UNIVERSITY OF YORK
ST U D E N TS’ U N I ON IMPACT REPORT
OUR SUCCESS IS NOT SIMPLY JUDGED THROUGH FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS.
YUSU is a not for profit organisation. All the profit that is made through our commercial arm and the grants that we receive is reinvested in student led activities and charitable causes. The opportunities and improvements we make to our students and the community that surrounds The University of York is what marks our success.
CONTENTS
03
ABOUT YUSU
04
A WORD FROM OUR CEO
05
RESEARCH AND CAMPAIGNING
06
WELFARE AND ADVICE
07
UNIVERSITY AND LOCAL POLICY
08
SOCIETIES
09
YORK SPORT UNION
10
VOLUNTEERING
14
RAISING AND GIVING
16
OPPORTUNITIES
20
WORKING FOR YUSU
21
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
22
NOT FOR PROFIT JUST FOR STUDENTS
24
MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT
25
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
26
THANK YOU
27
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
28
GET IN TOUCH
30
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
CONTENTS
03
ABOUT YUSU
EVERY STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK IS AUTOMATICALLY A MEMBER OF YUSU. • The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey ranked YUSU 55 of 105 Students’ Unions in their league table. This is 14 places higher since 2010 and smashed the national average of – 4. YUSU received a score of 5.1 ‘Good Students’ Union’ score narrowly missing out on the national average of 5.2.
YUSU exists to promote and defend the educational and welfare interests
• The number of voters engaging with the YUSU elections has grown by 35% since 2011 and a 3rd of the York student population voted in this year’s elections. This is a solid foundation as a democratic organisation, but we want to reach more.
• 16,179 students at the University of York and this number keeps growing.
• 164 YUSU societies with over 5,000 York students involved in a YUSU society. • 62 York Sport Union clubs over 3,000 York students participate in York Sport Union clubs and a growing College Sport programme. • 5 commercial outlets lowering prices for students with all the profits reinvested in student led activities. In 2013/14 £133,756 was reinvested back into student led activities and charitable activity. • £40,000 has been channelled into the University college system to provide events, training and personal development opportunities for York students. • 14 voluntary projects that make a real difference in the community. • Raising and Giving activity has gifted £78,177.70 for charitable causes. • Increasing numbers of students accessing advice and support from YUSU.
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of its current and future membership. Employers are looking for more than a quality degree; The University of York contributes over £240m a year to the city’s economy and many of our students stay in Yorkshire after they graduate, bringing new skills and experience to the local workforce. YUSU provides a range of services, events, activities and opportunities which impact on the student experience, employability and the wider community.
• Our annual Student Experience Survey revealed 46.9% of respondents believe YUSU is making a positive impact on their student life. • The National Student Survey 2013 revealed 62% of York respondents agreed they were satisfied with YUSU. A 1% increase since 2012. We are edging towards the average for England of 67%.
YUSU facilitates student opportunities. We help
students futures and in the community. It will see us
members to meet new people, learn new skills, to be
widening student participation and maximising the
happy and healthy, to improve their world, to have
benefit of participation on students and wider society.
fun. We do this through a growing range of services and opportunities we provide. Sports and societies, volunteering initiatives, our growing Raising and Giving (RAG) program, the representative networks, the increasing range of social spaces we offer and the community that we foster make up our investment into the student experience. The impact report gives some sense of YUSU’s role in the lives of students, in
We want to thank all of those who support us; our staff, our trustees, our funders and partners and most of all our members. We are proud of our member’s achievements and, with a fast changing social landscape; we believe these achievements are an essential element of student experience that help them thrive in a changing world.”
the success of the University and the fantastic City of York. The future looks very exciting. We will work with the University and students to achieve a shared
BEN VULLIAMY YUSU CHIEF EXECUTIVE
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
“THE IMPACT REPORT SHOWS SOME OF THE INCREDIBLE THINGS STUDENTS DO TO MAKE THEIR EDUCATION EXPERIENCE IN YORK GREAT.”
responsibility for ensuring the York student experience is one of the defining factors of the University of York. We will ensure YUSU and its members are better equipped to demonstrate the impact we make on
A WORD FROM OUR CEO
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RESEARCH & CAMPAIGNING OVER THE PAST ACADEMIC YEAR THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF CAMPAIGNS THAT YUSU HAS SUPPORTED ON THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO OUR STUDENTS. The annual student led YUSU awards recognised some of
Disabled Student’s Association and the LGBTQ network.
difference.
The session was well attended by students from both
FIXED FEES CAMPAIGN
groups and since three students have become full
The International Students Association succeeded in
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
securing fixed fees at the point of entry for international students whose fees were increasing by large amounts making it hard for international students to budget for their time at York. This successful campaign has capped fees at a 2% increase for each year of study which has the potential to save international students thousands of pounds.
The Fixed Fee campaign won the award for
members of the club. • Women’s Football introduced a welfare officer to their committee to sustain the Key Contacts scheme within their club and ensure they were looking after the well-being of their diverse members. • Influenced ‘Contribution to Diversity in Sport’ award to be added to the York Sport Dinner (York’s annual sport awards).
Contribution to Internationalisation at the YUSU
The Key Contacts scheme won the Contribution to
awards 2013/14.
Diversity award at the YUSU awards 2013/14
KEY CONTACTS
GOOD DAY, BAD DAY
Key Contacts is a scheme derived from the Access All
A NUS study showed that 92% of students experience
Activites Report carried out by YUSU in 2013. The report
feelings of mental distress whilst at University, caused by
showed that students who define as disabled or LGBTQ
a range of issues: a heavy workload, financial fears and
are less likely to take part in sport for reasons including,
struggling to fit into relationships (NUS, 2013).
discrimination and exclusion.
This campaign struck right to the heart of some very personal
The title ‘Key Contact’ refers to a volunteer from 10 different
but real issues for people on campus. It allowed people to
clubs to act as a friendly face. The Key Contacts are also
talk about mental health issues and began to lessen the
educated on various topics including disability sport,
stigma attached with such illnesses. It didn’t shy away from
ableism, homophobia, transphobia and issues surrounding
the tough stuff and gave people the ability to join in on social
lad culture. As a result of better awareness around these
media as well as contribute through blogs and vlogs. Many
issues:
people were allowed to share their story of struggling with
• Men’s Rugby club cancelled a ‘drag’ social and banned them within their club. • Trampolining influenced their coach to gain a disability sport qualification. The club now holds weekend classes for disabled children in the community. • Trampolining held a joint social with York’s LGBTQ network involving both a trampolining session and a pub crawl.
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• Octopush held a ‘have a go’ session targeted at York’s
the great work York students have engineered to make a
mental health for the first time through this campaign.
Students voted Good Day Bad Day Campaign of the Year at the YUSU awards.
THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES THAT MAY FACE STUDENTS WHEN AT UNIVERSITY AND THE SAFETY, WELFARE AND AVAILABILITY OF GOOD ADVICE FOR YORK STUDENTS IS A PRIORITY FOR YUSU. ADVICE AND SUPPORT CENTRE The change in funding arrangements in 2012 has changed the higher education landscape, more students than ever are appealing against classification and fail decisions. Due to the increasing demand for advice and support from YUSU, 2 new members of parttime staff have commenced their roles as Academic and Welfare Development Coordinators and are taking on case work. Additionally the new members of the team have been able to get out to all the college welfare teams to identify issues affecting our students to begin preventative projects with colleges in the new academic year. • Overall casework has dropped slightly (244 from 261 in 2012/3) but the proportion of Appeals has risen from 35% to 47% (91 to 115). • Summer vacation casework has risen from 66 cases in 2012/3 to 86 in 2013/4; Appeals in this period have risen from 43 to 58.
NIGHT SAFE Nightsafe has been developed over the last academic year with the aim of ensuring the safety of our students when on nights out, attending YUSU events and Official club nights. YUSU have trained 12 team leaders and recruited another 50 volunteers to provide assistance to students when on nights out to elevate the pressure on other services across the city and prevent incidents. Working within the Safer York Partnership, YUSUs’ innovative work has been well received locally and praised by local and national politicians after safety concerns of students following the tragic death of 2 students in York rivers in 2014.
NIGHTLINE Nightline is a student support phone line run by students for students. There is no other student support system that is open at night and York students give up their time to help their fellow students. “I was going through a personally very difficult time. Nightline was an incomparable support.” - Nightline caller, 2014
STUDENT SAFETY We have trained:
WELFARE & ADVICE
• 412 First aiders 8% more than 2011/12 • 512 Responsible Persons 21% increase from 2011/12 • Introduced Ladder, COSHH and equipment training for our societies and JCRC’s
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UNIVERSITY & LOCAL POLICY
YUSU HAVE TAKEN A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN RESPONDING AS A UNION TO CONSULTATIONS FROM EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS. YUSU has aided the development of the new university strategy, consultations across the city about road and traffic safety, planning and licensing, ward boundaries and funding for community projects. We’ve also begun to involve ourselves in consultations for services delivered by the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) for the Vale of York, delivering a student voice to the deciding body for delivering NHS services in the region. The welfare team have been working closely with the University to offer experience and insight into the changed fees landscape. The YUSU welfare team have assisted the University to rewrite the Academic Misconduct policy and procedure and the Academic appeal form.
RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY The Annual YUSU Excellence in Teaching and Supervision Awards are a student led celebration of excellence across the University. A panel of judges drawn from the university, YUSU and current students awarded the prizes. These awards are a wonderful recognition of what makes York such a good university and what students appreciate as part of More students than ever had their say with 402 unique nominations a 27.6% increase from 2012/13, indicating the real difference excellence in teaching and supervision makes to the lives of our students. 81 more teaching staff were nominated for an award in 2013/14 from the previous year.
IDENTIFYING ISSUES TO MAKE BIG IMPACTS FOR ALL STUDENTS • Lobbied the University library to consult with students over resourcing key texts. The University then did a full student consultation so students could get the books that they need • Making the cleaning of whiteboards more regular to make text more eligible • Stopped the block booking of rooms around exam times as they were remaining empty a lot of the time, now there are more available rooms for exam study
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their academic experience which is becoming more and more vital to understand as the higher education market becomes more competitive.
YUSU funded 96 societies last year and this money went on development of society members through external speakers, trips away, events, buying in different materials, performances, competitions the list goes on. This funding is vital to societies and you can see the impact it makes with the buzz on campus and the national presence societies have.
SOCIETY OF THE YEAR York Student Cinema won Society of the Year for their transformation of the last academic year with record numbers making up audiences, low ticket prices and the society has been praised as a good alternative for students who do not want to go out drinking. The society has
We have trained 95% of society officers on the skills
run numerous fund raising events resulting with
that are required to full fill the role. These skills
the society self-funding a new digital projector
include communication and organisation as well as
to improve the cinematic experience for their
marketing and events organisation. All these skills are
audiences.
directly transferable to the working world for when they leave university.
SHAPE YOUR SOCIETIES REVIEW YUSU Activities team consulted with 846 students and as a result YUSU now understands what support students want when running a society and is now able to tailor support offering value for money and leaving students to lead the way. YUSU has now
SOME ACHIEVEMENTS • YSTV won 3 awards at NaSTA including ‘best broadcaster’ • 7 members of York Comedy society qualified for the Chortle Student Comedy Awards more than any other University • Brass band came 3rd in the University Brass band championships
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
THIS YEAR YUSU INVESTED £69,792 IN GRANTS TO SOCIETIES; THIS IS A 5% INCREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
developed a strategic approach to societies making it easier to adapt to what students want in the future. 21% increase of students participating in YUSU societies since 2011
SOCIETIES
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YORK SPORT UNION YUSU HAS INVESTED £75,339 IN GRANTS TO YORK SPORT UNION. WE ALSO SPENT £13,346 ON COLLEGE SPORT AND HIRED £64,833 OF SPORT FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS DURING THE YEAR. Investment in great facilities at York is already having an effect on the outcomes for teams at York Sport Union. The value of our strong York Sport Union brand is giving the The University of York a reputation as a great home of sport. York Sport President Cass Brown has been elected the BUCS National Student Director which is fantastic for both Cass and York because we now have representation on a large sport’s National Governing Body board; BUCS.
physiotherapy session for £5, saving students £25 per session on average. Since its introduction in spring term 2014, 114 students have accessed the scheme from 26 York Sport Union Clubs. “The physio service provided by the York Sport Union is an
• Ranked 38th 5 positions higher than 2013
physiotherapy sessions for incredible value. The booking
• 11 teams have been promoted 6 more than 2013
process is really simple, and Paula is so helpful. It’s exactly
champions
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
The scheme allows students to attend a 30 minute
BUCS
• 5 teams reached the Northern Cup Finals and 3 became
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PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR SPORTS CLUBS AT YORK
• A gold medal in Indoor Athletics
SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS • Futsal reached the semi-finals of the FA Futsal Cup • VX athlete won the first inter University competition • 121 students received colours
ROSES This year was the 50th anniversary of Roses; the largest university sports tournament in Europe. Thousands of York students travelled to Lancaster University. Unfortunately York narrowly missed out on glory however it was the highest losing total in the tournaments history with 142.5 points.
COLLEGE VARSITY The 2013/14 academic year held the first ever college varsity against Durham University. Durham narrowly won and York will be eager for an away win this year.
incredible resource for sports players, providing top quality
the sort of thing sports clubs need to ensure their players stay fit throughout the season” - Jonny, Futsal
FOCUS SPORT PROGRAMME The Focus Sport Programme is designed to provide specialist training to encourage elite performance. Currently the programme supports 5 York Sport Union Clubs and the 2014/15 academic year will see the programme expanding to include 6. “Being a part of the Focus Sport scheme has generally given our players the support and confidence they needed coming into the season, especially within our two first teams, who secured the phenomenal double of cup wins and securing promotions in undefeated campaigns. Strength and conditioning, in particular, made a noticeable difference to the athletes’ speed and power on the pitch, and the squads have relished the challenge of regular sessions with Pete Ashcroft. It has been a privilege of which we have taken full advantage, and the prospect of another season as a focus sport is a hugely exciting one.” - Claire, Lacrosse.
Some of the achievements of the teams within the programme include: • Both the Lacrosse men & women teams won their BUCS conference Northern Cup finals and BUCS leagues gaining promotion. • Swimming and athletes reached the BUCS Championships finals. • Men’s Rugby 1sts held their position in the BUCS Northern Premier B League. • Boat club sent a women’s 8 team to Henley Women’s Regatta to compete in the Academic 8’s.
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VOLUNTEERING
YUSU OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO VOLUNTEER WITH 14 DIFFERENT STUDENT LED PROJECTS AS WELL AS THE CHANCE TO FUNDRAISE FOR MULTIPLE CHARITIES THROUGH THE YUSU RAISE AND GIVE (RAG) PROGRAMME. Volunteer students at the University of York are incredibly selfless, giving their time to help worthwhile causes within the community. Sarah Roughton won RAG Volunteer of the Year at the annual YUSU awards for her tireless contribution and passion for RAG. She was integral in the organisation of events activities within her college, making sure that RAG was a key part of Halifax College. Inkwell received the award for Volunteering Project of the Year at the YUSU awards because of their dedication to nurture literacy skills through the medium of creative writing workshops for York’s primary school children. Inkwell has been running for 12 months and in this short space time they have volunteered over 336 hours in local schools to run a variety of sessions. Inkwells project work has been recognised as ‘outstanding volunteering’ and is being used as a case study of outstanding volunteering for the Government’s work on literacy and schools.
KIDS’ CAMP Kids’ Camp gives students the opportunity to volunteer as part of a residential camp for children between the ages of 8 and 11 years old. All the children who attend are referred to the project as they are deemed to be ‘desperately in need of a break’. This year’s two camps have enabled 34 children to take part in a range of activities from archery and climbing to zip lining, caving and canoeing. Two volunteers described the best aspect of Kids’ Camp: “I noticed a development in my confidence and skills with children.” “Being able to see each of the children grow in confidence as the week went on, being willing to try things they didn’t necessarily want to take part in.”
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WOODSTOCK
This year’s Winter Wonderland saw RAG bring the
Organised and run by a committee of student
Christmas spirit to campus with live Reindeers, market
volunteers, Woodstock 2014 once again saw Vanbrugh
stalls and festive food and drink. The event helped
College be turned into a music lover’s paradise with 12
to support the work of the charity, Railway Children,
hours of live music and entertainment. Three stages,
who work to provide protection and opportunities for
including a new acoustic stage which allowed solo acts
street children around the world. Railway children
who otherwise may not have had a chance to perform,
have helped over 126,000 street children in the
showcased a range of societies and student bands.
past 5 years and we are extremely proud to support
This year the event raised funds for York Mind, who
international charities that make a difference all over
work to provide high quality mental health services
the world.
in York. 25% of drugs prescribed on the NHS are for mental health issues and with the NUS reporting more students coming forward with mental health problems, supporting YorkMind who work hard to breakdown the stigma attached to mental health really can make a difference to our students and the local community.
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
WINTER WONDERLAND
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RAISING & GIVING THE 2012/13 YUSU RAG WEEK RAISED £10,137.43 AND WAS DONATED TO 6 BENEFICIARIES. To see what the money raised has achieved one year on:
REGIONALLY
LOCALLY
In December 2013 SCT opened their third “Home from
The money donated to IDAS enabled redecoration of family
Home” in Yorkshire and the money raised by YUSU went
rooms and provided toys and play equipment for children and
towards this.
young people living in the refuge.
It gives families of children who are being treated in the
“Making the refuge a pleasant place to be is incredibly
Critical Care Unit a place to stay close to their child. Many
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
important in making it as easy as possible for women and
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children to move on from their experiences of domestic abuse. We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from YUSU, so please pass on our thanks to everyone involved in raising the money” - Sarah Hill – Director IDAS
of the children on these wards have been transferred from hospitals that do not have specialist facilities and are therefore not within close travelling distance from their home.
NATIONALLY YUSU’s voluntary donations have helped to fund a unique project based in Yorkshire; The Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN): The project is revealing a complete picture of blood cancer patient’s journeys from diagnosis onwards that is helping to improve treatments and the wider healthcare policy, locally and across the UK.
INTERNATIONALLY YUSU RAG donated £3937.73 last November. £15 helps one person gain access to safe water, sanitation and improved hygiene, so RAG fundraising helped 262 people gain access to clean water and sanitation. “By supporting WaterAid’s work, you are helping young people to spend their time studying in school rather than collecting water. With your continued support, we will work towards a world where everyone, everywhere has access to safe water and sanitation.” - Lindsay Wicks, Community Engagement at Water Aid All the money that RAG raised could send 10 surgeons to the field for a week or buy 61 emergency health kits capable of treating 2440 patients.
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OPPORTUNITIES
GRADUATES NEED TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD IN TODAYS JOBS MARKET AND YUSU OFFER SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YORK STUDENTS TO GET AHEAD. COURSE REPS Ran three training sessions with a focus on team working and role related skills, and introduced a VLE induction module, preparing students for their role and enhancing their skills. • 148 Reps attended training session • 172 Accessed VLE • 71% Glad they attended • 66% felt more confident and prepared to be a course rep as a result of attending
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES Considering feedback from Course Reps, 2013/14 saw the first cohort of Department Reps. Department Reps have completed a 360 review and many reps were highly commended by the departments they represent. Areas of improvement have been identified and Department Reps are set to continue making a positive impact on the academic experience of York students. “Dynamic and very positive. She engages extremely well with both students and staff, and is an excellent representative of her peers at Staff-Student Forum/DUTC/Board of Studies meetings. She often offers thoughtful and helpful insights in discussions around student matters in our department.” - University of York teaching staff member
COLLEGE OFFICERS 46.4% of all college officers were trained in 2013 which is a massive increase since 2012. 76.4% stated due to the training they felt prepared to be an officer
PROFESSIONAL CONNECT Professional Connect is a joint venture with the University careers service. Professional Connect gives students the opportunity to gain insight in future careers and network with professionals. ‘It was greats to gain insight into different aspects of public & third sector. Hopefully I secured myself work experience or an internship contacts through networking - we’ll see!’ - Professional Connect attendee, 2014
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YUSU COMMERCIAL SERVICES PAID OUT APPROXIMATELY £255,692 DIRECTLY TO STUDENT STAFF WHOM WE EMPLOY TO HELP RUN OUR COMMERCIAL SERVICES. The average satisfaction rate with YUSU staff working
“I was studying English Language & Linguistics and
in Your Shop and our bars is 77.5% which really
got half way through my degree when I realised I
is testament to our customer facing staff and high
was really not enjoying my course but I was enjoying
standards provided by YUSU.
working for YUSU, therefore I decided apply to be a
studies to fund their time at University and with employers looking for work experience as well as a good degree; YUSU has employed 113 students in its bars, shops and offices. It can be hard to balance working hard and playing hard, but YUSU understands this fine balance making sure students get the most out of their time at University.
student supervisor and then later I got the role at the Courtyard as Assistant Manager as part of a 1 year internship. I have been able to gain qualifications such as liqueur licence, food hygiene and I have attended events forums which I am able to put on my CV. I am now pursuing a career in retail management.” Elected YUSU President 2012-14 Kallum Taylors said: “Advice and guidance has always been on hand from
Here’s what some students have to say about working
our staff members, and from certain members of the
for YUSU:
University community, which is great, and really quite
“The best thing about working for YUSU is the sense of community and cohesion, the flexibility and understanding the managers have with regards to
calming. With this too, we’ve completed 360 reviews to highlight our strengths, weaknesses and make us better judge our next steps.”
University work and all the different skills I am picking
Over the summer of 2014 YUSU has additionally taken
up.”
on interns in Graphic design and IT services.
“It is led by extremely understanding and flexible employers who take seriously the work/University balance and act accordingly.” “It’s a really good job to have as a student as it fits round my lecture timetable and allows me to go home in the holidays which is really important to me because I live far away.”
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
More and more students have to work alongside their
Rachel Brown is the YUSU Commercial Services Intern as Courtyard Assistant Manager. Rachel started as a Shop Assistant at Your Shop whilst she was studying at the University of York. Rachel then applied to be a student supervisor at Your Shop; which is available for 2nd and 3rd year students to take on more responsibility and gain valuable work experience.
WORKING FOR YUSU 21
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS THE STUDENT COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP, WHICH COMBINES THE FOUR INSTITUTIONS AND CITY OF YORK COUNCIL, GIVES PRACTICAL ADVICE TO STUDENTS ABOUT LIVING HARMONIOUSLY IN THE COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS CHAMPIONING THE CONTRIBUTION OF STUDENTS TO THE ECONOMY AND COMMUNITY OF YORK. The partnership’s new campaign, ‘York Loves Students’, gives recognition to students who contribute in a positive way to their community. New calculations by the universities involved and higher education institutions in York have revealed that 75,000 volunteering hours have been logged
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
by students in the city and, if volunteers had been paid at
York loves students is a student community partnership that encourages students out in the community to give something back. In early 2014 a group of students did a clean-up of Heslington Road an area with a high student population.
the minimum wage rate, the cost of their employment would
Coun David Levene, Cabinet Member for Environmental
have been over £500,000.
Services, said: “It is always great to see students taking pride
CALL IT IN
in the area where they are living and studying. This is also a
The Call It In campaign was launched after discussions
opportunities available to other individuals and groups who
between the YUSU Welfare & Community Officer and the
wish to get involved in their local area.”
Health & Safety team about the number of students coming to YUSU to report crime, having not contacted the police or campus security. The campaign was therefore launched with several aims: to encourage and increase the reporting of crime and suspicious behaviour both on and off campus; to improve access to support services for victims; and to further educate students about how best to avoid becoming a victim.
really good way for the council to highlight the volunteering
One local resident said: “Students get lots of flack for making a mess and at least this is some recompense. Well done to them.”
GREEN IMPACT In 2013/14 YUSU applied for Green Impact accreditation for the first time, which gave us the opportunity to review our ethical and environmental procedures. YUSU was awarded
To achieve this, the campaign introduced several novel
working towards bronze and in 2014/15 we will going for
services, including an ability to book appointments to see
bronze status.
police, security, Bridge House [SARC], or the Safer Homes
BIG GREEN CLEAN
handyperson [to burglar-proof property]; the distribution of large amounts of innovative personal safety equipment
The Big Green Clean is a group of volunteers who collate
including over 600 personal attack alarms, security bells,
discarded items after students go home for the summer. The
phone security items, and home & outbuilding security
collated items are then donated, sold on or recycled.
packs; and a property registration service.
This years’ Big Green Clean went really well with over 125
As a valued campaign by the local community the campaign
full crates of donated items, 25 of those being food, for a
has benefited greatly from contributions close to £3000 from
rough total of 1.880 tonnes of material being donated and
partner agencies, including the Police & Crime Commissioner
recycled!
for North Yorkshire and the Safer York partnership.
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YORK LOVES STUDENTS
CELEBRATE YORK AND TOUR DE TANG HALL
INNOVATIVE WORK
Celebrate York is an annual event held in the community of Tang Hall in
YuStart the UK’s first bespoke University Crowdfunding
May which is a day of activities in the community. Tang Hall is one of
platform. Launched in January 2014 YUSU worked in
the most deprived wards in the City and celebrate York is an event that
conjunction with the Universities’ Development Office;
local residents can enjoy for free. This year’s event was marred with bad
some projects that have got off the ground are:
weather however this did not dampen the spirits for the local community with hundreds of local residents in attendance.
• York Astrocampus raised £7,000 to continue its educational work about the Universe with school
With the 2014 arrival of the Tour de France in York YUSU worked with
children and space enthusiasts. The YuStart funding
local partners to put on the Tour De Tang Hall to encourage the growing
will be used for equipment in the new outreach activity
interest in cycling and engage the local community were lots of York
centre.
students live. Tour de Tang Hall won a York Community Pride award at the annual ceremony hosted by City of York Council and the York Evening Press.
• 24 choirs raised £1,200 will allow the choir to make the most of their 17-day tour of China and Hong Kong. • Student film production raised £105 when creating the short film Psyched, to fund the costs of locations, props and specialist equipment.
VISHNU SUNIL KUMAR WON OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AT THIS YEAR’S YUSU AWARDS FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO VOLUNTARY PROJECTS IN YORK. In the year 2013-14 Vishnu has successfully volunteered with multiple organisations for various causes. Vishnu volunteered as a park ranger 3 days a week at St. Nick’s nature reserve in York. Every day he helps clean the reserve, an area of almost 22 acres; it is frequently used by a significant section of the local community. He has greatly helped in activities that include the protection of the endangered water vole. As a volunteer at St. Nicks he has helped promote sustainable living to the local community. He also works with children from primary and secondary schools, students from the university, the elderly and people with special needs on a weekly basis, helping them attain various types of skills and knowledge necessary to attain jobs. Volunteering to inspire young children to learn about science and the environment is Vishnu’s passion; he pursued this passion not only by volunteering at St. Nicks but at various other events held and run by York cares, Children’s University, York careers, York STEM and FERA. Examples include the graduation ceremony for school children in York, by helping organise the event. Vishnu also volunteered part-time as a student-teacher under the York students in School programme teaching ‘Science of food and the environment’ to the children after school at the Osbaldwick Primary School in collaboration with FERA. Additionally, he volunteered at the National Science Learning Centre for a family science day to help inspire and engage, not only children but also parents, in various fields of science such as ecology, chemistry, and physics. He also volunteers part-time at the Mayfield Community Trust programme to help protect local wildlife and biodiversity. Well done Vishnu!
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NOT FOR PROFIT JUST FOR STUDENTS EVERY PENNY OF PROFIT MADE IN OUR CAMPUS VENUES GOES BACK IN FUNDING YUSU SERVICES, STUDENT LED ACTIVITIES AND GOES TOWARDS CHARITABLE CAUSES. The combined surplus from all YUSU outlets in 2013/14 was
All outlets perform high in terms of satisfaction with staff working in our
£133,756 which is reinvested into improving and developing
outlets; this is testament to our customer facing student staff.
student led activities, providing student advice, running
THE COURTYARD
volunteering initiatives and electing, training and supporting course representatives.
Satisfaction rate 83.6 – 2.4% increase since 2012/13 2013/14 was one of the busiest years since it opened in 2009. The Courtyard is also undergoing a refurbishment including brand new bar and new furniture for York students to enjoy.
THE LOUNGE Satisfaction rate 68% - 2.2% increase since 2012/13 YUSU’s second licenced space has come into its own this year, with new furniture and new feel. Its cocktails have proven extremely popular once again and host a variety of events across the year including the YUSU and York Sport awards, with a level of professionalism from the full-time and student staff making this an increasing popular campus venue.
THE GLASSHOUSE Satisfaction rate – 14.6% increase since 2012/13 This academic year was the second for The Glasshouse, based on the Heslington East campus. This is an extremely popular venue with its club nights consistently reaching capacity.
YOURSHOP Satisfaction rate 77.3% - 4.2 increase since 2012/13 Students can spend money in YUSU shop safe in the knowledge that the profit will be invested back into their student experience. Additionally YUSU shop donates some of their profits to charity as voted for by its customers.
THE KITCHEN AT ALCUIN The Kitchen at Alcuin is one of the year’s true success stories for YUSU commercial services. After the announced closure of Café Barista, YUSU commercial services saw the opportunity to utilise a great space and completely refurbished the café. Popular with students and staff alike based on the north side of campus, it also hosts a number of departmental events throughout the academic year.
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YUSU MARKETING HAS GENERATED £20,460.20 OF INCOME THROUGH ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIP AND CONTRACTS WHICH IS ALL REINVESTED BACK INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUSU.
time and received a 92.4% satisfaction rating from attendees, 33.1% higher than in 2012 – ticket sales rocketed by 215% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to a discounted Fresher’s weekend ticket promotion. YUSU also hosted the first ever Comedy Night during Refreshers week and sold out Roger Kirk Centre.
COMMUNICATION Our students have told us that they like to be communicated with through digital platforms the top 3 preferred methods being Facebook, e-mail and YUSU newsletter. A Klout score is out of 100 and measures the impact organisations have on social media. The average score
The annual Fresher’s Fair continues to be a huge
is 40 and a score of 60+ puts you in the top 5% of
success with a 93.3% satisfaction rate. The 2014/15
users. At the end of the 2013-14 academic year (27th
Fresher Fair is set to be the biggest one yet.
June 2014) YUSU had a Klout score of 62.92.
Live and Loud is now in its 3rd year and ticket sales
How do we measure up against other similar
have grown by 24% since 2011.
students’ unions?
Viking Raid continues to be a popular event with York students to introduce them to the city night life. Feedback from students attending the event in 2013/14 has resulted in a new route being added so more students can participate in the event.
• Lancaster University 58 • Exceter University Students Guild 65 • University of Huddersfield Students Union 58 For the next academic year our social media platforms
Ticket sales have almost doubled for Summer Ball
will include Snapchat and Buzzfeed, so that we can
since 2010. Summer ball was the biggest yet in
engage with our students in more interesting and
2013/14 with 2800 students in attendance, many
varied ways.
stating it is a great cross university event. ‘The best bit about Summer Ball is having the opportunity to have a final goodbye to multiple friends.’
• Facebook likes = 10000 - 22% increase from 2013 • Freshers’ Facebook Page = 3418
– Summer Ball attendee 2014.
• York Sport Union Facebook follows = 889
The YUSU marketing team has supported a number of
• College Varsity Facebook follows = 847
colleges to improve events which have turned around
• YUSU bars = 2141
from making a loss to making a profit that can be invested in developing more student led activities within colleges.
• Twitter followers = 7200 - 57% increase from 2013
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
Fresher’s 2013/14 Comedy night sold out for the first
• Instagram followers = 245 • YouTube subscribers = 425
MARKETING & ENGAGEMENT 25
FINANCIAL SUMMARY Block Grant Restricted Funding Income
Restricted Funding Allocation
Other Income
Other Academic & Welfare
Events Income
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
Trading Income
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Trading
Democracy & Representation
Student Activities
Sport
TOTAL INCOME
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
948398
1596255 Trading
Block Grant
Events
1690459 Trading Income
356988
Events
375266
Events Income
314985
Student Activities
204602
Other Income
341395
Sport
1205416 Restricted Funding Income
211491
Democracy & Representation
4424141 Total
181386
Academic & Welfare
43031
Other
80550
Surplus
1298060 Restricted Funding Allocated 4343591 Total
THE 2013/14 ACADEMIC YEAR HAS BEEN A GREAT ONE FOR YUSU With the highest ever BUCS placing, real growth in our community relations, column inches and praise for our student safety work, some incredible performances in trading, increases in block grant, growth in advice team, 1 third of students voting in elections, the societies review, the opening of the Kitchen at Alcuin and so much more are testament to a union that busts a gut to help students do incredible things. Students have lead YUSU to make a real difference to the lives of many, not just to students and not just exclusively in York but, across Yorkshire, the UK and globally. We are extremely proud of our students here at York. The passion and enthusiasm from our students to make a difference is what makes YUSU so successful, a huge thank you to all our volunteers, sports clubs, societies, department and course representatives who have made it happen. Special thanks also go to the University of York and our 2013/14 elected leaders Kallum Taylor, Anna Mcgivern, Cass Brown, George Offer and Dan Whitmore and our external trustees Robert Brech, Neil Irving, Bethan Forrest, Kevin Hall, Matthew Taylor and Lee Cook. 2013/14 has also been made possible by key partnerships and funding in particular Sport England, Higher York, The National Union of Students (NUS) and the Safer York Partnership which has enabled YUSU to drive forward innovative and successful projects.
THANKYOU 27
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS OUR 2014/15 SABBATICAL OFFICER TEAM SAM MAGUIRE YUSU PRESIDENT The next year is a really exciting one for YUSU with a home Roses, a shiny new website, strategy and loads more to look forward to. The Sabbatical Officers are working really hard to make sure that all students at York have a great year and YUSU make a difference to their lives. This year I will work to give the Union direction. Working with all members it is time to develop a strategy that reflects their views and give YUSU long-term focus. The consultation process will run throughout this academic year with the strategy in place by June 2015. Another priority for me this year is ensuring that the University of York is a place where anyone can flourish. We will be campaigning to encourage minority groups in leadership were our key goal is to have a set of candidates in the YUSU elections who reflect the demographic of York’s diverse student body.
CASS BROWN YORK SPORT PRESIDENT Sport at York is set to thrive next year. With the introduction of an affordable AU fee, the York Sport Union has more investment than ever to put back into club development. As well as developing clubs through education, training and funding more and better equipment, we will be focusing on attracting the best athletes to York to make the most of our state of the art facilities. We’ll also be launching our new BUCS campaign, inspiring our clubs and athletes to strive for the higher ranks of the BUCS league table. Diversity is also a key area of focus for the York Sport Union as we seek to broaden the range of student groups that play sport and run schemes to make as many students as possible feel included in sport. Most exciting of all though, is that 2015 sees a home Roses; our annual Varsity event against Lancaster University where York will fight to bring the Carter James trophy back where it belongs.
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All students at York are here to study and it’s my job
JEMIMA BUSBY WELFARE AND COMMUNITY OFFICER
to ensure they are able to reach their full potential.
Over the coming year, I’ll be focussing on how we can
Working closely with the course and department reps
ensure that students not only have the support they need
this year I’ll be focussing on course design to embed
for when things go wrong but also provide them with
transferable skills into the curriculum to make our
the tools and resources to look after themselves, to deal
students better prepared for employment. I will also
effectively with the stresses of University and to stop
be working on diversification of assessment methods,
problems before they happen.
trying to move away from traditional essays and exams, and making sure feedback from these is as useful as it can be. Additionally I want our members to have more opportunities to expand their horizons through international study programmes. This year I will also be working with Academic Societies to find out how students can best benefit from them.
I also want to make students feel more part of the city both by finding new and constructive ways to engage with the non-student residents around them to make York a stronger, more diverse and more student-friendly city. I will work to encourage students to use their power to vote in the 2015 Council and General Elections to shape the future of the city and improve things for all residents in
CHRIS WALL years to come. ACTIVITIES OFFICER I want students to have an unforgettable experience at York. By the end of this year I would like to see an increase and widening of the participation in both RAG and Volunteering. I will continue to support the great success we already have with our societies and work
UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
GEORGE OFFER ACADEMIC OFFICER
with them to be even more effective. I want students across the university to make the most of their time at York whilst developing themselves by learning new skills, whilst making memories and making a real difference to society.
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GET IN TOUCH FIND US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, BUZZFEED AND SNAPCHAT - YORKUNISU WWW.YUSU.ORG
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UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
ENQUIRIES@YUSU.ORG
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