Guide to the GSA Students' Association 2023-24

GSA Students’ Association Guide 2023–2024

GSASA Guide

Glasgow School of Art Students’ Association Assembly Building, 20 Scott Street, G3 6PE

Instagram: @gsa_sa

Website: www.thegsasa.com

CANVAS: https://canvas.gsa.ac.uk/courses/266

Core office hours are 10am to 4.30 pm. We look forward to welcoming all our students back to their building as soon as possible!

And off we go…

Welcome to the GSASA (or “Glasgow School of Art Students’ Association” for long)! As sweet as a cherry – and we’re right alongside you for the wild ride that is Art School.

As President I am here as your representative. I was elected on a manifesto that centred access and mutual aid – and that’s what I plan to do! We can facilitate the development of more resilient, interdependent, and reciprocal relationships across GSA through the incredible community based, student-led work of the Students’ Association.

Also, we are a not-for-profit charitable organisation so all the money that we generate from our events goes directly back to you! Your projects, exhibitions, societies and campaigns. The pages in this guide give you a brief introduction into the Student Representative Council (SRC) and what’ll be going on at GSASA this year. See the societies committee for student-led communities and skill-share; the liberation reps for support networks and representation; the campaigns committee to imagine and facilitate community-led organising; and the funding committee to, well, fund!

And – with Alicia (Vice-President) and the GSASA team – we will also be programming a series of events across the year (with your help), like those you’ll be seeing this Freshers’ week. From karaoke, to crafty making. From social justice, to yogic stretching, to dancing the night away. The GSASA is a space outside of your schools to get together, challenge, have fun, and to make space for us all. Find something for everyone!

You might find that all these different things weave together throughout your time at GSA, and that is what we are here for! The Assembly Building*, and the GSASA team, are here to help you think big and small. As a centre you can speculate out from?

Some of the things I’m looking forward to this year are our Campaigns Committee (see more about this later in the guide), academic advocacy, radical workshops and events, and plenty of space to imagine what’s else.

I hope you have a lovely Freshers’ and can’t wait for the year we have ahead!

See you soon,

Of course, some cherries are sweeter, some are tart, but ours are really just divine. They’re ripe, juicy, and full of student voice, advocacy, conversation, and radical-creative-envisioning!!! All the good stuff.

Love, Ted x

* The one with the big rust-coloured doors. With a chequered black and white floor in the bar, a clanky staircase, exhibition spaces ready for populating, wide open Assembly Hall, and views of white plastic. The one where you can find my office once you get up to the top.

Vice-President

Assembly Building for the first time in 3 and a half years. I can’t wait to see you all inside and work with you on all your exciting event ideas. There is possibility for so much to be programmed from large scale club nights to intimate exhibitions and I hope that I can support you all in facilitating these events.

There are so many opportunities to get involved in creative life in Glasgow. We have a range of different, exciting societies here at the GSASA which you will get to explore at the Freshers’ Fair. If you think there is something missing, we are always happy to support you to start a new society. Also don’t be afraid to explore events going on in other departments, and years as this can be a really great way to meet new people and develop new skills.

Glasgow is a really welcoming city and whether you want to visit a quiet art gallery or be packed into a basement club blasting techno there is something for everyone. Glasgow also has a really great small music scene, the Pig and Butterfly jazz nights on a Wednesday have been a staple for new students.

There is no correct way to do art school and spend time finding your niche. Hopefully no matter what you are interested in we can provide a safe and welcoming environment for you to explore and develop these.

Having only moved to Glasgow last year I know that moving and settling in can be pretty scary and exhausting so remember to take time for yourself, freshers isn’t a sprint. Starting uni is going to be a really fun year but there will also be challenges. Just remember it’s okay to take a breath. Whilst this is a really exciting year I also know that things can go wrong and never be afraid to reach out if you need support, no matter the issue.

I’m really excited for everything we have planned this year at the GSASA and I can’t wait to meet you all (If you see someone running chaotically around campus during Freshers week with an orange mullet please come and say hi!)

I can’t wait to meet you all!

Alicia

What we do

The Glasgow School of Art Students’ Association is a charity and independent Students’ Association which supports and promotes the interests of its student members at GSA.

The Students’ Association is committed to widening access to education and the arts. We believe in offering space and support to all students and members regardless of their resources and experience. The Association is committed to programming and working with organisers who reflect our student communities and their values, concerns and interests. We are particularly committed to offering opportunities dedicated to the personal and professional development of our student members during their time at GSA.

We want everybody to feel welcome in the venue. We have an ongoing and self-critical commitment to accessibility, safe(r) spaces and actively opposing all forms of discrimination.

Our Charitable Aims are:

To promote the welfare and interests of our members (you!)

To provide a forum for your opinions, an active social space, a network for creative development and a venue for entertainment

How we do it

We are a registered Scottish charity and are overseen by a Board of Trustees. Each year we receive a grant from the GSA, and this goes into supporting exhibitions, projects, and events by students and to support an external programme which benefits the students at GSA.

Our programme and much of our funding is overseen by The Student Representative Council (SRC). The SRC is made up of a Campaigns Committee, Funding Committee and Societies Committee. These committees are chaired by the Student President and Vice President and supported by the wider team at the Students’ Association. The SRC also functions as an independent representative body specifically for students at the GSA, capable of running campaigns and supporting student initiatives in GSASA and GSA. Members of the SRC are elected through the class rep system and at meetings of members, such as the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Our Trustee Board

Our trustee board consists of sabbatical officers, elected SRC members, and external trustees whose role is to support student trustees and sabbatical officers in governing the Association. Members of the SRC can also put themselves forward for election to become Student Trustees of our charity.

Where we do it

We are located in the Assembly Building at the top of Scott Street. The building includes several project spaces and a large multi-functional Assembly Hall.

We encourage students to continually reimagine our space and unlock its potential for learning and skill sharing.

To support the opinions, interests and activities of our members

To improve services for and in support of our members

Sabbatical Team

The Sabbatical Team are your student representatives. Together, they ensure that your voice is heard at GSA and GSASA, and work to support the student body in campaigning and through the Student Representative Council.

Ted Tinkler: Student President Pronouns: they/them

Ted is a Glasgow based artist, researcher, and workshop facilitator rooted in craft and tactility. They work with the animacy and performativity of crafted objects to play with ideas of intimacy, liveliness, multiplicity, and trans-ness. Ted’s ongoing research centres around speculatively re-imagining intimacy and time-based care through matters of queer theory, handkerchiefs, and soil.

They are a knitting clad, jam-making lace-knitter, spinner, and wood-worker. A lover of deep and embedded student representation. An advocate for academic inclusivity, social justice, joy, and liberation.

t.tinkler@gsa.ac.uk

Pronouns: she/they

Alicia studied Design Innovation and Citizenship at the Innovation school here at GSA. Their work centres around social research and design theory. They have just finished their master’s project looking at concepts of heteronormativity within higher education.

Alicia is also a freelance event photographer. They cover large scale events and have worked in club venues throughout Glasgow including The Flying Duck and Room 2. Events are spaces to build community and so many precious moments are often forgotten or missed. They also have a background in fashion shows and event design which led them to get involved with event organization here at the GSASA.

a.bickerstaff@gsa.ac.uk

Pronouns: he/they

Ash is the Academic Engagement Coordinator for GSASA. He supports student voice activities, such as the election and training of student representatives, and helps students to be partners in the quality of their learning experience. Ash’s academic background is in the philosophy of art and aesthetics, and he has experience as a tutor and researcher. He previously worked as a representation and policy coordinator for the students’ association at a widening access university in Scotland.

Speak to Ash about becoming a rep, running for a sabbatical officer position, or volunteering for the Students’ Representative Council. He is also the main contact for students needing to make appeals, complaints, or who are facing disciplinary procedures.

a.watkins@gsa.ac.uk

Alicia Bickerstaff: Vice President

Ash Watkins: Academic & Learning Coordinator

Choterina Freer: Digital and Communications Coordinator

Pronouns: she/her

Choterina is the Communications and Digital Engagement Coordinator for the GSASA. She supports students and their representative groups to manage online spaces and communications. Choterina has worked in digital communications across various sectors, including art and academia. She has experience of working for student unions and in widening participation within art and design education. She is also a practicing visual artist who has first-hand experience of arts higher education and student representation.

Speak to her for anything relating to the Association’s digital platforms including its website, newsletter, social media channels and Canvas pages. She is happy to support you in promoting any of the events and activities you are involved with, so please get in touch.

c.freer@gsa.ac.uk

Leilani

Rabemananjara:

Pronouns: she/they

Community and Societies Coordinator

Leilani is the Community and Societies Coordinator for the Association and focuses on supporting and developing student societies, groups, sports and community. Their creative background includes an undergraduate in Theatre and they are currently active as a Scottish drag artist. Their professional background includes work in other UK Students’ Unions and a Masters and background in Community Development and Community Education. They are a good point of contact for students eager to develop their own communities, wanting to work with the local community, or work with community /informal education.

Speak to Leilani about setting up a society, available society funding, boosting engagement with your society and exploring its governance/ structure, sports teams and activities, or events that work with the local community or develop student community.

l.rabemananjara@gsa.ac.uk

Welcome from our newly appointed CEO (Executive Manager), Alison Burke!

Pronouns: she/her

Like all of you, this year will be my first year at GSASA, and I imagine that I am just as excited to be joining this amazing place as you are. The Students’ Association is such an important part of your university experience, and I am really looking forward to working with Ted and Alicia (your President and Vice President), the team, trustees, Student Representative Council and Glasgow School of Art to make GSASA the most wonderful environment where you can truly flourish.

When I was a student, I served as a Campaigns Convenor, and it instilled in me a passion for causes and values that has stayed with me throughout my career. After graduating with an MA (Hons), MLitt, and PhD in Classics and Theatre, I have gone on to have a career in university teaching, museum education and curatorship, and over the last decade in heritage site management. Over the last few years, I have been working at Dalkeith Palace and Country Park and I come to join you from the lovely Kelburn Castle and Estate in Largs.

It is a true honour to be part of GSASA and please, please stop me for a chat whenever you see me. Once again, I hope that your time here is your own personal renaissance.

Kindest wishes, Alison

Access i b i l i t y Guide

As a Student’s Association we are committed to a safer space policy which includes consistently reflecting on the accessibility of our events. We are informed by arts practitioners such as the Edinburgh based NEUK collective and Carolyn Lazard’s work “Accessibility in the Arts: A Promise and a Practice”. We are always open to feedback if there is something you feel needs addressing or improving. As a team of six, we would like to work with you, as students, to ensure that we can respond to suggestions and make the GSASA and our events as accessible as possible.

Location:

The GSASA is located in the Assembly Building at 20 Scott Street. Please see a map of the location on the next page.

The main door is at pavement level and opens outwards onto Scott Street. It is 117cm/ 46 inches wide.

Moving around the building:

The building is spread across 4 floors which can be accessed via the lift or central staircase.

The lift provides access to the basement, ground, first and second floors of the Assembly building, covering all public areas. The doors of the lift are 90cm/ 35.5inches wide. The lift is 110cm/ 43inches wide by 140cm/ 55inches deep.

Basement: toilets

Ground floor: box office, GSASA staff office, the Vic café and bar

First floor: the Assembly Hall

Second floor: GSASA staff and sabbatical offices, Project Space 1, Project Space 2, Hill52 studio, Quiet Space (Artists Lounge)

Noise levels vary throughout the building. The entrance area, café, bar, and Assembly Hall can be particularly noisy when the building is busy. Mostly, there will be background music in the Vic all day and evening, and some events can be very busy.

The building is well-lit with overhead bulb lighting, alongside natural daylight in most rooms. During workshops we will endeavour to respond to the needs of participants to ensure the lighting is suitable and comfortable.

Toilets:

• There are toilets located on the basement (-1) and second (2) floors of the building.

• There are gender neutral toilets located on the basement floor – one with urinals and closed stalls; and one with closed stalls only – both of which anyone is welcome to use.

• Sanitary bins are provided in all toilets throughout the building.

• There are sanitary products located in all toilet facilities. Here you can find free tampons and sanitary towels. Students can help by letting staff know if they need restocked in specific locations.

• There is one individual unisex accessible toilet cubicle on the basement floor, and one on the second floor, with level access and handrails. The doors on both are 89cm / 35 inches wide. The transfer space is to the left-hand side and measures 79cm / 31 inches in width and 193cm / 76 inches in depth.

• There are also free condoms and lubricants available on the ground floor (the second door on the right from the entrance) for discreet and anonymous collection. We have a variety of packets available including latex and allergy free products.

Quiet Space:

During Fresher’s Week we will have a quiet space available on the 2nd floor of the building. This room is open to all students from 10am – 5pm. This room will have reduced lighting, sofa seating, and a variety of sensory materials and toys. The space is accessible via Project Space 2, or the back staircase accessible via the Assembly Hall on the first floor.

For Fresher’s Events:

• If you require an extra ticket at an event for a support worker or carer, please contact the team at: gsasa@gsa.ac.uk

• We welcome trained assistance dogs.

• Earplugs are available, please ask a member of GSASA staff.

• We have a box of sensory materials and toys for anyone who requires them. Please ask a member of GSASA staff for these.

• Breaks will be incorporated into longer workshops, but feel free to access leave and/or access the Quiet Space whenever necessary.

If you have any questions or additional access needs, please don’t hesitate to contact: gsasa@gsa.ac.uk

The SRC (The Student Representative Council)

The SRC is key to how GSASA represents you - our members - at GSA. The SRC is so important to us - we can’t function without it, and it can’t function without you! The SRC consists of three, student-only committees that help keep this place running.

Campaigns Committee:

• They oversee a budget of £1000 per semester for campaigns to take place across the academic session.

• They discuss the running of the GSASA, which will be key to developing. programming ideas around campaigns and contributing to the Association’s business plans in the coming year.

• Their voice is at the forefront of decisions made at the Students’ Association.

• They express their opinion on what works well, and what doesn’t.

• They are a creative and representative group comprised of Liberation Officers who push new ideas.

Funding Committee:

• They discuss and allocate the funding of £3000 per semester which the Students’ Association awards for extracurricular Student Initiated Projects (SIPs).

• They help ensure that the Students’ Association is being fair in supporting students’ practice and personal development.

• They make amendments to funding processes to make sure these processes are as fair and practical as possible.

• They are a supportive group who help find valuable resources for their fellow students’ projects.

Societies Committee:

• They are the decision-making group in relation to the activities and funds of the student groups and societies at GSASA.

• They are a sociable group who bring people and projects together.

• They are a space for societies and student groups to share their recent and upcoming activity, collaborate, and seek a supportive environment from other students, sabbatical officers, or GSASA staff.

• They work to approve new societies and to monitor and approve funding for existing societies.

Whole SRC Meetings

There are at least three meetings of all three committees of the SRC each year. These are formal meetings for the President and Vice President to report back to all members on their core activities in the first semester and priorities going forward, and for Council members to raise important issues pertaining to the Association and its activities. For SRC members who wish to stand for election to the GSASA Board of Trustees, the first meeting is a chance to make your case and vote for members to join the Board.

How to be Elected

Being elected as a class rep automatically elects you to the SRC. Class rep elections happen in class at the beginning of each academic year and are facilitated by programme leaders. You can find out more about this in the next section on Student Voice.

Any student, rep or not, can be elected to an SRC committee. Just nominate yourself online starting on the 6th of October. Nominations will stay open until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 11th of October. If you haven’t nominated yourself online by then, you’ll have the chance to nominate yourself in person at the AGM. Final nominees will be announced at the AGM, and voting will take place online to ensure all our members have a say.

You can also be elected to the SRC by being elected as a liberation officer to the Campaigns Committee. Like other SRC memberships, nominations for liberation officers will open online on the 6th of October and continue through to the AGM. You can find out more about our liberation officers later in this guide.

Come find us at the Freshers’ Fair on Wednesday 20th September to ask us any questions!

Student Voice

Class and Lead Representatives

The student representative system has been designed by GSASA and GSA to ensure as many decisions as possible made at GSA are informed by the student voice. You are central to making this system work and if you become a rep, you will be a conduit for student opinion between the student body and GSA staff.

There are two types of student representative at GSA - class reps and lead reps.

Class Reps

Class reps are elected by students as a class, and act as a spokesperson for the students in their class and year group. They collate and communicate feedback on issues affecting their programme and ensure that student concerns large and small are acted upon by the school. The role of the class rep is vital for ensuring that your learning experiences are of a high standard at the school, and they play a key role in ensuring that student views are acted upon.

Class reps are automatically part of the SRC and participate in decision-making in at least one of the its three committees. Through this, they can get involved in programming, funding opportunities, and collaborative projects and campaigns in the Students’ Association, and actively benefit students in the GSA community.

Being a class rep is an important role and one which can be rewarding and beneficial to students who take it on. They are essential to the running of the GSA and the Students’ Association and help promote and champion the needs of student communities. They also gain key professional skills such as communication, organisation, negotiation and time management.

Lead Reps

The lead rep role is an appointed position that represents an entire school –SoFA, SoD, SIT, or MSA – rather than a single class. Lead reps play a vital role in driving forward some of the most pressing issues that affect students across all years and specialisms in their school.

They do this by attending regular meetings and keeping in contact with class representatives and staff members within the school. These meetings include their school’s Board of Studies, where they are the key representative of students’ interests and concerns and actively participate in improvements to student learning across the school. They also work on projects that improve student representation at GSA and are encouraged to participate in shaping key projects concerning student learning and student partnership at the school.

As with class reps, serving as a lead rep provides students with excellent experience, professional skills, and the opportunity to actively improve GSA as a learning environment.

To reflect the level of responsibility and time that comes with this role, an honorarium of £350 per taught semester is awarded lead reps.

Student Representation on GSA Committees

Class and lead reps can nominate themselves to join the following GSA committees as a student representative:

• Learning and Teaching Group

• Student Partnership Group

• Education Committee

All these committees and groups have responsibility for the oversight and delivery of key projects and processes concerning learning and teaching at GSA. Having student voices on these committees is vital and helps ensure student opinion is heard across the School.

Academic Council

At the start of each academic year, GSASA and GSA hold elections for student representatives on Academic Council. Academic Council is the most senior academic body in the school and reports directly to the GSA’s Board of Governors. Currently, there is space for up to 6 student representatives (including GSASA’s two sabbatical officers). Elections are held in September and October at the start of the academic year.

Assembly Building, Wednesday 11th October at 5pm

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is where all members of the Students’ Association assemble to discuss the ins and outs of the GSASA. It is where you get the chance to hear directly from your sabbatical officers and receive insight into what we have planned for the Association in the upcoming year.

This year the AGM will be held in person in the Assembly Building at 20 Scott Street. We need enough of you to come on down to vote on a few things and introduce our Board of Trustees!

This is the space for a broad open discussion where you are encouraged to feed back on your experiences, giving us valuable insight into improving the functions of the Association and better supporting your experience at the GSA. If you have a topic you’d like to raise at this year’s AGM, please contact Ted and/or Alicia directly.

The AGM is the first step in being part of the discussion on the Assembly Building, and we want you to understand the power you have in deciding the future of your Students’ Association.

Be there or be square!

Each spring, members of GSASA (including you!) will choose the Student President and Vice President for the upcoming academic year. Take the time to vote for your representatives – they’re essential to making sure the student voice is heard!

Any student can run for one of the two sabbatical positions: Student President or Vice President. Both promote involvement in the Students’ Association and develop student-led projects and structures, including the SRC.

The Student President works with GSA and the Students’ Association for the benefit of students throughout the school. They influence learning and teaching strategy and student welfare matters, develop the class and lead rep systems, and campaign for issues that matter to students.

The Vice President responds to emerging needs and issues raised by the student body through the programming of social, learning, and professional practice events and projects. They also lead on the Degree Show celebrations and work with students to develop student-led events and projects.

If you are a current student and a member of GSASA, you can stand for a position and vote in the election! Elections this year will be held just before spring break to allow for nominees to concentrate on their final submissions. Campaigns and opportunities to run are publicised to the student body well in advance via email, our website, and Canvas.

Good luck!

By Caitlin Merrett King, MLitt Art Writing, School of Fine Art graduate, 2022.

Make the most of the GSASA project funding opportunities

During my masters at GSA, I applied twice with some peers to make group publications. It’s a great way to try out new ideas outside of assignments and work with friends or make new friends whilst working on a fun project!

And my main advice would be… explore the city!

I’m delighted to be writing to you as both a double graduate of GSA and as someone who loves the city that will be your home for the next few years. I’m going to go hard with the advice. This is such a mad shifting, exciting time that I’m hoping you’ll find some pointers useful! I’ve asked a few friends, some GSA grads, some not, what they wished they’d be told when they started uni and I’ve come up with the following…

Make it work for you

Everyone has different art school experiences! Work out when’s best for you to work on independent projects in the studio – maybe you’re a morning person, maybe not. You might have a job or have other outside art school commitments which can feel like your time is more stretched compared to others – be kind to yourself, work out a manageable schedule and allow time for rest!

Connect with tutors and peers

I was so shy when I first came to GSA as an undergrad! It can be really hard to ask for advice or help but trust me there really is no such thing as a silly question – questions show that you care, about yourself and about learning! Pick your tutors’ brains about life outside and after art school – how to find studios or jobs, for example. Sharing knowledge and chatting with peers was for me one of the most valuable things about art school – go to the pub or a cafe together at the end of the day! Some of my closest friendships (thirteen years on!) are with people I met in the first few weeks of art school.

There’s a whole world outside of art school! And Glasgow is a really fun city to explore. Check out the music scene, go to gigs and music festivals – look up Healthy for parties and Pop Mutations for gigs. Join mailing lists (they’re back, trust me!) such as Creative Scotland opportunities (for jobs, funding, volunteering), and gallery mailing lists like, Centre for Contemporary Art and Tramway for gigs, events and exhibitions. Use Glasgow Art Map (disclaimer: I co-run it!): follow the Instagram and check out the website for details of exhibitions, exhibition openings and other art-related events. Go to exhibition openings if it’s your bag, it’s a great (and free) evening out. Top tip: often for their summer exhibition opening The Modern Institute does free pizza! Another top tip: every first Thursday of the month, Trongate 103 is open 6-8pm for exhibition openings across all the galleries it houses (Glasgow Print Studio, Projectability, Street Level and often Glasgow Project Room).

But most of all, remember that it’s your own experience – figure out your own routes, discover your favourite places to hang out, and enjoy!

Caitlin x

Project

Spaces

The project spaces are bookable rooms in the Assembly Building that GSA students can use for exhibitions, workshops, society meetings, and other extracurricular and community-building activities.

We open applications to book the project spaces near the beginning of each semester, with opening and closing dates posted on our website. Applications go to a student-led panel, who will notify the successful applicants and finalise the project space schedule. You can find more information such as photos and dimensions, rules for project space use, and application forms on our website.

GSASA-affiliated societies do not have to go through the application process to book project spaces for society activities. Simply contact our Societies and Communities Coordinator Leilani (gsasa@gsa.ac.uk) to discuss your ideas and book a space.

Funding Committee for Student Projects

The Students’ Association has £3000 to allocate each semester towards student-initiated projects and programming that fall outside of the curriculum.

We run an open call for applications three times a year. Drop-in advice sessions are available in advance of each deadline should you need a hand with your application. These are led by staff within the Association. Application forms for any upcoming open calls can be downloaded from our website and canvas pages. Project funding applications are then reviewed by our SRC Funding Committee, meaning that decision-making on applications is led and managed by students.

The Funding Committee is comprised of class reps and members who stand and are elected during the Annual General Meeting and any other meetings of members throughout the course of the year. Please get in touch with Ted Tinkler, your Student President and Chair of the Funding Committee, to find out more about members meetings.

Being part of the Funding Committee is a great opportunity for students who want to develop professional skills around application writing, collaboration, network building, and decision making.

Applications are sent at least two weeks in advance of the deadline and will be available via your student email, our website, and canvas. If you are interested in knowing more about application writing or learning about how funding processes work, get in touch with us via email at gsasa@gsa.ac.uk.

Student Societies & Sports Clubs

Student societies, collectives, and sports clubs are an amazing way to create and feel part of community as part of your GSA experience beyond the limits of your studies and the curriculum. They are places for creating (sometimes lifelong!) friendships, community, a sense of belonging, a place for sharing ideas and developing projects, gaining and practicing new skills for life after your studies, employment and about putting your skills often to the service of others and bigger things.

Key Dates

Funding Committee

Meeting Date & Time

Wednesday 8th November 12 noon:Zoom

Wednesday 14th February 12 noon: Zoom

Wednesday 8th May 12 noon: Zoom

Applications Deadline

Friday 3rd November 5pm

Drop-Ins with Student Engagement Team

Wednesday 1st November 11am – 2pm: Venue TBC

All student societies, collectives and sports clubs are student-led and student organised but are part of the Students’ Association – supported by Students’ Association staff, the Associations’ resources, and funding. Societies run as groups that are both autonomous in how they operate but also sit under the guidance, and within the larger community of, the Students’ Association.

Societies can be based around a common interest/activity, a common identity, solving a common problem, and can be a space of learning, socialising or campaigning. They have the potential to address a specific concern in, or beyond, the curriculum, or they could even speak to GSA students’ political interests – locally or nationally.

Friday 9th February 5pm

Wednesday 7th February 11am – 2pm: Venue TBC

Examples of societies that existed last academic year which may continue, to be confirmed, this year include:

Friday 3rd May 5pm

Wednesday 1st May 11am – 2pm: Venue TBC

Hill52 (student radio station), East and South East Asian Society, Strika FC (Football Society), Queer Society, Hockey Society, Hiking Society, Knitting Society, Yoga Society, MASS (Mackintosh Architectural Students Society), Christian Union, Lesbian Society, GRUPA (Central and Eastern European Society), Cetus (a film making society), All Noises (Electronic Music Society), Set the Zine (Zine making Society), Climbing Society, Rule of 3D (Digital Assets Club), Skateboarding Society, Scott Street (a Print/ Publication Society), Gallery Society (an exhibition producing society).

What are the benefits of setting up a society or student group at GSASA?

• Gain transferable skills for future life experiences or employment.

• Access funding each semester for items that could support your society’s activity – from pitch hire, venue hire, books, merchandise, or whatever is needed! Up to £250 can be requested per semester.

• Access to the Societies Committee, a twice-yearly meeting which is a collaborative space for connecting with other societies and student groups for joint projects.

• Specialist staff support and advice through the Community and Societies Coordinator.

Want to set up a new society? Get support with wherever your idea is at!

To explore setting up a new society contact the Community and Societies Coordinator, Leilani Rabemananjara (l.rabemananjara@gsa.ac.uk). They are happy to help regardless of where you’re at with planning your society, whether you have the spark of an idea or a fully formed vision with like-minded students - societies can and do form out of both!

All societies at GSASA are automatically part of a community called Societies Committee.

The Societies Committee is comprised of sports club and society groups that are represented, at minimum, by one of their committee members. Meetings of the committee happen twice per academic year.

Societies Committee exists as a space for societies to reflect on and share their recent activities and updates, creating a space for collaboration and support through other students, societies, elected sabbatical officers, and GSASA staff.

The Societies committee also has a significant role in approving the affiliation of new societies and reviewing funding that has been spent by different societies – meaning that the decision-making and running of societies at GSASA is brought into the hands of those involved in them!

Please get in touch with Alicia Bickerstaff, a.bickerstaff@gsa.ac.uk, your Vice President and Chair of the Socities Committee, to find out more about Societies Committee. Whilst this meeting will be mostly of interest to students leading or involved with society activity, it is open to all students.

Societies Committee Dates 2023 - 2024

Wednesday 15th November; 12 Noon (Venue TBC)

Wednesday 15th May; 12 Noon (Venue TBC)

Spend some time constituting the we, tests and tries to grow this deepening green through systems of clear-sided barrels through which water moves, hoping the silt contains enough mineral, and can be heard in different languages a green living there

a green which says long live you and a green which would like you to avoid the mirror that shows only: things.

Words are too often needles, needless, thickening needles of science’s insolence. Yet, it is a pleasure to speak with you. These days will be a stirring, and disturb the words which are ossifying by weeks, as weeks ossify into whens.

What does Diaphonized mean?

clearing and staining animal flesh. Artists have also taken up this practice, of which I am disappointed.

These alizarin red and alcian blues tend to distract from the work of our greens and browns and it is my opinion that animals are not to be recoloured, and that words which are needles must be made worms, that is, made fleshy and sent underground. To squirm, and not to prick.

Signals are given and received between us in dopamine green, the chemical which allows us some time to spend, particularly in conserving the we, and broadly moving through clear-sided systems towards what is impossible to make, and here impossible is a motivation. On the asinine white days which are pale and without shine, it feels not impossible, but thankless. Only on the yellowest days which can always green it feels impossible. Do you?

Receive in me this gift of a we which has been lucky: as by collecting many natural and alphabetic materials together, discarding adornments of authority, and providing the nutrient of the individual to organic diversity, we will find a green to graze on and grow, a reeding, lucky we.

By Ben Redhead, MLitt Art Writing, School of Fine Art graduate, 2022.

The liberation officer roles are:

1. a support network;

2. a crucial role within the campaigns committee;

3. a space to facilitate liberation-based organising that is intersectional and tangible.

As part of this role, you will work with the Student President and GSASA to help shape the Campaigns Committee – with other students – and to lead on intersectional, playful, and informed organising.

You will also be invited to:

• sit on EDI-based committees within GSA,

• receive a £200 honorarium per semester for semesters one and two from GSASA,

• receive advice and support throughout the year from the Student Engagement Team.

How to be elected:

Liberation officers nominate themselves for the role and are voted in by GSASA members. You can nominate yourself online starting on the 6th of October or in person at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). You should be prepared to give a short statement as part of your nomination telling your peers why you’re right for the role. Final nominees will be announced at the AGM and voting will take place online to ensure that all our members have a say.

The specific roles on offer are:

Disability Officer

LGBTQIA+ Officer

Gender Equality Officer

Anti-Racism Officer

Environmental Officer

International Officer

Mature Students Officer

There will be one student elected for each position.

Please get in touch with Ted Tinkler, t.tinkler@gsa.ac.uk, your Student President and Facilitator of the Campaigns Committee, to find out more about the Liberation Officer roles.

The Campaigns Committee is a “folkmoot”[1] that leads the development of campaigns that support the student experience at GSASA and GSA. It is a space for supporting liberation issues and collaborative campaigning around specific issues – with the support mechanisms (inc. money) and scope to do so.

We will imagine, develop, and campaign around key issues that matter to students, such as the cost-of-living crisis, climate justice, and trans healthcare. We also encourage everyone to come along with their own ideas!

For example, this year Ted hopes to facilitate a political trans healthcare fundraiser and series of events, workshops, actions, and performances![2] The strength of campaigning, fighting for liberation, and student representation comes from an intersectional approach.[3] So that is what this committee is all about. A multiplicity of voices and actions coming together.

There are three formal dates for the committee to meet, but we will have more gatherings to plan, act, and imagine beyond these!

Campaigns Committee Dates 2023 – 2024:

Wednesday 25th October 2023; 2pm, GSASA, The Assembly Building, 20 Scott Street

Wednesday 17th January 2024; 2pm, GSASA, The Assembly Building, 20 Scott Street

Wednesday 24th April 2024; 2pm, GSASA, The Assembly Building, 20 Scott Street

As part of the SRC, the committee is made up of the Liberation Officers, elected class reps, and any other student who wishes to be a member. Nice and inviting! Please get in touch with Ted Tinkler (t.tinkler@gsa.ac.uk), your Student President and Facilitator of the Campaigns Committee, to find out more. Or see you on the 25th October at 2pm!

Crucially, these meetings are open to all students.

We hope your time at GSA is a positive one. However, we understand that difficult situations can arise. If you want to raise a complaint (formal or informal) because of something that has happened at the school, find yourself involved in student conduct procedures, or you need to make an academic appeal, it can be daunting to go it alone. The student engagement team at GSASA can provide independent support and advice for students in these situations.

We advise students to contact us at an early stage, but we can support you at any time during the process. However or whenever you contact us, we are independent from GSA and our role is to advocate for you with the school.

[1] “folkmoot” = from Old English folcmōt, a general meeting of the people of a shire

[2] I’m thinking a week of events centred around joy, community-led activism, and more… but most importantly, I can’t do this alone. We can facilitate a space that does not pursue a singularity of knowledge, rather, one that “envision[s] an array of alternatives” (Angela Davis).

[3] As Audre Lorde said in 1982: “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.

The student engagement team can support you through complaints, appeals, and disciplinary proceedings by:

• Explaining processes and what to expect

• Helping you to fill out forms and submit supporting evidence

• Advising you on courses of action

• Accompanying you to meetings with relevant staff or with a complaints or disciplinary investigator

• Following up with you to help you understand outcomes and your next steps, if necessary.

If you think you would like our support, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Confidentiality

We take your confidentiality very seriously and won’t share your case with anyone outside the student engagement team. We may share information between team members for the purposes of managing caseload and conflicts of interest.

Email Ash Watkins (a.watkins@gsa.ac.uk) for more information about advocacy at GSASA.

GSASA would like to thank our wonderful graduate designer, Anastacia Macdonald. Anastacia graduated from GSA’s Communication Design programme in 2023.

Design and Illustration: Anastacia Macdonald

Instagram: @anastacia_illustrations

Email: macdonaldanastacia@gmail.com