TW: Yes, it will absolutely make a difference. Feedback helps to change things to how you need or want them to be. If you feedback on your course, it will allow for changes in areas that improvement is needed. Or positive feedback could mean that things you love are not changed. Is it really safe to speak up? Will it impact on students if they talk about a negative experience? GB: It is absolutely safe to speak up, and I can assure you that there will be no repercussions if you do so. The values and practices of the University are very clear about this – we respect each other and do not discriminate against any individual. Your concerns will always be taken seriously, and you will be treated respectfully and sensitively. TW: You will have no repercussions. The Union is there to make sure your voice is heard. If you speak up, those negative experiences will change things for you and for future students. Likewise, with the positive experiences, those aspects are more likely to continue if we hear people enjoy them. We want you to have the best experience you can. We are here to support you and will keep your concerns or negative experiences confidential if requested. What about when things are tough and students are struggling with their studies, where can they go to get help? GB: In my experience, it is extremely rare for a student to progress through their entire degree programme without experiencing some personal or study-related issue. The important thing to do when faced with such an issue is to talk to someone about it. While this could be a trusted friend or a family member, there are a number of readily accessible options available at the University, including: your Personal Tutor; Student Support Services which includes the Counselling Service and 24/7 online mental health support from the Big White Wall; and the Students’ Union, which also has a range of advice services.
TW: Whether you are struggling with your studies or struggling with anything else in your life, the Advice Centre is the best place to go. However, if it’s course related, I would say talk to your lecturers first. They know the subject and will probably help you the best. If you feel like you can’t speak to your lecturers, there is always the counselling service the University provides. I have used it when I was stressed as a student and it really helped me, so I would recommend them as well. What challenges are we facing as a University and how will we work together to tackle them?
GB: This is a very challenging time for all UK universities and higher education colleges. The sector is becoming increasingly competitive, and social change and harsh economic realities mean that society is demanding more from its HE providers. Consequently, Bucks needs to be agile and able to respond in a measured way to each of these challenges while maintaining a strong, high-quality student experience. However, I believe that Bucks is well placed to capitalise on its strengths as an employment-focused and skills-based university. Input from the Students’ Union as partners in achieving improvements is essential – we will continue to include them, and the broader student voice, in our governance and development, including programme content and design. TW: The Union will work collaboratively with the University to make sure any challenges faced are communicated well to the students. We will keep challenging and supporting the University to better itself and achieve the best outcomes. What is your dream for Bucks? GB: My dream for the University is to see it continue to grow and flourish as an excellent and respected centre for higher education and professional training, and to be an institution that supports students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and to succeed in their chosen career.
ELECTIONS
TW: My dream for Bucks is for it to be a busier university. I would like it to be as busy and have the same feel as my first year here. I believe the University could become a specialist in the areas that outshine the rest. As for the Students’ Union, I would like us to become Number 1 in the league tables as we were in 2018. I also believe our work around employability is sector leading, as students are more engaged with those opportunities this year than, for example, sports and societies. My dream is for our Union to be the one that other unions around the UK look to, to see what we do to be so good. Why should we be #BucksProud? GB: Bucks is a great place to work and study. We have excellent, committed staff who are proud to work at our Institution and who want the very best for our students. TW: You should be BucksProud because you made it to uni! We are proud at the Students’ Union because we see students come and grow into the person that they love. You should be proud of the things you have achieved and the things that challenge you because it is what makes you who you are. The University and SU want your feedback, you can tell us what you love, or want to be improved, anytime by:
• speaking to you course/personal tutors, course reps or elected sabbatical offers;
• attending Union Council meeting; • visiting the Bucks Students' Union website -
bucksstudentsunion.org/union/feedback;
• emailing the University direct at speaktous@bucks.ac.uk
BALLOTS OPEN
10am Monday 2 March
February Issue
better Bucks
By Kelly Young
7
A better Bucks