GCU Students' Association London handbook 2014/15

Student Handbook

2014-15

London

2GCU London Students’ Association Handbook 2014-15

OUR MISSIONTo represent and enable GCU students to enhance all aspects of their student experience

OUR VISIONThat our students will have an outstanding experience that will live with them forever

OUR VALUESDiversity We are proud of our diverse student body and are dedicated to activities that celebrate this diversity.

Community We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, allowing students to form and build upon strong, lasting relationships that contribute into an enjoyable and productive University life.

Participation We promote and provide the opportunity for widespread involvement through sports, societies, volunteering and in all our activities.

Fun We are dedicated and passionate about the professional nature of working for students whilst maintaining a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Support We provide a high level of consistent, reliable, confidential and independent support, ensuring the welfare of all our students.

Leadership Throughout all our activities we encourage students to become leaders, to take pride in their University and fellow students, enabling them to be outstanding graduates.

Hello and welcome to GCU Students’ Association from your Full Time Officers. Our role is to make sure you have the best possible student experience EVER! Please have a read through our handbook to find out about all the representation, support and activities that’s on offer through the Students’ Association. We hope it’s an exciting and positive year for you.Have a great year.

Michael, Jack, Lee and John.Full Time Officers 2014-15

CONTENTS PAGE

FULL TIME OFFICERS 3

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, GCU LONDON REP, IDEAS 4

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES & NUS 5

ADVICE & SUPPORT 6

STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAMME 7

VOLUNTEERING, SOCIETIES, EVENTS, PLAY SPORT 8

THE EDIT MAGAZINE & RADIO CALEY 9

LOCAL AREA & PLACES OF WORSHIP 10

CLOTHING & MERCHANDISE 11

3

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/London www.twitter.com/GCUstudents www.facebook.com/GCUstudentsLondon

Full Time OfficersThe Students’ Association is led by four elected students known as Full Time Officers: Student President; Vice President Education; Vice President Wellbeing and Vice President Activities.

These roles are full time paid positions based at the Glasgow campus and are responsible for ensuring the views of GCU students are effectively represented and for policy and strategic leadership of the Students’ Association.

Vice President ActivitiesLee Goodfellow

E: [email protected]: 0141 273 1616@GCUStudents_VPA/GCUStudentsVPA

Student PresidentMichael Stephenson

E: [email protected]: 0141 273 1601@GCUStudents_SP/GCUStudentsSP

Vice President EducationJohn Gaughan

E: [email protected]: 0141 273 1602@GCUStudents_VPE/GCUStudentsVPE

Vice President WellbeingJack Johnston

E: [email protected]: 0141 273 1612@GCUStudents_VPW/GCUStudentsVPW


IdeasThe Students’ Association is always open to embracing new initiatives, projects and causes that help GCU London students, so new ideas are always welcome. Any GCU London student can make a difference by sharing their ideas for improving the student experience.

Whether it’s a small change that would improve your day to day experience at GCU London or something much bigger we want to hear about it so that we can work with you to make it happen.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/ideas

Students’ AssociationThe Students’ Association Office is located on Level 1 next to the Reception Desk in the Student Office. The Students’ Association employs the Students’ Association Co-ordinator at GCU London. and Leon will be happy to chat to you if you need support or want to get involved.

GCU London RepThe GCU London Rep is responsible for representing the views of GCU London students, campaigning to improve your student experience and working closely with the Students’ Association Co-ordinator and the Full Time Officers. They help organise events and activities and collecting fellow students’ opinions and views. The GCU London Rep receives expenses for carrying out this role (£150 per Trimester).

Interested in becoming your GCU London Rep? then contact Leon, your Students’ Association Coordinator and put your name forward.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/London

T: 0141 273 1764E: [email protected]

OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday 11am to 7pm

Leon WhiteStudents’ Association Co-ordinator(GCU London)

Full Time OfficersEvery year we elect four full time officers. These officers are paid positions based at the Glasgow Campus and represent all GCU students to the University and Nationally, through the National Union of Students (NUS). The elections take place in March and information about them will be available from December. Any GCU student can stand in the elections.

Please feel free to get in touch with any of the Full Time Officers if you have any questions or comments. Contact information for the Full Time Officers can be found on page 3.

5


Class RepresentativesThe Students’ Association is here to make sure that as a student your needs are represented at every level. Every programme should have Class Representatives. Class Reps are there to let lecturers know when there are problems so that things can get fixed quickly rather than turning into a bigger problem. They are also there to let lecturers know what students like about the course so that they will know to keep doing them!

In the first few weeks of term your lecturers should ask students on your programme if they are interested in becoming a Class Representative. If they don’t, then ask your lecturers about it. Anyone can be a Class Representative – you don’t need any experience and it doesn’t take up a lot of time (only two meetings a year). Being a Class Representative is a good way to develop communications skills, make useful contacts within your department and add something to your CV.


National Union of StudentsThe Students’ Association is a member of the National Union of Students (NUS) which means all GCU students are members too. NUS is a national campaigning body which exists to promote, defend and extend the rights of students. As part of NUS we work together with other students’ associations from across the country to campaign and lobby the government to ensure the best outcome for our students. We are always looking for students who want to get involved in national campaigns. Whether it’s taking part in a demo or writing to your MSP, you can help us make a difference.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/NUS


Advice and Support @ GCU LondonThe Students’ Association provides a free non-judgemental and confidential service to all GCU students where we represent and promote the interests of both individuals and the student body as a whole.

We are the only service at GCU that provides independent and confidential advice, guidance and representation to students on academic procedures such as Mitigating Circumstances, Academic Appeals, Student Disciplinary, Complaints and Harassment issues.

We also offer advice on a wide range of other issues including:

• Problems on your course: Difficulties with fellow students or tutor? Do you feel your course is not right for you?

• Representation for Disciplinaries: Information on your rights and responsibilities including minor and major offences e.g. plagiarism, cheating, and anti-social behaviour.

• Listening and support: Coming to a new University can be daunting and challenging. If you just want to talk and need someone to listen in complete confidence or you might be worried about a friend, then pop in, as we are here to help.

• Financial worries: Why not come in and talk us about it? If appropriate we can refer you to other services.

• Sexual Health: Do you want information about your sexual health? We can provide confidential advice and have links with sexual health organisations in London.


Leon is our full time staff member based at GCU London.

Contact him by phone, email or face to face by dropping in to his office (Level 1 next to the Reception Desk in the Student Office).

Advice and support is available from the Students’ Association Coordinator.

Monday – Friday 11-7pm

Call: 0141 273 1764Email: [email protected]

7


Student Leaders ProgrammeNeed a boost? A recent Students’ Association survey concluded that students are 7% more likely to achieve a 2:1 or 1st class degree by participating in the Student Leaders Programme!

You’ve all found yourselves being asked that unavoidable question, “What are your plans after you’ve finished University?”

No matter what your plans are, the Student Leaders Programme can make sure you’ve got the skills to take you where you need to go.

The programme aims to get you to think about leadership and to realise that every GCU student has the ability to demonstrate leadership throughout their University career, in the workplace and in any volunteering or mentoring role.

Getting involved in the programme will allow you to become more confident, perform better and most importantly you will learn how to ‘sell’ yourself in this increasingly competitive graduate market.

Once you have successfully completed the programme, there is a celebration event at the end of the year to recognise your achievements. You’ll also have the opportunity to be awarded the prestigious GCU Student of the Year Award!

Join the Student Leaders Programme to meet new friends, learn new things and start building your future today - because you’ll be a graduate before you know it!

“As Principal, I am fully supportive of the Student Leaders Programme. This innovative programme will stand students in good stead after graduation as they grow in their careers and personal lives as global citizens.” Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, GCU

“The Programme enabled me to meet new people from different areas of the uni and helped me to feel like I was a member of the GCU community.” Student Leader (from 2014 feedback)

“This is a great programme. I previously attended another university and they had nothing like this.”Student Leader (from 2014 feedback)

“Student Leaders is a big part of the reason I ended up running for President, the opportunity to gain skills and meet students from all round the Campus was invaluable.”Michael Stephenson, Student President & Advanced Student Leader

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/London Email: [email protected]


SocietiesEvery society is run by students so activities can be shaped by you and your fellow members. These are course based, culture, faith and liberation groups as well as social, interest and hobby based societies. If you can’t see the society for you then it’s really easy to start your own. Many societies hold weekly activities and regular events.

JOIN NOW It’s really easy to become a society member. Contact Leon, your Students’ Association Coordinator who can talk you through available societies.

START YOUR OWNCome and visit the students’ Association Coordinator or email: [email protected] about starting your own society.

VolunteeringIf you are interested in getting involved in your local community then we can help you to find the information and opportunities available near GCU London and across London.

Contact the Students’ Association Co-ordinator

[email protected]

Events The Students’ Association runs loads of exciting and fun events throughout the academic year. Going along to one of our events is great for expanding your social circle, trying something new, relaxing with friends, having some fun and de-stressing from studying.

www.facebook.com/ GCUstudentslondon

Events TeamWe are looking for students to volunteer on our Events Team. You will work with the Students’ Association Co-ordinator to arrange the events for GCU London students and help decide the activities and events we run. Find out more information by visiting the Students’ Association Co-ordinator.

[email protected]

Play Sport / Gym There are plenty of local Gyms, health clubs and sports centres which offer student rates and discounts. We have lots of information and can help you get started.

[email protected]

9


The Edit MagazineThe Edit is the Students’ Association’s award winning magazine written by GCU students for GCU students, it published in print and online. You can get involved and volunteer to be a writer, photographer, illustrator while you study. Topics include fashion, arts, student news, music, writing reviews or any other subject of interest to students.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/theedit

Radio CaleyRadio Caley is the Students’ Association’s online radio station based at the Glasgow campus. Listen online and support your fellow students!

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/radiocaley


Places of Worship in LondonThere are a number of places of worship very local to the GCU London. Whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Budhist or one of the many other world religions, there is something local to you. Speak to the Students’ Association Coordinator for more help finding your Local Religious Faith.

If you have any questions about local features and comforts please contact your Students’ Association Coordinator who can give you more direct information or request a tour of the local area from Leon, who will be happy to show you around!

Come along to the Students’ Association Office on Level 1, next to the Reception Desk in the Student Office.

Tel: 0141 273 1764 Email: [email protected]

GCU London and the local AreaGCU London is located right in the heart East London. With Fantastic underground bus and bike links across London, getting around couldn’t be simpler.

The following train station are close to GCU London:Aldgate East, Aldgate, Liverpool Street, Shoreditch High Street, Whitechapel.

You can connect with the following train lines: District and Circle Line, Hammersmith and City, Central line and Overground Line.

Useful things to know about in the areaThe Post office is located on 11 White Kennet Street, London E1 7BS, approximately 5 mins walk from GCU London.

Local Supermarkets can be found a few minutes’ walk from GCU London at the following addresses:

Tesco Express Commercial St, E1 6BFSainsbury’s Local, 31 Bell Lane, E1 7LA

Or Shop at Europe’s largest Urban Shopping Mall:Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford Place, London E20 1EJ.

11


Buy you own branded clothing and merchandise with GCU Students’ Association.

Choose from a range of hoodies, t-shirts, polo-shirts, jackets, fleeces, body warmers and many more.

Personalise with your initials, year and the name of your programme/ course/ society or sports club.

Use promo code GCAL for FREE delivery to the Students’ Association.

www.pslteamsports.com/GCU

Clothing and Merchandise

n u s .o r g. u k Your s t u d e n t d i s c o u n t c a r d

First for student discountson all the stuff you need and more, £12 for 12 months

More on the menu

...tasty discounts on food

All details correct at time of printing August 2014

Insure your laptop,add your mobile phone if you like,you can even add the contents of your room.

Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting its website www.fca.org.uk/registerEndsleigh Insurance Services Limited, Company No.856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.

*If your item is lost or stolen, or unrepairable we’ll replace it within 24 hours - 1 working day of your claim being approved.**Price based on a £500 laptop plus an iPhone under £500 for a student living on campus.

Insurance recommended by Get a quote todayVisit endsleigh.co.uk/universityCall free on 0330 3030 284

Laptops phones and other gadgets...+ Theft+ Loss+ Accidental damage+ Liquid damage

Plus 24 hour* replacement

Anywhere in the UK and up to 30 days worldwide

Save 10% when you insure your laptop and phone together

Cover your laptop + phone

from just

£8.40** a month

A5 Freshers portrait ad EISIH187_FINAL.indd 1 16/07/2014 14:30:54

GCU Students' Association London handbook 2014/15

Documents

Transcript of GCU Students' Association London handbook 2014/15