G
U
E ID
12 20
On behalf of everyone here at your Students’ Union, welcome to Warwick! 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. The services we offer you include our independent and confidential Student Advice Centre, which deals with issues ranging from accommodation to academic study, immigration to council tax and more. Within your Students’ Union buildings you will also find our food outlets and bars as well as space to relax, while our 300+ sports clubs and societies will form a substantial part of your experience at Warwick. From regular Postgrad events through to academic advice, we are here to ensure you have the best University experience possible, and to support you along the way.
What is this guide about? As a Postgraduate student here at Warwick, we know that you have specific expectations and needs during the period of your 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 independent 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
As Postgrads, research or taught, you form a vital part of our vibrant and diverse student community. Making up around 45% 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. As your Postgraduate Sabbatical Officer, it is my job to represent your views locally, nationally and to the University to make sure your voice is heard!
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.
Anna Chowcat
While we know that your academic studies are paramount, however taking a break to have fun is important too. With regular Postgraduate events at the Student’s Union, you can meet and socialise with fellow Postgrad students.
POSTGRADUATE OFFICER
postgrads@warwicksu.com
The Postgraduate Association is an elected body run by a variety of students which aims to represent Postgraduates, with regular socials and academic representation from all faculties. 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
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab a hot drink during the day, want to take up a new activity, 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? 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
How to get involved! 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...
Sports
Societies
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.
Here at Warwick we have over 250 Societies for you to get involved in, and we work to ensure that, whatever your interests, there’s a society for you to join! From campaigning societies to cultural societies, there’s something for everyone.
Head to www.warwicksu.com/sport to find out more.
Check out the Societies Fair at the start of term or go to www.warwicksu.com/societies to see what’s on offer!
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BECOMING A STUDENT TRUSTEE AT WARWICK STUDENTS’ UNION? GO TO www.warwicksu.com/trustees FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY CLOSING DATE - 12TH OCTOBER 2012
Postgrad Representation A key function of the Students’ Union is to represent its members to the University and 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. At the start of the first term, we ask you to elect a set of Postgrad Representatives for the year ahead. Competition can be tough, but the positions are hugely rewarding with the opportunity to enact real change and engage fully with your fellow students.
Postgraduate Association Postgraduate representation runs from the Postgraduate Association – a one-stop shop for all things related to postgrad. Run to sit on the Postgraduate Association (PGA) as a Faculty Representative, a PGR rep or as the Social Secretary to represent the diverse and vibrant Postgraduate community. The following groups are made up of elected students, so why not run and represent your peers?
Postgraduate Faculty Reps 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 decision-makers on Postgraduate issues. Being a Faculty Rep also gives you a seat on Student Council (more information below) and the Postgraduate Association.
Postgraduate Councillors Student Council is one of the highest decision-making bodies in Union democracy. Discussing and lobbying the University on issues ranging from fees and climate change to campaign weeks and transport, Council is key to enacting change within the Union. It is also the process by which you can hold your officers to account.
Postgraduate SSLCs
(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, head over to our website at www.warwicksu.com/democracy or email your Democracy and Development Officer via ddo@warwicksu.com.
Your 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 you may have or if you want to get involved.
L to R: Cosmo March | Anna Chowcat | Natasha Cabral | Nick Swain | Silkie Cragg | Ben Sundell | James Entwistle
Nick Swain
Anna Chowcat
PRESIDENT president@warwicksu.com
POSTGRADUATE OFFICER postgrads@warwicksu.com
James Entwistle
Silkie Cragg
EDUCATION OFFICER education@warwicksu.com
SOCIETIES OFFICER societies@warwicksu.com
Cosmo March
Natasha Cabral (aka Bam)
DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER ddo@warwicksu.com
Ben Sundell WELFARE AND CAMPAIGNS OFFICER welfare@warwicksu.com
To find out what your officers are up to, check out their blogs at: warwicksu.com/blogs
SPORTS OFFICER sports@warwicksu.com
What do I do if I want to... ... 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 (ents@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? 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 Check out the new Postgraduate Hub in Senate house – an exclusive new study space for Postgrads 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). 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, by taking 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 5th October, 10am-3:30pm - Panorama Room, Rootes Social Building.
The Ernst and Young Warwick SU Social Enterprise Project Have you got an enterprise idea that could really make a difference, something that could improve social inclusion or deliver a real social change? Launch event: Monday 15th October 2012 6pm – 8pm
Find out more and sign up at: www.warwicksu.com/socialenterprise