GCU Students' Association Handbook 2015-16

Student Handbook

2015-16

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

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 your GCU Students’ Association. We’re the Full-Time Officer (FTO) team and our role is to make sure that you have an excellent student experience.

In this handbook you’ll find a full guide to all of the amazing opportunities waiting for you through the Students’ Association

We hope you have the best year of your life at university. We’re elected by you, for you and our door is always open.

We hope to see you soon.

Michael, Jodie, Neil and John.Full Time Officers 2015-16

Scottish Charity No. SC022887

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CONTENTS PAGE

FULL TIME OFFICERS 4

STUDENT VOICE, CLASS REPS & SCHOOL

OFFICERS 5

ELECTIONS, CAMPAIGNS & NUS 6

ADVICE CENTRE 10

STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAMME 8

VOLUNTEERING WELLBEING & NIGHTLINE 11 SOCIETIES 12 SPORT CLUBS 12 THE EDIT MAGAZINE & RADIO CALEY 14

EVENTS 15

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION BUILDING 17-18

4GCU Students’ Association Handbook 2015-16

Full Time OfficersThe Students’ Association is led by four elected students known as Full Time Officers: Student President; Vice President SEBE; Vice President GSBS and Vice President SHLS. Each Vice President represents the views of students of three schools.

These roles are full time paid positions 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 SEBENeil Alexander

E: [email protected]: 0141 273 1616@VP_SEBE/GCUStudentsSEBE

Student PresidentMichael Stephenson

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

Vice President GSBSJohn Gaughan

E: [email protected]: 0141 273 1602@VP_GSBS/GCUStudentsGSBS

Vice President SHLSJodie Waite

E: [email protected]: 0141 273 1612@VP_SHLS/GCUStudentsSHLS

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IdeasThe Students’ Association is always open to embracing new initiatives, projects and causes that help GCU students, so new ideas are always welcome. Any GCU 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 or something much bigger you think we should be campaigning for, we want to hear about it so that we can work with you to make it happen.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/ideas

Student VoiceStudent Voice is open to all GCU students and it is your chance to be part of how the Students’ Association decides on what its priorities are each year; from the issues we campaign on to the services we provide and the activities we run. If you choose to get involved there are only two meetings per trimester, you will have a say on what happens on campus and to meet lots of new people. Meetings are friendly and informal and everyone gets the opportunity to have their say which helps us to make sure we make the right decisions for all GCU students.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/voice

School OfficersEach year some Class Representatives are given the opportunity to become School Officers and become involved in higher level representation in their Schools. The School Officer role receives a small payment each trimester. These roles are normally appointed at the end of each academic year.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/schoolofficers

Class RepresentativesThe Students’ Association is here to make sure that as a student your needs are represented at every level. Every programme within the University should have Class Representatives at every level – 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. 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). Being a Class Representative is a good way to develop communications skills, make useful contacts within your department and add something to your CV.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/classreps


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

ElectionsEverything we do in the Students’ Association is decided by GCU students. Each year we hold campus wide elections to elect our new Full Time Officers. The elections take place in March and information about them will start appearing in December.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/elections

CampaignsThe Students’ Association is committed to campaigning to improve your student experience. Whether its protesting against tuition fees, fighting for fair treatment for international students or campaigning for better feedback on coursework, we’ll be there wearing the t-shirt (quite literally!). With a responsibility to our wider community we also campaign on wider issues beyond education and have campaigned for the rights of students in other countries, environmentalism and equal rights amongst many other issues. We have campaigns to represent all of the different groups within our student body.

Our Education Campaigns: www.GCUstudents.co.uk/education

Our Liberations Campaigns (Women, LGBT, Ethnic Minority, Disabled): www.GCUstudents.co.uk/liberation

Our Ethical and Environmental Campaign: www.GCUstudents.co.uk/EandE

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The Advice CentreThe Advice Centre is located at the entrance to the Students’ Association Building. We provide 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.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/advice

Our three full time Student Advisers: Caroline, Meg and Kirsty, can be contacted by phone or email to make an appointment in advance. You can also drop into the centre in the Students’ Association Building between 9am-5pm.

The Advice Centre is open Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Contact the Advice CentreCall: 0141 273 1650 or Email: [email protected]

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 University for the first time 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 to see one of our Advisers as we are here to help.

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

• Sexual Health: Would you like an unlimited supply of condoms and information about sexual health? Then pop into the Advice Centre and access the free condom service. Our service is linked to the sexual health clinic at the Sandyford Initiative.

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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

“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

“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)

“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

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/SLP

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!

The programme is open to students that are actively volunteering either within or out with the university.

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Wellbeing VolunteeringGet involved and see how YOU could make a difference to the wellbeing of 17,000 GCU students. Wellbeing Volunteers help to run campaigns throughout the year and help promote issues surrounding student wellbeing. This year our campaigns will include drugs awareness, sexual health, healthy eating and we will complete the programme with our annual one day Wellbeing Fayre. With so many exciting areas to focus on, Wellbeing Volunteering is a lively activity to get involved with.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/wellbeingvol

Nightline VolunteeringNightline is a confidential telephone and online listening and information service for students that is run by committed, trained and supported student volunteers from 7pm to 7am, Monday- Friday during term time. Being a Nightline volunteer is a commitment – it is both challenging and rewarding. It is a great opportunity to gain useful training and experience, to make new friends and to have fun whilst also providing a valuable service to your student community.

www.scnightline.com

VolunteeringThe Students’ Association offers a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, most opportunities require no previous experience and training and support is provided. Through volunteering you will learn and develop skills that are essential for graduates in any degree. Students who volunteer with the Students’ Association can participate in the Student Leaders Programme and gain recognition for their commitment and contribution.

Volunteering opportunities include being a Class Representative, a Student Voice Member, Wellbeing Volunteering, Nightline Volunteering, The Edit magazine, Radio Caley, Society or Sports Club Committees.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/groups


SocietiesEvery society is run by GCU students so activities can be shaped by you and your fellow members, and there are around 60 societies offering activities during the academic year. 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 so there’s always something going on to get involved with. You can also volunteer to be on a Society Committee and help to run and co-ordinate their activities.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/societies

Sports ClubsGet involved in sports clubs and make new friends, have some fun, be active and feel good. There are around 35 different clubs, all organised by GCU student volunteers. Most hold weekly activities and participate in competitions throughout the year. You can also volunteer to be on a Sports Club Committee and could be responsible for co-ordinating activities, leading the team on the pitch or organising social events. If you don’t find a Sports Club you like then you can start your own.

Sports Clubs membership includes admission to ALL sports clubs, so you only need to pay once. Membership provides personal accident insurance and where applicable use of club equipment, coaching, facility costs, competition entry and subsidised transport to activities.

Some sports clubs may make an additional charge at each activity. The membership gives each member voting rights at AGMs and meetings of the sports club indicated on the membership form.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/sport

Annual Membership GCU Student: £35GCU Graduate and Staff: £50

The first sports club session you go to is FREE, after that you need to buy a membership.

• •


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, graphic designer or PR and contribute to magazine 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; it’s organised and co-ordinated by GCU student volunteers. There are a number of roles that you get involved in by volunteering, these include production, presenting, fundraising, music, PR and technical. No experience is necessary and full training is provided.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/radiocaley

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www.GCUstudents.co.uk www.twitter.com/GCUstudents www.facebook.com/[email protected] 339 6611 07771841984

We offer leadership development through military and adventourous training, reinforced with cultural education and social events.

Interested? Come along to our open night on the 23rd or 30th September,

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EventsThe Students’ Association organises 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. Check the website to find out what’s on when and come along.

www.GCUstudents.co.uk/events

ARCHealth and WellbeingARC Student Membership • £17 gold on-line membership

– monthly subscription available to purchase at: www.gcu.ac.uk/arc

– no contract or cancellation fee. Other options • £100 Gold Membership (classes/gym)

– available to purchase from 1st September 2015 (expires 30th April 2016 no matter when purchased).

• Early Bird Membership – £13.00 (Mon-Friday 7-10am classes and gym).

To find out more about our full range of classes, club, membership packages and beauty treatments, visit: www.gcu.ac.uk/arc or follow us: www.facebook.com/arcglasgow

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Students’ Association Building

Level 024hr Social Learning Space: A place to do a bit of studying any time of the day.24hr Computer Lab: 120 computers for student use.Bookable Group Study Rooms: Email [email protected] to book.

Level 1 (entrance into building)Welcome Desk: If you’ve got a question or query this is where to start.Student Bistro: The place for you to eat, drink, relax or play some pool or foosball.Radio CaleyAdvice Centre

ARCHealth and WellbeingARC Student Membership • £17 gold on-line membership

– monthly subscription available to purchase at: www.gcu.ac.uk/arc

– no contract or cancellation fee. Other options • £100 Gold Membership (classes/gym)

– available to purchase from 1st September 2015 (expires 30th April 2016 no matter when purchased).

• Early Bird Membership – £13.00 (Mon-Friday 7-10am classes and gym).

To find out more about our full range of classes, club, membership packages and beauty treatments, visit: www.gcu.ac.uk/arc or follow us: www.facebook.com/arcglasgow


Outdoor FacilitiesTake some time out from study and use the outdoor Basketball Court, outdoor gym or Traverse Wall next to the Students’ Association Building. The areas are free to use and is a great way to relax and be active.

Level 2Student Involvement Zone: The place for you to engage with our representation and activities team and a space to meet other students.Meeting rooms (NH208 & NH209)Full Time Officers and Staff

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GCU Students' Association Handbook 2015-16