Your Students' Union
Handbook
A guide for students at University of Wales Trinity Saint David
TSDSU.CO.UK TSDSU
Hello, We’re your Students’ Union
We represent all students studying at UWTSD, including you! Your Union, also known as Trinity Saint David Students’ Union, TSDSU or just the SU, is a charity organisation led by student-elected representatives. We work with the University but are separate from them. This independence means that we have students’ best interest at heart, always. We run a student representation system which allows us to listen to and help students change the things that affect them – from tackling university rules and policies that aren’t working, to identifying course issues – helping the changes you want to see... Throughout the year you will see us running campaigns surrounding issues that affect student life, exam stress, housing, mental health etc.
We encourage you to get involved or suggest ideas. We are here for you if you ever need support or independent advice whether it’s socially, mentally, physically or academically. We have a dedicated staff expert who deals with academic issues.
“We’re alongside you for the duration of your University experience, making it fun and helping you out when times are tough. We’ll talk to you, stand up for you, and empower you.”
Beyond the lecture room, your union gives you the space to develop skills, make friends and enjoy uni life. Students are able to start clubs, societies or volunteering projects in almost any area they want. We can provide guidance, materials and a small amount of funding to help you get the groups going, as well as help you promote the group. We can also help try and identify locations and facilities near you that can help. We are always keen to hear from any student with ideas on projects, events or groups. If you want to talk to any one about this, please email yoursu@ uwtsd.ac.uk.
The Representation System Course Reps
Part Time Officers*
One person on your course will become the ‘course rep’. These volunteers will listen to your opinions and ideas and work with staff on your courses to make your experience the best it can be.
These are elected students who campaign on issues and help to run on campus events and activities. We have officers on each campus and they have a range of individual portfolios which represent specific areas, such as the environment, international students or for students with disabilities. They are voted into position each year and shape the work of the Students’ Union through their engagement in Campus Student Councils.
You’ll be asked if you want to stand to become a course rep during your first week of lectures. Find out why you should become your course rep at www.tsdsu.co.uk/ coursereps
Student Voice Reps Student Voice Reps are additional paid student reps who liaise with the Course Reps to collect feedback from each course in their institute. They also have a platform to suggest ideas and raise concerns within the University in order to better the student experience.
The Big Vote
Sabbatical Officers* Our team of Sabbatical officers represent all students and guide the union’s decision making on a daily basis. They were voted into position last academic year by the student body and have taken time out of study to perform the role. Get to know your 2019/20 sabbatical officers on the next page...
*The Big Vote SU elections will choose students to fulfil these roles for the
2020/21 academic year. Nominations are open from 16th December 2019 to 24th February 2019. Go to www.tsdsu.co.uk/elections to find our more.
Elis Allsopp Carmarthen Campus President
Becky Ricketts Group President
Your
2019/20 Sabbatical Officers
Martha Warren Lampeter Campus President
Group President Becky Ricketts Hello! My name is Becky, and I am your Group President for 2019/2020! My role is to represent you and stand up for you as a student. If you’re a student of UWTSD, then you’re also a student of TSDSU - no matter what you study, where you study or how you study, we are here to make your time as a student the best that it can be! Get involved at your own pace and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible throughout the year! Do you have any embarrassing nicknames ? ‘Brick’ was a highlight from high school an unfortunate combination in my email address that soon caught on... What did you study and what did you most enjoy about it? I studied Primary Education with QTS, which qualified me as a teacher! I loved the opportunity to explore my academic abilities, and learn more about the Welsh schooling system. Getting the opportunity to learn Welsh was also bendigedig! What are your priorities for this year? My priorities are pretty varied - from focusing on the links we have with our students in Coleg Sir Gâr to rolling out a #NeverOK campaign on harassment and assault, to empowering our Part-Time Officers! I want our campuses to feel safe, secure and strong.
becky.ricketts@uwtsd.ac.uk Becky Ricketts Pres @becky_lou05 becky_lou05 Were you part of a club or society in university? – Do you recommend joining? I wasn’t a part of a society, but I was lucky enough to be selected as one of UWTSD’s INSPIRE interns! I got to look at the ethical consumption and sustainability of the SU and University, which sparked my interest in sustainability as a whole. There’s a whole host of ways to join in with the SU and get involved, so come and find us or check the website for more information! What’s your best bit of advice for new students? Take it at your own pace. University life can be a little overwhelming to get used to begin with, so take a little time to familiarise yourself with everything, and don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know or aren’t sure we’re here to help! Do you have a secret skill? I can tie a strawberry lace with my tongue, if that can be called a useful skill?
Academic Societies Societies are an ideal way to meet people, get more out of university, learn new skills and more importantly have a good time. Whilst at university why not set up your own academic society to do with the course you’re studying? This can help you outside of the lecture room, whether that’s putting on study sessions or just watching films and doing presentation nights on chosen topics within your society. Academic societies benefit the students as they bring the curriculum to life and allow students to extend their learning beyond the syllabus. Find out more at www.tsdsu.co.uk/startagroup
Volunteering Be part of something bigger than yourself. Give back to the community you live in. Make a difference to another person’s life. Overcome your fears. Meet new people. Broaden your social horizons. Boost your CV. Gain new skills. Build your confidence. Experience London. A good resource for finding volunteering opportunities in London is at www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/ volunteering/search/
Students’ Union:
Useful
Contacts
TSDSU Office (Carmarthen) 01267 676 876 www.tsdsu.co.uk yoursu@uwtsd.ac.uk
University:
Health + Advice
www.tsdsu.co.uk www.uwtsdlondon.ac.uk
NHS Helpline 111
UWTSD University (London Campus): 0207 5826297 Student Services: 020 756 67600 Student Finance Officer: Delyth Lewis 01267 676 947 24 Hour IT Support: 0300 500 5055
If you’re worried about an urgent medical concern, you can call 111 to speak to a fully trained adviser. MIND Infoline Info-line 0300 123 3393 www.studentminds.org.uk/ studentminds.org.uk/ The Samaritans 116 123 Elefriends www.elefriends.org.uk/ elefriends.org.uk/ FRANK Drug & Alcohol Helpline
Student Finance Wales: 0845 602 8845 England: 0845 300 5090 Scotland: 0300 555 0505 Northern Ireland: 0845 600 0662
Housing
0300 123 6600 Text your question & FRANK to: 82111 www.talktofrank.com talktofrank.com LGBT+ Advice LGBT+ Advice www.stonewall.org. stonewall.org.uk uk/help-advice/whats-my-area help-advice/whats-my-area Women’ Aid Women’ Aid 0808 2000 247 0808 2000 247
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/accommodation Citizens Advice 03444 111 444
Police Emergency 999 Non emergency 101
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