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WELCOME Welcome to your quick guide to Your Union (The Students’ Association) and Saints Sports (The Athletic Union), this booklet tells you what events we’ll be hosting during Freshers’ Week and much more. You’re away to start the biggest journey of your life so far and we’re here to make it as amazing as possible, to give you opportunities, help you through the tough times and celebrate the amazing times. Your sabbatical officers (SABBs) are elected to represent YOU so if you want to run an event in the Union, start a society, find out more about St Andrews, or if you have a problem and aren’t sure what to do, then get in touch with the SABBs who are here to help make your student experience the best it can be! Visit: yourunion.net for contact details.
Your Sabbaticals (left to right) Charlotte Flatley (Director of Student Development & Activities), Claire Shirey (Director of Wellbeing), Tom Abbott (Atheltic Union President), Lewis Wood (Students’ Association President), Zachary Davis (Director of Education) , Hannah Jacobs (Director of Events & Services)
WHAT WE DO We are student-led and student-run, dedicated to promoting an inclusive & progressive environment for you to develop. We represent you on all topics, ranging from areas such as educational experience, social responsibility and student wellbeing to the University and wider community. We deliver and facilitate student development and charitable work through our wide range of subcommittees & societies. We provide & support a wide range of events and facilities for students that caters to a diversity of preferences and needs.
REPRESENTATION The Students’ Association (aka the Union) is your voice to the University, the local community, and the wider world. From the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) to School Presidents, and Class Reps, we are the home of student activism and ensuring that students’ concerns are heard. The SRC currently has 27 members who are elected in Semester 2 each year. The functions of the SRC are devolved into 7 different subcommittees that meet to discuss matters such as education, wellbeing, and accommodation. The School Presidents work alongside a team of Class Reps to report feedback to the University and enhance the student learning experience. You can get involved by running to be a Class Rep at the start of Semester 1!
ACTIVITIES
There are hundreds of activities and student groups to join in St Andrews – you just have to find the right ones for you! All our fun here is student-led, spearheaded by a plethora of activities affiliated to the Students’ Association (aka the Union). Our activities fall into 3 major categories: Societies, Subcommittees, and Association Projects; all of which are managed by the Student Services Council (SSC). Whether you know what you love or want to try something new, we’re here to support you – so get involved!
SPACES No matter what you want to do the Union has a space for you. Whether you want to have a coffee with friends in Rector’s Café or The Old Union Coffee Shop, a quiet drink with friends in Beacon Bar watch the sport at Sandy’s, enjoy amazing priced food at The Main Bar Diner or have fun on a Friday Night drinking a Pablo at the Bop in Club 601, host a society event in one of our meeting rooms, or use our full adobe suite in the design and print room. We have spaces available to cater to your needs. And even better every penny you spend in our building goes straight back into it!
WE LOVE TO BE SOCIAL We love to be social and have lots of different ways of telling you what we’re up to. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Once you get to St Andrews, you have a week of events to get you ready for lectures and academic work. You can download the University Orientation App which can be found at: yourunion.net/freshers2017, it will tell you what’s going on during the first week, where to find information about your course and what events they recommend you attend to help get you started at St Andrews. If you’re a bit apprehensive about coming, Nightline run a summer service. Their website details can be found at: www.yourunion.net/freshers2017 then click on “need to talk.” OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES: @safreshers2017 @yourunionevents @standrewsunion
@standrewsunion
yourunion
We send a weekly sabbatical email and a monthly Union email straight to your inbox! Our website yourunion.net has up-to-date event, representation and support information and we’ve got an app too!
FRESHERS’ FAYRE Societies are a great way to meet new people who share similar interests with you, so make sure you set some time aside to come to the Union on Sunday 17th September for the Freshers’ Fayre! The Freshers’ Fayre is the perfect opportunity to meet student groups and find out more about what there is to do in St Andrews. Every society we can fit into the Union is ready to meet you and tell you how easy it is to get involved. There are over 160 societies, which means you’re bound to find something that’s perfect for you! Make sure to bring some cash with you to sign-up for membership and instantly become a member of any society. Visit between 11am and 5pm.
CHARITY & VOLUNTEERING FAYRE Ever wanted to volunteer or raise money for good causes? Now is your chance! Getting involved with a charitable society or organisation during your time at St Andrews is a great way to meet new people and give back to the community. Over 40 charitable and volunteer-based organisations including the University of St Andrews Charities Campaign, student societies, and local charities will be represented, showcasing the vast array of good causes you can get involved with as a St Andrews student! Come along to Club 601, located in the Students’ Association (aka the Union), between 11am and 1pm on Thursday 14th September to find out how to get involved – this event is open to students of all years!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International students are an inseparable part of the St Andrews experience. In your halls, your classes, your societies, and your clubs, you’ll find international students play a fundamental role in shaping our St Andrews community. Never hesitate to dive right in and try everything that this incredible town has to offer! Starting out in a new place can be stressful for anyone, but when you’re from a different part of the globe, it can seem even scarier. We here in the Students’ Association support all students as they transition into life in St Andrews, and we take particular note of making sure that international students feel welcome and supported throughout their time here. If you ever need support or feel like your needs as an international student aren’t being met by the University, I urge you to contact me with any issues or problems affecting you, no matter how small. Claire Shirey Director of Wellbeing dowell@st-andrews.ac.uk yourunion.net/dowell
HOW TO FIND US HOW TO GET TO ST ANDREWS Situated on the coast of Fife, St Andrews might not seem like the easiest place to travel to, but it’s relatively easy to reach via public transportation. If you are travelling by train, the nearest station is Leuchars Station. There’s at least one train every hour from both Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Once you’ve arrived at Leuchars, you can reach St Andrews via the bus (normally every 10-15 minutes) or taxi. If you are travelling by plane, the nearest major airport is Edinburgh Airport. From there you can reach St Andrews by taking a bus to Haymarket Station and then taking a train to Leuchars Station
HOW TO FIND YOUR UNION We are in the middle of town on St Mary’s Place. It’s a beautiful glass building and you’re not likely to miss it! We also have the Old Union Coffee Shop, a traditional café, on North Street located between the Main Library and St Salvator’s Chapel, which is perfect for a quick snack on the way to a lecture.
OUR VISION
The Saints Experience “To create a special sporting environment providing the best possible support and opportunities, enabling everyone to realise their own goals, create their fondest memories, form their strongest friendships and have the best university experience because of their engagement with Saints Sport.”
OUR MISSION
Creating Saints for life “To encourage and support everyone at every level no matter of ability or sporting aspirations, enabling them to harness their full potential and be the best they can be.”
WHAT IS SAINT SPORT Saints Sport is the combination of all those working for Sport at The University of St Andrews. It is split between the Athletic Union and the Department of Sport and Exercise and each has different roles within Saint Sport.
DEPARTMENT
OF SPORT & EXERCISE
SPORTS CENTRE STAFF
FITNESS INSTRUCTORS
PRESIDENT – ELECTED BY THE STUDENT BODY TO REPRESENT THE STUDENTS
SAINTS SPORTS
ATHLETIC UNION
3 FULL AND PART TIME MEMBERS OF STAFF WHO WORK ON CLUB DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORT AND ADMINISTRATION SECRETARY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – STUDENTS APPOINTED BY THE ATHLETIC UNION AND CLUB CAPTAINS.
TREASURER EVENTS OFFICER
EVENTS TEAM
PUBLICITY OFFICER
MEDIA TEAM
ALUMNI OFFICER
ALUMNI TEAM
ATHLETIC UNION STUDENT SPORT TEAM TOM ABBOTT PRESIDENT
BED PEDDIE EVENTS OFFICER
RUTH WRIGHT SECRETARY
GABRIELLE LEVEY PUBLICITY & MEDIA OFFICER
EDWARD PRESTON BELL TREASURER
GISELLE CHAUHAN ALUMNI OFFICER
MORAG PETRIE EVENTS ASSISTANT
KEVIN MOCHTAR PHOTOGRAPHER
FIONA COOPER ALUMNI ASSISTANT
SARAH BINNS EVENTS ASSISTANT
GLEN KENNEDY VIDEOGRAPHER
ALEX TAIT ALUMNI ASSISTANT
TAYLOR ALMERAZ PHOTO/ VIDEOGRAPHER MADDIE TARR PHOTO/ VIDEOGRAPHER REBECCA MEKLER MARKETING & GRAPHIC DESIGN OFFICER HOLLY HETHERINGTON COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
PERFORMANCE SPORT
Our commitment to excellence is met through our performance sport programme, with the University encouraging and supporting high performance athletes, both on a team and an individual basis. Many sports benefit from the extra support and professional coaching through full-time Directors of Sport or Head Coaches, and similar services are made available to individual student athletes via the Supported Athletes Programme and golf bursaries. Members of the local community can also benefit from the facilities and services available at the Sports Centre at a reduced rate or free of charge, within the Community Talented Athlete Programme. The Department of Sport and Exercise and the Athletic Union have been jointly funded to support a “Performance� Programme since 2005-06; the goal of which is providing excellent opportunities and support structures to allow numerous individuals and teams (including coaches and support staff) to fulfil their sporting aspirations, specifically in Scottish Student Sport (SSS), British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and other identified national and international events or leagues.
SAINTS VOLUNTEERING £10,000 awarded by Awards for All to the Archery Community Engagement Programme
Over £6,000 raised for charity, seeing Saints Netball contribute to 50% of the total
18 Saints Sport clubs working with local schools and hosting regular community engagement initiatives
Over 4000 hours of volunteering to date
Over 60 students trained in UKCC qualifications
10 students selected to volunteer in Zambia
316 volunteers registered with the Volunteer Recognition Scheme
45 students successfully completed the Saints Leaders Programme
7 students selected to volunteer in South Africa
SAINTS STATS • Over 100 competitive teams, 90 in BUCS competitions • BUCS points: 25th overall, Total Points collected - 1402.5 • 115 coaches representing 43 sports. • 60 sports clubs • 57% of students have a sports centre membership • 35 hall sport events • 79 teams competing in BUCS • Ultimate (Indoor) and Golf won the BUCS National Championships in 2016/17 • Over 40 exercise classes per week • Over £6,000 raised for charity in the 2016/2017 academic year • 4010.50 hours of volunteering to date • Over 60 students trained in UKCC Qualifications
FRESHERS’ WEEK DON’T MISS:
MONDAY 11TH - SAINTS SPORTS FAYRE An event not to miss this Freshers’ Week: Come along to the Sports Arena to speak to all our clubs, see what they have on offer, and join as many as you can! WEDNESDAY 13TH - MONDAY 11 TH - GIVE IT A GO Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, the Give-it-a-Go sessions are your chance to try out all our sports clubs totally free of charge. SATURDAY 16 TH - COLOUR RUN @ 10AM Support our Saints International Volunteers with a colour-filled morning around University Park! SATURDAY 16 TH - KINGDOM VS CAPITAL CRICKET @ 3PM (Carlton Cricket Club, Edinburgh) WEDNESDAY 13 TH - SINNERS @ 10:30PM (CLUB 601) One of the best nights out all week!
FACILITIES AND REDEVELOPMENT
The University of St Andrews and Saint Sport are continuously looking for ways to improve the sporting experience and in January 2015, embarked on a major ÂŁ14m redevelopment project. The completion of Phase 1 and 2 saw the improvement and refurbishment of the gym and performance suite as well as the changing rooms, sports arenas and reception area.
Phase Three, the construction of a new state of the art four-court indoor tennis centre, is now fully underway and is due for completion in October 2017. Additionally, thanks to a gracious donation from the Schlenker Family, work has started on a new climbing wall due for completion at the start of September 2017. As well as our top-quality grass pitches, dedicated strength and conditioning suite and our newly refurbished fitness suits, guests of University Park also have access to a variety of multi-sport courts and all-weather pitches, plus our recently opened eight-court sports arena. The university can also provide visiting clubs a range of UKSKA accredited coaches and specialist teachers to supplement the club’s own staff if necessary.
THE BIGGEST SPORTS NIGHT OUT IN TOWN
V I S I T P L AY E R L AY E R . C O M A N D S E A R C H UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
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