guide
On behalf of everyone here at your Students’ Union, welcome to Warwick! Warwick SU is here to ensure you have the best University experience possible, and to support you along the way. We exist to help you make the most of your time here, and will hopefully be a focal point over the course of your degree. Some of the services we offer you include our independent and confidential Student Advice Centre, which deals with issues ranging from accommodation to academic study, immigration and more. Within your Students’ Union buildings you will also find our food outlets and bars as well as space to relax, whilst our 300+ sports clubs and societies will form a substantial part of your experience at Warwick. As Postgrads, research or taught, you form a vital part of our vibrant student community. Making up just under 40% of our student population, your input into Warwick SU is crucial. This is a Union formed by its members, and as such seeks to change for the better, based on feedback and involvement from every student we represent to the University. Remember that if there isn’t something for you, it is up to you to come to us to get things changed. Indeed, it is my job to represent your views locally, nationally and to the University, and to make sure your voice is heard. So if you see me walking around campus, feel free to stop me and say hi, and tell me how things are going! Leo Bøe
PRESIDENT 2011-2012
Twitter:@leo_boe
www.warwicksu.com what is this guide about? As a Postgraduate student at Warwick, we know that you have specific expectations and needs during the period of your PG study. We are also well aware that these needs will differ greatly depending on your course, whether you are a researcher or not, whether you studied your UG degree at Warwick, in the UK or elsewhere in the world, and whether you have other outside pressures and responsibilities. Warwick SU aims to offer you a range of services that support and meet your needs.
advice & support Our Student Advice Centre can give you information on all sorts of issues such as immigration, student funding, academic appeals, housing and employment rights. Check out the website at www.warwicksu.com/advice or email advice@warwicksu.com.
representation Whether you want to see changes to your course or start a campaign on a certain issue, Warwick SU’s representative structures are here to help you effect change. Our Officer and staff teams meet regularly with the University to lobby for change and work tirelessly to ensure that your voice as a Postgraduate is heard. To get involved or raise an issue, head to www.warwicksu.com/democracy. The SSLC (Student Staff Liaison Committee) system functions solely to give students a strong voice in their academic experience. For more information on how to get involved, visit: www.warwicksu.com/haveyoursay/sslc.
social activity From acoustic nights and competitive sport to Salsa lessons and cinema, the Students’ Union and its clubs & societies offer an incredible range of activities and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab a cuppa during the day, want to take up a new activity, need to keep your body fit and healthy or just want a night out, there’s always something for you get involved in. Check out www.warwicksu.com for info on events, outlets, clubs and societies.
what is Warwick SU?
www.warwicksu.com
We are an independent charitable organisation which exists to represent, entertain and support students whilst studying at the University of Warwick. A democratic organisation run by students for students, we are directed by you, our members.
‘ Warwick Students’ Union – creating a better experience for students at Warwick.’ WARWICK SU MISSION STATEMENT
want to get involved?
www.warwicksu.com
We know that Postgraduate study can be an intense experience - while we recognise that you may not always have much time on your hands, consider getting involved with…
postgraduate society
societies
Organising social events, sporting tournaments and trips around the local area – the PG Society is a great place to get to know people throughout the year.
Here at Warwick we have over 200 Societies for you to get involved in, and we work to ensure that, whatever your interests, there’s a society for you to join! Postgrad students get a reduced fee for the Societies Federation (£10 for 2011/12) and you can learn new skills, make friends and boost employability through your involvement.
sports Sport is a huge part of Warwick life, with excellent facilities and clubs catering for all skill and interest levels. With over 80 different sports clubs (some exclusively for PGs), you can keep fit, meet new people and have a good time. Head to www.warwicksu.com/sport to find out more.
See what we’ve got to offer on our website at www.warwicksu.com/societies.
postgrad representation
www.warwicksu.com
A key function of the Students’ Union is to represent its members to the University and to the government. Sometimes this is specific to certain courses or faculties, sometimes it’s about taking a stance on national issues, and other times it can be about local matters such as transport. No matter what the issue, however, we’re here to make sure your voice is heard. Right at the start of the first term, we ask you to elect a set of Postgrad Representatives for the year ahead. With only a few positions available, competition can be tough, but the positions are hugely rewarding with the opportunity to make real change and get a great CV-boost.
postgraduate faculty reps
postgraduate forum
With a position for each of the three faculties (Arts, Science and Social Science), PG Faculty Representatives have a seat on their respective Faculty Board as well as the Board of Graduate Studies committee – the highest decisionmakers on Postgraduate issues. Being a Faculty Rep also gives you a seat on Union Council (more information below).
PG Forum exists to ensure that the Union and its services remain relevant to Postgrads, and to provide involvement opportunities in all different aspects of Warwick SU. This is where PG views can be heard loud and clear. Early in Term 1, we will be looking to elect a Postgraduate Forum Co-ordinator who will shape the work of the forum throughout the coming year.
postgraduate councillors
postgraduate SSLCs
Union Council is one of the highest decisionmaking bodies in Union democracy and meets 7 times a year. Debating, amending and passing Union policy on issues ranging from fees and climate change to campaign weeks and transport, you will have a key role to play in shaping your Union.
(STUDENT-STAFF LIAISON COMMITTEES)
Comprised of students, staff and senior academics, SSLCs provide an accessible arena for students to discuss any concerns they may have with their course or with the University at large, in turn giving you the opportunity to have a direct say in how your department is run.
If you want to find out more about Union Representation, how the Union is run and how to get involved then head over to our website at www.warwicksu.com/democracy or email your Democracy Officer via democracy@warwicksu.com.
postgrad welcome events
www.warwicksu.com
postgrad taught
postgrad research
THURSDAY 6TH OCTOBER 5.30PM - 8PM | WARWICK SU ATRIUM
You will be invited along to a PGR Induction event by the University to take place at points throughout the year. With the chance to hear research tips, find out about the University’s support services and learn first-hand what Warwick Students’ Union has to offer you, we highly recommend that you take up a place.
Come along and be welcomed to Warwick by the Head of the Graduate School and SU Sabbatical Officers. An informal event, this provides a fantastic opportunity to mingle, meet new people and make friends right from the start of your academic year.
your sabbatical officers
www.warwicksu.com
sabbatical officers
Each year, the student body elects seven students to work full-time to represent and work for you in different areas. These are your lead representatives and are here for you, so get in touch with any questions or if you want to get involved:
L to R: George Whitworth | Leo Bøe | Sean Ruston | Chris Sury | Matthew Rogers | Izzy John | Chris Luck
Leo Bøe
PRESIDENT
president@warwicksu.com
Sean Ruston
EDUCATION OFFICER
education@warwicksu.com
George Whitworth
udo@warwicksu.com
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Izzy John
WELFARE OFFICER
welfare@warwicksu.com
Matthew Rogers
SOCIETIES OFFICER
societies@warwicksu.com
Chris Sury
SPORTS OFFICER
sports@warwicksu.com
Chris Luck
DEMOCRACY OFFICER
democracy@warwicksu.com
To find out what your officers are up to, check out their blogs at warwicksu.com/blogs.
what do I do if I want to...
www.warwicksu.com
... find out what’s on? Your one-stop shop to find out what’s happening is our website, www.warwicksu.com – use our online calendar to see events by day and buy tickets while you’re there. Also make sure you ‘Like’ Warwick SU on Facebook (www.facebook.com/warwicksu) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/warwicksu) to keep in the loop. We’ll also send out a weekly email packed with news and events – be sure to have a read.
... run an event? Get in touch with our Central Admin Department (admin@warwicksu.com) if you’re looking for a venue, or contact our Entertainments Department if you’re looking to start a new event (entertainments@warwicksu.com).
... get some advice on an academic-related problem? First port of call - head straight to www.warwicksu.com/advice and see if that helps. Next, get in touch with the Student Advice Centre (advice@warwicksu.com) and arrange an appointment.
... tell the SU what I think about the services they provide? We’re always looking for feedback, so if you’ve got any comments on any of our services or outlets you can email us (feedback@warwicksu.com), Have Your Say online (www.warwicksu.com/feedback) or pop into SUHQ and have a chat with a Sabbatical Officer.
... tell the SU about an idea I have that will better support PGs? Then we want to hear from you! Get in touch with the PG Forum (postgraduateforum@warwicksu.com), email feedback@warwicksu.com or pop into SUHQ and have a chat with a Sabbatical Officer.
looking for work?
www.warwicksu.com
Warwick SU employs over 200 student staff, making us one of the largest student employers on campus. With roles ranging from bar staff and food assistants to designers and receptionists, there’s plenty of great opportunities with flexible hours to fit in with your studies. We’ll be recruiting en masse at the beginning of the year, but positions arise regularly – for all of the latest opportunities, take a look at the jobs pages at www.warwicksu.com/jobs.
jobs
PG TIPS
www.warwicksu.com
Volunteer in the local community with Warwick Volunteers go.warwick.ac.uk/volunteers
For financial advice regarding funding research, email Sue Brown in our Student Advice Centre (sue.brown@warwicksu.com).
Keep your eyes open for news coming soon on prospective changes to Coventry House opposite the SU as an exclusive study space for Postgraduates.
Visit the University’s Careers & Skills department to get support on placements and careers www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/careers
For advice on childcare services available on campus, visit: www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/living/childcare
If you’re a Research Postgrad, read on…
Be sure to read the University’s Guidelines for Supervision: www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/ academicoffice/gsp/formslibrary/guidelines_on_supervision_and_monitoring.pdf Find out how to get involved in the PGR community, take a look at the PhD Life Blog and choose from plenty of networking and training events at the Wolfson Research Exchange: go.warwick.ac.uk/researchexchange Develop and record your skills as a researcher with the Research Student Skills Programme: www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/rssp
If you’re a Taught Postgrad, read on… Make sure you’re familiar with quotation and referencing requirements: go.warwick.ac.uk/plato
Develop your academic, personal and professional development skills with the Masters Skills Programme, and gain the Warwick Skills Portfolio Award, a University of Warwick certificate. www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/masters Visit the Wolfson Research Exchange: a dedicated space for the Warwick researcher. Join our community to collaborate and network.
Use our events space and free video conferencing equipment to enhance your research connections. Rich collaborations start with strong connections.
Warwick Volunteers provides volunteering opportunities for students and staff at the university - be it working in schools, environmental activities or one-off mural painting events, there’s a range of projects to get involved with! Find out more at the Volunteering Fair on Friday 7th October, 10am-3:30pm @ Panorama 1&2, Rootes Social Building.
I made a real difference and learnt so many skills – I would recommend getting involved in SSLCs to anyone!
SARAH JACKSON
Look out for elections in your lectures during the first few days.
www.warwicksu.com/sslc
Why not represent your year group and run to be a... UNION COUNCILLOR POSTGRADUATE FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE. POSTGRADUATE FORUM CO-ORDINATOR
Close of nominations: Friday 14th October | Week 2 VOTE online: Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th October | Week 3
www.warwicksu.com/elections