Student Handbook 2016-17
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CONTENTS
PAGE
FULL TIME OFFICERS
4
CLASS REPS & SCHOOL OFFICERS
5
ELECTIONS 6 STUDENT VOICE & IDEAS
7
NUS & CAMPAIGNS
8
ADVICE CENTRE
9
PARTNER NIGHTCLUB & BAR
10
STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAMME
12
/GCUstudents
VOLUNTEERING WELLBEING & NIGHTLINE SOCIETIES SPORT CLUBS THE EDIT MAGAZINE & RADIO CALEY
13 14 16 17
@GCUstudents /GCUstudents
EVENTS 18 STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION BUILDING
19
ABOUT US
20
STRATEGIC PLAN
21
@GCU_students
IMPACT 22
As a GCU student you are automatically a member of GCU Students’ Association. Primarily we are here to represent you to improve your GCU student experience. We also provide lots of services and activities that are explained in this handbook. Whether you are based in Glasgow or elsewhere we want you to feel part of the GCU community and Be part of something… Bigger. Use your GCU username and password to login our website to buy tickets for events, join a club or society, volunteer, submit an idea, vote in our elections and change your email communication preference.
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Full Time Officers
The Students’ Association is led by four elected students known as Full Time Officers. They each have a responsibility to represent the views of students from all the academic schools and the wider student body. These roles are full time paid positions. We represent students from: School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE), Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS), School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS), School for Work Based Education (SWBE), Graduate School, GCU London and INTO GCU.
Student President Lauren Ramage
Vice President GSBS Jodie Waite
E: President@GCUstudents.co.uk T: 0141 273 1601 @GCUStudents_SP /GCUStudentsSP
E: VP.GSBS@GCUstudents.co.uk T: 0141 273 1602 @VP_GSBS /GCUStudentsGSBS
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Vice President SEBE Chris Daisley
Vice President SHLS Kevin Campbell
E: VP.SEBE@GCUstudents.co.uk T: 0141 273 1616 @VP_SEBE /GCUStudentsSEBE
E: VP.SHLS@GCUstudents.co.uk T: 0141 273 1612 @VP_SHLS /GCUStudentsSHLS
Class Representatives
We’re here to make sure that as a student your needs are represented at every level. Every programme within the University should have Class Representatives at every level – usually two but sometimes more. Class Reps are there to let lecturers know when there are problems so that things can get fixed quickly rather than turning into a bigger problem. They are also there to let lecturers know what students like about the course so that they will know to keep doing them!
Nicole Forbes BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Child), Class Rep
‘Being a class rep has definitely improved my confidence. I feel I am a much stronger advocate for people and I feel this will help me to become a better nurse.’
In the first few weeks of term, your lecturers should ask students on your programme if they are interested in becoming a Class Representative. If they don’t, then ask your lecturers about it. Anyone can be a Class Representative – you don’t need any experience and it doesn’t take up a lot of time (only two meetings a year). Full training and support provided. Being a Class Representative is a good way to develop communication skills, make useful contacts within your department and add something to your CV. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/classreps
School Officers
Each year some Class Representatives are given the opportunity to become School Officers and become involved in higher level representation in their Schools. The School Officer role receives a small payment each trimester. These roles are normally appointed at the end of each academic year. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/schoolofficers
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Elections
Each year we hold campus wide elections to elect our four new Full Time Officers. You will have the oppotunity to vote for the officers. You can also nominate yourself to run in the elections. Voting happens in Student Elections Week which takes place in March. The elected Full Time Officers become leaders of the Students’ Association with a £700,000 budget, trustees of our charity and representatives of you, the 17,000 GCU students. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/elections
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Student Voice
Student Voice is open to all GCU students and it is your chance to be part of how the Students’ Association decides on what its priorities are each year; from the issues we campaign on to the services we provide and the activities we run. If you choose to get involved you will have a say on what happens on campus and meet lots of new people. Meetings take place 4 times a year. They are friendly and informal and everyone gets the opportunity to have their say which helps us to make sure we make the right decisions for all GCU students. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/voice
Ideas
We’re always open to embracing new initiatives, projects and causes that help GCU students, so your new ideas are always welcome. You can make a difference by sharing your ideas for improving the student experience. Whether it’s a small change that would improve your day to day experience at GCU or something much bigger you think we should be campaigning for, we want to hear about it so that we can work with you to make it happen. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/ideas
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National Union of Students
The Students’ Association is a member of the National Union of Students (NUS) which means all GCU students are members too. NUS is a national campaigning body which exists to promote, defend and extend the rights of students. As part of NUS we work together with other students’ associations from across the country to campaign and lobby the government to ensure the best outcome for our students. We are always looking for students who want to get involved in national campaigns. Whether it’s taking part in a demo or writing to your MSP, you can help us make a difference. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/NUS
Campaigns
We are committed to campaigning to improve your student experience. Whether its protesting against tuition fees, fighting for fair treatment for international students or campaigning for better feedback on coursework, we’ll be there wearing the t-shirt (quite literally!). Our campaigning covers the whole student experience – not just the issues affecting you in the lecture theatre – and our best campaigns come from supporting our students to make the changes that they want to see during their time at GCU. Find our Campaigns Toolkit on our website. We have campaigns to represent all of the different groups within our student body. Our Liberations Campaigns (Women, LGBT+, Ethnic Minority, Disabled): www.GCUstudents.co.uk/liberation Our Education Campaigns: www.GCUstudents.co.uk/education Our Ethical and Environmental Campaign: www.GCUstudents.co.uk/EandE
Jill Stevens, BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism, Women’s Officer
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‘As soon as I began immersing myself in liberation campaigns and student politics, I found a place where I could be myself and make a difference.’
The Advice Centre
The Advice Centre is located at the entrance to the Students’ Association Building. We provide a free non-judgemental and confidential service to all GCU students. If you experience difficulties during your studies we are here to help. We are the only service at GCU that provides independent and confidential advice, guidance and representation to students on academic procedures such as Mitigating Circumstances, Academic Appeals, Student Disciplinary, Complaints and Harassment issues.
Caroline
Kirsty Meg
The Advice Centre is open Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm. Our three full time Student Advisers: Caroline, Meg and Kirsty, can be contacted by phone or email to make an appointment in advance. You can also drop into the centre in the Students’ Association Building. Contact the Advice Centre www.GCUstudents.co.uk/advice T: 0141 273 1650 or E: advice@GCUstudents.co.uk
We also offer advice on a wide range of other issues including: • Problems on your course: Difficulties with fellow students or tutor? Do you feel your course is not right for you? • Representation for Disciplinaries: Information on your rights and responsibilities including minor and major offences e.g. plagiarism, cheating, and anti-social behaviour. • Listening and support: Coming to University for the first time can be daunting and challenging. If you just want to talk and need someone to listen
in complete confidence or you might be worried about a friend, then pop in to see one of our Advisers as we are here to help. • Financial worries: Why not come in and talk to one of our Advisers about it? If appropriate we can refer you to other services. • Sexual Health: Would you like an unlimited supply of condoms and information about sexual health? Then pop into the Advice Centre and access the free condom service. Our service is linked to the sexual health clinic at the Sandyford Initiative.
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Student Leaders Programme
The Student Leaders Programme is open to all GCU students that are actively volunteering on campus or outside of GCU. We will help you identify the leadership competencies you want to develop and support you to become an effective leader, perform better in your volunteer role and develop the attributes sought by employers. Your hard work and completing the programme will be recognised both by GCU and the Students’ Association through a celebration event and a certificate of completion. This straight-forward programme provides you with the opportunity to become a socially responsible leader and transform the lives of others. We are the University for the Common Good. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/SLP
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Wellbeing Volunteering
Get involved and see how YOU could make a difference to the wellbeing of 17,000 GCU students. Wellbeing Volunteers help to run campaigns throughout the year and help promote issues surrounding student wellbeing. This year our campaigns will include drugs awareness, sexual health, healthy eating and we will complete the programme with our annual one day Wellbeing Fayre. With so many exciting areas to focus on, Wellbeing Volunteering is a lively activity to get involved with. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/wellbeingvol Jemma Reid BA (Hons) Social Work, Wellbeing Volunteer
‘Being a Wellbeing Volunteer has made a big difference to my university experience. It has made me more confident and given me a better sense of belonging.’
Nightline Volunteering
Nightline is a confidential telephone and online listening and information service for students that is run by committed, trained and supported student volunteers from 7pm to 7am, Monday- Friday during term time. Being a Nightline volunteer is a commitment and is both challenging and rewarding. It is a great opportunity to gain useful training and experience, to make new friends and to have fun whilst also providing a valuable service to your student community. www.scnightline.com or call 0141 55 22 555
Anonymous Nightline Volunteer
‘Nightline was a perfect opportunity to gain experience in an area I have a strong interest in and it gave me the chance to help others by providing students a place they can talk in confidence to other trained students.’
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Societies
Every society is run by GCU students so activities can be shaped by you and your fellow members, and there are around 60 societies offering activities during the academic year. These are course based, culture, faith and charity based as well as social, interest and hobby based societies. If you can’t see the society for you then it’s really easy to start your own. Many societies hold weekly activities and regular events so there’s always something going on to get involved with. You can also volunteer to be on a Society Committee and help to run and coordinate their activities. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/societies
Ogheneyoma O. Adjekpiyede MSc Applied Instrumentation and Control, Society Committee Member
‘I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of people and make new friends, that was the best part of my volunteer experience. In addition, I have come to realise that I perform better academically when I combine my academics with extracurricular activities.’
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Sports Clubs
Get involved in sports clubs and make new friends, have some fun, be active and feel good. There are around 35 different clubs, all organised by GCU student volunteers. Most hold weekly activities and participate in competitions throughout the year. You can also volunteer to be on a Sports Club Committee and could be responsible for co-ordinating activities, leading the team on the pitch or organising social events. If you don’t find a Sports Club you like then you can start your own. Sports Clubs membership includes admission to ALL* sports clubs, so you only need to pay once. Membership provides personal accident insurance and where applicable use of club equipment, coaching, facility costs, competition entry and subsidised transport to activities. Some sports clubs may make an additional charge at each activity. The membership gives each member voting rights at meetings of the sports club indicated on the membership form. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/sport *some restrictions apply
Rachel Simpson BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Sports Club Committee Member
‘My university experience would have been totally different if I hadn’t become involved as a volunteer with the Students’ Association. I’ve learned a lot about leadership, teamwork, communication and many other skills which look great on my CV.’
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The Edit Magazine
The Edit is the Students’ Association award winning magazine written by GCU students for GCU students. It is published in print and online. You can get involved and volunteer to be a writer, photographer, graphic designer or PR and contribute to the magazine while you study. Topics include fashion, arts, student news, music, writing reviews or any other subject of interest to students. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/theedit
Radio Caley
Radio Caley is the Students’ Association online radio station; it’s organised and co-ordinated by GCU student volunteers. There are a number of roles that you get involved in by volunteering, these include production, presenting, fundraising, music, PR and technical. No experience is necessary and full training is provided. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/radiocaley
Mark Cunningham BA (Hons) Media and Communications, Radio Caley Volunteer
‘Being a Radio Caley volunteer provided the majority of my development and learning outside of the classroom. Volunteering has shaped my skill set, improved my standing as a leader and I’ve made the most incredible bonds with people who I’ll never forget.’
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Events
We organise loads of exciting and fun events throughout the academic year. Going along to one of our events is great for expanding your social circle, trying something new, relaxing with friends, having some fun and destressing from studying. Check the website to find out what’s on and get yourself along. Our clubs and societies organise many events – some only open to members and some open to everyone. There are also one off events than mean you don’t need to make a regular commitment! If you are coming to GCU from college, are an international student or a postgraduate student then watch out for our specific events we have planned for you. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/events
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Students’ Association Building Glasgow Campus: Building Code NH, Campus Map 5.
Level 0 24hr Social Learning Space: A place to do a bit of studying any time of the day. 24hr Computer Lab: 120 computers for student use. Bookable Group Study Rooms: www.GCUstudents.co.uk/ groupstudyrooms
Level 1 (entrance into building) Welcome Desk: If you’ve got a question or query this is where to start. Student Bistro: The place for you to eat, drink, relax or play some pool or foosball. Radio Caley Studio Advice Centre
Level 2
Outdoor Facilities
Student Involvement Zone: The place for you to engage with our representation and activities team and a space to meet other students. Meeting rooms (NH208 & NH209) Full Time Officers and Staff
Take some time out from study and use the outdoor Basketball Court, outdoor gym or Traverse Wall next to the Students’ Association Building. The areas are free to use and is a great way to relax and be active.
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About Us
All GCU students are automatically members of GCU Students’ Association. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/aboutus
Mission
Vision
To represent and enable GCU students to enhance all aspects of their student experience.
That GCU students will have an outstanding experience that will live with them forever.
Community Diversity
Participation
Our Values Leadership
Fun
Support
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Strategic Plan
We have undertaken comprehensive research with our members to create our Strategic Plan. It sets out what we will be focussing on over the next four years so that every student at GCU (and valued member) gets the most out of university life. It’s about working together with our student members, not just for them. It’s what being a student-led democratic charity and membership organisation is about. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/strategicplan
Where everyone belongs
Where you can try new ideas
Where everyone can grow
Where everyone can work together
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Impact
The difference we have recently made for GCU students, our members. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/impact
We doubled the number of student reps on Senate (GCU’s highest academic committee) to ensure the student voice is listened to when important decisions are made.
We campaigned to ensure that current and prospective students were consulted about changes to course programmes (called Portfolio Refresh). We stopped GCU from increasing the cost of re-sitting a module from £40 to £300.
We stopped GCU from introducing exam resit fees of £40. (In August 2014 we saved students £88,000 from not having to pay these fees).
We lobbied SAAS (Student Award Agency for Scotland) and they improved their process for dealing and communicating with student applications.
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Course timetables are now produced and available to students significantly earlier than in previous years, for instance 2 ½ months earlier in Trimester 2 2015/16.
We successfully campaigned to extend the library opening hours over the Christmas break for exam studying and kept our own 24 Hour Computer Lab open 24/7.
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