Fight. Fight. Fight. We face many fronts as students in 2015 and we must face them with courageously and in unity.
Fight. Fight. Fight. We face many fronts as students in 2015 and we must face them with courageously and in unity. Our university suffered greatly in 2014 due to league tables, delays at Fferm Penglais and university staff strikes to name a few, but the end of 2014 paved the way for rejuvenating news; successful REF results and the announcement of a part funded Welsh Government project; Aberystwyth University Innovation and Enterprise Campus. These were greatly appreciated and bitterly needed Christmas presents for the University and its students. We know that a lot can change here at Aberystwyth University and as we sprint to catch up with competitors, your voice has never mattered more. I am committed, as ever, to uphold the statement that when necessary we shall negotiate and in the face of inequality, unjust and substandard services we shall challenge the university. In order for the student voice to remain at the heart of Aberystwyth University decisions, we will have to do both.
1. New Year’s Resolution: If you are in your final year, remember to fill in the NSS! If you are a student at Aberystwyth University; let us or the University know your issues, because they are not minor and we really do want to do something about it.
Once again, those in their final years will be asked to fill in the NSS (National Student Survey) in order to evaluate your experience here at the University from academic feedback to the work we do at the Students’ Union. We strongly encourage you to fill this survey in, and truthfully express your opinion about Aberystwyth University. But remember, as a student, you are encouraged to express any concern with the University at any time; or make the Students’ Union officers aware of an issue that needs our attention. In most cases, we are able to solve issues relatively quickly. Sometimes, your concerns are not individual and often we rely on your grievance in order to ascertain its severity and raise it with the University. We acknowledge that you were unhappy with the experience at the Students’ Union – which is why we have already implemented a series of changes, making sure we are transparent, that you are included and that our services are accessible. That was my mission statement as I was elected and one that remains for the duration of my term in office.
2. New Year’s Resolution: Register to vote in the UK General Election, because it’s the easiest one and possibly the most important one you can accomplish this year!
As we enter the general election bubble, students of all ages and backgrounds will be asked to cast their vote. Some have argued that students have been let down in the past by many political parties and there is still much to be done in the Higher Education sector, so your voice at the ballot is extremely important. This firstly, can only be achieved through registering. Please do not find yourself in May, as the one who was determined to vote but couldn’t because you forgot to register in time. If you, like many a student, have not yet decided on a political party or perhaps has already decided that you will not be voting this year, I strongly encourage you to register, and allow the next couple of months to help you solidify or shape a decision. Five months is a long time in the world of politics and you may sooner or later find yourself with the urge to use the vote. At the Students’ Union we will be joining Ceredigion Council and NUS Wales’ initiatives to get you registered and we will shortly be launching our internal initiative, which will call on you to become electoral ambassadors; encouraging students to register, guiding them through the registration process, and ultimately pointing them in the right direction to the voting stations in Ceredigion.
Myth buster: You can register at more than one location i.e. at your term time address and your home address. Let the next five months help you decide if you wish to vote in Ceredigion or at your home address. This means effectively registering twice. Remember, although you can register in multiple locations you can only vote once! For information on whether or not you are entitled to vote please visit……
3. New Year’s Resolution: Students’ Union Events
I pledged to bring new events to the Students’ Union and this year I will introduce One World Week, O Gymru (From Wales) Festival and Speak Week to the entertainment calendar.
Speak Week (9th February), will play host to series of intellectual, fascinating and exciting talks from Aber Alumni, current staff and honorary fellows under the event Aber Talks. The week will also include the ‘A night with… a Free Speech Movement’ where local and national poets and free speech activists converge in Brynamlwg for a night of inspiring thoughts. The week will also allow students to strengthen their political edge and speak out on different themes including the launch of a community led project called ‘We are Aberystwyth’. Want to have a say in your community and help influence the decisions made? Join us for this great week!
One World Week (16th March), in partnership with the International Office at the University will be a cultured week in order for our International Students to share their cultures and languages with fellow students, to prove that Aberystwyth University students are truly diverse. The week, full of song, dance, colour and food will be a campus wide initiative bringing all students together. More details to be announced soon.
4. New Year’s Resolution: Consider standing a Students’ Union election position
It will soon be that time of year when you think of standing to become a Full-time or Part-time officer at the Students’ Union. AND MY JOB IS UP FOR THE TAKING! If you want to have a chat or know more about what I do – please don’t hesitate to ask. Or you could always stand for any other position.
5. New Year’s Resolution: See Wales win the Rugby World Cup
Well, I couldn’t resist.
6. New Year’s Resolution: Llanbadarn!
Through our Campus Forums that cover all the campuses in Aberystwyth, we want to hear your concerns or issues. We want to act on them too! We are working to find a social space at Llanbadarn and on improving transportation links for you between campuses!
7. New Year’s Resolution: Commitment from University on Aber Cards
I pledged to lobby the University to allow students the opportunity to spend THEIR money where THEY wanted on campus. I hope to get that commitment from the university!
There will be more news, highlights and announcements to follow in our ‘Ein Hundeb/ Our Union’ Newspaper at the end of January. So remember to grab your copy.
Remember to get involved and support your Students’ Union! 2015 will be the best year of your university life, if you do.