RepCon 2020 programme

2020 WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 1-5PM

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Contents Welcome from Natasha Neal Page 3 Session presenters Pages 4-5 Elections are Coming Page 6 Plenary Page 8 Breakout A Page 9 Breakout B Page 10 Rep Recognition Scheme Pages 12-13 School Officers Page 14 Meet the Representation Team

Page 16

Thank you Page 17 Timetable page Page 19

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WELCOME TO

REP CON 2020!

Welcome to the Students’ Union’s annual Student Rep Conference, ‘RepCon’. The fifth conference of this kind that we have hosted, and our first done virtually! ‘RepCon’ is all about providing our reps, student leaders and the wider student body with an engaging afternoon of activity in order to enhance their overall experience at Bucks.

Following several discussions with students, in particular our student leaders, we recognise the role Covid-19 has played in accelerating digitisation of the student experience. This year’s conference will explore what it means to deliver a high quality hybrid curriculum, how we can help gradates secure jobs in an online recruitment environment and, crucially, how we can best support our members in looking after their physical and mental health.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our elected student leaders for taking on some of our key student-led positions here in the Union. I’m really looking forward to working with as many of you as possible throughout the course of the year. As our student leaders, your work is so important in keeping us informed on the happenings of your course and other aspects of student life at Bucks so we can work with the University to help make the necessary improvements you and your peers want to see. The impact your roles can have can be profound, not only helping to make those changes that improve the student experience but sometimes your future jobs prospects and the prospects of those around you, further supporting the theme of this year’s conference.

If you’re not yet a student leader but would like to find out more about available opportunities, please email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk.

So, without further ado, let’s get the first ever virtual conference underway and I hope you all have a fantastic afternoon!

Natasha Neal (Vice President Education and Welfare) 3

SESSION PRESENTERS Tash Neal Tash (she/her) is the Vice President of Education and Welfare of the Students’ Union and a recent Bucks Psychology graduate. During her time as a student, Tash was employed as a Student Rep for all three years, School Officer for Human and Social Sciences for two years, Treasurer for the Psychology Society for two years, and a Student Trustee and Undergraduate Officer for Education Committee in her final year.’. Tash also volunteers for the mental health charity MIND as well as working as a carer. Tash has a passion for mental health and aims to support progression within the Student’s Union through signing up to Student Minds Mental Health Student’s Union programme to improve support over ten characteristics for both students and staff within the Student’s Union.

Ellie Freeman Ellie (she/her) is the Union’s Student Engagement Coordinator, and also a former Graphic Design student at Bucks. During her time at Bucks, she was a student rep throughout all three years and took on the role of School Officer for the School of Art, Design and Performance. Ellie is a real advocate for raising Mental Health awareness on campus, both as a student and now as staff. In her role as Student Engagement Coordinator, she leads on the student rep system at Uxbridge and also supports representation in High Wycombe, working closely with our 7 School Officers. She is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider and has other qualifications in Understanding Mental Health.

Becky Pearson Becky (she/her) is a third year Music Business Student. Since starting at Bucks, Becky has been elected as a Student Representative for 3 music courses and is also now the School Officer for Media and Creative Industries for 20/21. Having proved her passion for improving the student experience in previous years, she is very excited to be taking on more responsibility within the representative process in her final year at Bucks. Becky has also taken on the roles of chair of Yoga Society and the welfare liaison for RAG Society, where her passion for helping others and her skills in event organisation and management are invaluable.

Lucy Webb Lucy (she/her) is a third year Psychology student and the School Officer for Human and Social Science. This year will be her second year as the Student Representative for her course and she has been very involved with the Students’ Union since starting at Bucks. Lucy is the Chair of the Psychology Society, the Badminton Sport for Fun Ambassador, and the Welfare Liaison for the Badminton committee. She is passionate about volunteering, and has achieved her Bronze, Silver and Gold Volunteering Awards, and aiming for her Platinum. She is particularly eager to partake in community volunteering opportunities and encourages others to do so too.

Hillary Lyons Hilary (she/her) is an award winning coach who knows how to bring out the best in people. She has twenty years’ experience in communication and personal development. She’s passionate about giving individuals the tools and techniques that will enable them to develop their potential and fully express themselves.

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SESSION PRESENTERS Kia Wing Kia (she/they) is a 3rd year creative advertising student, entrepreneur and social activist. As the Bucks Student’s Union Campaigner of the Year and recipient of the Student Leadership Award 2019/20 Kia campaigned both outside and inside the university, especially alongside Green Society, which she set up. She’s a passionate advocate for the climate, the LGBTQIA+ community and women’s rights. They are also the Women’s Officer, a School Officer, Cheerleading chairman and Student Trustee for the Student’s Union.

Sydney Owen Sydney Owen (she/her) is a 2nd year Law student, climate activist and friendly vegan. Sydney represents Green Impact at the university as second year committee member for green society and recently elected Green Ambassador 20/21.

Emma Binnie Emma Binnie (she/her) is the Head of Students and Wellbeing at Bucks New University. She studied Health Promotion and Psychology and later Forensic Sexology, which led to a career across Australia, Italy and the United Kingdom focused on supporting individuals, families and communities in health, welfare and wellbeing matters. Emma is passionate about guiding students through their journey at university and encouraging learners to engage with support services, with the aim of students graduating as resilient, kind, respectful, motivated, and loving contributors to their families, workplace and community.

Jennifer Corcoran Jennifer Corcoran (she/her) aka the ultimate super connector helps entrepreneurs and executives to increase their confidence on LinkedIn by teaching them how to super boost their LinkedIn profile and connect with finesse in order to raise their brand and get that new job they are after, attract more clients and make more money. With Jennifer’s help they refocus and get a LinkedIn profile which truly represents them and a holistic approach to networking. They feel reinvigorated, confident and raring to go and excited to tap into all the opportunities that LinkedIn has to offer them.

Debbie McVitty Debbie McVitty (she/her) is the editor of WonkHE, and an expert in higher education policy. She has worked in higher education for ten years - initially in the policy team at NUS, and then at the University of Bedfordshire and Universities UK before joining the Wonkhe team.

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ELECTIONS ARE COMING After the Christmas break, nominations for the 2021/22 elections will open. There are many different student leadership positions on offer, so this could be your chance to get involved and make a real change.

Do you look like a leader? Think you’ve got what it takes to lead the Students’ Union? Then why not stand for one of our three Sabbatical Officer roles - President, Vice President Education and Welfare and Vice President Student Involvement. All of these roles offer an individual the opportunity to direct the work of the Students’ Union during their time in office meaning you can make the changes you want to see. It’s set to be a hotly contested election next year, so make sure you get your nominations in early in order not to miss out.

Whilst our Sabbatical Officer roles are probably the most high profile during the elections period, there are some other very important positions within the Students’ Union that are also up for election.

We have eight Executive Officer positions. These roles are filled by students who represent those ‘harder to reach’ groups and make sure that they benefit equally from the services of the Students’ Union. Four of the roles are self-defining. Only you can say if you should be running or voting in those elections on the basis that you are self-defining as: a woman, a student with a disability, as BAME or LGBT+. The other four roles, International (paying international student fees), Mature (starting your course at the age of 21 or above), Part-time and Postgraduate, are all based on your point of entry to the University. The Executive Officer roles are voluntary positions and are performed alongside your studies.

There are four Student Trustee positions available as all of our current Trustees are final year students and will be vacating their posts at the end of this academic year. The position of Student Trustee is a unique opportunity to part of the team driving the strategic direction of the Union.

The Student Trustee roles are part time volunteers who fulfil the roles alongside their studies.

Following our Constitutional Referendum vote held last month, one of these Student Trustee positions will be held specifically for an Uxbridge student.

Finally, we also have our Student Rep positions up for election. Student Reps are the Union’s eyes and ear at a course level. They act as the figurehead for their class or group and help us to get an understanding of the student experience as well as identifying if any changes need to be made or good practice needs to be highlighted. Want to help make the changes you and your peers want to see on your course? Are you an existing rep hoping to continue the role next year?

Nominate yourself to be a rep for 2021/22.

Nominations will open on Monday 4 January 2021 and close on Friday 12 February 2021.

Make sure you submit your nomination to have your chance in shaping the future of your Students’ Union.

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SHAPE THE FACE OF YOUR UNION

Elections ‘Give it a Go’ Come to our elections – ‘Give it a Go’ week where you’ll be able to find out more about all of our available student leadership positions, how to write a manifesto, running a successful campaign and everything in-between.

Monday 3 February - Friday 7 February

#BSUElections

Plenary (1.05 - 2pm) Panel Q&A – Delivering a High-Quality Student Experience through a Hybrid Curriculum – hosted by Mark Sweeney Panellists will outline their thoughts on what it means to deliver an excellent teaching and learning experience in an environment which blends online and face-to-face learning. This will include their observations on developing an interactive curriculum, addressing students’ different learning styles and ensuring appropriate support arrangements are in place. Panelists will also outline the implications of this approach for assessment. After each speaker has presented there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

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Breakout A (2.05 - 3.05pm) LinkedIn - Jennifer Corcoran Given the lack of physical networking opportunities for the foreseeable future, LinkedIn is undoubtedly one of the main business platforms for networking. In this masterclass, awardwinning LinkedIn expert Jennifer Corcoran will discuss the importance of taking action and being visible if we want to move forward and elevate our career and spotlight our business.

Key takeaways: - Why you should be on LinkedIn & its benefits?

- Your personal brand & how to optimise your profile.

- Connection & engagement tips as well as how to measure your activity.

WonkHE: Is the Future of Education Digital? - Debbie McVitty Students have been forced towards digital by Covid-19 but what do you think should be retained in a post-Covid world? What’s working well and what’s not - and how do you know what good looks like? This interactive session will create space to think through what your hopes are for the future of education.

Finding the Motivation for Home Study - Hillary Lyons When you have work piling up for an exam, project or dissertation, and you just can’t seem to focus, these strategies can help move you from procrastination to taking action. This session will help you: Manage distractions and complete tasks; Identify ways to develop focus and concentration.

Maintaining Wellbeing in a Digital Age - Becky Pearson and Lucy Webb Personal wellbeing and self-care are fundamental to maintaining good mental health and are even more vital in the midst of the global pandemic. Whilst essential social interaction is minimal, and we are relying on technology and social media to stay connected, it is also important to take ourselves away from our screens and focus on our wellbeing. The increase in virtual learning and virtual interaction can have a real impact on student’s mental health. This session is designed by students, for students, to help you build and develop a unique self-care plan to maintain your well-being and good mental health in the digital age.

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Breakout B (3.30 - 4.30pm) Mental Health First Aid - Ellie Freeman and Tash Neal Content warning: this session is focused on suicide-prevention and will discuss sensitive topics around mental health. Mental Health conditions are more common than we realise, with a reported 78% of students experiencing Mental Health issues and less than half seeking support. The suicide rate for under 25s has increased by 93.8% since 2012, to its highest level in 2019. This year, we are facing a particularly difficult situation, with many people isolated from others and uncertain of what lies ahead. It is important, more so now than ever, that we know how to support those who are struggling. This session aims to give you the skills and confidence to spot the signs of Mental Health issues, offer first aid and guide someone towards getting the help they need. We won’t teach you how to become a therapist, but we will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and even potentially stop a crisis from happening.

Survive and Thrive - Emma Binnie Survive and Thrive explores the challenges faced by students and to encourage learners to utilise support services available to them within the University. New students in Higher Education are excited and enthusiastic to commence the next chapter in their life, however they may also face challenges regarding isolation, building connections and friendships, anxiety around finances, the pressure of expectation from others, and transition to new ways of learning. Emma recognises there is power in the collective lived experience and shares her life story to reveal her moments of surviving and thriving and her own vulnerabilities in seeking support. This encourages students to reflect on their life, coping through lockdown and building resilience, with the view to encourage students to seek support during their studies at Bucks should they ever need it.

Presenting Yourself Online - Hilary Lyons As communication is now shared globally through technology, it is important for you to gain the skills, knowledge and best practises for presenting yourself professionally online. This training will help you: Identify your strengths and weaknesses as a communicator. Gain valuable tips and techniques to enhance your performance.

Sustainability In A Digital Age - Kia Wing and Sydney Owen Feeling lost on how to do your bit during the pandemic? Let’s talk about that.

Do you know who the real bad guy is? Let’s talk about that.

Is recycling actually doing enough? Let’s talk about that.

Can being sustainability actually save you money? Sit down, grab a cuppa.

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ADVICE CENTRE MONEY

YOUR PERSONAL LIFE

LEGAL ISSUES

ACCOMMODATION

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ISSUES

COURSE ISSUES

Opening Hours Uxbridge Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm Fri: 9am-4.30pm Tel: 01494 605 180

High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm Fri: 9am-4.30pm Tel: 01494 603 016

Evening appointments are available outside of standard opening hours at High Wycombe, Monday to Thursday: 5pm-7pm.

Please contact us to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you.

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REP RECOGNITION SCHEME REP RECOGNITION SCHEME Bronze (100 points) Silver (200 points) Gold (300 points) POINTS FOR COMPLETION

REP ESSENTIALS Attend rep training in person OR complete online returning rep training Complete online rep training (campus learners) Complete online rep training (distance learners) Attend first coffee session Attend first ‘Meet the Rep Team’ session Attend PCM 1 and Complete Post PCM feedback (OR submitted apologies form) Attend Rep Conference Attend second coffee session Attend second ‘Meet the Rep Team’ session Attend PCM 2 and Complete Post PCM feedback (OR submitted apologies form) Involvement with the ‘It Starts With You’ campaign

10 5 10 10 10 15 10 10 10 15 10

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY Attended Union Council meetings Presented at Union Council Validation student panel member Run session at Rep Conference Co-Chair a PCM

5 per meeting 10 20 20 20

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Registered to vote in local area (Home/ Uni) Attended 12 hours of volunteering Raised money for charity three times

20 (For every 12 hours, Max. 36 hours) 20 30

MEDIA Join School Facebook group Create course group chat Share 5 Students’ Union posts on Facebook Write two articles for website/newspaper about rep issues Tweet 10 times over one term about rep issues Take part in one radio show about rep issues

5 5 5 10 10 10

CAMPAIGNS Actively participate in two local campaigns Actively participate in one national campaign Run one campaign

20 30 40

RESEARCH Complete the End of Year Rep Survey Attend one focus group feedback session

5 10

NOMINATIONS Get 10 ELT nominations filled out by other students Get 10 Union Awards nominations filled out by other students Nominate a member of University staff and a student for an award

10 10 10

IT’S A BIG DEAL Attend three sports for fun sessions Attend three recreational activities sessions Attend three additional skills sessions

10 10 10

MAKE YOUR OWN WAY Agree your own goal with representation team

Negotiated value

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REP RECOGNITION SCHEME CONTINUED

On the page opposite is the breakdown of how you, as student reps, can earn the Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels of recognition from the Rep Recognition Scheme. Every student rep should complete the ‘Rep Essentials’ section over the course of the academic year which would then result in you being recognised as a Bronze level rep. The ‘Rep Essentials’ section is also linked to your rep reward payment and so if you don’t complete parts of the work, you’re losing out on some easy money.

As our eyes and ears at a course level, we really value you and the work that you do. Your efforts help makes the changes you and your peers want to see and the Rep Recognition Scheme was created so that our student reps get the recognition they deserve.

This year, we are introducing an online system to log your Rep Recognition Scheme points. This can be found on our website (bucksstudentsunion.org) under the Support tab > Representation > Student Rep > Rep Recognition. You must be logged in so as to access this and record all of the work you’ve been undertaking both as part of your rep role and winder contribution. You can return and update your points throughout the year!

If you manage to become recognised as a Gold level rep before the Easter break, then you’ll be presented with a certificate at the Annual Union Awards from the Vice Chancellor of the University.

Make sure you start collecting those points as you don’t want to miss out on what will be a day to remember.

As part of our Student Rep Newsletter updates, we’ll be informing all reps with details of who has reached which level since the last newsletter. Another great way to be recognised for all of your hard work. Once you believe you have completed enough points to gain the next level of recognition, make sure you drop into Students’ Union office and just show a member of the Representation Team your evidence to support the work you have carried out. For more information on collecting evidence to support your rep related work, please just email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk. We can then explain in detail each of the areas and inform you of what evidence you’ll need to bring in.

At the very bottom of the Rep Recognition Scheme, you will see there is a section listed ‘Make your own way’. This sections allows you to decide on an activity that you believe is a good addition and has a positive impact on the student experience. This goal and the points total must be discussed with either Brooke Mark or Ellie from the Representation team. Once agreed, you’ll be able to get underway with this part of the Rep Recognition Scheme.

If you’d like to find out more information about the Rep Recognition Scheme or discuss any of the areas from it, please contact one of the Representation team using the details provided at the back of the programme. Alternatively, please email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk.

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2020/21 SCHOOL OFFICERS

Kia Wing

Jordan Penning

Art, Design and Performance

Aviation and Security

Rianna Williamson

Stephanie Webb

Business, Law and Computing

Health Care and Social Work

Lucy Webb

Becky Pearson

Human and Social Sciences

Media and Creative Industries

Lisa Connell

2021/22 School Officer

Nursing and Allied Health

Could this be you?

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2020/21 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Izemrasen Alahyan

Kia Wing

LGBT+ Officer

Women’s Officer

Ravneet Kaur Talewar

Robin Iris Tomlin

BAME Officer

Disabilities Officer

Tereza Vsetickova

Harry Crowson

International Officer

Mature Officer

Jordan Penning

Iuliana Stroescu

Post-Graduate Officer

Part-Time Officer 15

MEET THE REP TEAM

Natasha Neal

Matthew Kitching

Vice President Education & Welfare natasha.neal@bucks.ac.uk

Deputy CEO matthew.kitching@bucks.ac.uk

Mark Sweeney

Ellie Freeman

Student Experience Manager mark.sweeney@bucks.ac.uk

Student Engagement Coordinator ellie.freeman@bucks.ac.uk

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THANK YOU! First and foremost, thank you to our Union staff who have organised today’s event. The University staff and external presenters who have delivered some great sessions and made today possible.

Without these sessions, there would be no Rep Conference.

Thanks must also go to today’s guest panel. We really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to come and discuss some interesting topics and answer some questions directly from our students.

Last but by no means least, thank you to you our student reps. You work tirelessly in order to improve the student experience and make the changes you and your peers want to see. We really appreciate all of your efforts. Thank you for attending today and making this a successful event.

We hope you enjoyed your sessions, learned a lot and started the discussion that will see changes take place in 2019/20 and beyond. We also hope that some of you will even be inspired to run a session next year.

Remember to stay engaged with the Rep Recognition Scheme and log everything you are doing for your chance to be presented with a certificate by the Vice Chancellor at this year’s Union Awards.

Finally, don’t forget to vote once elections open at 10am on Monday 1 March 2021.

The Representation Team

The Categories ∙ Excellence and Innovation in Student Learning Support ∙ Demonstrating Excellence in Academic Leadership ∙ Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching Practice The Criteria 1. Enhancing the student learning experience. For example: by arousing curiosity to stimulate and inspire learning, organising and presenting resources cogently and imaginatively, recognising and supporting diversity of student learning needs, drawing on relevant research, scholarship and professional practice and engaging with and contributing to established literature or building your own evidence base for future publication.

2. Raising the profile of excellence and support for student learning within the University and beyond if appropriate. For example: by contributing to the development and leadership of colleagues in promoting student learning contribution to departmental/faculty/University/national initiatives to facilitate student learning, and/or support towards meaningful and positive change with respect to pedagogic practice, policy and/or procedure.

3. Developing excellence – the nominees’ commitment to their ongoing professional development with the regard to teaching and learning and/or learning supporting. For example: evidence of the ongoing review and enhancement of individual practice, the inclusion and promotion of sustainability within the curriculum, engagement in scholarly activity and professional development activities, the review and enhancement of individual practice and contribution to improvements in the student learning, teaching and assessment experience.

2019/20 Winners Excellence and Innovation in Student Learning Support - Poppy McKinnon-Evans Demonstrating Excellence in Academic Leadership - Phill Hoddinott Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching Practice - Stan Henshaw Nominations for our annual awards open soon. However, if you already have someone in mind as a worthy winner of one of these awards or would like to find out more, please email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk

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TIMETABLE

1-1.05pm Welcome from Natasha Neal VPEW 1.05-2pm Plenary: Panel Q&A 5 minutes to get to Breakout A 2.05-3.05pm Breakout A 3.05-3.30pm BREAK 5 minutes break 3.30-4.30pm Breakout B 5 minutes to return to main room 4.35-5pm Thank you and close

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