Introduction to the Guild…Introduction to the Guild…

Officer Team 2012/13University of Birmingham Guild of Students

September 2012

You’re a member of the Guild of Students...

Introduction

• We campaign to protect and promote your interests on a university, community, and national level;

• We act on the issues that matter to you and provide confidential and impartial support when you need it most;

• We’re here to help you develop skills outside of study, have fun; meet people and make sure you get the best from Birmingham! 

Our Vision and Values

Giving you good value!

We invest all the money we raise back into services for students – like the Job Zone and societies...

As a member of the Guild you can enjoy  services and subsidised activities to help you get the best from your time at Birmingham.

How are we run?

Guild OfficersElected by students, it’s their job to provide the political leadership of the Guild, implement union policy and make sure you get the best from Birmingham;

Council The democratic voice for you and every other student at Birmingham;

Our Staff Team Helps the officer team achieve the Guild’s objectives;

Volunteers Help make your experience at Birmingham special; Trustee Board Oversees the Guild of Students and ensures good governance.

The Guild is run by elected officers, staff and volunteers. Students like you help run the Guild

and are at the heart of our work…

Officer Team 2012/13

“The Guild works with you to make sure you have the best possible time at University, whether that’s socially, academically or anything in between. We work with your input to represent, support and provide for all 28,000 students, every day. I’m confident that the Guild will contribute to some of your best memories after you leave us!”

David FranklinPresident

Every year, you get the chance to elect officers to lead the Guild. Each officer has a different remit

and it’s their job to represent your views to improve your experience of university...

Ollie CosentinoVice President

Activities & Development

Leander Jones Vice President

Democracy & Resources

Simon FurseVice President

Education

James RobertsonVice President

Housing & Community

James HughesVice President

Sport

Katherine EastVice President

Welfare

• Together, we’ve lowered printing fees on campus, kept accommodation prices affordable and extended library opening hours;

• Officers have also lobbied the university to ensure that issues such as the quality of your education and exam feedback remain priorities.

Our Campaigns

The Guild is a campaigning organisation that decides democratically on policy and then campaigns to

achieve it…

• The Demo aims to defend the education sector against the changes being made by the Government;

• A vibrant national demo of tens of thousands students outside Parliament is the most effective way to get our voices heard;

• We will be selling subsidised coach tickets down to London in the Guild and on the Guild ticket website.

NUS National Demo

Over 400 students travelled with us to central London for the National Demo last year. We’re supporting the

NUS National Demo again this year, which is happening on 21st November…

Help & Advice

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Developed just for Birmingham students, our support services can help you cope with the

demands of student life…

• The Advice & Representation Centre (ARC);

• The Job Zone and Worklink;

• Student Mentor Scheme;

• Community Wardens;

• SHAC – student lettings agency.

Our Strategic Plan 2011-14

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Representation

Because we’re your students’ union, you decide how you’re represented and who represents

you…• Guild Development Forum and Officer Question Time;

• Student Groups Forums

• Elections

• Student Representation Scheme.

Our Strategic Plan 2011-14

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Getting Involved

There’s no better way to meet like-minded people, learn a new skill or embrace student life outside study than getting involved in a society or a volunteering project... • More than 170 student groups and societies;

• Nine liberation and representation associations;

• A wide range of volunteering opportunities;

• Residents’ Associations.

And, if a you can’t find a group you want to join, we can help you to set one up!

There are nine Associations in total. Five Representation Associations and four Liberation Associations…

• Representation Associations: o Post-graduate and Mature Student Association;o Student Parents Association;o International Students’ Association;o Home Students’ Association;o Interfaith Association.

• Liberation Associations: o Women’s Association;o Black and Ethnic Minority Association;o Disabled Students’ Association;o and LGBTQ Association.

Associations

Our Strategic Plan 2011-14

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Throughout the year we provide entertainment just for students at Birmingham – from regular weekly

events to annual events...

Being Entertained

Your Non-sabb Officer

“I work to ensure that postgraduates and mature students receive the support and representation that they need.

“As the co-chair of the PGSMA, I work closely with the association to make sure that allpostgraduates and mature students get the chance to have their say.”

I’m Emily, the Postgraduate and Mature Students’ Officer

• The elected voice for PGTs, PGRs and mature students in the Guild;

• Non-sabbatical position;

• Work closely with other Guild Officers, staff, and PGMSA;

• Sit on University Council, Graduate School Management Board and SRSAB

Your Representation Association

You are automatically a member!

•Guild of Students representation association

•Three priorities:• Representation• Campaigns• Socials

•Close relationship with the Guild and Graduate School

•Monthly open meetings

•Weekly socials

• Aims: • To organise a programme of events organised for postgraduates

by postgraduates

• To encourage involvement of Postgraduates and Mature Students in the Guild of Students and it’s activities

Guild’s new PG&M Welcome

The Guild and you

How can YOU get involved?

•Become a PGMSA committee member

•Come to our PGMSA open meetings

•Become a Student Rep

•Become a Guild Councillor

•Run to be a Guild Officer

•VOTE in the officer and councillor elections

Any Questions?Any Questions?