Arts SU Strategic Direction to 2027

Arts SU exists because we believe in the power of students to create transformational change and experiences. As we emerge from more than two years of a global pandemic, now, more than ever, we must lean into this power, creating a new normal for students which puts those transformational experiences and opportunities within their reach.

Therefore, in creating our plan, we focused on who our students are and what they need from us. To do this, we listened to students, focusing on their hopes and aspirations for their time at UAL and the challenges and concerns hindering their success at University. We conducted a listening project known as ’The Big Question’ in late 2021, which held surveys and focus groups with students and other stakeholders, and our findings were informed by two years of evidence-led research and sector analysis. References to all statistical data on student views in this document are taken from the results from ‘The Big Question’ in 2021.

Students have told us that employability after university and course improvement are the highest priorities, and they would like the Union to support this. We have found that students want more opportunities to provide feedback on their experiences at University and beyond.

Students also told us they are worried about the rising cost of living at University, including hidden course costs and a lack of community and support systems at UAL. We also found that students want us to help create new experiences and communities at UAL and in the global city of London.

All this has come together to create a strategic direction to deliver an ambitious future for students and the Union. There is a lot of work to do but an incredible impact to make. We can’t wait to get started!

Ellie Short Trustee Board Chair (2022/23)

Yemi Gbajobi Arts SU Chief Executive

WHY DO WE EXIST?

“Arts Students’ Union exists because it believes in the power of students to create transformational change and experiences.”

We to ending injustice.

students experiences different and they

OUR VALUES

At the heart of everything we do are our values.

We are proud of our values; they give us our identity, guide how we make decisions and conduct ourselves uniquely to the Arts SU.

We are student-focused.

We exist for the benefit of our members and work in their interest; our members must lead our work.

By being led by our members, we ensure that the diversity of student voices at the University of the Arts London are at the heart of our decision-making processes, campaigns, services and activities.

We are committed equity and ending social injustice.

We recognise that students have different backgrounds and experiences and may need different levels of support and empowerment as they navigate their time at University.

We are daring.

How we do things is just as important as what we do. University is a space for growth, experimentation, and development. As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring that we are constantly developing new ideas that push boundaries and are outside of the ‘normal’ ways of working.

We are supportive.

We know that studying at University can be a tough time, but it can also be life-changing. We are committed to equity and ending social justice. This means that we are committed to students having equal access and participation in our services.

We are collaborative.

We are at our best when we work together. As an organisation, we are open to change and challenging our way of thinking. We are continually learning, talking and sharing information with our students and stakeholders to ensure that we make the best decisions and offer the best services for our members.

TRANSFORMING INDIVIDUALS

“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Transforming Individuals Every individual makes a difference.”

- Jane Goodall

TOP 3 MOTIVATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR COMING TO UNIVERSITY: ACCORDING TO STUDENTS

58%

To grow and develop as a person.

70%

To improve existing skills and develop new skills.

ONLY BUT

33%

Have a plan for life after graduation.

57%

To further their employability prospects.

51%

Want to set up their own businesses.

We believe that to transform individuals truly, we must help students achieve their motivations and aspirations for their time at UAL and beyond. However, we recognise that while studying can be a positive transformation experience, it can also potentially impact students negatively in various ways.

73%

73% of students have suffered from anxiety-related issues while at University. In contrast, worries regarding the cost of living, getting the right skills and experience for their career and uncertainty for the future have all significantly negatively impacted the well-being of students.

BY 2027, WE WILL TRANSFORM

INDIVIDUALS BY:

1.1

Our professional development programmes and connections with external organisations will provide technical and employability skills that will support creative professionals’ development.

1.2

Showcasing students at UAL and focusing on non-traditional art forms, hobbies and interests. We will have a comprehensive and nationally recognised program of opportunities supporting students’ professional and personal development.

1.3

Developing our Advice service to be a centre of excellence, working closely with UAL and the colleges, to deliver proactive student support and information on issues of academia, mental health and housing.

1.4

Transforming our student societies, sports clubs, employment opportunities and volunteering communities will empower individual students to develop opportunities that allow the continued development of transferable skills.

1.5

Our student societies, sports clubs, employment opportunities and volunteering communities will empower individual students to understand and develop their capacity to change their particular circumstances and the circumstances of others.

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

- Helen Keller

55%

89%

89% of students stated that it was important to them to be part of a community at UAL; therefore, it is clear that our work must include developing multiple communities for students at UAL.

75%

Our work on extracurricular activity is fundamentally vital, with 75% of students stating that they want to participate in extracurricular activities at UAL

55% feel that there are barriers to participation

44%

Our work transforming community will not be limited to UAL. With 44% of students feeling they take living in London for granted, we will also work to develop the London Community to benefit UAL students.

87%

68%

They also said they wanted to be challenged by their University experience.

It is the Union’s responsibility to ensure that students receive the experience they deserve and desire.

It is the Union’s responsibility to constructively challenge UAL on behalf of students to support mutual development.

Stated that improving the course and learning experience at UAL would singularly enhance their university experience.

Told us that studying at UAL, was important to 87% of students rather than at other institutions.

BY 2027, WE WILL TRANSFORM UAL BY:

3.1

Being evidence-led. Using research and our unparalleled knowledge of the whole student body, we will drive positive change for students.

3.2

Making clear the impact and value of Arts SU to the entire UAL community.

3.3

By working in partnership with the colleges and UAL, we will have reviewed what students learn, where they learn, and how they learn so that UAL has a diversified curriculum that which reflects the diversity of students at UAL and their backgrounds.

3.4

By working in partnership with the colleges and UAL, we will develop effective two-way communication channels that empower the student voice and put it at the heart of UAL.

OUR PEOPLE

We will attract, develop and retain the talented and innovative student and non-student workforce that a modern students’ Union requires.

STRATEGIC ENABLERS

Our Strategy sets our direction, but it will not be possible without several enabling priorities that support delivery.

OUR PLACES

We will use our physical premises and digital platforms to continually reform how we work and connect with our members, ensuring a two-way communication stream between us, students and stakeholders.

OUR PRACTICE OUR PROCESSES

We will ensure that our organisational governance, policies and processes are fit for purpose, that we are financially sustainable and that we deliver a highquality, consistent and responsive organisation.

As a Union, how we act is just as important as what we do. We will ensure that we focus on making the Union an inclusive space for all, focusing on democratic student participation.