UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS’ UNION
#WEAREWESTMINSTER
WELCOME FROM THE UWSU PRESIDENT What a year 2017 has been. I was lucky enough to be re-elected to the role of president and lead a second sabbatical team through what is an interesting period of c h a n g e f o r b o t h t h e S U a n d t h e U n i v e r s i t y. This year we saw the introduction of the Arrivals brand, ensuring more students than ever feel welcomed and included to o u r c o m m u n i t y, a s w e l l a s a n e x p a n d e d residential to train and expand our student leaders. This report shows the impact we have had on our students and how we have made their time over 2017 the best it possibly can be. I h o p e y o u e n j o y, Freya Thompson President 2016-2018
Each year I am impressed at how much our o f f i c e r s , s t a f f t e a m a n d s t u d e n t ’s l e a d e r s continue to grow the positive impact we h a v e o n o u r s t u d e n t s h e r e a t W e s t m i n s t e r, ensuring they have a continued growth in their experience whilst they are studying with us. Our Officers continually bring new ideas, and make sure we are changing with the needs of our students, continuing to be relevant to our members and supporting them in the ways in which they need. I am proud to bring you our highlights of the biggest wins for Westminster Students in 2017. Michael Olatokun C h a i r o f t h e U W S U Tr u s t e e B o a r d
CONTENTS 04/05: RESIDENTIAL 0 6 / 0 9 : A R R I VA L S 10: ADVICE 11: ELECTIONS 12: COURSE REPS 1 3 : R E P R E S E N TAT I O N O F F I C E R S 14/17: WINNING FOR YOU 18/19: EXCELLENCE FUNDING 20: SPORTS 21: SOCIETIES 22/23: STUDENT MEDIA 24: UWSU.COM 2 5 : S TAY I N G C O N N E C T E D 26: SHOP 27: EVENTS 2 8 : E M P L O YA B I L I T Y 29: £’S BACK IN THEIR POCKETS 3 0 : S TA F F A P P R E C I AT I O N I M PA C T R E P O R T 2 0 1 7
RESIDENTIAL
120 NEW STUDENT LEADERS Each year we hold a Student Leader Residential and for 2017 we were able to have 40 more student leaders and so lead 120 young people through a weekend of team work, leadership and building a community spirit. This is one of our most successful trips which has encouraged presidents and captains to run for our SU elections.
4 “The Residential was so f u n ! Yo u m e e t p e o p l e w i t h different interests and s o c i e t i e s , i t ’s t h e b e s t p l a c e to promote your society and build friendships with other captains and presidents. This helped so much when we held collaborative events t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r. ” Scharuz Malek President of the Vo g u e S o c i e t y
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70% OF STUDENTS WHO RAN IN THE 2018 ELECTIONS AT T E N D E D T H E S T U D E N T L E A D E R R E S I D E N T I A L .
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A R R I VA L S The month of September is the most important time for the Students’ Union. It is an opportunity to welcome new students as well as relaunch to our returning members. 2 0 1 7 S A W T H E I N D U C T I O N O F O U R N E W B R A N D A R R I VA L S From research at our new post graduate advisory board, it was clear the term ‘Freshers’ was not inclusive to post graduate and inter national students. Arrivals is targeted at both new and returning students, as well as students with a variety of interests.
A R R I V A L S
Welcome Your Journey Starts Here
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2017 saw the recruitment, training and support of 148 fans as well as the introduction of 4 super fans, one for each campus.
T h e FA N S p r o g r a m m e n o t o n l y e m p o w e r s t h e s e 1 4 8 s t u d e n t s t o d e v e l o p l e a d e r s h i p a n d confidence skills, all invaluable for later in life, but it also gives the new students a personalised i n d u c t i o n e x p e r i e n c e t o k i c k o f f t h e i r t i m e a t W e s t m i n s t e r i n a f u n a n d i n f o r m a t i v e w a y.
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4300 NEW STUDENTS WELCOMED D I R E C T LY B Y O N E O F U W S U ’ S FA N S “ I t w a s s o m u c h f u n b e i n g a FA N , I w o u l d love to do it again! Thank you very much for t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y. B e i n g a FA N b o o s t e d m y confidence, improved my public speaking and problem solving skills and expanded my own knowledge of the university!
Khusheda Begum, BSc Biological Science
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Malgorzata Gnyp, BA International Business with Language
“As well as meeting new people and making friends, I have gained a lot of skills such as team work, collaboration, problem solving a n d e f f e c t i v e t h i n k i n g . L a s t l y, t h e w h o l e experience helped me to build my confidence and opened a new networking system with my f e l l o w FA N S ”
“I found the experience extremely rewarding. M y s t u d e n t s w e r e a l l s o l o v e l y. I t ’s n i c e knowing I was there for them during their first week. The new students appreciated my help, especially with the tours! The training was very beneficial, I’m not so shy Sonia now!”
“It definitely helped me improve my organisational and leadership skills, which can later be applied in any area. Also, I am pleased with the number of people from our campus that I would have probably never met i f i t w a s n ’t f o r t h e G r e a t S t a r t P r o j e c t . ”
Sonia Barn, BA Sociology
Boryana Kermenova, PR & Advertising
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A N I N C R E A S E D F I N A N C I A L LY S U S TA I N A B L E S U F O R O U R M E M B E R S The four arrivals fairs we held in September 2017 included over 40 companies and brands who paid to have the privilege of meeting and conversing with our students. The UWSU ensured that the types of brands and companies attending the fairs were student focused. Whether it be welfare related, academic related, places that offer student discount, or companies we felt would generally bring a fun atmosphere to the fairs.
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Students had a great time picking up freebies, advice, and signing up to sports teams and societies. It is a great chance for the students to be introduced to what their Students’ Union has to offer as well as be introduced to the many brands they may not have known. At the fairs UWSU also handed out 5,000 branded goody bags to students which included a welcome booklet from the Students’ Union with information about what the organisation does, contact names and numbers of relevant staff, an events timetable with dates and times, an SU b r a n d e d l a n y a r d , a f r e e m e a l v o u c h e r, n o o d l e s , p a s t a , a recipe booklet and sanitary items.
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EVENTS TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF ALL OUR MEMBERS
We work in partnership with Wicked Student Nights who hold our weekly club nights. T h e r e i s a d i f f e r e n t w e e k l y e v e n t e v e r y n i g h t , M o n d a y t o F r i d a y. T h e y a r e h e l d i n d i f f e r e n t areas of London and cater the music to different student tastes on that night. The students had an opportunity to buy a wrist band that granted them full access to a fortnight of c l u b n i g h t s d u r i n g f r e s h e r ’s . ( W e s o l d 7 9 ) D u r i n g t h e a c a d e m i c y e a r w e h a v e r u n o v e r 230 successful events during term time.
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W e o f f e r e d a v a r i e t y o f e v e n t s d u r i n g t h e f r e s h e r ’s f o r t n i g h t , b a l a n c e d b e t w e e n 1 0 c l u b nights and 5 day events. Day events included a mini golf competition, a gardening workshop, and an afternoon of free cake and tea. The idea behind the day events were to offer a non-drinking opportunity for students to get to socialise and interact with one a n o t h e r.
REPRESENTING YOU: ADVICE SERVICE 2 0 0 C A S E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E S T U D E N T S ’ U N I O N ’ S W E L FA R E A D V I S O R S ‘ I C A N ’ T E X P R E S S H O W G R AT E F U L I A M F O R A L L Y O U R H E L P ’ ‘ I T G O E S W I T H O U T S AY I N G T H AT I O W E Y O U A H U G E T H A N K Y O U F O R T H E W O R K YOU DID WITH THIS’ 138 OF THE CASES WERE ACADEMIC CASES I.E. CONCERNING EITHER PLAGIARISM O R M I T I G AT I N G C I R C U M S TA N C E S T H E S E C A S E S H AV E A D I R E C T I M PA C T O N S T U D E N T ’ S A B I L I T Y T O A C H I E V E T H E I R A M B I T I O N O F G R A D U AT I N G . £ 4 5 , 0 0 0 R E F U N D E D A N D S AV E D B Y S T U D E N T S A S A D I R E C T R E S U LT O F O U R A D V I C E AND SUPPORT TO STUDENTS ENABLING THEM TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR STUDIES A N D A S S I S T E D I N I M P R O V I N G S T U D E N T R E T E N T I O N R AT E S .
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T E A & TA L K : 250 STUDENTS RECEIVED I N F O R M AT I O N AND ADVICE ON THE ACADEMIC SUPPORT AVA I L A B L E F R O M U W S U & T H E U N I V E R S I T Y One of the main ambitions of our members is to successfully complete their studies. The journey from undergraduate to graduate can involve c h a l l e n g e s o f o n e k i n d o r a n o t h e r. O v e r c o m i n g these challenges is dependent on having access to relevant and timely information about the support that is on offer both from Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) and the University to keep their academic aspirations alive. This is where the U n i o n ’s a n n u a l a w a r e n e s s r a i s i n g c a m p a i g n , ‘ t e a and talk’ addresses the need by highlighting the academic support available from the University such as referencing & academic writing workshops as well as the independent advice from UWSU on submitting a mitigating circumstances claim.
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REPRESENTING YOU: ELECTIONS Each year the Students’ Union runs its elections so as the student body can elect the five full time student leaders they would like to see run their s t u d e n t s ’ u n i o n t h e f o l l o w i n g a c a d e m i c y e a r. T h e s e s t u d e n t s s i t o n t h e highest university committees, including the board of gover nors and the u n i v e r s i t y ’s a c a d e m i c c o u n c i l , e n s u r i n g t h e s t u d e n t v o i c e i s h e a r d t h r o u g h o u t all decision making processes within the organisation. The 2017 elections saw 2142 votes in the presidential election and an Increase in voter turnout in all VP positions
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INCREASE IN STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH THE D E M O C R AT I C S T R U C T U R E S O F T H E U N I O N W H I C H E N S U R E S R E P R E S E N TAT I O N A C R O S S A L L S E C T I O N S O F THE STUDENT BODY
“My experience of the elections this year was twofold- as a candidate and as a student. As a candidate I found that the election process was a positive experience. It made me reflect on the needs of i n t e r n a t i o n a l s t u d e n t s a t W e s t m i n s t e r, a n d t h e d i f f e r e n t w a y s i n w h i c h I c o u l d h e l p m a k e t h e i r t i m e a t u n i b e t t e r. I t w a s a l s o a g r e a t w a y t o m e e t o t h e r s t u d e n t s , t a l k t o n e w p e o p l e a n d m a k e f r i e n d s ! ” Pranav Ramesh, Inter national Representation Officer Candidate 2017
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REPRESENTING YOU: COURSE REPS Course reps are our key to really ensuring we represent the needs of all s t u d e n t s a c r o s s t h e U n i v e r s i t y. E l e c t e d b e t w e e n t h e i r c o u r s e m a t e s , t h e s e students are the bridge between the student voice on the ground and the U n i o n a n d U n i v e r s i t y. HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2017:
I M PA C T:
• 20 induction sessions across all four campuses
• Induction sessions and workshops enabled Reps to gain valuable soft skills as well as adequately represent the academic interests of students
• 372 course reps attended induction sessions • 186 course reps attended second annual course rep conference (March 2017)
• Over 70 reps received certificates/ HEAR a significant boot to their employability
12 T h e S t u d e n t s ’ U n i o n a l s o p r o v i d e d t r a i n i n g i n C a m p a i g n i n g Tr a i n i n g , Leadership Skills, Public Speaking, Research Skills and NSS Workshops to t h i s y e a r ’s c o u r s e r e p s . ‘ V E RY G O O D E X P E R I E N C E R E C O M M E N D E V E RY O N E T O B E PA R T O F T H E S T U D E N T ’ S V O I C E ! Y O U G E T G R E AT S K I L L S G A I N E D F R O M T H I S O P P O R T U N I T Y S U C H A S P U B L I C S P E A K I N G , C A M PA I G N I N G , T E A M W O R K I N G A N D M E E T NEW PEOPLE’
NEW FOR 2017 2017 also saw our new Weekly Drop in sessions for reps introduced on all campuses introduced as a response to feedback from Reps - allowing for more engagement between reps and UWSU.
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REPRESENTING YOU: R E P R E S E N TAT I O N O F F I C E R S Each year the Students’ Union elects five representation officers along site its part time officers, who then volunteer part time with the Students’ Union to ensure the needs of their cohort of students are represented in decision making across the university and Students’ Union. The Officer positions are, BAME, LGBTI, Women, Disability and International Officers. T H R O U G H O U T 2 0 1 7 T H E PA R T T I M E O F F I C E R S W O R K E D O N A R A N G E O F C A M PA I G N S A N D E V E N T S FOR THEIR STUDENTS:
• Ran a successful I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ’s W e e k of events, in collaboration with the Department of Politics & IR and societies a c r o s s t h e u n i v e r s i t y. • Initiated the “Pregnant Policy Campaign” to reform MCs so they are inclusive of pregnant students (and all circumstances around pregnancy) & student parents being able to bring their children on Campus. • Pushed for the Union to fund free Sanitary Products across the SU Offices.
B L A C K H I S T O RY M O N T H :
DISABILITY WINS:
• Over 200 students attended events during Black History Month (October).
• Successfully creating an online application process for the Disability Services as part of the Project Board.
• UWSU BAME officer developed a programme of events to mark Black history month 2017.
• Creating and maintaining a panel of current Westminster students with disabilities, enabling them to voice their own opinions.
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WINS FOR WOMEN STUDENTS:
• Attending various conferences to broaden my knowledge on how to assist students with disabilities. • Aiding the Disability Services to make courses more inclusive at a course design level.
“Being an advocate for Women students gave me the confidence to run as Vice President of a Regent a n d LT S ! ” E t h e l Ta m b u d z a i , W o m e n s R e p r e s e n t a t i o n O f f i c e r 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7 R E P R E S E N TAT I O N O F F I C E R S R E C E I V E D C A M PA I G N T R A I N I N G A N D O N G O I N G A D V I C E A N D SUPPORT WHICH MEANT THEY WERE EMPOWERED TO MAKE CHANGE AND FEEL REPRESENTED Y C TH IMB PA TE RUENPI VOERRTS I T2Y. 017
WINNING FOR YOU IN 2017 The Students’ Union is always responding to the needs of the Westminster Student body supporting them and helping to improve their experience whilst they study here. CCTV removed from prayer rooms across campus. I M PA C T - S T U D E N T S H AV E N O W G O T T H E I R P R I VA C Y B A C K . T h e U W S U E x h i b i t i o n G a m e s w e r e l a u n c h e d . Ta k i n g o v e r t h e O l y m p i c C o p p e r B o x arena. I M PA C T - U W S U E N G A G E D W I T H T H E M O S T D R A G O N S S P O R T S T E A M S I N Y E A R S ! Almost 1000 students participated in a Keep Wednesday After noons Free survey I M PA C T – F R O M 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 1 9 , W E D N E S D AY A F T E R N O O N S W I L L B E O F F F R O M 1 2 P M AS APPROVED BY ACADEMIC COUNCIL. 87.8% of students said Printing was a prohibiting factor to success on their course.
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I M PA C T - N O W PA R T O F T H E F E E S R E V I E W S F O R 2 0 1 9 / 2 0 T O L O O K AT H O W PRINTING IS FITTED INTO STUDENT TUITION FEES. Digital Library and Reading Lists seen as making recourses inaccessible and not s u p p o r t i n g t h e d i v e r s e m a k e - u p o f t h e s t u d e n t b o d y. I M PA C T - U N I V E R S I T Y S E T U P A R E A D I N G L I S T I M P L E M E N TAT I O N G R O U P A N D H A S A G R E E D T H AT 1 0 0 % O F M O D U L E S W I L L H AV E A D I G I TA L R E A D I N G L I S T B Y T H E S TA R T O F T H E 2 0 1 9 / 2 0 A C A D E M I C Y E A R . Communication of Cost was deemed an issue in students not understanding the additional fees on top of their tuition. I M PA C T - R O L L I N G P R O G R A M M E O F E N S U R I N G A L L C O U R S E S H AV E C O N S I S T E N T I N F O R M AT I O N , PA R T O F T H E O N L I N E C H A N G E S F O R T H E U N I V E R S I T Y W E B S I T E . COMMITMENT TO MAKING IT CLEARER TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS. Unisex toilets introduced in the Regents Street building - Phase One of Gender Neutral toilets being introduced with appropriate signage, and all the essential f a c i l i t i e s i n p r o g r e s s f o l l o w i n g a c o n s u l t a t i o n i t ’s t h e d i f f e r e n t s t u d e n t g r o u p s affected!
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“Being an officer has given me experiences which I never would have dreamed of at my age! I’ve learnt some invaluable lessons and hope UWSU will continue in its drive and development.” Freya Thompson, President 2016 – 2018
In response to NSS low scores, we lobbied the University to produce a n e w A s s e s s m e n t a n d F e e d b a c k P o l i c y. I M PA C T - 1 5 W O R K I N G D AY S T U R N A R O U N D A N D O N L I N E E X T E N S I V E FEEDBACK, ANONYMOUS MARKING INTRODUCED AS A PILOT AND E M P H A S I S O N T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F L E C T U R E C A P T U R E .
I M PA C T - M O R E S T U D E N T S D I S C L O S I N G H A S R E S U LT E D I N T H E U N I V E R S I T Y W O R K I N G O N A N E W V I O L E N C E P R E V E N T I O N A N D R E S P O N S E S T R AT E G Y. We have introduced an inter national students officer role as part of our representation officers team. I M PA C T - W I T H W E S T M I N S T E R B E I N G T H E M O S T I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY DIVERSE UNIVERSITY IN THE UK, WE ARE NOW ABLE TO PROVIDE R E P R E S E N TAT I O N F O R A L L .
“I always wanted to leave the Union a better place than I found that, I’m pleased that the impact we’ve had over the past two years has left UWSU making leaps and bounds to better support students” Dan Seamarks, Vice President Harrow Campus 2016 - 2018
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The Clothesline Project campaign aimed to raise awareness on consent on campus. Visual representation of sexual violence, it has been a great way to start conversations and encourage people to disclose.
Ta b l e Te n n i s a n d S t o r a g e S p a c e C a v e n d i s h . Improving the out-of-lectures life on campus. I M PA C T - E N G A G I N G M O R E S T U D E N T S A N D M O R E S O C I E T I E S E V E N T S RUN ON CAMPUS. The Student Action For Refugees Student society aims to raise awareness on access to education for asylum seekers in the UK. I M PA C T - S TA R S O C I E T Y W A S E S TA B L I S H E D A N D F U N D R A I S E D 4 0 0 P O U N D S F O R T H E N AT I O N A L C H A R I T Y I N A N O P E N M I C N I G H T. Funding for weekend security to store student bicycles downstairs at Marylebone campus. I M PA C T – S T U D E N T C A N N O W T R AV E L T O C A M P U S AT W E E K E N D S B Y B I K E W I T H O U T F E A R O F W H AT W I L L H A P P E N T O I T W H I L S T I N T H E L I B R A RY O R S T U D Y I N G . Entrepreneurship event hosted at Marylebone Campus.
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I M PA C T – S T U D E N T I N T E R E S T E D I N S TA R T I N G T H E I R O W N B U S I N E S S E S W E R E A B L E T O N E T W O R K W I T H I N D U S T RY L E A D E R S A N D L I K E M I N D E D . STUDENTS.
“As the Vice-president for Marylebone campus for the student union, I have been campaigning and working with the estate management for the university to improve the student experience even on the weekends.” Joseph Ikebudu, Vice President Marylebone Campus 2017 - 2018 2017 saw the relaunch of the Media, Arts and Design Festival MADFest, a joint collaboration with the School of Media, Arts and Design and the Students’ Union. Over the three days the event engaged over 600 students from courses across the Faculty and notable alumni who did video interviews, as well as 100 prospective students. I M PA C T - S T U D E N T S C O U L D S H A R E I N T H E I R D I F F E R E N T M E D I A TA L E N T S A N D T O U N D E R S TA N D T H E O P P O R T U N I T I E S T H E Y H AV E I N T H E F U T U R E . ALSO ENGAGES POTENTIAL NEW STUDENTS WHO SEE THE UNIVERSITIES TA L E N T S A N D O P P O R T U N I T I E S .
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“Being Vice President has empowered me to sit in B o a r d r o o m s c o n f i d e n t l y, k n o w i n g I d e s e r v e t o b e there, because the student body trusted me with their voice.” E t h e l Ta m b u d z a i , V i c e P r e s i d e n t R e g e n t a n d LT S C a m p u s 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8
“Having been given a chance to shape our Union has been the most invaluable graduate experience” Ludovica Siniscalchi, Vice President Cavendish Campus 2016 - 2018
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G E T I N V O LV E D EXCELLENCE FUNDING AND OUR STUDENT GROUPS We a w a r d u p t o £ 1 0 , 0 0 0 t o o u r s t u d e n t g r o u p s l o o k i n g t o b u i l d t h e i r r e p u t a t i o n a m o n g s t o t h e r S U ’s a n d t h i s f u n d i n g a l l o w s t h e m t o e x c e l i n t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e fields Who received excellence funding?
EQUESTRIAN TEAM - £5,400 I M PA C T - T h e E q u e s t r i a n C l u b ’s n o w h o l d s a m e m b e r s h i p t o t h e H a r r o w District Riding Club, and funded multiple dressage training sessions with Ian Woodhead and jump training with three-time Olympic medallist William Fox-Pitt. This enabled the team to secure places at Regional and National competitions (one at Nationals competing among the 16 best student riders in the country).
CHEERLEADING - £1,022 18
I M PA C T - T h e t e a m p u r c h a s e d e q u i p m e n t , t r a i n i n g s e s s i o n s , a n d c h o r e o g r a p h y music to aid them in learning and perfecting higher level stunts and techniques. The group improved their difficulty level from Level 2 to both Level 3 and Level 4 difficulty groups (with Level 5 being the inter national competition level), bringing back a first place trophy in Level 3 and second place trophy in Level 4 – their highest ever achievements.
BOXING - £600 I M PA C T - T h e b o x i n g c l u b c a p t a i n h a s r e a c h e d t h e f i n a l s o f t h e s t u d e n t n a t i o n a l c o m p e t i t i o n t w o y e a r s i n a r o w. H e w a s t h e n i n v i t e d t o c o m p e t e f o r t h e E n g l i s h U n i v e r s i t i e s B o x i n g Te a m a g a i n s t a U S c o l l e g i a t e b o x i n g t e a m . This competition was in Miami and required a training camp beforehand. This funding provided amenities for this training, travel and to compete for England, in which he won his fight. From this Alex qualified to get a championship fight for the Souther n England Light-Welterweight Amateur Championship.
W E S T M U N ( M O D E L U N I T E D N AT I O N S ) - £ 1 , 8 0 0 I M PA C T - T h e s o c i e t y w e r e a b l e t o s e n d d e l e g a t e s t o t h e W o r l d M U N C o n f e r e n c e i n To r o n t o , a n d w e r e a b l e t o m e e t a n d n e t w o r k w i t h o t h e r M U N s o c i e t i e s f r o m all over the world. They sent delegates to The London International MUN this year held in Imperial College. Some of our students have now become Chair Persons and we have a Vice Chair who represented us at the NYMUN.
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G E T I N V O LV E D
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL - £300 I M PA C T - O u r W o m e n ’s F o o t b a l l t e a m s t a r t e d o f f t h e s e a s o n l a c k i n g i n t h e G o a l k e e p i n g p o s i t i o n . D u e t o n o t h a v i n g a f u l l t i m e G o a l k e e p e r, t h e t e a m conceded 59 goals in their first six games in both league and cup competitions. The allocation of this funding allowed them to bring in a goalkeeping coach to properly train members who would like to play in that position. For m this the team only conceded five goals in their final five games, securing their place in their BUCS league.
I M PA C T - S m o k e w e r e a b l e t o s e n d o v e r 2 0 d e l e g a t e s t o t h e S t u d e n t R a d i o Conference in Spring 2017, where they attended lectures and seek advice from r a d i o p r o f e s s i o n a l s . T h i s y e a r, S m o k e h a v e u s e d t h i s e x p e r i e n c e t o i n c r e a s e the quality of their output, winning an award for Best Outreach project for welcoming the All Souls Primary School into their studios.
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SMOKE RADIO - £2,700
DRAGONS
2 0 1 7 S A W O U R 7 T H VA R S I T Y W I N Once a year the University of Westminster and the University of West L o n d o n c o m e t o g e t h e r f o r Va r s i t y , a c o m p e t i t i o n a c r o s s 8 d i f f e r e n t sporting fixtures. The event has over the past years attracted in excess of 500 athletes and spectators from both universities. The friendly but c o m p e t i t i v e n a t u r e o f t h e e v e n t s e e s o p p o s i n g s u p p o r t e r ’s t r a d e g o o d natured chants as their teams compete on the pitch. Last year the University of Westminster triumphed 5-4. We currently h a v e 2 3 a c t i v e s p o r t s c l u b s a n d a l t h o u g h t h e y d o n ’t a l l p a r t a k e i n Va r s i t y, they all invest into the culture which makes it possible. T H E F U L L R E S U LT S O F T H E 2 0 1 7 VA R S I T Y W E R E A S F O L L O W S :
Wo m e n ’s B a s k e t b a l l l o s t : 2 5 - 2 7 20
M e n ’s B a s k e t b a l l w o n : 4 5 - 4 4 M e n ’s F o o t b a l l 2 n d s w o n : 8 - 0 Netball 2nds won: 46-9 Netball 1st lost: 37-38 Wo m e n ’s F o o t b a l l l o s t : 2 - 4 M e n ’s F o o t b a l l 1 s t w o n : 2 - 1 Wo m e n ’s R u g b y w o n : 2 2 - 1 7 M e n ’s R u g b y l o s t : 1 5 - 3 2 I M PA C T - T h e e v e n t r e a c h e s o u t t o m a n y c o r n e r s o f t h e s t u d e n t c o m m u n i t y and it attracts people who wouldn’t nor mally attend weekly sporting events. This gives the work of the Student Union and the hard work of the student athletes a deserved platfor m to showcase their ability and promote their clubs.
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SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT
1500
104
95
different societies were affiliated to UWSU.
Individual events
guest speaker events
student groups attended the Arrivals Fairs
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To c e l e b r a t e t h e d i v e r s i t y o f W e s t m i n s t e r ’s s t u d e n t b o d y, a “We Are Westminster” societies fair was held in October 2017 that attracted 20 more societies and clubs to promote their activities. UWSU SOCIETIES RAISED £5331.44 FOR CHARITY IN 2017 52 societies applied for funding “Being in a society gives you the ability to meet a whole range of new students that you haven’t met before. It also gives you a chance to interact with staff that can help at every stage of your university life.” – N a b e e l A h m e d , P r e s i d e n t o f Yo u t u b e S o c i e t y I M PA C T R E P O R T 2 0 1 7
STUDENT MEDIA A YEAR OF AWARD SUCCESS FOR STUDENT MEDIA Each year the Students’ Unions media provision takes on new challenges and achieves even more success. W ith such a strong media course base it is not surprising that our Media outlets are a huge success, and 2017 was no exception. Being nominated for over 13 awards as both individual outlets and as a collective group, our media teams worked collaboratively to enhance their employability and bring the news to their fellow students on campus. SMOKE RADIO Smoke Radio won three awards at the 2017 SRA Awards: Gold and Silver Awards in the Best Interview Category – Both awarded to Sofia Loporcaro Silver Award for Gabriel Green and Joe Pilbrow for Best Entertainment Programme
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“ I a m o v e r t h e m o o n w i t h t h e s u c c e s s t h a t S m o k e R a d i o h a d a t t h i s y e a r ’s S t u d e n t R a d i o A w a r d s . S o f i a i s a n i n c r e d i b l e b r o a d c a s t e r, a n d i t w a s g r e a t t o s e e t h i s r e c o g n i s e d a t t h i s y e a r ’s a w a r d ” T H E Q H N E W S PA P E R 6 editions in 2017 all completely written, designed and distributed by the Students’ Unions incredible QH Committee. SMOKE MAGAZINE The magazine has been increasing its output and content over the years, but 2 0 1 7 s a w i t r e a l l y d e v e l o p i n t o t h e m o n t h l y p u b l i c a t i o n i t i s n o w. W i t h 6 o f its own editions circulated to students both online and offline it has doubled from its once termly publication rota. SMOKE TV The production team from Smoke TV launched their very first drama, developing the six episode series from nothing but an idea. The team worked t i r e l e s s l y t o s c r i p t , d i r e c t , f i l m , e d i t a n d d i s t r i b u t e t h e s h o w, r a c k i n g u p o v e r 2000 views on the promo alone.
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STUDENT MEDIA T H E S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N A W A R D S Between the QH Newspaper and Smoke Magazine they were nominated for s e v e n a w a r d s . A r e c o r d f o r t h e s e s t u d e n t s f o r W e s t m i n s t e r. “The whole team are ecstatic as this is the first time Smoke Mag has been s h o r t l i s t e d f o r a n S PA a w a r d . I t i s a g r e a t w a y t o e n d o u r y e a r a s t h e 2 0 1 6 / 1 7 editorial team, and feel like our hard work is being recognised outside of the u n i v e r s i t y. ” Amy Avent, editor of Smoke Mag
“Smoke Radio has led to many amazing opportunities for me. From helping me to land my first paid work through alumni at the station, to giving me i n v a l u a b l e i n d u s t r y s t a n d a r d s k i l l s ; w i t h o u t S m o k e I w o u l d n ’t b e w o r k i n g i n t h e i n d u s t r y t o d a y. ” George McDonagh - Monocle 24 and Former Station Manager 2014/15
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I M PA C T - S T U D E N T S W H O A R E I N V O LV E D I N T H E U W S U ’ S M E D I A O U T L E T S O F T E N G O O N T O I N D U S T RY J O B S , U S I N G T H E E X P E R I E N C E G A I N E D F R O M T H E I R R O L E S T O R E A L LY E S TA B L I S H T H E M S E LV E S I N T H E I N D U S T RY.
S TAY I N G C O N N E C T E D
UWSU.COM LAUNCH 2017 In September 2017 UWSU launched its new look website and membership database. Based on feedback including too many pages not mobile optimised, cluttered m e n u s , s l o w l o a d t i m e , o u t d a t e d c o n t e n t , a n d s t a t i c p a g e s h i d d e n a w a y, t h e structure of the new site was developed.
H O M E PA G E W ith a single page without the need to scroll, big menu buttons, and an emphasis of photos and images of students to make the home page as a t t r a c t i v e a n d u s e r- f r i e n d l y a s p o s s i b l e
Website performance 24
2017 increase.
Page Views Unique Views
102% 68.25%
Home page bounce rate (students leaving the website immediately after visiting) - DROPPED by 14.9%. This means more students are going to other areas of the website.
Students not previously logging in: T H I S Y E A R 1 4 , 8 5 5 U N I Q U E V I S I T S T O T H E L O G I N PA G E 1 1 7 / 2 0 1 ( 5 8 % ) S T U D E N T S V O T E D T H AT T H E W E B S I T E HAS IMPROVED
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SOCIAL MEDIA A s a m u l t i - c a m p u s u n i v e r s i t y, s t a y i n g c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e m e m b e r s h i p c a n b e a challenge, but with the ever growing development of social media UWSU is able to continue to engage with students across a range of digital platforms.
9 6 0 n e w l i k e s a c r o s s F a c e b o o k , Tw i t t e r, I n s t a g r a m
Facebook (aug-jan): Daily engaged users: 11522 New page likes: 368 Impressions: 964433
Tw i t t e r ( a u g - j a n ) New profile likes: 364 Impressions: 375800
Instagram (aug-jan) New page likes: 228 Engagements: 2133
T O TA L P O S T L I K E S : 2 0 6 9 EMAIL Average open rate: 40 % - industry average: 16.4% Average click rate: 2.6% - industry average: 1.9% VIDEO At UWSU we know that our students have a lot of information to take in across multiple platforms, so competing for their attention is a challenge we have met head on by increasing our video content across our media channels. 7 5 2 0 0 v i d e o v i e w s a c r o s s F a c e b o o k , I n s t a g r a m a n d Tw i t t e r 23200 minutes of video were viewed were viewed on Facebook alone. The highest viewed videos featured the student officers with, ‘Myths of being a student leader’ Day in the life of Freya (Students Union President) ‘Meet VP Cavendish Ludovica’ and ‘Meet UWSU President Freya’ all getting over 2000 views each.
OUR SERVICES
THE SHOP 225,000 ITEMS SOLD IN THE HARROW SHOP PROVIDING S T U D E N T S A N D S TA F F W I T H T H E I R M U C H N E E D E D C A F F E I N E BOOST SELLING OVER 8000 CUPS OF COFFEE. In the arrivals period alone we have sold 257 hoodies, meaning more students are interested in wearing the Westminster brand. Through this we have extended our range of clothing bringing in sweatshirts with a more retro design, t-shirts and re branded hoodies. We have re-vamped our online shop, so students in all campuses can purchase their branded clothing and get it delivered to their campus. In 2017 we have served over 101,000 customers in our Harrow shop, selling around 2532 meal deals! The increase in popularity in meal deals has driven us to extend the meal deal offering, including a wider variety of sandwiches, snacks and drinks in the promotion.
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OUR SERVICES
THE UNDERCROFT The Undercroft undertook a face lift this year prior to opening in September for the Arrivals period. New products where welcomed including Brewdog and P u n k I PA , t h e f o o d m e n u w a s o v e r h a u l e d a n d q u i c k e r i t e m s w h e r e b r o u g h t i n to speed up the service. The TV System in the venue was updated bringing in SUBTV which works alongside an app giving students more choice and options over what they can listen to. M * s s y M o n d a y ’s c o n t i n u e d t o b e a s u c c e s s h i t t i n g c a p a c i t y a l l t h r o u g h t h e f i r s t s e m e s t e r. T h e U n d e r c r o f t a l s o i n t r o d u c e d K a r a o k e o n a T h u r s d a y n i g h t . The Undercroft has hosted 40 student lead events this year, giving student groups the opportunity to fundraise to support their running.
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ACROSS THE YEAR 12,000 PINTS WERE PULLED, 1,111 JAGERBOMBS WERE SERVED, 233 ROLLOVER HOTDOGS W E R E E AT E N A N D K A R A O K E H A S S E E N O V E R 1 , 0 0 0 FAV O U R I T E S O N G S S U N G .
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EMPLOYING YOU PUTTING POUNDS BACK IN STUDENTS’ POCKETS The Students’ Union believes it is important that we continue to develop and improve our students whilst they are at the University of Westminster and provide opportunities for this growth through both our own employment options and our volunteer student leader roles to set them up well for the Job hunt post Westminster life. THIS YEAR THE STUDENTS’ UNION: • Hosted 100 students at our annual Student Leader Residential where we were granted £50,000 of QHT funding. • Hosted public speaking workshops. • Tr a i n e d o v e r 5 0 0 C o u r s e R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . • Held a Sabbatical Officer Alumni panel.
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P R O P O R T I O N O F E M P L O Y E D L E AV E R S H A S R I S E N ( C O M PA R E D T O D L H E 2 0 1 4 / 1 5 ) BY 11.2% TO 64.3%
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EMPLOYING YOU PUTTING POUNDS BACK IN STUDENTS’ POCKETS From Jan 2017 until Dec 2017, the SU employed up to 45 student staff. Student staff worked on average 41 hrs per month. Working for the UWSU is a great opportunity to learn skills and gain experience i n a v a r i e t y o f r o l e s a n d p r o v i d e s f l e x i b l e h o u r s t o f i t a r o u n d s t u d e n t ’s s t u d i e s and all student staff are eligible to opt-in to our contributory pension scheme. T O TA L H O U R S W O R K E D ( J A N – D E C ) = 1 1 , 5 5 0 . 4 6
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£106,885.04 BACK IN THE POCKETS OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS
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S TA F F A P P R E C I AT I O N A W A R D S The Staff Appreciation Awards are the way of showing students gratitude t o s t a f f a c r o s s t h e U n i v e r s i t y.
-This year UWSU joined all Faculties together to create one large, multi-campus event -Over 200 people attended and we awarded 56 glass trophies to staff -All staff nominated got a certificate -1,000 unique nominations -Introduction of Vice President and Officer Te a m A w a r d
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MORE STUDENTS ENGAGED IN WORKING WITH THE STUDENTS’ UNION TO RECOGNISE T H E H A R D W O R K O F U N I V E R S I T Y S TA F F BRINGING THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO C E L E B R AT E T H E S U C C E S S E S O F T H E I R C O L L E A G U E S A C R O S S
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#WEAREWESTMINSTER
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