science centres, museums and research councils.

Starting in September 2014, the degree is aimed at confident science students who possess the gift of the gab and a strong desire to share their knowledge in fun ways.

Students on the course will have access to Life’s facilities, where they will stage exhibitions and deliver public engagement activities. They will also have work placement opportunities at Life and other science centres.

Are you a good communicator? Are you enthusiastic, passionate and confident in front of an audience?

Interested in making science more accessible to everyday people?

Well, you might be interested in signing up to the MSc Public Engagement with Science postgraduate degree.

To find out more or register your interest, send an email to carole.l.marshall@northumbria.ac.uk.

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ER

UNI NEWS Northumbria international

OR N

UMBRIA IN H T T

N

N AL O I AT

Northumbria is leaving footprints in London, Indonesia and the Commonwealth – demonstrating the University’s growing influence across the globe and opening up international opportunities for students.

As part of the partnership, Northumbria is launching four scholarships to promote student mobility, which will see students move in both directions between the UK and Indonesia. The scholarships will be available to students at any level.

Last month, Northumbria announced plans to bridge the North-South divide by opening a new campus in the UK Capital.

In other international border-crossing news, Professor Kath McCourt, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, has become the Vice President of the Commonwealth Nurses Federation (CNF).

From September, the London campus will offer professional, industry-based programmes for postgraduate and undergraduate students. Based in the heart of London’s financial district, the campus will provide links and opportunities for student placements in the national and international business sector.

CNF is a federation of national nursing and midwifery organisations in Commonwealth countries. It aims to develop international nursing networks by sharing good practice and influencing health policy throughout the Commonwealth.

News of the new campus followed the signing of a new partnership between Northumbria and BINUS International in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The move will create the BINUS-Northumbria School of Design (BNSD) which will offer UK university degrees to students studying in Indonesia. There is a growing demand in Indonesia for professionals in the creative industries meaning that BNSD graduates will be highly desirable employees.

Northumbria is already one of the most active British universities in the region, and teaches more Indonesian undergraduates in the UK than any other UK university.

Prof McCourt, currently Chair of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) International Committee, has recently led healthcare programmes in Malaysia, the Caribbean, the Middle East and China. In her role as CNF Vice President, Prof McCourt will help to influence change internationally, supporting the development and practice of nurses throughout the commonwealth.

She said: “While personally it is a very great honour for me to accept this role, I am excited by the enhanced knowledge sharing and access to leading nursing figures around the world. I look forward to bringing the benefits from these connections home to Northumbria and to our students.”

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