A REVIEW OF WHAT YOUR STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN DOING FOR YOU IN THE 2008-09 ACADEMIC YEAR
CONTENTS Introducing You AUSA Sabbatical Officers & Executive Committee 2008-09 Mission, Vision & Core Values Representing You Involving You Entertaining You You Said, We Did Supporting You Connecting with You Providing For You Rewarding You Listening to You Words of Wisdom From Your Student President 2009-10 Financial Statements
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Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC037971
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Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
INTRODUCING
YOU>>
It has fallen upon me as the outgoing President of 20082009 to give the opening remarks to the Annual Report. The academic year of 2008-09 was a whirlwind for those involved and there is a tendency within organisations to always be looking forward without reflection of what has occurred in the last week, month or year. The Annual Report allows us an opportunity to reflect upon our record in the past year and examine our shortcomings but also our successes.
When I began the role of President back in July 2008 the stated aim and feeling of the new intake of sabbaticals was to leave AUSA in a stronger place than when we found it. I believe that a year later we achieved that. Difficult decisions were faced this year and I believe the sabbaticals, the Executive and the Council were not found shying away from these matters. My two personal highlights for the year were: firstly, the way AUSA conducted itself throughout the Curriculum Reform process - AUSA had a significant role in the whole process and soon our students will see the results of the largely unseen hard-work that AUSA has undertaken in the previous two years. Secondly, the securing of Butchart Recreation Centre as the new home for AUSA was clearly another significant highlight. For too long student social space on the main university campus has been ignored and this marked a front forward-step for AUSA and its members. As I write this now - after leaving the Association behind - it is clear that AUSA is only as strong as it is relevant to its members and the committed volunteers that allow it and its members to fulfil their potentials. Thank you and please enjoy the rest of the Annual Report.
DUNCAN MCKAY President, AUSA 2008-09 Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
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AUSA SABBATICAL OFFICERS 2008-09
AUSA SABBATICALS 08/09: L-R: GORDON COX, JOHNNY KEATING, JOY ELLIOTT, NICK EDWARDS, DUNCAN MCKAY, SANDY MCKINNON >>
AUSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2008-09 President VP Welfare & Equal Opportunities VP Societies & Student Activities VP Education & Employability VP Charities VP Sport JVP Sport JVP Sport JVP Equal Opportunities JVP Welfare JVP Societies JVP Societies Foresterhill Convenor Entertainments Officer JVP Charities JVP Education & Employability Environment & Ethics Officer
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Duncan Mckay Nick Edwards Johnny Keating Joy Elliott Sandy Mckinnon Gordon Cox Mark Machado Nina Smith Doireann Breathnach Nicola Begley Andrew Ryan Sean McNally Christian Burgin Lorna Copland Roxana Romero Stephanie Stevenson Jodi Peacham Carol-Ann Cunningham
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
OUR VISION >> Enriching and supporting the student community by providing a wide range of high quality services and opportunities
OUR MISSION STATEMENT >> AUSA provides representation and services for students, run by students, to enhance their experiences and enable students to enjoy and gain more from their University education
OUR CORE VALUES >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
A pleasant, safe and healthy environment An environment where students should have fun while learning Effective representation, advice and support for students Student focused service provision Opportunities for personal development Accountability, integrity and fairness Always striving for continuous improvement
AUSA STRATEGIC PLAN With our ongoing involvement in SUEI (Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative), it was felt appropriate that a short term Strategic Plan was put in place for 2008/09, as significant future changes may be recommended through our participation in SUEI. The implementation and regular review of the Strategic Plan has ensured that we have driven forward the Association’s aims and objectives. The review of the AUSA Strategic Plan 2008/09 is available on the AUSA website www.ausa.org.uk and includes progress on all the main AUSA aims and objectives as well as demonstrating achievements and successes during the year.
STUDENTS’ UNION EVALUATION INITIATIVE (SUEI) There is never room for complacency in any organisation and AUSA is always striving for continuous improvement. AUSA signed up for cohort four of the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI) which began at the beginning of January 2008, with our final audit (and hopefully accreditation) in March 2010. This two year process of assessment, evaluation, identifying areas for improvement, and evidencing outcomes of all activities within the Association, has definitely been challenging but most worthwhile. It will help ensure that the Association is member focused, appropriate and relevant now and in the future. SUEI has become the national model of quality assessment within Student Unions/Associations and is endorsed by the National Union of Students (NUS) and the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS).
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
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REPRESENTING
YOU>>
ONE OF AUSA’S MAIN FUNCTIONS IS TO REPRESENT YOU - OUR MEMBERS - IN ALL ASPECTS OF STUDENT LIFE - TO STICK UP FOR YOU, TO BE YOUR VOICE AND TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR OPINIONS HEARD. THIS IS HOW WE’VE DONE THIS YEAR >>
>> Representing you our members and your interests at local, regional and national level including lobbying the local Council, MSP’s and MP’s on issues ranging from HMO licensing/tenancy deposits and the proposed Aberdeen late night curfew to student debt/hardship >> Lobbying and working with the University on many issues from increasing the number of student senators on Senate through to complaints/concerns from students on a range of academic issues >> Full input at all levels of the Curriculum Reform process with AUSA reports presented to the Curriculum Commission and a student response given to the third CREF report (following a forum and various other meetings to gain student feedback) >> International student forum raised a range of issues that have been brought to the attention of the University >> Established Aberdeen Student Forum along with RGU and Aberdeen College. This group represents 60,000 students in the city and we hope to use it consistently to represent shared interests on the cityscale in future years >> AUSA Elections – increased number of voters from previous year - a total of 2240 people cast 14706 votes in the AUSA Executive Elections in April 2009 >> Attendance at AGM was in excess of 500 members for the second year running (though we acknowledge there is a need to review procedures etc as part of a Governance Review to which we have committed) >> High level of involvement in NUS events - sent maximum numbers of delegates to NUS and NUS Scotland Conferences and Extraordinary meetings on NUS governance reform, attendance at a wide range of training events, attendances at all the smaller conferences – women, mature, disabled, black, LGBT etc. Also participation in NUS events including lobbying MSPs and MPs on a range of issues. 6
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
>> Joy Elliott was a member of the Scottish Executive Committee and was elected as the first Postgraduate Research Representative to the National Executive Committee >> Nick Edwards sat on the NUS Scotland Governance Review committee >> Gordon Cox was the student chair of Scottish University Sport (SUS) and a British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) regional representative >> Stephen Robertson, MBE was installed as Rector for a three year term of office at a ceremony in October and was carried proudly up the high street on the newly refurbished Angus The Bull Charities mascot >> A review of the Equal Opportunities Committee resulted in the introduction of specific liberation officers for LGBT, gender, international, race and ethnicity, faith, mature and disabled students. They will report back on issues faced by these groups of students and help run campaigns focused on target groups. The Equal Opportunities policy was launched during Culture Week
Core Value >> Effective representation, advice and support for students
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
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INVOLVING
YOU>>
SINCE AUSA IS YOUR STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, ITS MAIN FOCUS IS TO INVOLVE AS MANY STUDENTS IN THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE AND TO HELP SHAPE YOUR FUTURE. YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN NON-ACADEMIC AND COMMUNITY WORK ADDS VALUE TO YOUR CV >> >> Holding AGM in Arts Lecture Theatre and promoting it as a forum for all students at Aberdeen >> Launch of the ‘Give it a Go’ initiative with programmes in September ‘ 08 (18 societies), November ’08 (15 societies) and February ’09 (28 societies) offering members the opportunity to ‘Give it a Go’ before deciding whether or not to join the society
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Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
>> Over £70,000, disbursed by the Aberdeen Students’ Charities Campaign (following a host of initiatives and events) to 40 local charities and voluntary organisations, involving students with the local community >> BookEnds raised over £10,000 towards the Charities Campaign following a very successful year of trading. >> Environment and Ethics Committee, established following the AGM in February 2008, were active in a wide range of initiatives throughout the year aiming to raise awareness of student related environmental and ethical concerns, organise events and to liaise with the University and local community to represent the views of students. >> Over 550 students registered with the volunteering service with 1,477 requests for volunteering vacancy details. As at 31 July there were over 130 organisations offering 264 volunteering opportunities. Around 60 participants in the Millennium Volunteer Awards. (see Rewarding You section – p20) >> STAR Award (Students Taking Active Roles – non academic accreditation) had 40 participants in this pilot year and there is a commitment from the University as part of the Curriculum Reform Process to develop this initiative significantly in the next few years >> Several Sabbaticals and Easy the Tiger (the AUSA Welfare mascot) attended the Rocking Horse Nursery Xmas party and entertained the children there >> 58 sports clubs and 137 teams. 50 teams entered into British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues (30% increase) with women’s hockey 1 & 3, netball, men’s rugby 3 & 4, men’s football 3, men’s waterpolo and women’s squash all winning their leagues with a number of others narrowly missing out. In BUCS events rifle and boxing were particularly successful >> The range of societies increased to over 100 and societies were grouped into different categories – Departmental, Cultural and Faith, Create Change, Creative Arts and General Interest. This has proved successful in better dealing with common problems/issues that arise with the particular groups.
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
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ENTERTAINING
YOU>>
PART OF THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE IS SOCIALISING AND ENTERTAINMENT, AND AUSA STRIVES TO PROVIDE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ITS MEMBERS AND STAFF TO ENJOY THEMSELVES IN A WIDE VARIETY OF EVENTS AND WAYS >>
>> Very successful Freshers’ Week – bigger and better than previous years with a high level of focus on welfare >> Over 70 events were run for the benefit of Freshers, the majority of which were open to all ages and were not alcohol-related >> The first ever Culture Week, in February ‘09, offered a host of cultural events/activities open to all our members working in partnership with University and other stakeholders. >> Refreshers’ Week, in February ‘09, offered members joining the University in January an opportunity to attend the Refreshers Fayre as well as participate in ‘Give it a Go’ events hosted by 28 societies. >> A wide range of other successful events (including Charities Campaign events (eg Torcher, Student Show – both official ‘Homecoming Events’, Fashion Show, Gala Saturday), fayres, sporting events, graduation ball, Culture Week, Give it a Go and the Gayleigh which raised £550 for the Terence Higgins Trust whilst also increasing awareness of LGBT issues across campus and in the city)
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>> Sporting events included: Superteams - 500 participants (all ability levels) involved in a full day of different fun events; Sports Ball (650 attendees); 700 participants in the Granite City Challenge against RGU; 26 teams in the Rugby 7’s and Football 6’s; Intramural participation in a range of sports >> After considerable efforts by several officers and members of staff to provide suitable themed nights, events and promotion - and offering it as a meeting place for clubs & societies since 2006, the Union Bar on Littlejohn Street ceased trading and closed its doors at the end of November 2008 due to a lack of interest and unsustainable trading conditions >> The Annual Students’ Association Dinner was held at The Forum on Skene Terrace in May 2009 and welcomed over 90 students, staff and guests to celebrate a year filled with achievements - both as an organisation and as individuals. Ghillie Dhu provided the music and a sumptous 3-course meal was served up by hosts, The Forum >> Several of AUSA’s Creative Arts Societies produced fantastic pieces of theatre, dance and music; Treading the Boards presented ‘Crazy For You’ and the University of Aberdeen Gilbert & Sullivan Society presented ‘Ruddigore’ - both at the Aberdeen Arts Centre; and the Celtic Society organised an Electric Ceilidh which won them the Award for Best Event
Core Value >> An environment where students should have fun while learning
PHOTO: JONATHAN HOLT
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09 11
WE DON’T JUST LISTEN TO YOU WHEN YOU GIVE US FEEDBACK – WE ARE COMMITTED TO ACTING UPON THIS FEEDBACK AND BRINGING ABOUT ACTION AND CHANGE WHERE REQUIRED – FOR AND ON BEHALF OF YOU. HERE ARE EXAMPLES OF WHAT’S BEEN SAID BY YOU AND WHAT WE’VE DONE IN RESPONSE >>
Education & Employability
YOU SAID: Range of issues raised by students relating to Engineering and CASS WE DID: AUSA brought these to the attention of the University in an attempt to ensure all were addressed and resolved YOU SAID: It would be beneficial for International Students to arrive in advance of Freshers week to be able to fully settle in WE DID: Brought this to the attention of the University who have committed to putting in place a mechanism so that International students’ can be accommodated for a week earlier than their accommodation contract date YOU SAID: Range of complaints/concerns raised by class reps and students on a variety of topics WE DID: Issues raised being brought to the attention of schools by AUSA and being dealt with on a school basis.
Environment & Ethics
YOU SAID: Can we reduce the use of plastic bags in University run food outlets and shops? WE DID: AUSA lobbied the University resulting in all University-run food outlets and shops now being plastic bag free YOU SAID: Isn’t it possible to improve recycling at Freshers’ Fayre events WE DID: Provided an increased range of recycling bins for different types of waste 12 Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
Welfare/Equal Opportunities
YOU SAID: It’s often difficult to understand procedures for appeals, complaints and disciplinary issues on the University website WE DID: Produced a student friendly advice leaflet on appeals, complaints and disciplinary issues that is on the AUSA website (welfare and equal opportunities pages) with a proposal to produce hard copies in due course YOU SAID: We need crèche facilities for students and staff WE DID: AUSA lobbied the University hard to ensure that crèche facilities are given serious consideration when planning new nursery provision YOU SAID: There are poor vegan and vegetarian food options in the Hub WE DID: Issue raised with University Campus Services and new initiatives implemented
Sport
YOU SAID: The current system of club disbursements isn’t always fair WE DID: Revised the club disbursement system to reduce bureaucracy and increase transparency/fairness YOU SAID: Classes are being arranged on Wednesday afternoons which is affecting our ability to play and compete in sport on Wednesdays WE DID: Raised this issue at Student Affairs Committee and a reminder of current policy to keep Wednesday afternoons free has been sent out to all Heads of Schools
Events - Freshers’ Week
YOU SAID: Marquee was too cramped and noisy during Freshers Fayres WE DID: Hired a larger marquee for Freshers week ’09 to ensure adequate space and gave control of the music to Aberdeen Student Radio as the sole provider of music in the marquee YOU SAID: More events for under 18s and other non drinkers would be great WE DID: Continued to expand our range of activities and events for Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09 13
under 18s and other non drinkers for Freshers ’09 and also to cater for all our members YOU SAID: Maps of campus would help greatly WE DID: Provided maps of campus and city centre for Freshers ‘09
Culture Week
YOU SAID: Can AUSA look at an event where there’s an opportunity to meet people from different nationalities? WE DID: Organised the first ever Culture Week offering a host of cultural events/activities open to all our members (working in partnership with the University and other stakeholders)
Graduation Ball
YOU SAID: We want excellent value for money when attending the graduation balls WE DID: Changed venues from AECC to Hilton Treetops following negotiation of a better deal. This enabled us to offer more entertainment and enhancements to the evening than would previously have been possible.
Societies
YOU SAID: It would help our society if AUSA can assist in bulk purchase of clothing WE DID: Offered societies the opportunity to purchase clothing via AUSA at discounted prices ensuring less hassle for societies and cheaper costs, with fair trade options. YOU SAID: The grant allocation system is cumbersome and complicated WE DID: Revised the system, streamlining procedures and reducing paperwork and workload for societies YOU SAID: We could use more money for our society WE DID: Successfully applied to the Alumni Annual Fund for grant aid allowing societies to bid for extra funding YOU SAID: How can AUSA help us to effectively hand over to our new committees? WE DID: Produced a Societies Handover pack for new committees 14 Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
YOU SAID: Sport have various ways of recognising high levels of achievement and volunteering via Blues and Colours. What about societies? WE DID: Further development of the societies awards evening with societies ball. Created seven award categories and received 60 nominations – we plan to expand in future years.
Charities
YOU SAID: Queries regarding BookEnds database and its effectiveness WE DID: Developed a new database system with easy tracking of books and audit trail YOU SAID: How about new charities events in partnership with societies and sports clubs? WE DID: Held Le Tour d’Aberdeen (charity cycle ride) in conjuction with French Society and supported Marrow Society in establishing their charity auction which raised around £2,000 for Marrow Society
Miscellaneous
YOU SAID: Why are there no printing facilities in The Hub? WE DID: Lobbied the University to provide this facility which is now in place YOU SAID: There is a lack of social space on campus WE DID: Continued to lobby the University hard to secure ‘new’ facility that will house AUSA and provide increased social space for students. Refurbishment of Butchart Recreation Centre is underway with proposals for a move in early 2010. YOU SAID: The AUSA website could benefit from updating WE DID: New website launched in the Autumn term which received very positive feedback in the annual all student questionnaire. The site continues to be developed and improved.
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09 15
SUPPORTING
YOU>>
AUSA RECOGNISES THAT STUDENTS OFTEN REQUIRE A HELPING HAND AT VARIOUS POINTS IN THEIR STUDENT EXPERIENCE. WE PROVIDE A RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES AND MAKE PROVISION WHERE POSSIBLE TO OFFER THOSE IN NEED RELEVANT ADVICE, SUPPORT AND INFORMATION TO ALLOW THEM TO PARTICIPATE SAFELY AND TO MAKE INFORMED CHOICES, NOT ONLY ABOUT THEIR STUDIES, BUT ALSO ABOUT THEIR LIFESTYLES >>
>> We recruited a team of around 100 volunteers to support events and students throughout Freshers’ Week, rolled out the ‘Easy Tiger’ welfare campaign, airport and train station welcomes throughout Move in Weekend that transported students to halls of residence and buses to take students home to halls at the end of the evening >> Further training sessions were developed and arranged to support societies including sponsorship, treasurers, health & safety and secretary training >> Niteline (information and listening service) was rebranded and the service extended to include an email service >> Enhanced health and safety procedures for sports clubs included more rigorous checking of club safety procedures, compulsory first aid courses for club reps and stocking of first aid kits & water bottles for all competing teams >> AUSA Joblink had 1,179 registered employers and 1,735 registered students with 21,474 requests for information about available jobs. 518 new job vacancies were added during the year. Over 480 job vacancies were filled directly by AUSA Joblink registered members. 2,330 students visited Joblink in person with related queries and AUSA Joblink pages received almost 200,000 hits during the year >> The Sexual Health and Guidance campaign in conjunction with NHS Grampian proved very successful and was covered by local media. Large numbers of sexual health packs and self testing kits were handed out throughout the campaign 16 Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
>> We have a very dedicated team of full time and part time staff who undertake an excellent job in supporting, advising and assisting Sabbatical Officers, volunteers and students >> AUSA enjoys excellent relationships with a host of stakeholders. These include effective partnerships and many joint initiatives covering a wide range of our service provision. >> The AUSA Info & Advice Centre saw visits and enquiries from nearly 4,000 students througout the year - dealing with queries realting to a wide range of topics incuding accommodation, finance, mental health, sexual health and requests for free condoms and sexual health testing kits >> Number of requests for information/queries made at AUSA Info & Advice Centre 2008-09: Accommodation search Landlord / housing issue Academic Physical/ Mental health
638 92 128 84
Condoms Funding/ finance Directions Use Fax /make phone call Other Phone Calls Emails Web Interest Emails Total
575 238 212 538 300 378 371 243 3797
Core Value >> Opportunities for personal development
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09 17
CONNECTING WITH
YOU>>
AUSA SERVES OVER 14,000 STUDENTS AND ARE COMMITTED TO COMMUNICATING WHAT WE DO TO AS MANY OF YOU AS POSSIBLE. AUSA IS EMBRACING THE COMMUNICATION AGE USING THE INTERNET, EMAIL AND SOCIAL NETWORKING AS TOOLS TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOU, WITH A VIEW TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVING THE METHODS WE USE TO ENGAGE OUR MEMBERSHIP >>
>> We began sending out HTML e-newsletters to every student with highlights of AUSA’s work/events that week/fortnight, driving click-through traffic to specific pages/sections of the website and informing membership of upcoming and ongoing events/activities >> AUSA postgraduate online community established with over 2,200 members over half of whom have visited and used the site >> Our new website has significantly increased and improved the marketing of our wide range of services and activities to members, stakeholders and members of the public. Pages are being populated on a daily basis and improvements are ongoing >> Gaudie (student newspaper) and ASR (student radio station) continued to publish and broadcast a wide range of news, views, reviews and entertaining content and involved between 30 and 50 students in the running and operation of both media channels
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PROVIDING FOR
YOU>>
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE YOUR STUDENT EXPERIENCE WE FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO FUND AND PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES, RESOURCES AND FACILITIES FOR YOU TO USE AND ENJOY. HERE’S HOW WE’VE PROVIDED FOR YOU THIS YEAR >>
>> Secured a new building for AUSA following discussions with and lobbying of the University that will enable the Association to increase the amount of social space available to members on campus >> Additional £50k funding secured from the University to support and develop the wide range of Sports Union activities and initiatives >> An additional accessible minibus was made possible via Alumni Annual Fund grant aid to ensure all students can be catered for. The old fleet of minibuses were renewed >> A 3 year contract with Kukri for sports team kit saw all clubs and teams playing in identical strips with initial orders of 3,500 pieces of clothing for 750 athletes from 23 clubs – this has been extended further during the course of the year >> Successful relocation of the Sports Union to the new Aberdeen Sports Village which will offer clubs and individuals alike world class facilities whatever level of ability >> The Winter ’08 and Summer ‘09 Joblink recruitment fayres attracted a total of 1,500 students and 47 exhibitors (28 exhibitors, 914 students and 19 exhibitors and 598 students respectively) >> Ran a joint initiative with the University through a Freecycle event at Hillhead Halls where students could ‘freecycle’ their unwanted goods with any leftover at the end being donated to local needy charities. Hundreds of duvets, pots and pans and crockery were passed on to be re-homed
Core Value >> Student focused service provision Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09 19
REWARDING
YOU>>
MANY OF YOU ACHIEVE SO MUCH THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THAT WE FEEL IT RIGHT THAT YOUR EFFORTS, TIME, TALENTS AND SKILLS ARE REWARDED. THROUGH NOMINATION AND PARTICIPATION IN SEVERAL SCHEMES AND COMPETITIONS THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS HAVE BEEN REWARDED >>
SPORT >> 11 students were awarded Full Blues for 2008-09 >> 17 students were awarded Half-Blues for 2008-09 >> Euan Bell (Tennis Club) was awarded the BLUES BOWL >> THE AJM EDWARDS MEMORIAL AWARD was won by John Sullivan (Archery Club) >> THE CENTENARY CUP was presented to the Golf Club >> THE SANDY MORRISON MEMORIAL TROPHY was awarded to Nicola Sammels (Rifle Club) >> THE ALLENDER MEMORIAL TROPHY was won by the Rugby Club AUSA >> The David Davidson Award for outstanding contribution to AUSA was won by Jo Fagan >> The After 8 Award the best newcomer to AUSA was won by Kenneth Naismith VOLUNTEERING (MV AWARD) MV Award is a national award scheme endorsed by the Scottish Government which recognises the voluntary work done by young people (16-25 years old) across Scotland. The awards recognise the contribution made to voluntary projects in a wide variety of areas and includes the work done by students involved in societies, sports clubs, committees and in other student activities during their studies. In academic year 2008-09: >> 8 students were awarded the 50 hour Award >> 7 students were awarded the 100 hour Award >> 8 students were awarded the 200 hour Award SOCIETIES >> Society of the Year: Christian Union >> Most Improved Society: beCyCle >> New Society of the Year: UNICEF on Campus >> Most Dedicated Individual: Kertsin Walte - International Society >> Best Society Newcomer: Benjamin Burke – International Society >> Best Event: Celtic Society >> The Big Heart Award: Marrow Society
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LISTENING TO
YOU>>
WE DON’T JUST HEAR YOU WHEN YOU TALK TO US - WE LISTEN, WHICH MEANS WE DO OUR BEST TO ACT ON WHAT YOU’VE TOLD US. THIS IS AN AREA WE’RE LOOKING TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE ON WITH A ‘GO OUT AND TALK’ VENTURE NEXT YEAR >>
>> Carrying out Annual All-Student Surveys covering wide range of topics – garnering feedback on services we currently provide and finding out what your further needs/wants are, which in turn drives our strategic plans and policies for the future >> Asking what you want in a New Student Social Space on campus and feeding these findings into plans for the new Butchart development >> Increasing the size of the Freshers’ Marquee in response to complaints and suggestions from previous year >> International student forum raised a range of issues which have been brought to the attention of the University >> AUSA Council passed a number of policies relating to environment, fair-trade clothing and green energy. >> SEE OUR ‘YOU SAID, WE DID’ SECTION ON PAGES 12-15 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW WE’VE ACTED UPON WHAT YOU’VE SAID OVER THE LAST YEAR
Core Value >> Always striving for continuous improvement Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09 21
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM YOUR STUDENT PRESIDENT
2009/10 >>
The next 12 months promise to be a busy but exciting time for the Association. There are a number of projects we are involved with on our own initiative, including moving into a new building, Butchart, at the start of next year, which will bring their own set of challenges. We are also using the opportunity this year to review a number of our internal structures, because of our involvement in the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI) which is a two year assessment exercise, which we will be completing at the start of next year. This is going to mean taking a close look at our Governance structures to ensure that we comply with all the relevant charity laws, that we are transparent and accountable, as well as ensuring that we are able to communicate effectively with our members. We are also planning on reviewing our elections procedure, hoping to further increase participation rates, as well as increasing the awareness of the issues at stake. Finally, we will also be reviewing our Strategic Plan, to give us direction over the next 5 years and to make sure that we stay true to our core business, of providing excellent services and winning for students at the University of Aberdeen. The next 5 years themselves may well bring challenging times to the University sector, with a growing expectation that government funding will be cut, and the possibility that the ugly spectre of tuition fees may come into the picture again in Scotland. Yet at the same time Aberdeen has shown itself to be one of the institutions most able to resist a general downward turn. New infrastructure: a new Library, the new Sports Village and investment at Foresterhill, as well as the Curriculum reform project all combine to mean that this is an institution on the up, internationally. The student demographic is also changing, towards being more international, older and more distracted by part-time work. AUSA will have to figure out how to deal with all of these challenges. AUSA will also be celebrating a number of anniversaries over the coming year. The biggest one will be our 10th year of existence as an Association, from the time at which the Students’ Representative Council, the Athletics Association and the Union Management Committee combined. Gaudie, our venerable campus newspaper is also celebrating its 75th anniversary with a special issue and a reunion Ceilidh. It’s also looking to the future and hoping to be online soon.
ROBIN PARKER Student President, AUSA 2009-10 22 Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS>> Unaudited Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income and Expenditure Account) for the period 1st August 2008 - 31st July 2009
Unrestricted Funds Period 01/08/08 to 31/07/09 £
Restricted Funds Period 01/08/08 to 31/07/09 £
Total Period 01/08/08 to 31/07/09 £
Total Period 22/03/07 to 31/07/08 £
Incoming Resources Incoming Resources from generated funds Voluntary Income Activites for generating funds Investment income Incoming Resources from charitable activities Total Incoming Resources
754,837 48,522 4,116 125,475 932,950
33,758 109,601 143,359
754,837 82,280 4,116 235,076 1,076,309
981,877 125,851 11,808 206,917 1,326,453
Cost of generating funds Cost of generating voluntary income Fundraising trading Investment management costs Charitable Activities Governance costs Other resources expended
38,081 861,009 13,132 -
23,169 140,021 -
61,250 1,001,030 13,132 -
89,810 1,204,334 13,290 -
Total Resources Expended
912,222
163,190
1,075,412
1,307,434
20,728
(19,831)
897
19,019
Total Funds at 31 July 2008
145,264
36,923
182,187
163,168
Total Funds at 31 July 2009
165,992
17,092
183,084
182,187
Net Movement in Funds
Unaudited Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2009 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Investments
31 July 2009
31 July 2008
£
£ 23,055 5,520
38,429 5,520
28,575
43,949
79,100 224,705
27,063 223,758
303,805
250,821
Creditors - amounts falling due in less than one year
149,296
112,583
Net Current Assets
154,509
138,238
Net Assets
183,084
182,187
Funds General Reserve Restricted Reserve
165,992 17,092
145,264 36,923
183,084
182,187
Current Assets Debtors Cash in Hand
Aberdeen University Students’ Association - Annual Review 2008-09 23
>>YOU>> The Hub Elphinstone Road Old Aberdeen AB24 3TU Tel: 01224 272965 Fax: 01224 272977 Web: www.ausa.org.uk Email: ausa@abdn.ac.uk © Aberdeen University Students’ Association, 2009