OCTOBER ‘12
PRESIDENT - STRATH GUIDES The student executive have been busy working all summer to help improve Strathclyde students’ experience. I have been working closely with Association staff to launch a brand new outreach programme into local high schools called StrathGuides, a fantastic opportunity for Students to volunteer, get involved and change people’s lives. To find out more information on StrathGuides visit www.strathstudents.com/recruiting to read more about it, the time commitments and how to apply.
VPDA - CANADIAN STUDENTS SHOW HOW IT’S DONE! Students in Quebec had a huge victory last month when the government’s plans to raise tuition fees by 75% over 5 years were scrapped. The Canadian students went on strike for several months to convey their anger, organising demonstrations of over 400,000, occupations, and a huge student congress where they endorsed a progressive manifesto that students’ associations across the globe have signed. We Are Many Youth: But With One Struggle! www.stopthehike.ca
VPAD - GET TING INVOLVED Hey everyone, it has been 4 months into me being VP Activities & Development and I thought I’ll let you know what I have done so far and what I am planning. So far I have put the facilities in place to set up an intervarsity competition with Glasgow and Caledonian Universities through our Clubs & Societies. At the moment I am in discussions about introducing an award system to reward student volunteers for exceptional work carried out during their studies. In terms of student employment, I’m currently working with the Glasgow Student Forum and NUS Scotland to develop ways in which the government can help increase the number of students and graduates gaining employment in their area of study. I am always happy to speak about my plans and also tell you about opportunities within the Union to enhance your Strathclyde experience. Please come and see me on Level 7 of the Union or email me on ussa.vpad@strath.ac.uk
VPE - MAKING YOU STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD! I recently went down to London to the launch of the Higher Education Achievement Report (aka HEAR). This is an exciting new initiative that replaces the current “old-school” degree transcript to a shiny, better model which provides more information on what a student has done during their time at University. This includes non-academic activities such as being a Student Rep or being part of a club/society. There are countless benefits to having the HEAR system introduced at Strathclyde, and that is why I am currently working very closely with the University to make this a reality. If you want to find out more information come along to the Education Forums (next one Thursday 15th Nov) or email me at ussa.vpe@strath.ac.uk
OCTOBER IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
There are loads of events going on around Glasgow commemorating and celebrating black communities and the positive impact they have had in shaping our society. But also looking a bit closer at the role the West has played in issues that aren’t so commendable, racism, colonisation and fascism are still alive and very relevant. We’re holding a free film screening on the 26th October, ‘Roadmap to Apartheid’ about South African apartheid and how it can be compared to what the Israeli state is inflicting on Palestinians today. We recently held the big Trade Union Fair telling working students about the benefits of joining a trade union while in part-time work and in future graduate employment. The advice and support trade unions offer can be invaluable especially in today’s uncertain job climate. Thanks to those who joined us at the STUC demonstration on the 20th, for more info on future demos please contact ussa.vpda@strath.ac.uk
VPSW - RECORD SIGN-UPS! During Freshers’ week the Sports Fair was a massive success with the Olympic participation boom being evidenced in both our sign up rate (some clubs had over 250 students register interest at the fair) and Sports Union membership is up on last year as it stands. Many of our clubs had record turnouts at their trials or taster sessions which I think is the sign of a great year ahead! The Glasgow Taxis Freshers‘ intervarsity was also a resounding success. We had a Rugby team from City of Glasgow College competing for the first time which was great to see, as well as hundreds of Freshers from Glasgow’s 3 Universities taking to the fields and courts after just a week after arriving at University. In other news we have had a successful first two weeks of BUCS fixtures, with Rugby, Basketball, Hockey and Football getting their seasons off to particularly good starts. We also had an Sports Union member represent Strathclyde and GB Universities at the World Universities Championships in Russia, Jess Liddon. Jess finished a brilliant 19th in the 10m Air Pistol.