Welcome to Hertfordshire Students’ Union
2020 2021 @HertsSU hertfordshire.su
Contents
Hello...
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Welcome
Welcome to the University of Hertfordshire. We’re here to support you on your student journey.
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Elected Officers
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Have Your Say
Introduction to the SU 3
President | Vice President Activities 4 Vice President Community | Vice President Education 5
Campaigns | Research 6 Networks | Student Council 7 Student Reps | School Community Organisers 8 Elections 9
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Get Involved
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Advice and Support
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Hertfordshire Students’ Union is a registered charity that works closely with UH to enrich the student experience. All students that enrol at Herts are automatically members of the SU. Your free membership gives you access to all the fantastic services detailed in this booklet. Whilst we work closely with the University for the benefit of students, we are independent from them. This allows us to effectively represent your academic interests. As the voice of our students, if we hear that you’re not happy with something, we can lobby for change. We also provide students with opportunities that complement their studies, enabling you to make friends for life, create unforgettable memories and even develop those transferable skills. If you need any support, our trained Academic & Welfare Advisers are at hand to help you with anything that may be troubling you. Unfortunately the Coronavirus pandemic has had an effect on the way some of our services will operate for the time being, and it may be that we have to make additional changes at short notice. For up-to-the-minute information on how each of our services are being run, visit hertfordshire.su/coronavirus.
Societies | Trident Media 10 Events | Wellbeing Wednesdays 12 Fundraising | Volunteering 13
Support | Contact Details 13 Specialist Services 14
Find Us Map | Contact Us 16
College Lane Campus 2020
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Elected Officers 2020-2021 President Karthik Bonkur The President leads the work of the Officer team and represents students to the University and wider community. Karthik is part way through studying International Business (MSc) at the University of Hertfordshire and was once a Student Rep. He enjoys shopping, playing sports and trying his hand at new things.
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Vice President Community Kayleigh Malone The VP Community works with onand off-campus partners to develop community at the University of Hertfordshire. Kayleigh studied Paramedic Science (BSc) at the University of Hertfordshire and has been a Student Rep, Treasurer of the Student Paramedic Society and a School Community Organiser. She loves the outdoors and frequently volunteers with her local air scout group.
Vice President Activities
Vice President Education
Bobbie Jay
Saad Raees
The VP Activities ensures students have access to a high quality range of activities like societies, sports, fundraising and events.
The VP Education lobbies for a great academic experience for all students at the University of Hertfordshire.
Bobbie studied Computer Science and Sports Studies (BSc) at the University of Hertfordshire and worked as a promoter for The Forum Hertfordshire. He enjoys playing football, socialising with friends, eating and travelling.
Saad is part way through studying Computer Networks & System Security (MSc) at the University of Hertfordshire and has been a Postgraduate Officer. He loves exploring new places as well as watching (and playing) football.
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/electedofficers
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Have Your Say Campaigns Our Student Voice team is here not only to help ensure your voice is heard, but to use your feedback to create campaigns for change. All of our campaigns are student-led. This year our priority campaign is Student Success Through COVID. Your Elected Officer team will be campaigning to make sure you have the best experience possible even through these unprecedented times. This could be academically or socially, ensuring the right support and provisions are in place for all students. We’ll be working on a range of other campaigns throughout the year too, including: •
Abolishing the BAME Awarding Gap
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Making sure students get Value for Money
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Ensuring your Mental Health and Wellbeing is supported
Research
Networks This year we’re introducing new Representative Networks. These networks provide an opportunity for groups of students to discuss issues they face at University. Feedback from these will be used to create focused campaigns and to lobby the University accordingly. This year you can get involved in the following networks: •
Disabled Students Network
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Postgraduate Students Network
We’re open to developing more networks in the future as and when the need is there. Keep your eyes peeled for any networks that may be of benefit to you.
Student Council Student Council is the highest student-led representative forum and decision-making body in the Students’ Union. All students are welcome to attend and have their say on the issues that matter most to the UH community. There are only two or three meetings each semester, so popping along to have your say won’t eat into too much of your time!
Student Council Meeting 2019
We carry out a range of extensive research into the varied experiences of our students at Herts, including both academic and non-academic issues that students face during their time at University. This can take numerous forms, from focus groups and forums through to surveys and interviews. Our research helps us identify what is working well for students and what can be improved. Once it has been analysed, we use it to inform campaigns, projects and initiatives across the SU for the benefit of students. We really value our research as it helps us to more accurately represent and support you, so we strongly encourage you to participate in feedback opportunities whenever you can.
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For more information visit hertfordshire.su/representation
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Student Reps
Elections
Every year we support a large cohort of Student Reps from every School. These are students who have put themselves forward to represent the academic interests of their peers to the University. They actively seek and listen to your thoughts and opinions on how your course and overall educational experience is going. With your feedback, they will liaise with relevant members of staff across programmes and Schools, ensuring that positive change is enacted where needed.
The Students’ Union Elections are one of our most vibrant and exciting times of the year. This is when you get the chance to vote for the students you want to represent you. Our team of Elected Officers were all successfully elected by you to represent the voice of the 24,000 strong student population here at Herts.
The Student Rep Elections will be taking place from Monday 21st September – Sunday 11th October. These are supported by the SU, SCOs and your lecturers. If you’re passionate about improving the student academic experience, you should consider putting yourself forward to join our large community of Student Representatives.
Any current students are able to run in our Elections which take place from February-March. The roles up for grabs include President, Vice President Activities, Vice President Community and Vice President Education. The roles are all full-time, but those with a final year of study to come are still able to take up a position, they just have to complete their studies afterwards. So, whether you’re in first year or final year, you can still nominate yourself and be in with a shot of winning. Running in an Election is an incredible experience and the roles are like no other. We provide sessions for all candidates to help them prepare for the Elections. We help you to think creatively about your campaign, as well as supplying resources to ensure you have sufficient materials to deliver your key messages, in addition to a budget so you aren’t out of pocket. Whether you decide to run in the Elections or just want to vote on the candidates, make sure you get involved and have your say.
School Community Organisers School Community Organisers (SCOs) are students who have been appointed to champion and promote the sense of community within each School. They work directly with staff within their School of study, as well as the SU, on a range of academic and social issues. They also organise social events and extracurricular activities, promote feedback opportunities to their peers and act as a lead for Student Reps. Applications to become an SCO for the next academic year open in Semester B. You’ll have the opportunity to put yourself forward by completing a form on our website. Successful applicants will then be invited to interview with the School and Students’ Union. 8
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/representation
Elected Officers 2020 - 2021
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/elections
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Get Involved Societies Societies are mini communities on campus that bring together students with similar interests. With such a broad range of societies at your hands, there really is something for everyone. Being part of a society is a great way to try something new, make friends for life and open yourself up to many different opportunities. Since societies are run by committees of students, there is even scope to use this platform to build on your own professional development. Whether you join a society as a member, get involved in all the behind the scenes business by being part of the committee, or start a new society from scratch, you’re bound to love being part of the society bubble. Engagement with societies doesn’t only enrich your overall student experience, research shows it can also lead to a better degree outcome. We have societies that fall under the following categories: •
Academic
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Media
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Active
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Music
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Cultural
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Political
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Dance
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Social
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Faith
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Volunteering
Trident Media Trident Media is our very own student media group, run by students for students. Trident hosts three different strands of media: print, radio and tv. A long-standing student group, Trident Media has a rich history of reflecting the student voice through a range of media. Trident has a comprehensive Media Suite just off Hutton Hall which features radio studios, tech and editing space. Members are able to get hands on media experience in the area they fancy. You could write the next opinion piece for their website, jump on their radio stream for a segment or get in front of the camera for a feature video! 10
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/societies
Fun Run 2019
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Events
Fundraising
We run a number of events throughout the year that are free for all students to participate in. You’ll find that there’s something for everyone! Freshers and Refreshers helps students to mingle with one another, find their feet and score loads of freebies. Our Cultural Series celebrates a vibrant range of international and religious holidays like Diwali, Lunar New Year and Holi. Battle of the Campuses brings together students from both College Lane and De Havilland in a series of competitions. Which campus will be crowned champions this year? Look out for more opportunities throughout the year, including seasonal events, Black History Month and LGBT History Month.
RaG (Raise and Give) is the fundraising wing of the Students’ Union. Each year RaG selects three charities to support; one local, one national and one international. Fundraising events are run throughout the year to help raise awareness and money for the chosen charities. Past events include an escape room, mud run, swap & shop and Herts Got Talent. Want to be involved? You could apply to be a RaG Committee Member, sign up to be a RaG Volunteer or simply come along to the fundraisers.
Volunteering We can help you find volunteering opportunities that are right for you and put you in touch with local and national organisations who need your help. Volunteering alongside your studies is a great way to make a difference, develop your transferable skills, make new friends and boost your CV. Volunteering is also a key component of the Go Herts Award, so we strongly encourage you to get involved.
UNICEF Fundraising 2019
Lunar New Year 2019
Wellbeing Wednesdays Wellbeing Wednesdays is an initiative that’s open to all students, encouraging them to do something positive for their wellbeing. Wellbeing Wednesdays provides students with a programme of free activities which can work to improve mindfulness, professional development and social opportunities. With a different activity every Wednesday, there’s bound to be something of interest to you. Students are welcome to come to as many or as few sessions as they like. 12
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/events
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/opportunities
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Advice & Support Our Advice & Support team offers free, confidential and impartial information for students at Herts. We’re here for you, no matter how big or small your problem may feel. If you would like to discuss anything with us, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our Academic & Welfare Advisers. We will always try our best to help you as soon as we can.
SU Legal Clinic Our Legal Clinic offers students free 30-minute appointments with our Legal Adviser. Our Legal Adviser commonly assists students with: •
Disputes with Landlords or Lettings Agents
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Disputes with Employers
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Information about the Small Claims Court process
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Consumer rights matters
We can help you with...
This clinic runs every Wednesday afternoon (13:30-16:00) during term time.
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Academic Appeals
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Hate Crime Reporting
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Academic Misconduct
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Housing
SU Buddy Scheme
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Complaints
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Mental Health
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Financial Wellbeing
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Non-Academic Misconduct
Free condoms, chlamydia/gonorrhoea testing kits and female sanitary products are available to pick up from the Advice & Support Centre.
Contact us We are available: Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00. You can find us at: Advice & Support Centre Hertfordshire Students’ Union College Lane Campus Email us: advice@hertfordshire.su Call us: 01707 285022 Video call appointments are also available upon request.
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Coming to University can be daunting; whether it’s the first time you’ve lived away from home or you’ve moved to an entirely new country! We understand that it can be difficult to strike up new friendships and settle in. Sometimes it can help to speak to someone who has done it all before, that’s why we’ve set up the SU Buddy Scheme. The SU Buddy Scheme facilitates informal peer-to-peer support, matching up new students with continuing students (Buddy Volunteers) who can share their top tips for settling into life at uni. Buddies are matched according to their preferences and can decide how often they’d like to meet and where.
SU Study Smart Have you ever really thought about your learning preferences? Have you found a pattern of study that works in line with these? Everyone works differently, so we know that a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t cut it when it comes to exam or assignment preparation. Our Study Smart scheme can help you to reflect on how you learn and find the best way to organise your work. Learning can be challenging but it shouldn’t feel like an uphill struggle. We’re offering you the opportunity to take a step back and figure out the most effective approach to your studies through our Study Smart sessions, which are run during normal Centre opening times.
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/advice
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Find Us We have a Welcome Desk on each campus. You can come to our Welcome Desk for any queries relating to our services, to catch up with a member of the team or to make a purchase.
College Lane Office Hertfordshire Students’ Union College Lane Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9AB Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00-15:00 De Havilland Office Hertfordshire Students’ Union De Havilland Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9EU Closed for the foreseeable future. Please head to hertfordshire.su/appointment to book an appointment with a member of the team.
Contact Us Call Us: 01707 285000
Email Us: contact@hertfordshire.su
@HertsSU
Website: hertfordshire.su