Posted on Tue 02 Feb 2016 at 17:10 by
Matthew Humberstone
Semseter 1 is over and so here's an update of just some of the things I have achieved so far this year:
Mental Health
- Encouraged the University to create a 3 year Mental Health Action Plan and we have just had our first meeting to discuss key themes and the next steps
- Worked with Student Services to make huge improvements to counselling including the introduction of drop-ins, big improvements to the self-referral form, the introduction of interim support for students that are waiting for an appointment and improved signposting to self-help resources
- Encouraged the University to undertake a Time to Change Mini Healthcheck to audit its mental health practices, policies and interventions
- Secured agreement of continued funding for Student Minds which has got off to an amazing start with their first Positive Minds Course being fully subscribed
- Organised a bigger and better Stress Free Campus campaign to encourage students to take break over the revision/exam period
- Worked with NUS (National Union of Students) on a national mental health campaign
Housing
- Discussed the recent housing shortage issues with many key stakeholders, including many members of both universities, the Council and residents associations resulting in significant recognition of the urgency to act on the student housing crisis and some positive steps being taken
- Challenged the Council on its assumptions and figures in planning documents relating to prospective student numbers and accommodation needs
- Made it easier to report poor housing conditions and unlicensed HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) on the Council's website
- Launched a Rate My Mould campaign to demonstrate the poor housing conditions in Bath and the need for action to be taken to improve housing conditions for students
- Reported 4 letting agents to Trading Standards for lack of clarity over their fees, 3 of which have been reported again due to inaction
Inclusivity
- Made lots of improvements to the Inclusivity Award and now 30 groups are taking part, focusing on a number of key actions over the year to remove barriers to participation that some groups of students may experience
- Improved the Incident Reporting Mechanism and started making it more visible
- Improved Freshers' Week reporting mechanisms and equality and diversity training
- Encouraged a range of improvements to the accessibility reporting mechanism
- Inputted into accessibility audit to make campus safer and easier for students with disabilities
Other Significant Achievements
- Worked with Student Services to establish bursaries for estranged students
- Made changes to the Hardship Fund application form to make it more accessible and inclusive
- Encouraged the creation of the ongoing volunteering map
- Challenged the University on its increases in nursery fees
- Raised awareness of asexuality
- Secured funding for a range of activities and initiatives to improve the international student experience
- Worked with Hall Reps to identify accommodation issues, such as cold rooms, to get them dealt with quickly
- Encouraged the University to make improvements to laundry facilites and they are now planning to introduce an alternative provider to create competition and therefore improve quality and affordability
This certainly isn't a complete list and there's a number of things that I'm working on now that should be completed soon! If there's anything you think I should be focussing on, let me know (sucommunity@bath.ac.uk)!
Could you be the next SU Community Officer?
Nominations close for the SU Officer elections on Friday 19th February
If you're even just slightly interested, arrange a chat with me so you can find out more about what the role involves and ask any questions - I'm more than happy to meet!