It was all hands-on deck for our FTO’s during the month of August as they began counting down the days ahead of a jam-packed Freshers Week and the start of the new school year. Here’s exactly what went down in August!
We know that university life can get busy, so here’s the best bits if you’re in a hurry!
Cameron
Holly
Sebi
Rachel
Cameron – Student Union President
Student Housing Crisis in Edinburgh
As many of you will know housing in Edinburgh is a hotly contested market, especially during the months leading up to university and this was a large focus of Cameron’s work during August. His main objective was to ensure that students are considered during this difficult ‘Cost-of-Living’ crisis. This proved successful as the State of Student Housing Report 23/24 demonstrates the many challenges faced by students when searching for available and affordable housing. Cameron was involved in discussions with university management on this issue and agreements have been made to ensure communication and cost on housing will be better translated to Heriot-Watt students in the future. This should ease student stress surrounding housing in the future.
A more sustainable future at Heriot-Watt University
Another major issue tackled by Cameron in August was sustainability. Cameron is acting as a driving force toward making Heriot-Watt University a fossil-free university in the future. At Heriot-Watt we are constantly trying to find new and innovative ways to be a bit greener to do our bit for the planet.
We are now a living wage employer!
Cameron was accompanied by his fellow FTO’s in discussions with the Student Union Trustee Board who, because of these discussions, have approved the decision to pay the Real Living Wage. This will now see all staff at Heriot-Watt, including students, paid a more reasonable wage to adapt to the increasing Cost-of-Living crisis.
Racism and Discrimination will not be tolerated here!
The outburst of Far Right and Racist riots broke out in England in August and Cameron was quick to offer support and reassurance to new and existing students during this time. From everyone at the Student Union, we are united against such behaviour and instead want to promote a culture of inclusivity and acceptance for all our students here at Heriot-Watt. Diversity is what has made the Student Union here at Heriot-Watt what it is today, and we want to continue this going forward. Cameron is more than happy to hear from you regarding any issues or questions you may have on this topic. He can be contacted using the email provided; union.president@hw.ac.uk.
Improving the Student Experience
And finally, Cameron has also been meeting with external organisations, the University and other student officers to discuss various actions such as: security measures, additional support as a united community and to provide additional support services for students.
Holly – Student Union Vice President Academic
Queen Margaret University hosts Officer Training
Holly has been heavily involved in Officer Training and Development as part of her new role as Vice President for Academics. Holly attended the second part of SPARQ’s ‘That’s Quality’ training which took place at Queen Margaret University (QMU). This was a great way to meet and collaborate with other officers through a variety of exercises.
Giving BSL a go
Holly also attended an introductory British Sign Language (BSL) lesson and gave sign language a go!
A busy Freshers Week and Academic Reps recruitment
Holly was also involved in the organising and running of Fresher’s Week and many of the organised events that went with it. Alongside Freshers Week, Holly has been preparing for the start of the academic year by recruiting academic reps and organising the necessary training.
Improving the Student Voice structure
In correspondence with her manifesto, Holly has been looking at ways in which she can deliver on her manifesto by enhancing and empowering the student voice structure.
Sebi – Student Union Vice President Community
A wild week of fun filled entertainment at Freshers Week
With Sebi being our Vice President Community, it was his job to ensure that the new first years had plenty of fun during Freshers Week and boy did he deliver. Sebi says that his favourite events were the Gala Watt-Welcome Fair and the Edinburgh Pop Bingo which were both amazing events and this could be seen by the number of students in attendance. Thanks to all the students who came along to an event at the Union during Freshers. Welcome to Heriot-Watt and the Heriot-Watt Student Union.
Who are we? What do we do?
Sebi has also been practicing his presenting skills, not that he needs any practice, as he’s been chatting with early access students about the wonders of our Student Union. If you would like to learn more about our student union, who we are and what we do here, then please click the link provided here: Who We Are (hwunion.com) which will take you to our website to learn more.
Two-day Training Conference in Glasgow
In August, Sebi also attended a training conference through in Glasgow at Strathclyde University’s Student Union. The workshop was across 2-days and gave a great insight into the various issues faced by students in Scotland and the ways in which a Student Union can help combat these issues. Sebi says that the conference was also a great networking opportunity to meet and chat with other Sabbatical Officers from other Scottish Universities. Sebi was also involved in a staff training day of our own all about Neurodiversity. Put simply, Neurodiversity discusses the idea that each one of us has a different brain function and behavioural traits, making every one of us unique which was very insightful for Sebi and the rest of the team.
Rachel – Student Union Vice President Wellbeing
Great experiences at the development days in Glasgow
Similarly to Sebi, Rachel expressed their appreciation toward the development days that were held in Glasgow as it gave great insight into the experiences of other officers from many other Scottish Universities.
Initial talks sparked as new partnerships could be on the horizon
Rachel has been in contact with several new businesses and charities who may be suitable partners for the Student Union in the future. Whilst there is little to share on these talks yet, it appears there could be some exciting announcements coming your way soon, so stay tuned!
Offering a hand to all our new first year students!
Most of Rachel’s time however has been spent offering a warm welcome to all the new first year students who joined us during late August as well as adding the final touches to Freshers Week. As part of the new role, Rachel is the best officer to speak to regarding any wellbeing related issues or concerns you may have as a student. If you would like to get in contact, please do not hesitate to reach out via the email provided: Union.VPWellbeing@hw.ac.uk
With the start of the academic year in early September, we hope that everyone has settled back into their university routines.