GCUSA London handbook

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 VALUES

Hi folks,

A big warm welcome to GCU from your Sabbatical Officers here at the Students’ Association.

We have no doubt you will have an exciting year ahead here at GCU and in this handbook you will find everything you need to know about the Students’ Association and what we can do and provide for you. Whether you want to be involved in events, societies or media or need some advice or representation, the Students’ Association is here for you!

Carla, Danielle, Nick and SineadSabbatical Officers 2012-13

Contents

Page

Sabbatical Officers 2012/13 3

Students’ Association 4

Class Reps 4

Sabbatical Officers 5

GCU London Rep 5

NUS 5

Student Advice 6

Student Media 7

Societies 8

Student Leaders Programme 9

Events 10

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

CommunityWe 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.

SupportWe 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.

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Sabbatical Officers 2012-13

Student President

[email protected]

call: 0141 273 1601

Vice President Wellbeing

[email protected]

call: 0141 273 1612

Vice President Education

[email protected]: 0141 273 1602

Vice President Activities

[email protected]: 0141 273 1616

Elected by you, to represent you.

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www.caledonianstudent.com/gculondon

For more information visit www.caledonianstudent.com/classreps

Class RepresentativesEvery programme within the University should have Class Representatives – usually two but sometimes more. 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. It is really useful to have one as soon as possible – especially in first year. Anyone can be a Class Representatives – you don’t need any experience and it doesn’t take up a lot of time (only two meetings a year). Not only that but full training is offered by the Students’ Association and once you become a rep you will have the option of taking part in the Student Leaders Programme.

Being a Class Representative is a good way to develop communications skills, make useful contacts within your department and add something to your CV.

For more information visitwww.caledonianstudent.com/gculondon

Students’ AssociationThe Students’ Association has a base at GCU London. We are located next to the Student Learning Zone on Level 2. The Students’ Association employs a Students’ Association Co-ordinator at GCU London.

SayeedTuronStudents’ Association Co-ordinator (GCU London)

Telephone: 0141 273 1764

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 11.30am to 7.30pmFriday 9am to 5pm


Sabbatical Officers Every year we elect four full time officers, known as Sabbatical 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 Sabbatical Officers if you have any questions or comments. Contact information for the Sabbatical Officers can be found on page 3.

GCU London Rep The GCU London Rep is responsible for representing the views of GCU London students. The GCU London Rep receives expenses for carrying out this role (£150 per Trimester). They are also entitled to participate in the Student Leaders Programme.

The GCU London Rep is responsible for campaigning to improve your student experience and will work closely with the Students’ Association Co-ordinator and the Sabbatical Officers.

National Union of Students (NUS)The Students’ Association is a member of NUS which means all students at GCU are members too. NUS is the 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 government to ensure the best outcome for students. We are always looking for students who want to get involved in national campaigns. We also send representatives to NUS Conferences.

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Student AdviceIs you are experiencing personal or academic problems whilst studying at GCU then come and talk to us in the Students’ Association. We provide a free non-judgemental and confidential service to all GCU students. The Students’ Association Co-ordinator works on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday but you can also contact the Advice Centre based on the Glasgow Campus anytime between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday by phoning 0141 273 1650 or emailing [email protected] if you need support.

The Students’ Association provides independent and confidential advice, guidance and representation to students on academic procedures such as Special Factors, Academic Appeals, Student Disciplinary, Complaints or Harassment Issues.

You can visit the Students’ Association Co-ordinator on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday or email [email protected].

London Nightline is a confidential listening, support and practical information service for students in London. They are open from 6pm to 8am every night of term. You can talk to them about anything - big or small - in complete confidence. Nightline won’t judge you or tell you how to run your life: they will simply listen to whatever is on your mind.


The Edit MagazineThe Edit is the FREE ONLINE Students’ Association magazine written by GCU students for GCU students. The Edit are always looking for talented writers, photographers, and graphic designers to contribute to the magazine.

If you like to write about fashion, arts, student news, music, writing reviews or any other subject then join The Edit’s mailing list where you will find out deadlines and opportunities. Get your work published, join the team!

Radio CaleyRadio Caley is the Students’ Association’s radio station, based at the Glasgow campus.

Read online, join the mailing list and get more info at www.caledonianstudent.com/theedit

ListenLiveatwww.radiocaley.com

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SocietiesOne of the best ways to be part of student life at GCU is to become involved in a society. Every society is run by students so activities can be shaped by you and your fellow members. They can be 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, for more information visit www.caledonianstudent.com/gculondon

JOIN NOWIt’s really easy to become a society member. Simply pop in to the Students’ Association, sign up and pay.

START YOUR OWN

If you have not seen the society for you then why not start your own? It’s really easy to do and you will be offered the support you need, such as training and resources. Society Committee Members are also entitled to join the Student Leaders Programme and be recognised and rewarded for their voluntary work.

Come and visit us in the Students’ Association on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday and speak to the Students’ Association Co-ordinator about starting your own society or email: [email protected].


Student Leaders ProgrammeStart building your future today…

You’ve all found yourselves being asked that unavoidable question, “What are your plans after you’ve finished University?” Some of you might answer that you plan to get your dream job, go travelling, continue with your education, set up you own business or that you’ve not made up your mind yet. Well, no matter what your plans are, the Student Leaders Programme can make sure you’ve got all the skills to take you where you need to go!

The programme aims to get you to think about leadership and to realise that each and every one of you have the ability to demonstrate leadership throughout your University career, the workplace or in any volunteering or mentoring that you do. 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, you’ll then be invited to a FREE awards dinner to celebrate your achievements with other student leaders. 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!

For more information on the Student Leaders Programme then check out

www.caledonianstudent.com/slp

“I was asked at an interview what my involvement with the University was other than my course. They were impressed when I told them I had taken part in this programme and I ended up getting the job!”

Laura Tibbles, Student Leader

“As Principal, I am fully supportive of the Student Leaders Programme. This innovative programme will stand them in good stead after graduation as they grow in their careers and personal lives as global citizens.”

Professor Pamela Gillies, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, GCU

“Taking part in the Student Leader Programme has been a valuable asset that I know will help me stand out from the crowd.”

Carla Fyfe, Student President & Student Leader

“I was easily able to convey my skills during a lengthy post graduate recruitment process - abilities I attribute uniquely to my involvement with the Student Leaders Programme.”

Brian Reilly, Student Leader

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EventsThe 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.

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 or emailing [email protected].

Keep up to date with Students’ Association events at

www.facebook.com/gcusalondon

Associate Member of ULU

You can buy an Associate Member of ULU which entitles you to become a member of Energy Base, their on-site gym and health club, at a reduced rate, you can enter their Student Union Building after 6.30pm to make use the bars and facilities. With this membership you can also join their sports clubs and societies.

To become an Associate Member go on the ULU website and follow the directions www.ULU.co.uk

If you are interested in joining a sport club or gym then come and see the Students’ Association Co-ordinator on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday and we can talk about your options.

GCUSA London handbook

Documents

Transcript of GCUSA London handbook