Activities Officer Blog

It has been two months since I started as Activities Officer and I am not really sure where all that time went! I've settled into my new office, built a network of contacts and a have a grasp of how stuff works around here... I think. It hasn't been easy, there have been a fair few changes in the Students’ Union over the past few months and  I will update you on these later on this blog.

Handover with the team was really fun; I learned a lot and it was emotional having to say goodbye to the 16/17 Officer Team, but here's to this year! I am super excited to see what this Dream Team will achieve through working together.

So, I guess you're all wondering what have I been up to in the past two months?

I started my first week and felt a little lost as the old team was gone and I wasn't shadowing anymore so I had to organise my office, which was great because I love stationery... anyway I sorted out my whiteboard and now I’m ready to go!

My work and meetings have been busy so far but here are a few things to highlight:

1. I got into a gown and wore a mortarboard and got to see hundreds of students graduate during the recent summer ceremonies.

2. I've been having regular catch-ups and updates with The Edge operations staff which will help better the relationship between The SU and The Edge.

3. Attended my first NUS conference as an Officer in Leeds - Lead and Change! Not only did I get to meet lots of other Activities Officers from across the country, I also got to represent Bath, discuss different perspectives on how to approach challenges and have a think about my goals for the year.

4. Dates have been set for Go Green week and planning is well underway.

5. Sat on my first Board of Studies with the School of Management and voiced the student opinion on exam feedback.

6. Inputting into the new rebrand for the SU.

7. Attended the Chancellor's dinner in celebration of the 50th anniversary.

8. Held the first meeting to discuss my tier system idea, which will help to protect minority groups within societies.

9. Attended a very useful session on Chair training which was put on by Mr President himself.

10. Working with our new Student Enterprise Coordinator, Catalina, on how we can improve our Enterprise groups. I am very excited to be visiting Loughborough with her in September to see how they do it there and what ideas we can use to develop our groups here!

11. Moved to a new office too so you can now find me here:

(Where the ARC used to be, next to finance office)

There have been a fair few wins already too:

1. Top Ten has been finalised which is great! One of my top priorities for this year is The Edge and improving student space provision in there, as well as creating sustainability within the curriculum and wider university environmental practices which I am excited to work with People and Planet on.

2. I have got more money for societies this year.

3. Additionally, Backstage Training funds have been guaranteed every year, which will help ensure that the society continues to succeed but also creates more money for other societies!

4. Secured a new sound and lighting system for the Arts Lecture Theatre which will benefit many students involved in Arts.

5. Working with our new Skills and Development Coordinator, Alix, to put on our first ever Student Leader Conference, which will help our leaders develop their skills as this conference will provide lots of workshops and training session that they can attend, for FREE!

What other things have I been up to?

We had some fun individual and team photos taken in our new stash, all rebranded up!

What’s coming up that I am looking forward to?

A big one is Freshers' Week, I am very excited to welcome our new students to Bath and get them involved with the SU! I’ll be working with all society committee members to ensure that they are set and ready to welcome the Freshers' during Freshers’ Week, as well as preparing myself for open days, organising training for our new socs exec and committee members, and putting strategic plans together for the Top Ten.

Finally..

I have been having a great time this summer so far I visited Silverstone to go and watch the Grand Prix and had a lovely sunny holiday in Croatia for two weeks!

Also, I've been keeping up to date with my bullet journal which I have established that I have too many pens for now as they don't all fit in my pencil case. But it's helping me to stay organised which should help with this job!

Anyway, that's all from me. I hope you're all having a great summer and I look forward to seeing you all when you are back in Bath in September! If you want to get in touch with me then please feel free to email me on suactivities@bath.ac.uk