Farnham Membership Handbook

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS ENCLOSED

The SU is all about you. We’re led by and for students, independent of UCA but an important part of university life. You’ll find us on campus, right in the heart of things, doing everything we can to make your time here amazing.

There are plenty of ways to get do things with us, whether you want to enjoy the events and activities we run, change something about your course, or become a bigger part of your campus community.

We’re committed to representing and acting in the best interests of students at all levels of the university, as well as locally and nationally. Students get to choose who represents them, and over 500 are chosen each year, from Course Representatives to Union Council or full-time in the SU as a President.

We also know that sometimes things don’t go as planned, so we offer support around course and welfare issues. From academic appeals to helping you to resubmit work, we can guide you through the process from start to finish.

We’ve won national awards for our work, and we’re always trying our best to do new and better things. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can improve, so please let your President know (their details are on the following pages).

There’s so much more going on than we can explain in this guide, so be sure to follow us on socials (@ucasu for everything), check out the latest at ucasu.com, and drop into the office -- we’ll be happy to see you!

SOL GJØINES PRESIDENT KENT

Hello everyone!

My name is Sol Gjøines (don’t worry, you won’t have to learn how to pronounce my last name), and in March of 2021 I was elected to be President Kent for the Students’ Union. I recently graduated from the BA Fine Art course at the Canterbury campus. Being completely transparent, I had little to no contact with the Students’ Union during my time at UCA. Ironically enough, that is one of the reasons I wanted to be your President for the following academic year - to work toward making sure you as a student knows how the Union works for you, and all of the amazing things you can expect from your membership. As such, I aim to make the Students’ Union as visible, approachable and personable as possible.

Working closely with President Surrey, there are many exciting projects and campaigns already in the works to better the student experience. Such as Implementing International Inclusivity, Cultivating Creative Communities, Bettering UCA’s online resources and more.

We are here for you, the students. The Students’ Union is a separate entity from the university, and although there is a close relationship between the two, the students will always be our first priority. Ultimately, we serve as your voice, and I am ready to fight for it!

Even if (especially if) that means annoying some senior management ;) As President Kent, I will primarily be located on the Canterbury and Rochester campuses.

Don’t hesitate to get in contact with me about any queries, (or to just have a chat about your student experience in general), either in person, or through Facebook and email. I am always open to feedback and suggestions. My door is always open.

I look forward to an exciting year of representing the student voice!

CONTACT DETAILS Phone: 01227 81 7337 Email: kent.su@uca.ac.uk

GAEBRIEL MIN PRESIDENT SURREY Hiya! I’m Gaebriel (pronounced GAY-bree-ehl).

I studied Graphic Communications at UCA Farnham and finished my course this last June.

I had the opportunity in my last year of study to work at the Students’ Union as the Design Assistant and took the opportunity to extend my time with the Union by being elected by the student body as President Surrey.

There are many things I am aiming to accomplish this year to better the student experience on all 4 campuses. With your help, I hope to Cancel Colonial Curricula, Demonstrate Diversity, Cultivate Creative Communities, Strengthen Student Support, Activate Accessibility, and Implement International Inclusivity.

As President Surrey, my role is to represent the student community of UCA to the University and fight for your voice and the overall student experience. Although I am primarily located on the Farnham and Epsom campuses, I work closely with President Kent to make sure all the campuses are equitably represented.

The Students’ Union is shaped by you, the students, and as we are the only organisation on campus that is solely for the support of students, we need your input to get the support you need.

My door is always open to you, whether that’s for a chat about student needs, a wee rant about your course, or a game of monopoly (however, I will win and I will not hold back).

Besides that, feel free to email/message me on Facebook or stop me on campus.

I hope to see you around and Welcome to UCA!

CONTACT DETAILS Phone: 01252 89 2693 Email: surrey.su@uca.ac.uk

Being at UCA isn’t all hard work, so we provide the opportunity for students to participate in Clubs and Societies by either running one or being a member.

Plenty of clubs and societies are up and running, from the African-Caribbean Society to Film Society and Life-Drawing Society, there is something for everyone. If fitness and dance is more your thing we have exciting opportunities like Boxing, Pole Fitness and K-Pop Dance which will for sure get your heart pumping.

Clubs and societies usually run Monday to Friday after 5pm and throughout the year you can expect amazing shows like the Musical Theatre Society’s end of year stage production, the dance Charity Showcase and the ever popular Open Mic Open Mind nights. If you think there’s something missing, you can start your own club or society too!

Further information on joining or setting up a club or society can be found at

ADVICE & SUPPORT University should be one of the best times of your life but you may need some help along the way.

The Students’ Union is run independently from the University.

We offer advice and support on academic and welfare issues such as: Academic Misconduct & Disciplinary Procedure Appeals Bullying and Harassment Complaints Mitigating Circumstances (Coursework Extensions)

Hate Crime Reporting Housing Sexual Health and Free Condoms Student Representation Wellbeing

Core support hours are generally from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and you can get in touch by dropping into your Students’ Union office or by directly contacting:

MOLLY NEW Advice & Representation Manager

Call/Text: 01372 20 2443 // 07827316142 Email: molly.new.su@uca.ac.uk // advice.su@uca.ac.uk Skype (by arrangement): UCASU_advice

For easy-to-understand advice and guidance on everything from academic appeals to sexual health, try our online Help Centre.

UCASU.COM/advice

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY

“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” -Bruntland Report for the World Commission on Environment and Development

And at UCASU we strive to do just that! We are one of only 65 students’ unions to take part in the NUS Green Impact, a national accreditation which recognises sustainability commitment.

We are proud to have scored ‘Excellent’ for two consecutive years!

Through our work we hope to make a positive impact on campus and local communities.

We want to offer you opportunities, such as gardening, upcycling workshops, litter picking and guest speakers. Sustainability is a wide-reaching subject so topics and workshops can include areas such as social justice campaigns, recycling, healthy eating, travel and waste.

TOP TIPS Print only when necessary – Consider using the recycled paper printers in the library!

Cut down on plastic – Consider replacing some every day plastic items like toothbrushes and cling film for bamboo/eco alternatives!

Recycle, Reuse and Reduce - Check for the recyclable sign on any tins or cartons. Shop at charity shops and donate unwanted clothing items.

Cook with friends - If you are in a shared house then all cook together in the evenings.

Turn off your lights - Use the sun, thats what it’s for!

Get active - walking or cycling is much better for the environment than taking the car.

Wash a big load! – save money on bills by filling up your washing machine.

Get Involved – You can join the Sustainability Community and local community work!

Find out more about our work on Sustainability, including events, talks and more tips at

UCASU.COM/sustainability

COURSE REPS Course Reps connect students, the Students’ Union and Course Boards.

They find out the opinions, questions and experiences of the students they represent and share these at the Boards, helping make a positive impact on the course.

Course Reps are essential to ensure students have their voices heard and acted upon. If you decide to become a Course Rep, you’ll be part of a community of over 300 people at UCA making a difference to their education.

Course Rep elections are held throughout ??? in your class.

For more about the role, check our website:

UCASU.COM/Coursereps

ELECTIONSELECT All UCASU members can stand for, and vote in, our elections, influencing how the Union runs and what we focus on both on campus, locally, and nationally. There are a variety of roles and positions within UCASU to get involved in.

Our by-elections are held in term one. This is your opportunity for run and vote for Executive Officer, School Officer and NUS Delegate.

There are three Executive Officer positions per campus who sit on the Students’ Union Executive Committee. They hold the Presidents to account, hear their reports, pass policy, and impact the direction the Union takes. School Officers have the same responsibilities but are focused on your academic experience. NUS (National Union of Students) Delegate offers the opportunity to attend National Conference. Here you will vote on national policy as well as NUS officers for the next year.

Our main elections are held in term two, here you can run and vote for our the full-time President positions. We have two paid positions; President Kent and President Surrey.

Presidents work on campaigns and projects that make a difference to UCA students’ lives.

For more information about student elections and how you can be involved, visit

UCASU.COM/elections

Glasshouse is the number one nighttime venue in Farnham, based right in the heart of campus.

Whatever you’re in to, we like to think that Glasshouse has something for you. From chilled open mic sessions and quiz nights, right through to Ibizastyle foam parties and burlesque events. It’s also the home for our Freshers, Halloween and Summer Balls. Look out for the calendar each month to find out what’s on this month.

The bar is fully stocked with a great range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with a separate cocktail bar for selected events.

To keep up to date on Glasshouse events, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram

/UCASUGlasshouse @UCASUGlasshouse

UCA MERCH UCA Hoodies & jackets from £20 T-shirts from £10 To view the full range, visit

UCASU.COM/SHOP