LIFE
ISSUE 42 ELECTIONS SPECIAL // MARCH 2015
DENTS THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF NORTHUMBRIA STU
D R A E EH
W O M N E T O V C I O V R U O Y AKE
CONTENTS
Also online @
WWW.NSU-MEDIA.COM
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#TRENDING
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CANDIDATES: LAY STUDENT COUNCILLORS
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NSU/NEWS: MARCH
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CANDIDATES: EQUALITY REPRESENTATIVES
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WHAT’S ALL THE ELECTIONS FUSS ABOUT?
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CANDIDATES: RON
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HOW YOU CAN VOTE
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SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT
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CANDIDATES: PRESIDENT
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NUS: IN OR OUT
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CANDIDATES: VP EDUCATION
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WELFARE WONDERINGS
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CANDIDATES: VP COMMUNICATIONS
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WHAT ARE YOU VOTING FOR?
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CANDIDATES: VP ACTIVITIES
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STUDENT HOUSING
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CANDIDATES: VP WELFARE
A message from your Students’ Union
It’s election time here at Northumbria Students’ Union. This is your opportunity to decide who will lead your Students’ Union for the next year! An SU is at the heart of any campus, offering loads of opportunities to develop whilst studying at University. Having current and recent students representing you to the University and City Council makes sure your voice is heard at all levels. Make sure you vote in this years election! www.mynsu.co.u/votenow
EDITORS THANKS
A sad farewell to Jamie Thompson, your VP Welfare & Equality - It’s been incredible to work with you, and good luck with your new job!
#TRENDING
WRITTEN BY CHARLOTTE HALL
A is for:
A LITTE DIFFERANT If you’re getting bored of the cinema and can’t be bothered to go out, try something different and grab tickets to the Film & Comic Con Newcastle at Metro Radio Arena on 28/29th March.
a
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C is for: CAKE!
E is for:
If you like cake and you haven’t been to The Great British Cupcakery on the Quayside yet, you should be ashamed of yourself…
Sssh, don’t tell anyone but there’s this website called CiteThisForMe that write all of your references for you…
b
c
EaSY AS 1,2,3
d
G is for:
GENERAL ELECTION Register to vote and mark 7th May on your calendar. Your vote really
f
e
g
h
B is for:
D is for:
F is for:
H is for:
Broadchurch
DEADLINES
FRANK’s BACK!
HARPER LEE
Satisfy all of your crime mystery needs with the brand new Broadchurch book, out now..
With deadlines looming, get your caffeine fix with discounted Starbucks at Habita!
Season 3 of Netflix original series, House of Cards, is out now…
Possibly one of the most exciting book releases of the year, To Kill a Mockingbird author is back with brand new novel, Go Set a Watchman, out 1st July
NSU/LIFE
I is for:
M is for:
Insurgent K is for:
The perfect way to relax after coming towards the end of semester 2, sequel to blockbuster Divergent is out March 20th
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Kettle mag Love reading fellow students writing? Check out Kettle mag, one of the leading students’ websites in the UK.
j
k
MUSICALS
O is for:
Les Mis is now on Netflix - perfect way to pretend those tears are due to the film and not because of that looming deadline..
With innovative sound and music, watch Macbeth like you’ve never seen it before, at Northern Stage, 10-14th March.
l
OuT OF THIS WORLD
m
n
o
p
J is for:
L is for:
N is for:
P is for:
Jess Glynne
Looking for..
PeOPLE!
After the success of featuring on Clean Bandit’s ‘Rather Be’, UK singer Jess Glynne is back with new single, Hold my Hand.
..New ways to procrastinate? Try ThoughtCatalog. com and thank me later.
Not good for the waistline Local poet Sheree Mack will be at Newcastle City Library on 24th March, talking about his passion for collecting those Woolf books.
Rejoice, baked beans and spaghetti hoops have officially been named as contributing to 1 of your 5 a day. Not even joking..
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#SELFIE
U is for:
Upay, the easy way
Q is for:
Quintessential coffee
S is for:
Bored of the big brands and maybe want to support a small business (who actually pay their taxes)? Visit Café 1901, a coffee shop dreams are made of.
Can’t upload those selfies to social media quick enough? Download Do Camera by IFTTT and let it do the hard work for you.
q
y
Selfie obsessed
r
s
t
u
W is for:
WOW Fancy glamping in Alicante for less than £200 for a week? Visit Pitchup and get booking…
v
w
x
R is for:
T is for:
V is for:
X is for:
REMEMBER
tREAT YOURSELF
V-V-Vintage
X-citing
‘You don’t want to look back and know you could’ve done better’
Ivy’s boutique are hosting an amazing homeware, fashion and lifestyle fair at The Holy Biscuit on 21st March.
If retro clothing is your thing, get yourself to Northumbria SU on Saturday 14th March for the Newcastle Vintage Kilo sale.
As part of the upcoming election and to celebrate International Women’s day, Northumbria’s Gender and Society Research hub are hosting Not on the QT - Women and Politics, 6th March. Get tickets now!
Y is for:
YouTUBERS Whether you like it or not, they seem to be releasing books left, right and centre. ‘Fleur de Force’s is out now!
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Forget struggling to find loose change to buy your lunch, simply add money to your Upay Chilli account and use your student card. Perfect for all of your food related needs.
NSU/LIFE
z
And finally Z is for:
Zzzzz... National Sleep Foundation have stated 18-25 yrs old need 7-9 hours sleep per night so stop sleeping in, and start doing something!
NSU NEWS MARCH ‘15 We’re well into second semester now, and Easter is fast approaching. It’s been a very busy few months here at Northumbria Students’ Union and here’s just a few of the things we’ve been up to. 5th February was National Voter Registration day, and saw your officer and staff team out around all campus’ offering students the chance to register to vote in this years general election. We managed to get an outstanding 227 people registered in just a few hours. The SU turned turqiouse for a week in February for Eco NSU Week. The week was a great success with lots of volunteers taking part in a wide range of activities from a clothes swap shop to a beach clean.
Following that, it was time for this year’s Volunteer Northumbria Week with a huge range of events, including a storytime project, IT classes for the elderly and so much more. The fun doesn’t stop there - if you want to get involved with volunteering you can anytime. Just drop into the SU welcome desk to find out how you can get involved. This month it’s election fever as you decide who will run your Students’ Union for the next year. Your vote matters, even if you won’t be here next year - so make sure you have your say on how your union is run.
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WHAT’S ALL THE ELECTIONS FUSS ABOUT? WRITTEN BY NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON
FACT:
Every single student at Northumbria University has a vote in Northumbria Students’ Union Elections.
The elected representatives of Northumbria Students’ Union represent all students, at all levels across the University. You came to University to have a brilliant student experience so why not select those people who can change and shape it.
Why you should vote: • It’s your Students’ Union, you should have your say on who runs it! • The Students’ Union is run by students for students, so why not have a say in who leads your Union and makes changes for you? • Not sure who you should vote for? Why not read the candidates’ manifestos and select the policies which work for you? (You can be selfish, after all it’s your University experience) • Every year the Students’ Union makes changes for YOU - some of our achievements in the last few years include: - An extra Coach Lane shuttle bus - Extended opening hours at City Campus East - More funding for student activities including clubs and societies - Set up a free STI and massage service - Water Fountains and cheaper food on campus
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ELECTIONS MYTHBUSTERS! Not got time?
ibly busy We know students are incred to vote. s but it literally takes 2 minute You can vote at www.mynsu.co.uk/votenow
Final year?
Final year? It’s your Univer sity isn’t it? Yes, you might be close to finishi ng your degree but you have lived the studen t experience and you know what needs changing. Why not make those changes and lea ve a legacy?
HOW DO I VOTE? When you’re ready to vote, visit www.mynsu.co.uk/votenow and login using your normal University username and password. First we’ll ask you some simple questions to check which Equality Rep elections you’re eligible to vote in. Then you’ll click to proceed to voting. The key thing about our voting system is that you rank the candidates. So you tick the box to set your favourite candidate as 1, your next favourite as 2, and so on. You can rank as many or as few candidates as you want, so you might rank right the way from 1 to 7 in some of our elections. The more preferences you give, the more likely you are to influence the result of the election. Because second, third, and other lower preferences will only be used if your preferred candidate cannot win, it is not possible to damage your favourite candidates’ chances. As well as the candidates, you can also vote for RON, ranking this like you would rank any other candidate. RON stands for re-open nominations and basically means that you would prefer to run the election again rather than elect any of the candidates. At the end of your ballot, you will be asked to vote in our referendum, with a simple yes or no question. You will then be asked to confirm your choices. Once you do this, your vote is complete. NSU/LIFE
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EAR H E C I O V KE YOUR
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STUDE RTHUMBRIA
UR NO
YO VOTE FOR
CERS I F F O L A C SABBATI ILLORS C N U O C T N LAY STUDE NTATIVES E S E R P E R EQUALITY RCH OPEN 9th
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DIDATE YOUR CAN
PRESIDENT Alice Weaver
You’d be mad not to VOTE FOR ALICE Hi, I’m Alice. After three years experience as both course and faculty rep I know how to communicate with, and represent students. At the request of my fellow students I have actively helped to implement beneficial change within the University and am eager to continue doing so. Students are the most important component of the university and I will work hard to empower you to have your say. I believe my experience and passion for progression and positive change makes me the best candidate to represent the students of Northumbria.
Annabelle Coakley
#BeSwellVoteAnnabelle for President! I’m Annabelle Coakley, a 3rd Year English Student. Over the last 3 years I have represented you as Halls/ Community/ Course Rep, Lay Student Councillor, NUS Delegate, and Student Led Teaching Awards Committee Coordinator. Now I want to represent you as your President. If you elect me I will: • Remove Hidden Fees: say goodbye to the hidden fees we hate, and hello to equal printing credits for all • Improve Housing Standards: Work with NU:Lets and the Council to launch an accreditation scheme • Address Food issues: A good standard of food for all dietary requirements on a budget.
Adam Crawley
Join the A-Team - Vote Adam Crawley #1 President My name is Adam Crawley and I have been an active part of the Northumbria Students’ Union for four years. I am running for President so I can lead the way for the best student experience possible. If I am elected I will: •Provide comfort whilst learning, by giving access to microwaves and kettles. •Bring more employers on campus for all faculties. •Push for a more student oriented assessment period. •Encourage more student-led events and promote their success. If this is what you want too, join the A-Team and vote Crawley #1 President. NSU/LIFE
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OR DIDATES F YOUR CAN DENT VICE PRESI
N EDUCATIO Joe Holt
Re-elect Joe Holt, your #1 VP: Education! I’m Joe, your current VP: Academic Affairs, running for re-election as your VP: Education. This year has been great – I’ve achieved what I set out to, but I’ve still got loads more to give! Everything on my manifesto is achievable, and I’ve got the knowledge and experience to deliver on my promises! Re-elect me for: • Electronic assignment submission • Removal of all hidden fees - especially printing credits • Timetabling review - timetables that work for students • A review of PGR Space AND LOADS MORE! Log onto the website and check my full manifesto. Re-elect Joe Holt, your #1 VP: Education!
Shereen Boniface
A FRESH FACE, A FRESH START! Your choice for a first class education. My Experiences: • BA (Hons) Mass Communication Course Rep. 2014/15 • Volunteer Northumbria Events Coordinator 2015 • Student Representative Committee President 2013/14
I plan to: • Improve Timetabling by introducing day & time options. • Increase available information on elective modules. • Campaign for impartial scholarship opportunities. • Introduce a lecture recording technology. • Implement a balance between theoretical and practical assessments. • Improve library printing facilities and lower colour printing costs. • Standardise electronic & anonymous marking systems. • Empower course reps to represent you better.
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ARCH 10am NDAY 9th M O M M O R PEN F OR VOTING O MARCH 2PM DIDATES F IDAY 13TH YOUR CAN CLOSES FR DENT VICE PRESI
S N O I T A C I N COMMU Tom Bromwich
RE-ELECT TOM BROMWICH COOKIE COMMS MONSTER I’m Tom your current VP Communications & Democracy, and I’ve spent the last year representing you. I’ve fulfilled all the promises I made last year; launching NSU/Media and a radio station, live streaming student council and loads more. I’ve been in the job for a year, I have built up strong relationships with the University, and I have proven that I can get things done. My manifesto is full of realistic things, which I know are achievable. If you like what I have to say, please Re-elect me, The Cookie Comms Monster!
H 10am Y 9th MARC A D N O M EN FROM PM VOTING OP H MARCH 2 T 3 1 Y A ID CLOSES FR NSU/LIFE
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OR DIDATES F YOUR CAN DENT VICE PRESI
S ACTIVITIE Jack Tait
Choose the strong candidate #Jacktivities I’m Jack Tait and I’m running to be your VP activities next year! As an active volunteer, a society committee member and a current member of your SU bar staff I am heavily involved in the Student’s Union and have lots of relevant experience to the role! If I am elected I will campaign to launch a new student led club night at the Union, work with new and existing societies to encourage growth and implement new and ideas in order to make volunteering within the Union more accessible and more rewarding than ever. #Jacktivities
Morgan McKee
University life is more than just education My time at university involved myself taking part in numerous activities in the students union, this brought me a lot of opportunities, skills and enjoyment that would have been otherwise lost if not for the students union. I am currently the social secretary for Snow Sports Northumbria and would like to use my skills from this for the students union to provide new and creative ways for our students to have fun, give back to the community and to encourage fun for students outside of their studies.
Helena Fagan
FAGAN THE FIGHTER Hi, I’m Helena Fagan and I am running for the position of VP Activities. If elected I will fight for; -What Societies want; an ability to self-fundraise in addition to grants, make room hire easier and host events to integrate societies. -Enhance Employability; make better connections with local businesses to provide students with more part-time job opportunities, invite in external employers to host mock interviews and receive module credits for Volunteering. -Sports and ‘Give It A Go’; Improve awareness of recreational sporting opportunities and more chances to ‘Give It A Go’ throughout the year. Vote FAGAN THE FIGHTER! 14
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ARCH 10am NDAY 9th M O M M O R EN F VOTING OP MARCH 2PM IDAY 13TH CLOSES FR
Laura Charlton
VOTE CHARLTON - Join the activities tribe Hi! I’m Laura Charlton and you should elect me as your activities officer so I can give you the richest experiences to add to your university lifestyle AND your CV! o HAVE FUN: new events, festivals in the quad, volunteer abroad, more funding, business links & awards for sports & societies! o GET EMPLOYED: industry placements for ALL students, increase part time jobs, more FREE skills training! o RELAX: chill out in new 24-hour spaces, discount holidays & experiences! If YOU want a union more relevant to YOU Join the tribe & vote Laura Charlton #1 VP Activities!
Nicholas Gibb
I won’t cause a referendum, or will I? About Me I believe in this university. Through my three years here I have been a part of the American Football team where I have worked closely with the captains to help players achieve their potential and we were rewarded with a winning season this year. I also was part of the welcome week team moving new students into their halls and looking after them on their first week at Northumbria. Being an Arts student, I hold the creative side of the university close to my heart, I believe we are producing the best talent in the North East.
Poornima Devi Decide on Devi
I’m Poornima Devi, a final year MSc Nursing student. Highly involved and passionate about the Student Union, I believe that I will make an impact on YOUR student life. I want to provide an all rounded university experience for students, allowing them to have an opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities and sports, and improving their CV. I look forward to planning events and activities to give you the best University experience.
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OR DIDATES F YOUR CAN DENT VICE PRESI
WELFARE Lee Holmes
GET HOLMES ON THE CASE I’m a second year Politics student with a passion for change and representation. During my time at Northumbria I have been both Politics Course Rep as well as Trinity Square Accommodation Rep. I currently work within the Student’s Union as a member of Bar Staff. If elected I pledge to campaign for:• An onsite GP’s Surgery • The introduction of a subsidised transport for students • The creation of a one-stop Student Advice Centre within the SU. • The introduction of weekly drop-in sessions with me at both campuses. • The active recruitment of part-time employers for undergraduates.
Matt Auden
THE FRESH PRINCE OF WELFARE My name is Matt Auden and I am standing to be your Vice President Welfare. During my time at university I’ve encountered my own difficulties with mental health and felt passionately about how it affected my studies, I felt very underwhelmed with the support available to students living away from home. I am standing because I believe the welfare services provided by the Students Union are important and help many people; I hope to improve upon the already present services available to students such as Nightline and ensure all students no matter of nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability or faith has a representative on campus who will listen and take action on their behalf.
Cassie Simpson
This girl is ON welFIRE!
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Hey I’m Cassie Simpson and I am ON welFIRE! Through committees, RAG, marketing team and volunteering, I have the experience, skills and more importantly determination to be your VP Welfare. With your vote I WILL: • Promote mental health awareness • Encourage stronger relationships with international & mature students • Push for lower deposit rates at NU:Lets • Launch drop in self-defence classes • Introduce a bigger range of food for specific dietary requirements • Develop better ties with Team Northumbria Vote Cassie as YOUR #1 VP Welfare!
ARCH 10am NDAY 9th M O M M O R EN F VOTING OP MARCH 2PM IDAY 13TH CLOSES FR
Dean Wilson
#DeanForWelfare Hi there, my name’s Dean and I’m running to be your Welfare Sabb. From being a halls rep in first year, to working across 3 committees, attending 2 NUS conferences, being elected for a third and working as one of your elected Lay Student Councillors, welfare has always been at the heart of everything I stand for. I have the experience, enthusiasm and determination to make actions, not words and ensure and promise that if elected, I will work tirelessly on realistic and feasible issues such as fair representation, university guidance, and housing to be the officer that you deserve.
Alice Birch
VOTE ALI B
If elected I aim to #1 LIGHTING - Work with Newcastle Council to increase lighting in dark social areas #2 BUS SERVICES – Provide night buses to Trinity Square/CCE once a week. Improve Coach Lane bus services #3 INTERNATIONAL - Organise events for international students #4 HEALTH - Offer ‘Get up and go’ service. Anti-bacterial wipes in the library #5 FREE CLASSES – Self-defence/ Anxiety/Meditation classes #6 HOME COMFORTS - Arrange support sessions for students who feel unsettled #7 HOUSING - Campaign on Letting Agency/Landlord housing issues #8 FINANCE - Supplementary printing credits for students who have courses with high printer demand
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DRINKAWARE.CO.UK
www.mynsu.co.uk
S FOR
DIDATE YOUR CAN
NT E D U T S Y A 5L RS O L L I C N U CO Ryan Bush
Don’t Beat around it, Just Vote Bush! Hey I‘m Ryan Bush, I’m running for Lay Student Councillor. I have experience in all aspects of student life: Faculty, Societies, Sport, Volunteering and Welfare. With your vote I will: • Improve Mental Health and Well Being Services • Improve Room Bookings • Campaign for more Printing credits for all students • Stand up for Students!
Lily-Rose Lenton
Fighting for a better Education If you vote for me for lay student councillor I will strive to: • Get a standard level of acceptability for classroom environments • Try and improve the often nescient approach accommodation has when students have issues • Make sure that the university’s policies (like Trans) are all up to date and fit for purpose. These are all things I feel passionately about because they have affected me this past year
Megan Smith
Mystic Meg: The future can be bright!
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Hi, I’m Megan Smith, a second year BA Geography student. I’m running for Lay Student Councillor for the academic year 2015-16 as I want to make a positive impact on the lives of students at Northumbria University. My campaign aims are: • Make all students aware of volunteering opportunities within the union. • Make students aware of HEAR transcripts in order to receive recognition for their hard work. • Have university-wide clarification on lecturer availability outside of contact time. • Ensure prompt return of feedback on agreed dates. • Help make careers advice and opportunities easily available to all students.
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Holly Hunter
DON’T WONDER, VOTE HUNTER Don’t Wonder, Vote Hunter: I am Holly Hunter, a 4th year French with Business student. I am passionate about making positive change and want to represent you as a Lay Student Councillor. This is why you should elect me: • Healthier food, halal options, and more water machines • More non-competitive sports • More opportunities for home, EU and international students to meet • Easier ways for societies to set up at Coach Lane Campus • Regular drop-in sessions to listen to YOU • I will work hard with you and for you to run campaigns on major issues – so please Don’t Wonder, Vote Hunter!
Alistair Purdy
I’m For Every Student • Guidance Tutors Every student deserves guidance and support. • Representation and Advice Every student needs to know that we have people who can help. • IT services Every student deserves access to resources that work for them. • Printing Every student needs the right credits, for them and for their course. • Promote the Students Union Every student needs to know it’s more than just a bar.
Simon Noble
Noble by Name! Noble by Nature! Hello! My name is Simon Noble and I want to be one of your Lay Student Councillors! I’m a second year Journalism student here at Northumbria who has been course rep for my first two years, as well as helping with Welcome Week 2014 and various Open Days. I’m also involved with the multiple strains of NSU/Media. As a student who works, lives at home and is officially classed as a ‘mature’ student I feel I could be an excellent voice for students here at Northumbria. NSU/LIFE
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REP Y T I L A U Q E POSITIONS R IDATES FO
D YOUR CAN
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UDE T S D E L B A S DI
REP EQUALITY
Mary Ashley
Levelling the playing field for disabilities Hi, I’m Mary I’m running for disability representative because tackling barriers for those with special educational needs and disabilities is something close to my heart. Being diagnosed dyslexic I understand some of the frustrations faced by disability students and want to make change, and ‘level the playing field’. I would like changed to be made to the blind marking policy to better acknowledge the difficulties faced in writing and presenting assignments. I’m keen to build on the work of the former disability rep. having drop in session and working on disabled access to both campus
R IDATES FO
D YOUR CAN
S T N E D U T S WOMEN EQUALITY
REP
Lizi Gray
Re-Elect Lizi, keep her busy Hi, I’m Lizi Gray - second year Sociology student. I’ve been active in local feminist groups since 2011 and I’ve loved my first year as Women’s Rep. If re-elected I will keep up my work to promote gender equality on campus! You said, I did: • Tackling Lad Culture In April Northumbria will be hosting a summit on lad culture with peer mentoring sessions on how to tackle it – the first of its kind in the region! • Consent on Campus This year we saw the successful launch of The Line campaign. If re-elected I promise to continue and expand this work.
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ARCH 10am NDAY 9th M O M M O R EN F VOTING OP MARCH 2PM IDAY 13TH CLOSES FR
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DENT U T S E M I T PART
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REP EQUALITY
Roy Blewitt
DON’T BLOW IT VOTE BLEWITT • Ensure recognition of Part-Time Students needs by University and Students Union, including Module structures, Deadlines and those of Students who are studying at distance or intensive study days. • Ensure Part-Time Students who may face specific issues such as Council Tax or a lack of access to bursaries, loans or more usual methods of student financing aren’t left out of University planning. • Ensure those Part-Time Students who are older, with extensive work or child care commitments are considered in planning by the University and Students Union working with other Student and staff representatives that cover those areas to provide unified ideas.
R IDATES FO
D YOUR CAN
NE COACH LA STUDENTS
REP EQUALITY
Grace Flowers Pick of the bunch
I want to bring more activities and opportunities to Coach Lane students. This is because currently there barriers stopping students getting involved with a wide range of opportunities. I want to bridge the gap between both Campus’ and encourage students to experience both sides of university life. Just because we are Coach Lane students does not mean we aren’t Northumbria students!
RCH 10am DAY 9th MA N O M M O EN FR MARCH 2PM VOTING OP IDAY 13TH CLOSES FR NSU/LIFE
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H T I W Y P P A H T O N ? S E T A D I D N A C E H T RON (Re Open Nominations) If you’re not happy with the candidates for any of the positions, you can always vote RON (re-open nominations). A vote for RON is a vote against the candidates, and if RON wins then we will hold a new election and allow different candidates to nominate themselves and stand.
, E S O O H C U O Y R E V E O H W
E R U S MAKE
! E T O YOU V CH 10am AY 9th MAR D N O M M EN FRO H 2PM VOTING OP 13TH MARC Y A ID R F S CLOSE
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IF WE GET
4,000 VOTES
WE WILL GIVE YOU A
PUPPY ROOM! That’s right. Puppies! We will give you a puppy room for a whole day in exam season, right when you need it most! All you have to do is cast your vote in this year’s election - www.mynsu.co.uk/votenow NSU/LIFE
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THE DRONE ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT WRITTEN BY DESOC COMMITTEE The Drone Enthusiasts are a freshly started technology interest society. Our focus is around bringing people together with a shared interest in RC aircraft and aerial photography. This ain’t no covert military operation - we meet for monthly flights in parks across Newcastle as well as Friday afternoon drinks in Habita. Drones are getting cheap to own and you can pick one up with a camera for around £40 online - even if you don’t have a drone you can come along to our meets, have a fly and see if it’s something you’d like to get into to. We’ll be hosting races, seminars discussing the issues facing the hobbyist community as well as workshops on modding your drone to make it lighter, increasing stability and appearance and of course flying. If you’re anything like me you’ll probably think the idea of joining a society based around flying a remote controlled quadrocopter a bit nerdy - get yourself onto Youtube and have a search for drone footage of some of your favourite places (most cities will have a drone filmed video from the sky!), sign up to the society and come have a fly for yourself. Membership is only £1 and we are also looking for first and second year students to apply for next year’s committee to lead the society in the right direction for 2015/16. If you have any questions please email dean.lendrum@northumbria.ac.uk.
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YOGA SOCIETY
SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT WRITTEN BY YOGA SOC COMMITTEE Yoga Society has been running for just over a year and improved drastically. We now have two sessions per week spanning both campuses and two types of yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on the alignment of the body through a fast paced practice. This includes the practice of sun salutations to build core strength and flexibility. Iyengar Yoga, developed by Bellur K. S. Iyengar, is a form of Hatha Yoga that has an emphasis on detail and precision in posture and breath control. Iyengar sessions are slower and strip each pose back to the basics to ensure they are accurate. Yoga’s focus on mindfulness, breathing and physical movements brings health benefits with regular participation. “Yoga Society has improved my flexibility and helps me sleep better. I really enjoy the relaxation at the end of each session” - Emma Langton “I had never done yoga before joining this society and through it I’ve met some great people and I’ve found that I’m a lot less stressed after sessions “- Caroline Dillon
Yoga sessions run every week: Tuesdays at 5-6 in the Old Gym, Coach Lane campus (Iyengar yoga) Fridays at 5-6 in Stage 2, City Campus (Hatha yoga) Society membership is £3 and the cost of each session is £2 for members or £3 for non-members. Find us on Facebook:
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IN or oUt WHAT IS NUS AND WHAT’S IN IT FOR US? In March, Northumbria will elect its Union’s leaders for the year ahead. These individuals will shape the work of the Union and as a result the University and Newcastle. At the same time we will get a chance to shape the work of our Union by voting on whether we remain part of the National Union of Students (NUS). This is the first time in over five years students have been given a say on the issue of affiliation to NUS and the issue is complicated.
YES TO NUS Finances
NUS saves the Students’ Union money. Whether it’s by selling us alcohol for Habita and Reds at low prices, or by the money we earn from selling NUS extra cards, NUS membership means Northumbria Students’ Union has more money to use for improving student experience.
Support
Support – NUS provides training and support for our reps and officers. Whether it’s big training weekends such as the ones our sabbatical officers attend each year, or NUS staff and leaders providing advice and assistance with our own campaigns, this also allows us to feed back into NUS. As well as supporting us, it can be said that we support them.
Links
NUS isn’t just one big organisation in London – hundreds of Students Unions across the country are members. By being a member of NUS we have stronger links to other SUs including Newcastle, Sunderland, Teesside and Durham. This allows us to work together to have a huge impact locally.
Wider Campaigning
As students we need people to stand up for us nationally, and it’s in the name National Union of Students, when it comes to the big issues, whether its lobbying MPs, working with national charities, or simply being the ones who go on TV to give our perspective, NUS has a significant impact nationally, which Northumbria may not have alone.
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WHERE DO I VOTE?
You get to have your say at the same time as voting for your Students’ Union leaders! 9th -13th March 2015 Vote online at www.mynsu.co.uk/votenow
NO TO NUS Representation
Most students have very few opportunities to directly impact what NUS is campaigning on, and in the past NUS have run campaigns not all students may agree with. For several years now there’s been discussion of giving all students the vote for NUS President, but currently it’s decided at National Conference. Whilst Northumbria does send delegates to this Conference, it isn’t as representative as us all getting a vote.
Finances
It’s true NUS membership saves the Union money, but some of these savings have to be used to pay our membership fee, and whilst we’re still better of as part of NUS, many Union’s thrive by themselves, so don’t let the fear of the price of drinks going up put you off, we may even get more choice over what we sell.
Campaigning
Leaving NUS wouldn’t prevent us using our voice nationally. Directly campaigning, taking part in national demonstrations, lobbying and working with other organisations would all still be on the table, and because we’d have total control we would be able to work with whoever we want to get the most for Northumbria students.
Change
NUS is over 90 years old now, and student life and Universities have changed a lot in that time. There’s one argument that NUS is outdated. This isn’t to say that NUS doesn’t do good work, but that a change might make things better (on the other hand, you might say better to try and change NUS…) NSU/LIFE
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s r a t S e h t r o f h c a e R D E R IN G S W E L F A R E WO N ompson Written by Jamie Th
Well, I’m sad to say that this is the last ever Welfare Wonderings in NSU/Media (unless someone else takes over of course!) And on that note, it is also a farewell from me. I have served as your Vice President Welfare and Equality for around 20 months now and it has been an absolutely incredible experience. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been tough at times but honestly I’ve had the time of my life. I’ve brought health high on the agenda for our students and implemented some exciting new services which I hope continue to grow and develop in the coming years. I announced my departure recently on Youtube (Farewell Northumbria) as I have secured employment as a Digital Skills Instructor for Newcastle College. I’m truly gutted to be leaving but I’m stepping into the career I’ve desired for many years now - I never thought I’d get 30
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there! Thanks to all of the wonderful students and staff who have made this experience what it is - I owe you so much. Special shout out to my Welfare Warriors of this year and last who have inspired me every day - I know you will continue to work hard to make sure the students you represent have the best experience at Northumbria.
Those who are close to me know that the past few weeks have been a real challenge for me, and all I can say is that often bad things happen to good people. Try and see past the bad - without that we would never be able to see the good, and good things to come, they just sometimes take a little longer. One of my favourite quotes which I received in a fortune cookie when I was younger is “For every dark night there is a brighter day” - I really like that one.
So yes, over the years I’ve had challenges with my mental health, I didn’t get the grades I’d hoped for at uni and I never thought I’d end up with a decent job, let alone the one that I really wanted. But, to my surprise, I’ve been given a wealth of opportunities and been surrounded by incredible people every single day. Please never feel like you aren’t good enough, and never give up. Reach for the stars they’re probably closer than you think. As cheesy as this is I’d like to dedicate this article to my kitten Enzo who unfortunately passed away recently. I’m sure he’s causing mayhem in kitten heaven as I write this :-)
RIP Enzo
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WHAT ARE YOU VOTING FOR? #GENERATIONVOTE WRITTEN BY CHARLOTTE HALL You may hear the world ‘politics’ and immediately switch off, but seriously - it’s time to listen. Politics affects us all everyday, yet in the 2010 General Election, just 44% of 18-25 year olds voted. Young people’s voices were not heard and guys, that’s kind of the reason we’re now paying tuition fees of £9,000 a year… Now you may be thinking, ‘ok, so I want to vote but all the parties look and sound the same..’ then yes, unfortunately you are pretty accurate. You may also be thinking, ‘but they don’t care about young people anyway so what’s even the point?’ The point is, it’s easy for politicians to ignore us whilst we ignore them but the moment we voice our opinions, they have to listen. Now, the final political manifestos haven’t all been released yet but to try and help figure out what each party will do if they win in May, we’ve taken a look at promises stated by the parties over the last few months that could affect you.
ARE YOU GOING TO PROTECT HIGHER EDUCATION?
RENT IS CRAZY EXPENSIVE YOU KNOW?
Conservative: Rumours are that David Cameron will be removing the cap on tuition fees, so there would be no limit to what universities can charge.
Conservative: Propose a rent-to-buy scheme, giving younger people more opportunity to take their first step on to the property ladder.
Labour: Cap tuition fees at £6,000 a year.
Labour: Rents capped for three years per tenancy.
Liberal Democrats: Want to increase flexibility, meaning you can study part time whilst also having a job and will make it easier to transfer universities if you want to. Greens: Remove all fees. UKIP: Remove all fees for anyone studying science, maths, technology and medicine. 32
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Liberal Democrats: Rights for renters. Greens: Want to control rents and create new legislation to stop landlords discriminating against you. UKIP: Increase building on brownfield sites, control immigration and scrap bedroom tax.
FINDING A JOB IS SO HARD, CAN YOU HELP? Conservative: No more zero hour contracts with under 21s job’s tax free. Labour: Any 18-24yr old are guaranteed a job(which would be mandatory!) if they’ve been Jobseeker’s allowance for over a year - the job is mandatory and internships would last a maximum of 4 weeks to balance the class gap emerging in ‘experience’ based sectors. Liberal Democrats: Raise minimum wage, stop zero hour contracts and increase business transparency to eradicate pay gap for females. Greens: Will create 700,000 new job opportunities for young people, costing £5 billion. The working week will be reduced to 35 hours.
THE ENVIRONMENT IS KIND OF IMPORTANT - YOU ARE CARING FOR IT, RIGHT? Conservative: Committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Labour: Energy efficiency is the priority which would mean homes would become cheaper to heat, and therefore would be better for the environment. Liberal Democrats: Want to electrify, and therefore make more efficient, all suburban and major rail routes within ten years. Will bring in statutory targets for cleaner and fresher water. Greens: Ban factory farming. Change Britain’s energy source from fossil fuels to renewable and have proposed 10% cut to public transport fares. UKIP: Quash Climate Change Act 2008.
UKIP: Businesses will be allowed to discriminate in favour of young British workers, helping British people get jobs.
Bear in mind, these are not set in stone and hey, politicians aren’t known for keeping their promises so make sure you see if these promises have been included in their manifestos. If you want to find out more, but have no idea where to go that isn’t mind numbingly dull, try Huffington Post and Buzzfeed both fantastic for politics and translate political jargon into normal language!
Have you registered to vote yet?
Time is running out to register for this years General Election - make sure your name is on the list to have your say in how the country is run.
Register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or at the Students’ Union Welcome Desk NSU/LIFE
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STUDENT HOUSING CAMPAIGN UPDATE WRITTEN BY YOUR LAY STUDENT COUNCILLORS
As ever, your Lay Student Councillor team have been hard at work trying to improve the welfare of students in Newcastle. We have been in meetings with Newcastle City Council to start putting together a successful housing and landlord accreditation scheme to replace the current one. This scheme would mean that prospective landlords would have to meet certain criteria to be awarded accredited status, and as such students could trust that they were renting from reliable sources. The scheme would also work with housing on an individual, caseby-case basis to ensure that a landlord
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with one good property could not become accredited on that merit and then slack with others. We have also been busy compiling information to produce a comprehensive, student-led information booklet with everything from how to read your energy performance certificate (to see how much your house would cost to heat!) to knowing your rights as a tenant and how to get your deposit back. We aim to have this developed and sent out midsemester 1 to try to fight the pressure put on by landlords to have a property by Christmas and so that all students are clued up and informed for what could be their first time renting.
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R U O OR Y NION
F S’ U T E N S R VOT RIA STUDE E IC
NO
UM RTH
B SAB
S LAY
F F O AL S R C I O LL AT
B
EN D U T
T
NC U O C
LI A U EQ
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P E R TY 3th
h-1 t 9 N
S H
C MAR
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@northumbriasu Facebook.com/mynsu @northumbriastudentsunion
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