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ADVICE & SUPPORT
You can access advice and support independent of UCA throughout your studies through UCASU. We know that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and there are times when figuring things out, and understanding new academic processes might not seem doable.
That’s why we exist, and we’re here to help and support you across a range of areas, including:
Academic misconduct & disciplinary procedures
Academic appeals
Resits & retakes
Bullying & harassment
Complaints
Mitigating circumstances
Reporting incidents
Sexual health & access to free condoms
Facilitating mediation
Advocating on your behalf to the University
General wellbeing support and sign-posting to other services
This is not an extensive list of the support you can access through UCASU and you can always contact our Advice & Wellbeing team for an initial confidential conversation. Our core support hours are generally between 9AM-5PM Monday to Friday, and you can get in touch at: advice.su@uca.ac.uk
We also have an online Knowledge Base which is full of useful advice and guidance, spanning across mental health and wellbeing to more specialised information regarding changing courses and mitigating circumstances.
Check out our Knowledge Base at:
07827 316142 UCASU.COM/KNOWLEDGEBASE
We understand that cultivating a sense of community on campus is important, and can really enhance your time at UCA. That’s why joining or starting a Club or Society on your campus is a great way to get involved with your Union and find your campus community.
WHAT ARE CLUBS & SOCIETIES?
Clubs & Societies are run by students, for students!
Every Club or Society on your campus has been started by a student and set up with the support of UCASU. Each Club or Society has a committee of students responsible for making it happen.
The student volunteer roles are:
• Group President
• Experience President
• Membership President
So if you want to add to your CV and gain experience, the student volunteer roles are a great chance to do so!
WHAT CLUBS & SOCIETIES ARE THERE?
We have plenty of established Clubs & Societies ready for you to join from day one, from Dungeons and Dragons to Anime Societies and Life-Drawing, to name just a few! It will vary depending on your campus, but don’t let that stop you from starting your own!
If fitness and dance are more your thing, we have exciting opportunities like Football, Yoga, and K-Pop Dance, which will get your heart pumping.
We would like to think that there’s something for everyone. So if there’s a Club or Society you’d like to see on your campus, don’t forget you can start one.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
You can join Clubs & Societies at any point in the academic year, so if you don’t join during Freshers Week, don’t let that stop you from getting involved.
We also get requests for new Clubs & Societies all year round, so look out for our latest calendars on social media channels.
Our active Clubs & Societies will host FREE taster sessions for you to attend at the start of term, the week after Freshers and Refreshers fairs. This means you can give it a go without the commitment of getting a membership right away, and you’ll find any new societies will offer this throughout the year too!
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO JOIN?
Absolutely not! Our Clubs & Societies are an opportunity to learn a new skill, find a new hobby or continue some of your favourite activities.
Clubs and societies will usually run Monday to Friday after 5PM, throughout term time – there’s no limit to the number you can join, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to try something new and meet new people!
ARE CLUBS & SOCIETIES FREE?
It ranges from no cost to below £70 to join Clubs & Societies, and it will depend on what you are signing up for.
You’ll find that sports clubs are cheaper to join through your Union than locally, as we subsidise the cost to allow for student-friendly prices – all so you can get involved with activities alongside your studies.
No student should feel like they cannot participate or are disadvantaged due to financial hardship or the need to purchase additional materials. So if you are struggling with the cost of joining or equipment, any UCA student can apply for the Participation Fund.
Further information about joining or setting up a club or society can be found at:
READY TO MAKE A REAL IMPACT ON CAMPUS?
Getting involved with our volunteering opportunities within the Students’ Union is the way to go! It’s your chance to connect with like-minded peers, gain valuable skills, and have a blast while making a difference to the student experience.
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US?
You’ll meet new friends, boost your CV with incredible experience, and have fun doing it. From event planning to student support, we have exciting opportunities for everyone. Getting involved is simple: just check out our website for what we have coming up, choose a role that excites you, and follow the steps to apply.
WHAT ROLES ARE THERE?
• Union Council
• Campus Officers
• Group Presidents
• Experience Presidents
• Membership Presidents
Plus, you’ll enjoy a great community of our volunteers, receive recognition for your achievements, and if you keep track of the hours you contribute, use them to impress your future employers!
We respect your study commitments, so volunteering hours are flexible, but there are expectations and several meetings you will need to attend to keep your volunteer role.
I’M AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT. CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Yes! As an international student, can volunteer alongside your studies in these roles. However, there are some restrictions to the types of volunteering that your Visa will allow you to do when in the UK – this does not apply to these roles.
Have questions? Reach out to us via email at activities.su@uca.ac.uk. Get involved with our volunteering opportunities, and let’s create a brighter, more vibrant campus together!
activities.su@uca.ac.uk