Posted on Fri 28 Aug 2015 at 16:52 by
Matthew Humberstone
Time for my first update of the year which is definitely overdue!
Inclusivity Award
Many students say that the best thing about university life is the student groups they are involved in whether that's diversity and support, media, sport, societies, enterprise or volunteering. It's therefore really important that we make sure everyone feels that they can get involved in any groups that take their interest.
I've spent a lot of time this summer improving the Inclusivity Award, a fantastic innovative idea that helps student groups think about and remove barriers to participation. It's a way to make sure that student groups are being as welcoming as possible to students from all different backgrounds and that comes in a variety of forms. It might be ensuring that venues used for socials have wheelchair access, creating a campaign to stamp out homophobia or running activities during the day so that student parents/part time students don't miss out.
Changes I've made to the Inclusivity Award have included:
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Introducing a 3 point action plan for less admin and more focus
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Providing example solutions to the problems presented
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Removing repetition and improving usability
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Reducing the guidance document down to 2 pages (from 6!)
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Reviewing and altering the barriers to participation
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Improving and clarifying the support that is on offer for student groups throughout the year
It's now really easy to take part and achieve the Inclusivity Award so hopefully more student groups will not only change the way they do things but also get recognised for their efforts in creating an environment that is welcoming to everyone! If you're on a committee, make sure you get involved!
Personal Goals
All your SU Officers have 2 or 3 personal goals - things that we want to work on lots this year - I'll go into more detail on mine in a few weeks but it's official: my 3 personal goals are on Local Community, Mental Health and Housing!
Top Ten
We have also been working as a team on creating our Top Ten - 10 key issues that we will be working with (or challenging) the University on - it's not too long to wait until they are officially announced!
The Rest
Some of the other things I've been involved in so far:
- Improved the Hardship Fund application form so applying for financial support is easier
- Sat on 2 interview panels for new SU staff members
- Decided on the themes of our THINK campaigns for the year
- Hosted officers from Dundee and Southampton Students' Unions
- Attended graduation ceremonies, local events and conferences and various training in Warwick, Exeter and Leeds
- Taste tested a new burger for The Plug's menu!
- And much much more!
As always, if you think there's something you think I should be working on or aware of, let me know!