Joining In Guide

2012 welcome guide presents the official

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION AT UWESU

SHAPING YOUR UNION A core principle of UWESU is that it is run for students by students. This is not only achieved by electing five students as full-time presidents of UWESU, but by you getting involved in opportunities and making your voice heard.

The Annual General Meeting in November is open to all UWE students to attend and vote on important issues. You can also get involved in one of the four committee meetings, which come together throughout the year to hear your views.

ELECTIONS Members of the Students’ Union annually elect an executive to represent the views of UWE students locally and nationally. The executive is made up of 5 full time positions and 10 voluntary positions. The executive influence the direction of your Students’ Union and university and is a great way to become involved in decisions that impact on your student experience.

Change colours

The elections take place in March, where all the candidates will be around different campuses, campaigning for your vote.

If you would like to stand in the elections, look out for further information in January or contact nerys.neath@uwe.ac.uk This September, we have two volunteer positions available on the executive committee for students studying at our Bower Ashton and Gloucester campuses so we will be holding an election for these roles. For more details on how to put yourself forward contact nerys.neath@uwe.ac.uk.

VOTE EARD VOICE H R U O Y T AND GE VISIT: WWW.UWESU.ORG/VOTE. NOMINATIONS: 24TH SEP - 5TH OCT. VOTING: 15TH - 16TH OCT.

YOUR UNION, YOUR VOICE

PROVIDING THE ESSENTIAL LINK BETWEEN STUDENTS AND STAFF

Student Representatives proactively seek out views and opinions from students on their courses, all in order to make changes to enhance the student experience. They are elected by you, to provide the essential link between students and staff, feeding back the outcomes of meetings and decisions to students.

You can help student reps by giving them your feedback in many ways; by communicating face-to-face, or online. It’s important that you tell them the things you enjoy about your course, as well as changes you may like to see.

Sound like something you’d be good at? We are looking for students to put themselves forward to be representatives for 2012/13. Email studentreps@uwe. ac.uk for more information or tweet @studentreps.

Tweet Student Reps @studentreps www.uwesu.org/reps studentreps@uwe.ac.uk

Being a student rep is a fantastic opportunity to represent other students and play a key role in improving your course. It’s a great chance to meet other reps and students on your course, as well as to expand your skills, be the voice of change and improve your education.

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STUDENT REPS

OLLY REID, VP EDUCATION

vpeducation@uwe.ac.uk www.facebook.com/ollyreid7 www.twitter.com/vpeducation

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I support the Student Reps and ensure that your voice reaches the upper echelons of the University.

As a former Education Studies student and a rep for my course, I understand many of the academic issues that UWE students face. Together, we can continue to improve the quality of the education we receive and keep moving the University and Students’ Union forward.

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

ONE UNIVERSITY, ONE UNION, ONE COMMUNITY

HALLS REPS Every year the Students’ Union, in conjunction with the University, facilitates the formal Halls Representative system in the Student Village and various other UWE managed accommodation across the city. These Halls Reps are your link to feeding back on your student experience, whilst living in the University residences. Whether they are accommodation issues, student campaign ideas or social/sporting activities – don’t forget that your Halls Rep is there to help! Halls Reps are recruited at the beginning of the academic year, so if you are interested in playing a bigger part in the UWE Community keep your eyes peeled for more information during accommodation talks or contact us at hallreps@uwe.ac.uk Follow us on twitter: @HallsReps

UWE is a multicultural and diverse place, with a student population comprised of over 100 nationalities! Spread across five campuses, with a wide age range and a variety of different academic and social backgrounds. It is no surprise that we have such a rich and vibrant student community.

LOUISE, VP COMMUNITY & WELFARE Working with Vicky, the Community and Welfare Officer, it is our role to support, lobby and campaign on behalf of the student body on issues relating to community, equality and welfare at the University, ensuring that your voice is heard on every level.

The Students’ Union would be nowhere without you and this is why we want to hear about your student experience, and how we can make those vital improvements.

UWE Students’ Union is extremely proud of our strong and diverse student community. We provide you with lots of ways to get involved and to make your time at University a truly amazing and unforgettable experience. If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. vpcommunityandwelfare@uwe.ac.uk www.facebook.com/louise.gouxwirth www.twitter.com/louise_gw

NETWORKS

EMBRACING YOUR CULTURE

NETWORKS FOR 2012/2013:

Want to set up your own network? Then get in touch!

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African Caribbean Believers Loveworld Christian Union Deeper Life Campus Fellowship Disability Awareness Hellenic Hindu Hong Kong Islamic Jewish Malaysian Mature Students Nigerian OUT UWE (LGBT) Redeemed Christian Church of God Nardic-Baltic Sikh Somali Vietnamese

As a Students’ Union, we embrace our diverse student membership, which is why we have made it one of our central goals to ensure that you get the most out of your time at University. So whether that is through getting involved with one of our Student Networks, the Halls Representative system or through one of our campus officers, the Students’ Union is here to help.

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UWESU offers a wide range of different ways for students to get involved with the UWE student community – one excellent method in particular is through our student networks. So if you want to meet other like-minded people who share similar identities and beliefs through a fun and inclusive social environment, then do consider joining one of our Student Networks listed.

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NETWORKS

Meet our networks at the Freshers’ Fair, Fri 21st Sep

www.uwesu.org/networks networks@uwe.ac.uk

SPORT

GET ACTIVE AND JOIN IN SPORTS CLUBS FOR 2012/2013: American Football Athletics Badminton Basketball Boat Boxing Canoe Cheerleading Climbing Cricket Dance Fencing Football Men Football Women Gliding Mountain Hiking Hockey Jiu Jitsu Lacrosse Netball Polo Riding Rugby League Rugby Union Men Rugby Union Women Sailing Skydive Snowsports Squash Sub Aqua Surf Swimming and Water Polo Tae Kwon Do Tennis Trampoline Ultimate Frisbee Wakeboard Windsurf

MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS THE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES THAT AWAIT YOU NINA GIZZIE, VP SPORTS There are many reasons for you to get involved in sports at UWE. It’s a great way to socialise and meet other students, to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and most importantly... to have fun! With over 35 sports clubs, various social sport opportunities and classes, there’s something for everyone.

Never been involved with sport? Then no problem – now is your time to start. Take advantage of the upcoming Freshers’ Week to try all of our available sports for free with “Watch it! Try it! Do it!“. The Freshers’ Fair will give you a chance to chat to clubs and to buy your memberships, so make sure you have your questions and wallets at the ready!

Make sure you don’t miss the amazing opportunities that await you; enjoy every moment, try every experience and live life to the full!

VPSports@uwe.ac.uk www.twitter.com/NinaGizzie www.facebook.com/NinaGizzie

www.uwesu.org/sports sports.activities@uwe.ac.uk www.facebook.com/groups/UWESPORT

JOINING IN

FULL SPORT EXEC: VPSports - Chair: Nina Gizzie (Badminton and Climbing) Sports Officer - Deputy Chair: Miki Parr (Quidditch) Competitions Officer: Chris White (Cheerleading) Combat Sports Officer: Tom Moore (Kickboxing) Events Officer: Position Vacant Media and Communications Officer: Position Vacant Campaigns Officer: Position Vacant

SETTING UP A CLUB

If hardcore competition is not what you are after, UWESU Sport – in conjunction with the University – provide friendly league games and tournaments in a range of sports. This provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere for any student, regardless of ability.

Watch out for Varsity season 2013

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BUCS – British Universities and College Sport is the governing body for higher education sport in the UK. Each year you have the opportunity to represent UWE in national competitions in a variety of sports from American Football to Windsurfing.

A FUN AND RELAXED ATMOSPHERE FOR ANY STUDENT, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY

photo by Rachel Seed

COMPETITIONS & SOCIAL SPORT

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No sport for you? Or have a sport in mind that’s not on the list? All sports clubs are run by students for students, with all committee members being democratically elected. Come see us in the Students’ Union (Block F, Level 4) or email VPSports@uwe.ac.uk for more information on how to set up your own club.

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Once registered with UWESU through their website (www.uwesu.org/joinus), you can purchase your club memberships. For more information on particular sports and how to join visit: www.uwesu.org/sports

SOCIETIES SOCIETIES

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL INTERESTS SOCIETIES FOR 2012/2013:

Drama Society

Anime Bristol Architecture Bar School Conservative Future Darts Engineering EWB [Engineers Without

Borders] Film Free Palestine Forensic Science History Hub Radio - see overleaf Labour LABS [Land & Animal Biology] Law Society Linguistics Live Music Marketing Medical Science Midwifery

ANNABELLE TURNER, VP SOCIETIES & COMMUNICATION There are 36 different societies this year, providing you with ample opportunity to get involved with something that you are passionate about. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to become involved in an extra-curricular activity, allowing you to take a break from the stresses and strains of university life. You are even welcome to create a new society if your interests are not accommodated for.

Through joining a society, you will not only make friends for life, but you can grasp opportunities to enhance your profile as a future graduate. There are also many different communication outlets at UWE for you to get

Paintball Pole Fitness PAIRS [Politics & International Relations Society] Psi - Phi Robotics Roleplay SAGUWE [Scout & Guides] SIFE [Students in Free Enterprise] Socialist Worker Student

Society [UWE SWSS] Trading Cards Tradin g and Investment [UWETIS] Urban UWE Tube (see right) War Games www.uwesu.org/societies sports.activities@uwe.ac.uk

involved with, including UWESU’s student media. As Vice President of Societies and Communication, I will be ensuring that all of the societies are financially sustainable, as well as guaranteeing that you achieve all that you wish to – you are truly about to embark on the best few years of your life! vpsocsandcomms@uwe.ac.uk www.facebook.com/uwesuannie.turner www.twitter.com/vpannabelle

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STUDENT MEDIA GET YOUR VOICE HEARD

UWESU Student Media provides the perfect communicative channel if you have an ambition to pursue a career in the media – or if you simply just want to try something new and exciting. Student Media encompasses Hub Radio, the UWESU website and the student newspaper – the WesternEye.

WesternEye is UWE’s independent student newspaper, distributed across all campuses every month, with new content available daily on our website (www.westerneye. net). The paper covers all issues relevant to the University and Students’ Union, whilst also providing insight into the latest news, sport, science, entertainment and all you need to know about what’s on in Bristol.

www.westerneye.net www.facebook.com/westerneye.uwe editor@westerneye.net

Hub Radio is the place for anyone with an interest in music, DJing and broadcasting. The station has much to offer, from doing your own show to getting involved with running events and promoting the station – it will most certainly enhance your student experience further! www.hubradio.co.uk info@hubradio.co.uk www.facebook.com/HubRadioUWE

UWETUBE UWEtube is a new studentled venture aiming to run a television station, provide master-classes and equipment to students wishing to begin a career in television.

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If you would like to get involved then you can contact us via email, Facebook, Twitter or in person at our office on the 5th floor of the Students’ Union building at Frenchay campus.

HUB RADIO

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WESTERNEYE NEWSPAPER

VOLUNTEERING RAG JOINING IN FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Get involved with volunteering while you’re a student at UWE – it’s hugely rewarding!

Whether you want to share your existing voluntary skills or learn new ones, meet new people or enhance your employability, you will be sure to reap the benefits from volunteering, as well as giving something back in return.

UWESU Volunteering specialises in offering individuals, clubs, societies and networks the opportunity to set up projects, campaigns and events to benefit the local community.

Support will be provided along the way for all students who get involved with UWESU Volunteering – you will even be given the opportunity to apply for up to £100 to kick-start your own idea. There are also one-off volunteering days in the local community, including the Big Beach Clean and conservation projects. Whatever you’re interested in, UWESU can help you find a volunteering project that is right for you. volunteers@uwe.ac.uk www.uwesu.org/volunteer

RAG Raise and Give (RAG) is a student-led charity group that aims to raise money for its chosen charities throughout the year.

Fundraising can be difficult, so over the years, RAG has not only shaken a bucket or two in fancy dress, but has also put on some truly wacky and exhilarating events.

Traditional events range from bar crawls, pizzaeating competitions, ‘Take me out’, X-Factor, Charlie and the Chocolate factory and much more.

If you’re competitive, passionate about raising money, and want to enjoy a night-out that makes a difference, then jump on the RAG band-wagon!

To find out more about how you can become involved, subscribe to the RAG newsletter and receive regular updates for some of the biggest university events around. www.uwesu.org/rag uwesurag@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/UWERAG

Jailbreak ‘12 contenders

JOIN US ONLINE

Join us online to get all of the latest Freshers’ info:

facebook.com/uweFreshers Twitter: @UWE_Freshers

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Social Media acts as an extremely vital tool whilst at university. You can stay up-to-date with all the latest goings-on during Freshers’ Week, and keep your finger on the pulse throughout the rest of the year.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay involved after Freshers’ Week:

While we will try and answer your queries on Facebook, you can also contact us online through the UWESU website (www.uwesu.org)

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facebook.com/uwesu Twitter: @UWESU

UWESU and the UWE Centre for Sport have teamed up to offer you the opportunity to watch sports, then try them before paying any membership which will allow you to take part in them for the rest of the year.

Our societies will be offering a range of workshops, film screenings, masterclasses and ‘meet and greet’ sessions, enabling you to meet the committees and give things a try. Come along and join in! It’s the only way to get the most out of your student experience!

WATCH & TRY IT Come along and watch, then try, any of the UWESU Sports & Societies completely free of charge

SATURDAY 15th SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY 16th SEPTEMBER

MONDAY 17th SEPTEMBER

Aerobics Studio Available for students: 12pm-3pm Classical Dance 3pm-4pm Hip Hop and Breaking Dancing 4pm-5pm Squash Courts Available for students: 1:40pm-7pm Astro Turf Football 12pm-12:30pm American Football 12:30pm-1:30pm Hockey 1:30pm-5pm Climbing Wall Climbing 2pm-5pm

Sports Hall 1 Trampoline Taekwondo Fencing Jiu Jitsu Cheerleading

Sports Hall 1 Trampoline Taekwondo Cheerleading: Box Circuits

Outside Escape Paintball

Astro Turf Hockey 12pm-2:30pm Cricket 2:30pm-3:30pm Lacrosse 3:30pm-4:30pm Women’s Football 4:30pm-5pm Climbing Wall Climbing 2pm-5pm

2pm-4pm

TRY IT EARLY

Ideal for international students

FRIDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Sports Hall 1 Basketball 1pm-2pm Taekwondo 2pm-3pm Fencing 3pm-4pm Dance 4pm-5pm Badminton 6:30pm-7:30pm Climbing Wall Climbing 1pm-5pm

12pm-2pm 12pm-2pm 2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 4pm-5pm

Aerobics Studio Available for students: 1pm-3pm Classical Dance 3pm-4pm Hip Hop and Breakdancing 4pm-5pm Squash Courts Available for students: 1:40pm-7pm Squash 2pm-5pm

Outside Escape Pole Fitness

2pm-4pm

12pm-2pm 2pm-3pm 3pm-5pm 6pm-6:45pm

Sports Hall 2 Netball 12pm-2pm Available for students: 2pm-3pm Badminton 3pm-5pm Aerobics Studio Body Sculpt* 12pm-1pm Available for students: 1pm-5pm Studio Dance* 7:15pm-8pm Squash Courts Available for students: 1:30pm-5:30pm Astro Turf Hockey (WATCH IT) 12pm-1pm, 2pm-3pm & 4pm-5pm American Football 1pm-2pm Rugby Men, 3pm-3:30pm Rugby Women, 3:30pm-4pm

All available slots in the sports hall or squash courts can be used free of charge by students. Please book a slot and state what sport you would like to play at the Centre for Sport reception on 0117 32 86200 or just turn up. This is for 15th-20th September only. *places are limited. Sessions need to be booked through Reception on 0117 32 86200

FRESHERS’ WEEK EVENT GUIDE WATCH & TRY IT Come along and watch, then try, any of the UWESU Sports & Societies completely free of charge

TUESDAY 18th SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 19th THURSDAY 20th SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER Sports Hall 1 Basketball 12pm-2pm Taekwondo 2pm-3pm Ultimate Frisbee 3pm-4pm Cheerleading 4pm-5pm

Sports Hall 2 Available for students: 1pm-3pm Badminton 3pm-5pm

12pm-2pm 2pm-3pm 3pm-5pm

Squash Courts Available for students: 1:30pm-5:30pm Squash 3pm-5:30pm

Climbing Wall Climbing,

12pm-5pm

Fancy some social sport outside of the Students’ Union clubs? www.facebook.com/ uwesocialsportandedge www.twitter.com/ UWE_SPORTS_DEV

Aerobics Studio Spin* 12pm-1pm Available for students: 1pm-3pm Classical Dance 3pm-4pm Hip Hop and Breakdancing 4pm-5pm Body Blitz* 6pm-7pm Squash Courts Available for students: 1:30pm-5:30pm Squash 3pm-5:30pm Astro Turf Hockey 12pm-1pm & 3pm-5pm Men’s Football 1pm-2pm Rugby League 2pm-3pm

DO IT Freshers’ Fair, Friday 21st September, ECC, 11am-4pm Be sure to check out all the sports & societies stalls at the fair to pay your membership which will allow you to take part in them for the rest of the year!

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Astro Turf Hockey (WATCH IT) 2pm-2:30pm & 3:30pm-5pm Lacrosse 2:30pm-3:30pm

Sports Hall 2 Netball Jiu Jitsu Badminton

Sports Hall 1 Available for students: 1pm-2pm Fencing 2pm-3pm Taekwondo 3pm-4pm Badminton 4pm-5pm Zumba 5:30pm-6:25pm Sports Hall 2 Circuits 12pm-1pm Basketball 1pm-3pm Trampoline 3pm-5pm Aerobics Studio Available for students: 12pm-5pm Mixed Ability Pilates* 8pm-9pm Squash Courts Available for students: 1:30pm-5:30pm Squash 3pm-5:30pm Astro Turf Hockey (WATCH IT) 12pm-1pm & 2pm-3pm Athletics 1pm-2pm Women’s Football 3pm-4pm Cricket 4pm-5pm Climbing Wall Climbing 12pm-5pm

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Sports Hall 1 Nike Circuits 12pm-1pm Available for students: 1pm-2pm & 4pm-5pm Taekwondo 2pm-3pm Ultimate Frisbee 3pm-4pm

Aerobics Studio Available for students: 1pm-5pm Body Conditioning* 7:30pm-8:30pm

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JOINING IN

spo rts

fair

11am 4pm -

friday 21st september the event not to be missed for aallllstudents

s club

livemusic

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C THE EC AY H FRENC

fre eb ies

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s e i t socie

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bars