Annual review 2012-13

U W B E I U V E S R

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The SUBU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-13

FOREWORD

by Alan James, General Manager & Louise Bryant, President

CONTENTS: Full Time Officers

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Representation

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Lansdowne

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Partnerships

07

Clubs and Societies

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Volunteering and RAG

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Nerve Media

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Entertainment

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Advice

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SUBU Green and Community

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Exec and Incoming Officers

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Thank Yous and Awards

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www.subu.org.uk /SUBUbournemouth @SUBUbournemouth ☎ 01202 965765

Hello and welcome to our annual review booklet.

2012/13 was another brilliant year for SUBU in which we continued, with the help of the university, our trustees, and elected student officers, to make great improvements in areas that students tell us they really care about. Not only do we help students to make new friends, we also allow them to do things that they enjoy, or alternatively that they have never done before, as well as help them develop as individuals. That is the pleasure of working and being involved in SUBU; ‘yes is the answer, now what was the question?’ is our motto.

Of course not all students are involved in happy, ‘realising their potential’ activities, and our Advice team work hard to help students with the trials and tribulations of managing difficult financial situations, coping with housing challenges, and sometimes feeling aggrieved about their BU experience.

? Poole House (above Dylan’s Bar), Talbot Campus, Poole, BH12 5BB

? Ground Floor, Studland House, Lansdowne, Bournemouth, BH1 3NA

Printed on revive Pure Natural Silk A recycled paper containing 100% post consumer waste and manufactured at a mill that is certified with ISO 14001 environmental management standard.

Pulp used to produce this product is not bleached.

The last is an important part of the student experience, and SUBU as an independent organisation sits uniquely within BU in order to

represent the individual and collective student voice to the university. SUBU fulfils this role incredibly well by using evidence gathered from the 700+ amazing student reps across the academic programmes, and the university in turn appreciates the support SUBU gives to help it improve its services and the quality of the BU student experience.

We have recently heard that planning permission has been given at Talbot Campus for a brand new student centre. From 2015 this will make SUBU far more visible, accessible and approachable to students and is the most significant SUBU building development since the Old Fire Station opened nearly twenty years ago in 1995. At the same time we continue to push to improve services for BU students at the Lansdowne campus, and at other off campus sites, such as partner colleges.

This year has been a fantastic one for all of us, and we hope you enjoy reading about all of the wonderful things that have happened within SUBU over the past 12 months.

Best wishes, Louise and Alan

The

FULL TIME OFFICERS

We’ve had a fantastic year in SUBU and wanted to share a few of our highlights and achievements with you:

SUBU SU PRESIDENT

SUBU VP CAMPAIGNS

Louise Bryant (left) President Ruby Limbrick (right) Vice President Campaigns

SUBU VP EDUCATION

SUBU VP LANSDOWNE

Murray Simpson (centre left) Vice President Education Sophie Chaytor-Grubb (centre right) Vice President Lansdowne

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Continued to improve relations in the local community with the ‘Silent Students, Happy Homes’ campaign and delivering food donated by students to local elderly, vulnerable people for the Winton Winter Watch

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Trained, empowered and motivated over 700 student reps to collect feedback from their cohort of students and help us to improve the student experience

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Speakers, extra seating and a Table Football installed in the Boho Lounge

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Record number of votes for the Vice President of Lansdowne in the full time officer elections

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Improved office signage to reduce the

‘awkward door moment’ some students experience when they walk in the office

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Lansdowne specific campaigns and events

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Successfully running a range of local and national campaigns including gaining student feedback on hidden course costs, working with the Deputy Vice -Chancellor to introduce principles of good feedback and campaigning for unit capping to be changed

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The introduction of a School Rep Council, who meet fortnightly and feedback student issues

The launch of News from Suburbia TV which was filmed, edited and directed by students

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Improving awareness of SUBU Advice through a peer to peer advice campaign called #wishihadknown

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The launch of the Student Opinion Surveys (S.O.S) has seen survey feedback response rates tripled

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The Student Written Submission for the QAA Institutional Review: a research based document, written on behalf of the students highlighting the university’s strengths and how they can improve

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Co-project sponsors of the new student centre which will be the new home of SUBU in 2015

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The introduction of a student lounge (B130) which has created a new social space for Lansdowne students

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Hosted the home finder day for the BU Accommodation department

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Research was carried out through surveys and childcare forums to gain feedback on the needs of student parents which has initiated the start of changes for these students

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Developed the new Community Student Wardens scheme ready to launch in September that we hope will be a huge success

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02 03

REPRESENTATION This year has seen massive improvements in SUBU Representation: Student Opinion Surveys were launched and developed by our Research team

➭ RESEARCH

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The School Rep Council was formed with 32 active Schools Reps meeting fortnightly in term time to discuss student academic issues

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Two ‘Speak Weeks’ were held over the first two terms, including a talk out with the Vice - Chancellor and the second campaign was

entirely managed by students

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A toolkit and handbook has been developed to help students run effective campaigns

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Reps can access training online via videos made by the Representation Services team

➭ RESEARCH

The

SUBU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-13

Student Written Submission involved filming many of our Student Reps for BU’s Institutional Review, presenting feedback about key issues affecting them across the last 18 months

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L ANSDOWNE

LANSDOWNE

The Lansdowne Campus has seen vast improvements this year to make the student experience as positive as possible. We have run loads of events and campaigns specifically for Lansdowne and HSC students, from the postgrad mini-fair to Diversity Day and a HIV awareness event with Body Positive Dorset, raising £60 for World Aids Day. We held a display, ‘Struggle for Equality’ by Bournemouth People First, which showcased a history of people with learning disabilities.

SUBU played a part in encouraging the improvement of the outside area of Bournemouth House and the employment of a Lansdowne specific Placements and Careers Advisor. When second year physio students asked for some funding towards a conference, we paid half and negotiated with HSC staff to fund the remainder – success!

We forged strong links with the University of Portsmouth and University of Winchester to enable access to facilities and services for BU students.

We now have HSC Student Reps, with Lansdowne specific training days, and we had a record number of votes in the Full Time Officer Elections for VP Lansdowne. An all-round successful year!

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WE FORGED STRONG LINKS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH AND UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER

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The

SUBU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-13

PA R T N E R S H I P S Representation across all our partner colleges has improved significantly over the year. Essential Rep Training was held at every Partner College and Speak Week information was provided for students, keeping them up to date with big issues that SUBU were campaigning on. A SUBU Advice worker visited every partner college, and provided the opportunity to book appointments or drop in.

.

You Said..

Wiltshire College Salisbury students were looking to spruce up the HE social room. As one of the only places on campus that is purely for higher education students, it is a vital space in helping the students get the full university experience.

This Happened...

SUBU put its hands in its pockets and provided funding to a team of student wannabe interior designers. Using their purchasing power ethically the students shopped around charity shops and local businesses to source their material.

The space has now been branded the ‘Room of Requirement’ after a student vote, and has a distinctly British feel with red telephone boxes and tea cups theming the walls. The students use the space to meet regularly and hold events there and the community feeling is tangible.

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES Two successful BUnique Weeks were held during the first and second term with over 40 clubs and societies taking part. The event is designed to celebrate all their great work and give them an opportunity to showcase their talent, from cheerleading performances to gaming marathons and demonstrations on parachute packing.

This year all clubs and societies were automatically part of the Five Star Grading System, which allows clubs and societies to earn points for their activities, working their way up the grading system and being rewarded for their achievements. Two clubs reached 5 star status this year – the Baking Society and The BU Boat Club – Congratulations to both clubs; keep up the good work!

“ TWO CLUBS REACHED 5 STAR STATUS THIS YEAR – The

SUBU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-13

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THE BAKING SOCIETY AND THE BU BOAT CLUB – CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH CLUBS

VOLUNTEERING MORE THAN

Rag ANDRAISING GIVING By the end of this year RAG will have raised a projected total of over £230,000 of which over £184,000 will be given direct to charities across the UK, which work both nationally and internationally.

Over 100 students got involved with RAG’s overseas opportunities and even more in UK fundraising events, from sky dives to Tough Guy. Whether they cycled from London to Paris, travelled to Ghana to do charity work, or are climbing Kilimanjaro this summer, RAG has provided plenty of opportunities for students to raise money for their chosen charities.

The Volunteer Committee has been a great success for the second year running and we have seen vast improvements to the Alzheimer’s Society Project, making 17 visits to the Alzheimer’s Society, running events like ‘Singing for the Brain’ and ‘Memory Café’ sessions.

This year there have been over 730 opportunities from MAD Days to 5 Minute Volunteering Activities and student led projects. When students asked why the Meyrick Park project finished so early in the term, we made changes to run an extra two litter picking sessions at the park to extend our work there.

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This has been a huge year for Nerve, kicking off with a brand new look to the magazine and 20 additional positions to the editorial team, including Editor, Comment Editor, Sub-Editors and Proofers. This change was later rewarded when the redesign won ‘Best Design’ at the Student Publication Association Awards 2013.

There are more shows than ever before on Nerve Radio, with hours of presented shows extended to 11pm on weekdays. An additional Radio Committee member, Head of Speech, was added in to the mix and both the Arrivals and FM coverage went as smoothly as ever.

Nerve also managed successful coverage of the Full Time Officer Elections with Atrium shows every day and live streaming, hosting and broadcasting of the results night.

We have had a better online presence than ever before, with new Twitter and Facebook pages for the magazine, which is now published in full online, and better on air integration between social media channels and the radio station.

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Media

OVER

100 MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

OVER

ent s d u St enter s Pre ews & N ders Rea

31 0

10, 000

MAGAZINES PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED

Over ONLINE MAGAZINE IMPRESSIONS

THERE ARE MORE SHOWS THAN EVER BEFORE ON NERVE RADIO

The

SUBU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-13

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NERVE

Entertainment In collaboration with BU, SUBU run what is probably the most comprehensive Arrivals programme of any University. This year we extended the programme even further, to stretch beyond traditional freshers activity to include academic and arts festival events, such as ‘Take over the Towers’ – a student video installation during the launch night of Bournemouth Arts Festival.

We extended the Arrivals Fair throughout most of Talbot Campus, and hosted the HSC Arrivals Fair on the Lansdowne Campus.

“EXPECT A NEW

LOOK BAR, WITH AN EXCITING NEW MENU AND REFRESHED BRANDING

At Dylan’s Bar, we introduced local handmade beef burgers sourced direct from a Dorset Butcher and introduced Barcode training for all our student staff.

Dylan’s bar was tired, so from consultation with students, we have started planning improvements.

Expect a new look bar, with an exciting new menu and refreshed branding by the end of this summer!

The Old Fire Station maintains its unique position as a student union venue in a town centre serving both students and the community.

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ADVICE This year, SUBU Advice have put on more events and campaigns than before, launching the peer-to-peer advice sharing campaign #wishihadknown. We have worked with Events Management students to organise ‘Castaway’ – an awareness raising event and have put on other events from Housefinder Day to Money Matters and Home Sweet Home, advising students on problems to do with their student accommodation.

The

SUBU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-13

SUBU

GREEN

AND

COMMUNITY

SUBU is green and ethical in everything it does. We were delighted to receive the NUS Green Impact ‘Gold’ Award this year with a total of 604 points for the criteria, against a requirement of 550 and an average of 456 across all unions.

In the local community we have worked closely with new Winton Community Enforcement Officer, Matt King and revamped the Silent Students, Happy Homes (SSHH!) Campaign. The results show a significant reduction in noise complaints in the local community compared to last year and we’re continuing to tackle issues with our new Student

The Village Green event promoted sustainable living to student residents of the on-campus village. We had an eco-friendly DJ who played music from a solar paneled wheelbarrow and organic foods from the local farm.

The ‘Shut it, Lock it’ burglary awareness campaign with the university’s Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Cycling Safety Campaign to promote safe use of bikes on and off campus both made a big impression on our students and their attitudes towards their own safety.

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THE RESULTS SHOW SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN NOISE COMPLAINTS IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY COMPARED TO LAST YEAR

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Wardens scheme launching in September 2013.

We have also worked on the ‘Winton Winter Watch’ in collaboration with Police and Bournemouth Borough Council to collect and deliver food for local elderly/vulnerable people.

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INCOMING OFFICERS

EXEC Our Exec Committee have been fantastic.

They have helped organise and volunteer on many SUBU campaigns this year, including the Winton Winter Watch, ‘Home Sweet Home’, Fairtrade Fortnight, and the ‘Shut it, Lock it’ burglary awareness campaign.

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Focus groups were held with Partner College students to make sure their voice is heard

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Eurovision song contest party was organised to celebrate diversity of the PGR Community

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Childcare forums were held at the Lansdowne campus to gather feedback on the needs of student parents

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Students views have been represented at Halls and University Bus meetings

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We all shared the love on Valentine’s Day with a ‘free hugs’ campaign which put a smile on everyone’s face!

What has happened because of our Exec?

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A Mature and Part-Time Society has been introduced

Murray Simpson, President I can’t wait to use everything I’ve learnt this year to not only improve the student experience for a further year, but show all the great things students and SUBU does in the university and community. I’m looking forward to making SUBU more accessible and approachable for all students, and moving towards our 2016 vision.

John Gusman, Vice President Education I am most excited about working with students and staff to better support the student voice and to empower students to take ownership of their learning experience.

Annie Hall, Vice President Communications I’m looking forward to adopting student welfare under the remit of the VP Comms role and thinking of exciting ways to increase student participation in all areas of SUBU.

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The ‘PG Tips’ Campaign was launched to support masters students in their studies

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37 Postgrad Researchers went on a theatre trip to London to raise awareness of SUBU support

The

SUBU ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-13

Sophie Chaytor-Grubb Vice President Lansdowne I am looking forward to continuing the relationships I have formed with the union and uni staff to make some massive changes to the Lansdowne Campus and the students’ time studying there.

SUBU Awards!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR CLUBS AND SOCIETIES AND STUDENT VOLUNTEERS FOR ALL THE WORK YOU HAVE ACHIEVED THIS YEAR. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU ALL AND WELL DONE TO STUDENTS AND STAFF WHO HAVE RECEIVED A ‘YOU’RE BRILLIANT’ AWARD

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THANK YOU THANK YOU

We would like to thank all full-time and part-time SUBU staff who work with us on our vision to make a positive impact upon every BU students’ journey. A special thank you to the administration team who do a lot of invaluable work, often behind the scenes. We would also like to thank the university for their continued support of the students’ union and we look forward to continuing a great working partnership in the forthcoming year.

Finally, a massive thank you to all our fantastic student volunteers - we hope you’ve had a great year getting involved with SUBU! Love,

Louise, Murray, Ruby and Sophie (Full time officers 2012/13)

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