It has been another busy month here at the Student Union for our FTO’s, so here’s everything that they got up to throughout October
For those of you who need a quick recap, we got you!
Cameron
- Discussions surrounding student issues with University leadership and
- Meetings with Edinburgh Council to advocate for improved student housing strategy
- Continued work with national housing campaigns for future improvements
- Lobby down in London with NUS was a great success
- Evaluation on how we – The Student Union – can better represent students
Holly
- Academic Congress discussions
- Class Rep Celebration
- A hugely successful Wellbeing Week
- NUS campaigning day through in Glasgow
- Continued push to further represent students
Sebi
- Galaween planning for an awesome night to remember
- Sustainability Week is almost upon us
- Another Sustainability Forum session
- Recruitment for Sustainability Week Rep
- Lending a hand throughout Wellbeing Week
Rachel
- Wellbeing Week was amazing in Edinburgh and Galashiels
- A month full of celebration for Black History Month
- Ongoing recruitment for two new Black Voices Advocates
- Let’s put an end to gender-based violence and instead promote equality
- Initial planning ahead of the fast-approaching Disability History Month
Cameron
University Leadership, Edinburgh Council and National Housing Campaigns
Cameron started the month by meeting with University leadership to discuss key issues that affect us all. From housing costs to student satisfaction goals, he made sure your voices are heard at every level. In these meetings, the University leadership set ambitious goals, like pushing for an 87% student satisfaction score and better student-focused policies. Cameron also met with Edinburgh Council to advocate for a more student-friendly housing strategy, and he further continued to work alongside national housing campaigns to address rising costs and push for real improvements.
National Union of Students (NUS) Lobby Day in London
Cameron was also involved in the National Union of Students (NUS) Lobby Day in London with other student leaders to meet MPs and campaign for fairer housing and support for international and low-income students. At this gathering, discussions were focused on removing barriers like guarantor requirements that impact students’ ability to secure affordable housing. It was powerful to see student advocacy in action, and Cameron had productive meetings with key MPs who seemed receptive to our push for urgent housing reforms.
Representation Review
To wrap things up for the month, Cameron has been working on our Representation Review, which will shape how we operate as a union to represent you even better. This includes everything from focus groups to surveying students, analysing feedback, and planning potential changes to improve your experience. We’re looking to ensure every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to make a difference on campus.
Holly
Academic Representation
Holly was involved in Academic Congress discussions in which a variety of key student issues were brought up and discussed.
Wellbeing Week
Holly absolutely loved Wellbeing Week and was even involved In helping out at our academic workshop sessions which included our study skills workshop and our feedback workshop which gave students the opportunity to attend and learn suitable techniques that could help with preparation for upcoming exams as well as interpreting teacher feedback to improve coursework. These sessions were brilliant and highly valued by those who came and got involved.
NUS Campaigns Day in Glasgow
Holly was also through in Glasgow during October to partake in the NUS Campaigns Day which was a valuable opportunity to collaborate with other officers and work together on National Campaigns such as Housing which remains a prevalent issue amongst Scottish students.
More Student Representation
Holly was also involved in many committee meetings in which she represents the voices of students to improve the quality of university life.
Sebi
Galaween and Watt’s My Age?
As Halloween is virtually upon us, Sebi has been applying the finishing touches to our Galaween and Watt’s My Age Again party nights which appear to be the hottest parties in town on the 31st. So, make sure to come along! More
Sustainability Week
Sustainability Week is right around the corner and will be running from the 4th – 8th of November. So, let’s consider all the ways we can play apart in the sustainability movement towards a greener future. If you want to get involved in discussions surrounding sustainability on a university scale, then consider joining Sebi for the next Sustainability Forum as our most recent meeting was hugely successful with students coming together and deciding that a clothes swap during Sustainability Week would be a good addition. So, look out for that during Sustainability Week along with a wide range of additional events and activities.
Sustainability Rep Recruitment
We are also currently recruiting for a Sustainability Rep, so if you happen to be interested in the role or simply want to find out a little bit more, then please don’t hesitate to contact Sebi (VP Community) at: Union.VPCommunity@hw.ac.uk
Wellbeing Week
Sebi was also involved in helping during Wellbeing Week by hosting a Trivia Night down in Gala. He also had great fun helping with the planning and running of our Feel-Good Fest 2024 and said that Wellbeing Week was a great way to help everyone de-stress from university.
Rachel
Wellbeing Week Success
Both in Galashiels and Edinburgh, Wellbeing Week was a massive success! There was variety of exciting events held throughout the week and some of the highlights included our super messy tie-dye tote bags event, the Feel Good Fest (FGF) duck hunt challenge, and who could forgot the biggest attraction of the week: our Puppy Yoga event which was completely sold out as 90 people got to meet, play, and do some yoga with our fluffy friends from Puppy Yoga Edinburgh!
Black History Month
Celebrations have been in full swing, with Black History Month (BHM) posters on display around both the union and university. These displays have drawn attention to Black history and culture, and the month will wrap up with two exciting events to close on a high note.
Black Voices Advocates Recruitment
The union is actively recruiting two new Black Voices Advocates to help amplify Black perspectives and foster representation. This application is still open, so if you happen to be interested in applying you can view the job description and apply here. Alternatively, if you have any additional questions regarding this position, feel free to contact Rachel (VP Wellbeing) at: Union.VPWellbeing@hw.ac.uk
Planning Ahead
Planning for the 16 Days of Advocacy for the international campaign aimed at ending gender-based violence, promoting equality, and empowering people to advocate for change: also, for Disability History Month celebrating the achievements of disabled individuals while raising awareness of historical and present-day challenges in accessibility and inclusivity.