Cumbria f o sity r e v i n u
Presents n o i n U dents’
Stu
Check Line-uposut the Hey,Hi,He for llo Aga in!
DECEMBER 2015 | ISSUE 2
HEY,HI,HELLO AGAIN
FOCUS ON...
Check out the campus line ups of events & activities, kicking off 7th December!. page.10
Student groups, graduates and a special tribute to UCSU’s Josie Carding! page.20
Contents. 7 4
5 10
8 6
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OFFICER UPDATES
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CAMPAIGN UPDATES
4
UOC AND UCSU NEWS
5
NO EGO MUD CHALLENGE
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VOLUNTEER CASE STUDY
7
THE SUCCESS AWARDS
8
HEY, HI, HELLO AGAIN LINE-UPS
10
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PANEL
14
FOCUS ON...
19
...ECO UCSU - INTERVIEW WITH JOSIE CARDING
20
...STUDENT GROUPS - INTERVIEWS WITH LEENA NAJIA & EMILY STIRZAKER
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...GRADUATE JOE MONAGHAN
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...UCSU STRATEGIC PROJECT - INTERVIEW WITH LUVENA PETTY
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Welcome to the second edition of the UCSU Squealer! This new magazine is all about celebrating and promoting the awesome student-led activities and events happening throughout the University of Cumbria community, as well as keeping you up to date with what your elected officers are up to and other news from UCSU, NUS and the University. We’re incredibly proud to represent and support you and we hope you enjoy reading and contributing to the ‘The Squealer!’. In this edition, we announce those all-important Panel Election results – find out who will be representing you and your views to the UCSU Panel! We also take a look at the upcoming Success Awards, the latest news from student groups, your officers and volunteering, celebrating the work of UCSU’s Josie Carding, and loads more!!
Read on to find out more about UCSU and discover what you love! Remember – if you’d like to contribute to The Squealer – maybe you’re a keen photographer or designer, or have an exciting story to tell?! If you’d like to get involved, get in touch – students.union@cumbria.ac.uk Editor: Adam Lewis Graphic designers: Julia Ivanszky & Vincent Walden Illustrators: Rachel Tunstall & Sophie Taylor
CONTACT US / You can get in touch with UCSU in a number of different ways! / Website: www.ucsu.me – you can access all services and opportunities via the website, including access to Student Groups, Volunteering, Support and Events / Email: student.union@cumbria.ac.uk or you can get in touch with your elected officers directly from the home page of the website / Social Media: Facebook/ cumbriastudentsunion Twitter/CumbriaSU Instagram/Cumbria_SU / Telephone: 01228 616272 (Carlisle) / 01524 590810 (Lancaster) / Offices: Carlisle Fusehill Street Learning Gateway (Ground Floor), Carlisle Brampton Road Long Corridor (Ground Floor), Lancaster Gateway Building (Ground Floor).
THE SQUEALER | OFFICERS UPDATE
OFFICER UPDATES.
Adam Mather
adam.mather@cumbria.ac.uk
Izaak Koroneos
izaak.koroneos@cumbria.ac.uk
Aden Fry
aden.fry@cumbria.ac.uk
“
ADEN FRY
IZAAK KORONEOS
Welfare & Support Officer
Community & Partnership Officer
Acedemic Officer
Hi everyone, I have been working hard on various events with the UCSU team to promote Health & Well-being events. I have been organising the Housing Fairs taking place in December and been to various conferences to improve my skills and effectiveness within my job role. I have helped you to get emergency laptops when your laptop is stolen or broken. I have engaged with students from all campus sites, providing training and guidance in the recent Panel elections, and I have helped with all sorts of queries & problems that students have brought to me since the last edition of The Squealer!
We’re still fighting for your grants not to be scrapped and we’re now placing even more pressure on the local MPs to defend your right to be a student no matter where and what background you may come from.
“
If you would like to contact any of Your Officers, for whatever reason, please feel free to drop them an email.
ADAM MATHER
Since my first report for The Squealer, students have started to flood all the campuses. Along with the rest of the officer team I have been to visit all campus sites from Carlisle all the way to London during the last few weeks. We worked all of the Freshers events across Lancaster, Carlisle and Ambleside, and on top of covering evening events, we also organised SUmmerfest (which was LOADS of fun!), the welcome fairs and Student Essentials events. I also secured Ambleside and London their first ever ‘official’ welcome week events, and I’m pleased to report a partnership has been created for London students they are now welcome to attend Queen Mary University Students’ Union events! I was present at the recent University Board Meeting on top of other meetings (external and internal) such as the Ambleside Community Liaison Group, the Lancaster Consolidation Group, Student Engagement and Retention Group, Student Appeal Boards, Academic Regulation Review and the UCSU Trustee board – this has given me a good insight in to your first semester so far and if there’s ever anything you need from me or want me to bring up at these meetings, please do get in touch! I have also been busy promoting such Volunteering fairs, trying to match volunteering opportunities with your career goals. We have also been promoting nominations and voting for The Panel - diverse council of student representatives. You can find out who the winners are in this edition of The Squealer!
I’m Izaak Koroneos, I’m your full time elected Academic officer and I’m one of your voices within the university community. I look after things which fall into the academic /education side of your university experience. If you’re having any issues please let me know so I can bring these up at university senior management meetings – I want to make things better for you! Equally, let me know what is good and working well so I can tell the university to keep it that way! In my last article, I spoke about the SMART and Cut the Costs campaigns - these are two are of my main priorities this year. SMART has begun a new step and now has a brand new support page on our website - www.ucsu.me – this will be launching very soon so look out for the SMART Owl! CUT THE COSTS - we’re still fighting for your grants not to be scrapped and we’re now placing even more pressure on the local MPs to defend your right to be a student no matter where and what background you may come from.
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THE SQUEALER | CAMPAIGN UPDATES
CAMPAIGN UPDATES. CUT THE COSTS IZAAK KORONEOS
REACH RADIO & WINS FOR STUDENTS ADEN FRY I have established a committee for Reach Radio – the brand new radio station run by and for UoC students! Training is provided by professionals, there are roles available such as programmer, broadcaster, editor, station manager, marketing executive etc. You can join the group via the UCSU website, or get in touch with me if you’d like to be involved! I lobbied the University for a Supporting Agreement for all members to be able to access sports / student group fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. I have also been lobbying the University for Student Groups access to the climbing wall in Ambleside. We recently held a week of Halloween events - promoting sexual health, distributing free screening kits and condoms and ‘trick or treat’ boxes at all campus sites. I have continued to promote new and existing student groups – sports and societies. If you want to join or start one, have a look at the Your Groups section ion the UCSU website!
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The proposal to cut maintenance grants is just another example of our government mounting an attack against higher education. Maintenance grants encourage thousands of people from low income backgrounds to participate in education. It isn’t extra pocket money. They pay for day to day essentials like food, transport, books, and rent. They make being a student possible. When grants were last raised, we saw participation increase by nearly 4 per cent. It makes a real impact. But now we’re going backwards. We’re seeing cuts which widen inequality. For the poorest 18 year olds entering higher education today, they’ll have £12,500 less non-repayable support than the same student five years ago. Education is for everybody – not just for people who can buy their way in. You shouldn’t have to rely on withdrawals from the bank of Mum and Dad. And thousands don’t have the option. We won’t accept these cuts to maintenance grants.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING ADAM MATHER During Freshers we promoted the Student Essentials events, bringing external organisations in to provide information and promotional items; and during late October we promoted Health and Well-being Week where we provided students with information, signposting and some fun arts and crafts to de-stress. During Halloween we promoted UCSU’s sexual health services - providing chlamydia screening tests condoms and face paints. I want to help improve student access to health and well-being information. I hope that these events and activities give our members the confidence they need to approach their Students’ Union – we’re here to help you all get the most out of your student experience – inside and outside the classroom, so feel free to contact me at any time if you need any support, guidance or just a friendly face!
THE SQUEALER | LATEST NEWS FROM UOC AND UCSU
LATEST NEWS FROM UOC AND UCSU. STUDENT ACADEMIC REPS – A LIFELINE ON YOUR COURSE The enrolment period is almost over and to date 437 students have volunteered their time to act as reps in 80 different courses…thank you! Reps primarily monitor the quality of your course and make changes to aspects of it through your comments and feedback. In a lot of cases, this means that any course issues can be picked up, discussed and resolved early in an efficient and structured manner. Use your rep! - Help your rep along by giving them feedback, both positive and negative. - Although your rep cannot resolve personal/individual issues, do not struggle alone they can signpost you to appropriate services so that you can get help!
BRAMPTON ROAD OUTDOOR STAGE
The University of Cumbria’s efforts to support small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) and the local economy have been recognised with a leading business award.
The University of Cumbria Students’ Union (UCSU) have developed plans to create an outdoor ‘living’ stage at the Brampton Road campus in Carlisle, with permission from English Heritage and the local planning department. Building work began in November and will be complete and ready to use soon! The platform will be available for students and staff to utilise, for free - to rehearse and perform in an outdoor setting.
The Small Business Charter, which brings together leading business schools and SME communities across the UK, has given the University of Cumbria’s Business School a Small Business Charter bronze award in recognition of its active participation in supporting start-ups and small businesses in Cumbria and North Lancashire.
If you would like any more information on the project contact the UCSU by email - student.union@cumbria.ac.uk or pop into the Students’ Union office at Brampton Road or Fusehill Street.
UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA AND NATIONAL TRUST SIGN GROUND-BREAKING AGREEMENT
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF IS BACK!
In the first collaboration of its kind in the country, the University of Cumbria and the National Trust have signed a memorandum of agreement to cement their future working relationship. At a ceremony on Tuesday 10 November at the university’s Ambleside campus, Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike and the National Trust’s Director for the North Region, Harry Bowell signed the official document.
BBC baking contest The Great British Bake Off is returning in 2016 and the production team are currently looking for the next batch of great home bakers to take part. So who’s the best baker you know? If you, or someone you know, can turn out a terrific tart, produce a perfect pie or serve up a sublime sponge, then please get in touch now.
UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA WINS LEADING BUSINESS AWARD
A number of areas are covered by the joint agreement, including: - the university working with the National Trust as members of the Lake District National Park Partnership to support the nomination of the Lake District as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 - collaboration on the joint development and delivery of new courses, including masters-level programmes - the university supporting the National Trust activities to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th anniversary in 2016 - the National Trust and the university identifying research topics that are of interest and relevance to both parties
UOC LAUNCHES SKYPE FOR BUSINESS TO STUDENTS All University staff are now using Skype for Business (Skype4B) to Instant Message, audio and video chat with colleagues and contacts, internally and externally. From December, all UoC students will be enabled to use Skype4B too! Collaboration and communication through Skype4B represents the next generation of communications for universities of all sizes, types and aspirations. The increased use of IT in education, by students and teachers alike, provides an opportunity to learn and teach collaboratively. If you would like to find out more, please e-mail technicaldevelopment@ cumbria.ac.uk
For more information or an application form visit, www.thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk
NUS EXTRA CARD The NUS Extra card is just £12 and lasts 12 months from the date you buy it. The card can be used to get discounts and special offers from hundreds of national retailers – including high street brands such as Superdrug and New Look, internet stores such as Asos and Napster, as well as the likes of Amazon, Apple and Spotify. There are some amazing discounts on rail travel at the moment – perfect for planning your journey home!
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THE SQUEALER | NO EGO MUD CHALLENGE
NO EGO MUD CHALLENGE NO EGO MUD CHALLENGE REPORT Kati Brown (UCSU Volunteering Coordinator) UCSU recently went along to Greystoke Castle, near Penrith in the Lake District to join the No Ego Challenge Team for a UCSU Volunteering Project day. Volunteers from Carlisle and Lancaster prepared for a super early start on a Saturday morning so that they could help marshall the 12km obstacle race and they did a fantastic job! Before the volunteers hopped aboard the truck to be taken to one of the 35 gruelling obstacles, designed to test runners to the max, everyone layered up and was given hot drinks and bacon butties ready for the day. Whilst the volunteers were getting ready to scream and cheer and encourage runners to keep going in the race, I was preparing to be one of the runners in my first obstacle race since having a knee operation earlier this year! I can honestly say I loved it! The views were amazing and having so many different obstacles meant I was distracted from the fact that I had to run so much. I was hopping over stuff in forests, crawling through mud, running along planks (which ended up with me falling into the water), climbing over walls, sliding down hills and lots of other challenges. Having volunteers across the course had a huge impact because when I was getting tired there would be someone there to tell me what to do at the obstacle and encouraging me to keep going and cheering me on - especially when I came across the UCSU volunteers as they didn’t know I was racing and I got a huge cheer! There was also a really friendly team atmosphere amongst the runners themselves, lots of people were running in groups and would wait for the last person before moving on from the obstacle. I was running solo but other runners helped me along the way, such as giving me a knee to stand on to hoist myself over a 10ft wall and shouting out to me as I tried to run the wrong way on occasion! 6
Many of the runners were participating to raise money for their favourite charities, or their local clubs & teams – so it was really interesting to be part of a big group of people all taking part to ultimately benefit other people. It was an absolutely brilliant day and Brian the event organiser was so pleased by the enthusiasm and effort of the UCSU volunteers that he’s happy to write everyone a reference to outline the value of their contribution and is very keen to have us back next year!
THE SQUEALER | VOLUNTEER CASE STUDY
VOLUNTEERING HELPED ME GET A JOB WITH STEVE CRAM. NAME JOCELYN HURCOMBE
GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE SO FAR.
COURSE BSC SPORT REHABILITATION
Welcome Week Team Leader 2013
IDEAL CAREER PHYSIOTHERAPIST IN THE MILITARY OR FOR TEAM GB / PARALYMPICS!
Born Survivor marshalling and massage Elective placement/voluntary work with Physio & Therapy UK - this involved me putting my course skills into practice in a private practice Physiotherapy clinic (some top athletes use this company - Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, Laura Weightman). This enhanced and improved my knowledge and confidence with diagnosing and treating clients. It also led to the opportunity of volunteering at Steve Cram's Training camp held in Kielder, where I had the opportunity to meet and treat some of the UK’s top athletes, and networking at this event has led me to get contacts in my home town and enabled me to connect with more running clubs for whom I can provide treatment. I have also had the amazing opportunity to be part of the management team (acting as head physio) for the England Universities Rugby League team in their Associations Cup quest seeing them play against GB Armed Forces, GB Teachers and GB Police. I was also present on their successful Four Nations quest in Ireland where I ran pre/post treatment sessions for the players and was also in charge of pitch-side medical assistance. I was in charge of the team's physical well-being and assessing any injuries as well as leading the post-match cool-down. Through this voluntary work I have been invited back to assist the next couple of seasons including the World Cup in Australia 2017. Through all of my volunteering and work experience I have been accepted to study MSc Physiotherapy, commencing February 2016. I have also volunteered as Carlisle Hockey Club Juniors coach for the past 3 years, and been involved in the setting up and running of Carlisle Rugby Club’s Girls team. What have been your highlights from your Volunteering experience so far? One highlight has to be meeting Steve Cram and Laura Weightman and receiving Steve’s signed running vest! I also feel very lucky to have met some amazing people along the way. Have you had to overcome any challenges when Volunteering? Whilst being a Team Leader during Welcome Week, we had to deal with a student’s dislocated knee on one of the nights out, so trying to keep control of all the Fresher’s and the rest of my team whilst assessing and dealing with the knee injury was quite tough! Has Volunteering enabled you to apply the learning from your course? Yes, very much so. Even the experiences where my volunteering was not linked to sport rehabilitation, the social skills I have acquired has dramatically improved my confidence as a person and given me experiences and skills that I can use in my future career. Has Volunteering helped develop your skills and career prospects? Volunteering has helped me to grow as a person, especially in my confidence and social skills, which are crucial for my chosen career. The skills and techniques I learnt with Physio & Therapy UK were invaluable and I learnt things outside of my university course that have been really helpful when treating my clients. Anything else? The people I met whilst volunteering during Welcome Week I would now call some of my closest friends, despite not knowing them before and doing completely different courses! 7
THE SQUEALER | THE SUCCESS AWARDS
The University of Cumbria would not be the same place without the staff and students who make the student experience what it is. The UCSU Success Awards are designed to showcase best practice and outstanding contributions to an excellent student experience here at the University of Cumbria. Different categories seek to recognise contributions made across the University from both students and staff. Shortlisted nominees from each category attend a glittering awards ceremony and dinner, typically in March each year alongside University staff and officers and staff from UCSU. Who’s made a difference to your student experience this year? It could be your favourite lecturer or tutor who goes the extra mile for you, the cleaner who always gives you a smile, or a dinner lady you always talk to. Whoever and whatever their contribution, you can reward them by nominating them for a Success Award at www.ucsu. me/success. Here are all the different categories – get your thinking caps on!!
LECTURER OF THE YEAR AWARD This award is for a University of Cumbria Lecturer who has made a significant contribution to the student experience, through assessment and feedback practices, innovative teaching methods, responding to student’s experiences and teaching styles. COMMUNITY AWARD This award is for a member of the University or Wider community who has contributed to the student experience. REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD This award is for a Student Representative who has made a positive contribution to the student experience. For example an active campaigner or someone who has strived to make a difference. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD This award is for a student who has made a contribution to the lives of others, for example giving their time to take part in community projects, help local organisations or care for the environment. 8
OUT OF SIGHT AWARD This Award recognises the contribution to the student experience from those people who work behind the scenes to make the university experience a positive one for students. STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD This could be a student who has excelled in their studies or has overcome challenges to continue with their studies or to return to education. STUDENT GROUP MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD This award is for a student group member that has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the student group in which they are a member. STUDENT SUPPORT STAFF AWARD This Award recognises non-academic staff who work with and/or for our students to support them during their time at university. To nominate for all categories, head to www.ucsu.me/success
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- Housing Advice Fayre / Learning Gateway / 10:00 - 12:00 - Vintage Pop up Shop / Brampton Road Reception / 11:00 - 14:00 - Housing Advice Fayre / Brampton Road / 13:00 - 15:00 - Pounded / Calva Bar / 20:00 - Le Grand Fromage Xmas Party / Club Concrete / 22:00 / 99p entry before 11pm
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NEED ADVICE ON HOUSING FOR NEXT YEAR?
WE CAN HELP!
“ DON’T MISS IT... TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 11AM-2PM THE BARN AMBLESIDE
WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 11AM-2PM THE GATEWAY LANCASTER
THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 10AM-12PM LEARNING GATEWAY CARLISLE
THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 1PM-3PM REFECTORY BRAMPTON ROAD CAMPUS
THE SQUEALER | HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PANEL
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PANEL HERE ARE THE PANEL REPRESENATIVES YOU VOTED IN; WITH A LITTLE BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM.
John’s key role in the Panel is to make sure that Panel meetings happen and that they are run as successfully as possible to give students the best outcomes. All the members of the Panel also hold the Students’ Union Officers to account so if you have any questions about the work of the officers, he is your man! He will also deal with any questions about how the Panel is run, how ideas are decided upon or anything around the admin of the Panel.
CHAIR Acts as John’s right hand and stands in his stead when John is unable to attend the meetings or his voice runs out!
DEPUTY CHAIR 14
THE SQUEALER | HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PANEL
YOUR CAMPUS REPS
LONDON REP
AMBLESIDE REP
FUSEHILL ST. REP
LANCASTER REP
BRAMPTON RD. REP
EACH REP HAS AS THEIR FOCUS THE WELFARE OF THEIR CAMPUS. THEY CAN FLAG UP ACADEMIC ISSUES ALTHOUGH THESE GENERALLY SHOULD BE TAKEN UP BY THE STUDENT ACADEMIC REPS. EACH COURSE SHOULD HAVE ONE! THEY WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU ANY IDEAS TO IMPROVE CAMPUS LIFE. FROM WATER FOUNTAINS, TO SAFER PATHS, QUIET ROOMS…THE CHOICE IS YOURS! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE ENGAGED IN ACTIVITIES ON YOUR CAMPUS, THEY ARE THE PEOPLE TO SPEAK TO.
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE
WOMEN’S REP
To ensure all women across campuses not only are safe on campus but also feel safe on campus. To raise awareness of how women are not treated equally and change people’s views on gender equality. To encourage women students to speak up when they feel something isn’t right and that gender is not an obstacle. To try and get free tampons on campus because periods should not be taxed as a luxury!
If you are faced with any other issues that you want to discuss or that you think should be resolved, affecting female students at Uni, Emily would love to hear from you! What about simply joining her to help her achieve her aims?
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE Be a liaison with student minds and headspace to promote wellbeing and good mental health. Run events on awareness and supporting peers. Create social media contact point to receive latest information and promote challenging issues.
If like Steven you are passionate about students receiving more information about Mental Health issues or have any ideas of your own about what you would like to see…get in touch!
DISABLED STUDENTS REP
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE
LGBTQ REP
If I was voted in, I would like to create an LGBTQ society, and allow more LGBTQ events happen on campus. I would also like to fairly and accurately voice every bodies thoughts, feelings and opinions. Futhermore I would like the LGBTQ group at university to become more involved in the community around Lancaster and be involved in Pride among other events in Lancaster, and further afield.
Would you like to see an LBGTQ group starting? Do you have time to help Isaac out?
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THE SQUEALER | HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PANEL
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE As the black and ethnic minorities rep I hope to encourage students at the UOC to begin developing an African and Caribbean society, and I wish to help any student that comes my way if it’s within my power.
Interested in joining in and giving David a hand?
BLACK & ETHNIC MINORITIES REP
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE I am looking into starting up a networking group for those who are trying to balance families, finance and life in general while also completing a degree. It’s often a challenge wondering what to do or where to go next after our degree; I am looking into a regular support group which will help signpost us in the right direction.
Coming back to study later on in life can be quite hard and provide unique challenges for students. Interested? Get in touch with Theresa!
RETURNING TO EDUCATION REP
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE
PART TIME PART-TIME STUDENTS REP
Promote the popularity and incentive of the University part-time courses to potential students. Involve part-time students in more engaging ways to study (group study sessions) Share ideas for the improvement of the University part-time courses. Develop the functionality and enjoyment/effectiveness of part-time student experience with the University of Cumbria.
Studying as a part-time student and would like to improve things? Help Rowan achieve his goals!
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE Explore different options regarding sport teams finances. Campaign for more support from the university/students’ union. Increase participation in sports further. Give the sports team more of a voice. Taking on the uni head on regarding the fees increase as teams are now struggling financially.
If like George, you are passionate about sport and have some good ideas about how to raise money and status for Sport teams, he would love to hear from you!
SPORTS GROUPS REP
WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE I want to make it easier to support new groups. Promote legacy opportunities for groups. Help get issues with timing and bookings sorted for groups. Promote the growth of groups and societies in general.
STUDENT SOCIETIES REP 16
Joseph would like to hear from you! Get in touch!
THE SQUEALER | HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PANEL
Postgraduate students, particularly those on a PGCE, face very specific challenges.
Erika is the point of reference for International students. If you just want to get in touch with other students or want to raise some issues that International students may face… Erika is the person for you!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ REP
Do you have any issues that you would like to raise that specifically affect Postgraduate Students?
POST GRADUATE STUDENTS’ REP
How can the University experience be improved for you?
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ALL THESE REPS WILL BE WORKING WITH STUDENT ACADEMIC REPS AND BRINGING YOUR VOICE TO THE WHOLE DEPARTMENT. IF YOU FEEL THERE ARE ANY BROAD ORGANISATIONAL ISSUES WITH YOUR COURSE, THEY WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GET IN TOUCH IF ANY ISSUES ARISE AND YOU WANT YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD! YOUR IDEAS. YOUR DECISIONS. 17
The Anti-Social Network
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THE SQUEALER | FOCUS ON...
FOCUS ON... In this section we bring to you the latest interviews and case studies from Cumbria students, volunteers, SU officers and staff to demonstrate the quality and variety of their university experience. Whether that’s leading or participating in a student group or sports team, getting involved in a community volunteering project, or applying the learning from their course and using their skills to enhance career opportunities, we want to know how your time at Cumbria shapes your future.
...ECO UCSU INTERVIEW WITH JOSIE CARDING
...STUDENT GROUPS INTERVIEW WITH LEENA NAJIA INTERVIEW WITH EMILY STIRZAKER
...GRADUATE FOCUS & UCSU STRATEGIC PLAN INTERVIEW WITH JOE MONAGHAN INTERVIEW WITH LUVENA PETTY 19
THE SQUEALER | ECO UCSU | INTERVIEW WITH JOSIE CARDING
...ECO UCSU. AN INTERVIEW WITH UCSU ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT COORDINATOR, JOSIE CARDING In 2013, UCSU was awarded funding from the National Union of Students (NUS) to devise and implement a series of environmental projects, led by a newly appointed Environmental Project Coordinator. Josie Carding was appointed to the post to lead this work across all campus sites and in her two years at UCSU has made a huge impact throughout the university community. From leading our environmental and sustainability project campaigns to organising black-out events, Fairtrade Fashion shows and implementing volunteering projects in local schools, Josie’s impact has benefited hundreds of Cumbria students, as well as countless local people in the communities in which we serve. Have you seen the ‘A Day in Your Life’ online module? The student gardens in Carlisle, Lancaster and Ambleside? Fairtrade Fortnight and Go Green? That was all Josie. For two consecutive years, UCSU has been awarded Green Impact Gold status at the NUS Awards – making UCSU one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly students’ unions in the country. Josie has also been recognised globally for her work by 2 Degrees and led multiple staff training sessions to improve our team’s awareness of and commitment to our environment – both on campus and at home! The Squealer caught up with Josie to find out more about her work and future plans as the project comes to a close at the end of this year. EMMA EGGLESTONE & JOSIE CARDING
How did your interest in the environment and sustainability develop? I entirely blame my Mum and family! Mum manages a country park, my Dad teaches horticulture and my brother is a tree surgeon, so I think it was always my destiny to work in the environmental sector. When I was a kid, my Mum always used to make me go on nature walks, which I hated at the time! I was always helping her in the garden or working with the animals in the country park where she works and grew to love it. I then went on to do a Biology degree at Newcastle University, where I specialised in environmental studies and did lots of volunteering related to my course, which further developed my interest too. I think growing up in North Wales also helped because I had a lot of access to the outdoors and when you’ve seen how nice it can be, it makes you determined not to spoil it! Did volunteering at University help you to apply your skills and interest in to a career path? I did lots of volunteering with the National Trust, mainly with their education team on nature trails, schools projects and wildlife adventure walks. I learned lots of techniques through volunteering which helped me to devise and implement different projects at UCSU, particularly the ones aimed at younger school children, so I think my volunteering experience helped me to understand more about the career I wanted to have. Volunteering is also a social activity, you gain new friends, confidence, new skills and I’d recommend it to anyone – lots of charities rely on volunteers to benefit so many people, so it’s really important work too. How did you get started at UCSU? My post was a brand new project for the SU, so there was a lot of background work to do to raise awareness of my position amongst students and staff.
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THE SQUEALER | ECO UCSU | INTERVIEW WITH JOSIE CARDING
The brief for the project was very versatile, so we had to spend a lot of time planning what sort of projects would be of interest at each of the different campus sites, bearing in mind the different courses and interests of students at each campus. In the first year, we supported national campaigns such as Go Green Week and Fairtrade Fortnight – they were already established ideas nationally, and we felt they would be a good way to start developing student interest in our own environmental and sustainability projects. We also did a Fairtrade Fashion Show which was really successful and helped to engage different groups of students to help – for example the performing arts students helped me to organise and promote the event, and the costume & theatre studies students helped with outfits. The media often makes ‘the environment’ or ‘sustainability’ seem quite a boring and dull concept, and I really wanted to challenge that in my role, so I’ve tried to make each project a bit different and accessible to as many people as possible in a fun way which stimulates their interests and challenges their perception of what environmental work is. What have been your highlights in the role? The student gardens project was quite a challenge to make happen – we built them all from scratch in Carlisle, Lancaster and Ambleside and now have a really dedicated group of students looking after them, growing their own food and having a great time doing it. The Eco Warriors schools project and ‘A Day In Your Life’ online module have probably been the most successful aspects of my work at UCSU. The schools project came about because I was aware of how many student teachers we have at Cumbria, and I was interested in finding an angle on sustainability which would actually help them on their course too, as well as being a fantastic learning experience for the children we worked with. It was an opportunity for our students to get really good classroom experience, learning about sustainability and informing the younger generation about the environment and the importance of looking after it too, so the Eco Warriors schools project has definitely ticked a lot of boxes in terms of what I wanted to do with my time at UCSU. Sustainability is now on the national primary school curriculum, so getting involved with the time local school children spend outside the classroom has been really rewarding for me and all the amazing teaching student volunteers who have been involved. The knowledge and experience gained will really help our teaching students stand out from the crowd when applying for their first teaching jobs. We also have a big group of students who now want to take the project on themselves next year as an extra-curricular opportunity to enhance their student experience and employability. ECO WARRIORS SCHOOLS PROJECT
You’re one of the Top 50 young people working in sustainability in the world – that’s amazing! I was nominated for the Top 25 Under 25’s working in sustainability and I managed to finish inside the top 50, apparently in the world, but I’m not sure about that, maybe I’m being too modest! It’s a really cool thing to have, and it was published by 2 Degrees – a huge sustainability corporation, so I’m proud of it, but I don’t wear it on my badge!
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT SUCCESS AWARDS Tell us about the new outdoor ‘living’ stage at Brampton Road – what’s that about? The outdoor stage is intended to give creative students (e.g. performing artists, technical theatre) an extra practice / performance area, something that’s different to what they have indoors and which can be accessed whenever they want. It’s going to be a hexagonal shape so that it can be a flexible space with 360 degree view, but it will have pillars to attach a canopy or to put a screen up so it’s really versatile as well – it can be whatever they want it to be! The idea is that it’s like a park bench – anyone can use it and share it. It took a couple of years to get planning permission because the site is right on top of Hadrian’s Wall, but we now have the full backing of the local planning department and also English Heritage and it’s being built now! There will also be edible plants growing around the stage, which will be made of sustainable and locally sourced wood – so it’s an organic space as well. What challenges have you faced in your role? One of the main challenges was making sure that each project would be accessible and interesting to a wide audience at each campus. Being a multi-site institution, the courses at each site vary, and inevitably the interests and ambitions of students do too. For example, students in Carlisle were more interested in the online module because they could access it from Uni or from home, 21
THE SQUEALER | ECO UCSU | INTERVIEW WITH JOSIE CARDING
whereas students in Lancaster were a bit more keen to get involved in the schools project because it was local to them, and Ambleside members really enjoyed the garden project because they’re more the outdoors type anyway due to the nature of the courses they study. All the students we’ve worked with have been really enthusiastic, which has helped me a lot. Do you feel you’re leaving a legacy behind at UCSU? The Schools Project will be a lasting one and I have full confidence in the students who are taking over that they will continue to utilise the opportunity and benefit themselves as well as educating the school children in really important topics. I hope the schools project will become a permanent volunteering opportunity via UCSU and I have created a series of resource and skills packs to help them along the way. The online module I developed has been taken up by NUS who are putting the module on their national website, which is amazing and has already reached more than 300 people from Cumbria, so I’m sure it will help lots more people to come from other institutions. 22
What’s next for Josie? I’m going to do a PGCE (teaching) qualification next year, with the view to becoming a Forest Schools Instructor. Forest Schools is a new way of getting children outdoors whilst they’re at school to learn about wildlife, the environment and the world around them. In the meantime, I’ll be finding a part time job to help me fund my PGCE qualification, and I’ll be doing some more volunteering as well! Any advice to readers about being more sustainable? It’s important to know that nobody is perfect, but if everybody made one small change to their daily routine – like turning off the tap when you brush your teeth – it would make a huge difference overall. Just be aware of your environment and how you can help preserve and protect it. Everybody at UCSU – staff, officers past & present, students and volunteers thank Josie for her incredible work and wish her all the best for the career and future she deserves. Good luck Josie!
THE SQUEALER | STUDENT GROUPS | INTERVIEWS WITH LEENA NAJIA & EMILY STIRZAKER
...STUDENT GROUPS. INTERVIEW WITH LEENA NAJIA
Girls Netball, by Leena Najia Teamwork makes the dream work, don’t worry I know how annoying that sounds! Although you may brush off this cliché phrase, being part of a sports club at university is more than just meeting up a couple of times a week and passing the ball around. Turning up to a different city with a whole new group of people can be a daunting prospect at the best of times. By joining a sports team you are not only taking up a hobby to keep you fit, you are entering into a community that will not only welcome you with open arms but will also drag you along for the ride! Having joined the Netball team at University of Cumbria, I have made such a large network of friends that I know will support me through the tough times and party with me through the good. This year I was elected captain of the Netball team alongside my teammate Alex Rackstraw. Although a daunting prospect it has helped develop
both my organisational and interpersonal skills, not to mention it also looks good on your CV after you graduate (not trying to scare you with the real world of anything)! This year I have managed to set up a 2’nds team to try and make Netball as inclusive as possible, widening the netball family! Being part of a sports team at University of Cumbria provides a sense of community and belonging that is difficult reciprocate elsewhere. Let’s be honest, Cumbria isn’t the biggest university around, or the most resource-rich in regards to the sports teams, this does however mean one thing; all the sports teams play and support each other both on and off the court. So when you have lost your house keys at 3am, you have a plethora of people to give you a sofa to sleep on (or a shoulder to cry on). If everything I have said was still not enough to convince you to join a sports team this little phrase might- Free food on Wednesdays. Enough said!
INTERVIEW WITH EMILY STIRZAKER An interview with former Rugby & Cheerleading Captain Emily Stirzaker about her experience in multiple student groups, and the opportunities and skills she developed by getting involved with Groups throughout her three years at Cumbria. UCSU’s Student Groups Coordinator Rob Ward caught up with Emily to find out more… This week I had the pleasure of catching up with a young woman who inspires not only me, but it seems, everyone she comes into contact with. From our first meeting to handing her trophies at the end of the year, week in week out I had the pleasure of watching her make the most of every scrap of an opportunity that came near her. 24
THE SQUEALER | STUDENT GROUPS | INTERVIEWS WITH LEENA NAJIA & EMILY STIRZAKER
Emily Stirzaker - whilst undoubtedly naturally gifted – has the kind of fortitude that is rare, and her many accomplishments demonstrate her determination and hard work. Where did your interest in sports develop? Well, all my family are quite sporty really. My Dad played football into his 40’s and my Mum is a bit gym mad! My brothers both played rugby and one of them is a body builder now – he’s eating 6000 calories a day at the moment – he drinks eggs, it’s not for me! I also tap dance, I have done since I was 3 until I went to Uni when I had to stop. My Mum got me into that. I also did gymnastics, ballet, swimming, a bit of netball, but mostly it was the dancing. So you got to Uni and got stuck in straight away? I knew when I came to Uni I wanted to get into my rugby again, I only stopped because there was no team to play for back home. I went to the SU and got the number of the captain and the cheerleading captain and just got in touch and started training!
goes on to get to games, but that’s developed my organisation skills too. Usually you’re used to packing a bag a turning up I wasn’t aware of all the people involved in the organisation. So it was good to learn about all that, another new experience. Did you have to deal with any ‘women don’t play rugby’ stereotypes? I think it’s something to be proud of. It’s a bit different, and I like that. I think at Uni it’s more accepted and it’s not just you, you’ve got your whole team with you. When I was younger, I played for a boys team – and I definitely stood out a lot more there! So you took the next step and ended up joining a local community team as well. How was that? Again, I didn’t go on my own. There were a couple of us from Uni so that was a good thing. I felt a lot more comfortable. I settled into it quickly, it was nice being the new person there. At Preston Grasshoppers rugby club everyone’s really nice – it’s my second season now and it feels like I’ve been there for years. And then you were called up to compete at national level? To be honest with you, that was a massive shock! Jenny who I train with at Grasshoppers also plays Rugby League. Her Mum and Dad come and watch, and my Mum and Dad come and watch – and obviously they talk. So they’d said Jenny had England University’s trials and suggested I try out as well. So I said I’d go along and see how it goes, then we both got in. I never expected it, but you just don’t know until you try! That wasn’t the only good news you had that day? Yeah that was the same day as the UCSU Group Awards, and I won Sports Person of the Year! I had the pleasure of handing over the trophy and reducing you to tears but also reading the 30+ nominations from all sorts of Student Group members and players. I had no idea it was like that! You don’t really think – I’m only close with a few people really, obviously I know other people but to take their own time to go out of their way to write something nice about me…it’s a really nice feeling. And another shock - a nice shock!
Cheerleading as well? Seems like a strange mix. It’s a combination of dancing and gymnastics, I’d done both of those before and it was there so I thought I’d give it a go - it was something new and it was quite enjoyable! How was it competing without your family for the first time? The whole squad was there, so it was a team effort, and I’d joined with my best friend Chloe so it was really nice, and we got a video so my Mum still got to see it. That’s where I won my first trophy for UCSU, at the Future Cheer Championships where I came 1st. You’re now in 3rd year and have taken on the role of Captain… I really enjoyed doing that. The reason I wanted to be Vice (Captain) was because you get some responsibility, but it’s not all on your head. But I was asked by the team to take on the full Captain’s job and obviously I wasn’t going to say no – I’d never let the team fail! I didn’t realise all the admin and stuff that
Then you even did a little stint in the Army?! Well I didn’t get picked for the England Students team, but the Armed Forces were playing and they asked if they could loan me. We ended up playing England Students the next week so that was a bit strange!
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THE SQUEALER STUDENT GROUPS | INTERVIEWS WITH LEENA NAJIA & EMILY STIRZAKER
Now you’re back doing tap dancing – how’s that going? I was actually scared to walk back in – I was doing tap dancing for a big portion of my life and I hadn’t seen anyone for so long. I went on my own, I didn’t take my Mum with me – I’m a grown up now! So I walked in and everyone kind of stared at me, I was actually shaking. Now I’m back it’s like I never left but I’m a bit out of practice! We’ve got a show in December – tickets are available! A lot of people who are into sports when they’re younger fall out of it during their time at Uni. What would you say to someone thinking of rekindling something they did in their younger life? Well I almost did fall out, but when I went home and I was so used to being active all the time, I just needed something else. I’d just say don’t think about it, go for it, if it doesn’t work out – you can always do something else. You don’t want to miss an opportunity do you? We wanted to interview someone that UCSU recognises as being a strong, positive, and enthusiastic female role model, do you see yourself like that? I think so, in some ways. I’m not perfect but especially in sport I think, if people, girls, read positive stories about what someone has achieved, it might inspire them and that’s a good thing. I want to get a job in sports participation, so if I could do that I’d be more than happy. What would to you say to a student reading that hasn’t considered joining a student group, club or society? I think if I didn’t join the Rugby and Cheerleading teams I wouldn’t have many friends! I just wouldn’t have that bond and close connection with certain people. Just do it! There’s no question about it really – my whole 3 years at Uni revolved around being in a team. That’s what I looked forward to every week. Only Chloe was in my lessons. Everyone else I met through being part of the teams. Do it! Finally, what would you say to anyone who’s taking a role as Chair or Captain of a Group? What is the most important thing they can do with their year? What got me through was being organised. Time management is key. Keep ticking over little by little. Make a list and tick everything off one by one, you’ll get to the bottom eventually! I like to have a structure – if there isn’t one I make one up and then follow that. That’s how I did everything!
CHECK OUT MORE ABOUT UCSU GROUPS AT WWW.UCSU.ME/GROUPSHOME 26
THE SQUEALER | INTERVIEW WITH JOE MONAGHAN & LUVENA PETTY
...UCSU STRATEGIC PLAN. AN INTERVIEW WITH 2014/15 GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN LUVENA PETTY.
GRADUATE FOCUS Interview with Joe Monaghan I came to the University of Cumbria to pursue a degree in Film and Television Production. Secondly I desired more than just a degree. In order to achieve this I became a volunteer with the Students’ Union and worked as an IT Rover in my final year. I started off as a Welcome Helper in 2013, where I was responsible for assisting and supervising the new students during Welcome Week. It was a fantastic experience, where I felt pro-active and part of a team. You also make new friends and the new students remember you being there for them during their Welcome Week. In my final year of my studies I was a Welcome Helper again during Welcome Week, but also an IT rover, helping the new students out with logging on the PCs at Brampton Road campus. A few weeks later I was running in the UCSU Panel Elections for the role of Brampton Road Campus Rep, which I achieved. At the end of my degree I received three awards for volunteering, including one for going above and beyond the call of duty during Welcome Week. The Panel we had meetings at Fusehill Street and Lancaster campus sites. I found the agenda quite helpful because it would contain relevant issues we had to address, including some that I had submitted, such as issues with Blackboard being outdated. It was interesting to have representatives from both Carlisle and Lancaster together. My academic studies motivated me to never give up on what you want in life, and to even go the extra mile in pursuing your goals. I even read books again as a result of being a student, those being relevant to my dissertation topic. My studies even encouraged me to pursue Photography as a hobby, where I would take photos in Rickerby Park and around Carlisle. My studies also fuelled my passion for technology, so I am now training with London based company JustIT who specialize in training and recruiting candidates for the IT Industry. Being a volunteer and working as an IT Rover has helped build my prospects and encourage me to progress in life, as well as achieving a degree. Thanks to UCSU and the University of Cumbria I received a handful of phone calls in regards to potential employment so it has all paid off!
In 2014/15 UCSU embarked upon a new 4 year strategic plan to deliver the best possible student experience for our members during their time at the University of Cumbria. The plan is made up of multiple strategic projects aimed to deliver enhanced services and opportunities for members. One of the most important aspects of implementing the new strategy was the re-brand project. We needed a brand identity that promoted our values and themes of work. The graphic design internship was introduced in 2014, giving a recent UoC graduate the opportunity to work for UCSU for a year to support the brand and design requirements of the team. Luvena Petty was the successful candidate and the re-brand project was managed by Luvena throughout her internship. We caught up with Luvena several months in to her new career as a Marketing & Graphic Design Coordinator for a large fashion and home-ware company about her experience at UCSU and how the internship helped her find the career she wanted‌ What did you enjoy most about the UCSU re-brand project? I enjoyed expanding on the designs of the old UCSU brand - enhancing the brand identity while continuing to use the colours and typefaces that had were a part of the previous branding. Adding more colours to the re-brand gave it all a fresh new look and helped communicate the values of UCSU. Tell us about some of the challenges involved in developing the new brand. One of the most difficult tasks involved with the re-brand was targeting such a large and diverse audience. Making sure that the updated brand will not only targeted full time students who are able to see the UCSU brand within the university but also distant learning students whose main association with UCSU is online and via social media. Which aspect of the re-brand are you most proud of? I am most proud of creating of a new brand that reflects the UCSU values and a brand that works along with the Union as it continues to represent and support its student members. Did the Graphic Design internship help you to prepare for your first career job? Yes, definitely. While working for UCSU I was also offered a job working for the University of Surrey, and given the opportunity to work in Surrey before getting offered a contract with them working remotely, so I could continue my work with UCSU at the same time. I still continue to work with the University of Surrey alongside my current full time job as a Marketing and Graphic Design Coordinator for a large fashion and home company with stores throughout the country. I love my current job and I'm constantly learning new design and marketing skills. Working for UCSU gave me the confidence to progress in my career and apply for a job that before I wouldn't have had the confidence to do. What did you enjoy most about the internship role? I enjoyed working for a Union that really cares about its members, and puts 100% into everything they do. I was mostly proud to be part of a great, enthusiastic team. Would you recommend it to other students? I would definitely recommend it to other students! I loved my time working for UCSU and was sad to leave. I learned a lot and the role gave me the confidence and skills to work in my current job role. 27
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