NTSU November 2016 Update
It is almost coming to the end of term one and we would like to update you on what your Union has been getting up to on your behalf. If you haven’t already seen our video covering the fantastic things NTSU has been doing for you, make sure you watch it here.
Achievements over the past year
Lecture Capture: If you’re in a lecture room with a capacity of at least 50 students, lecture capture equipment has been installed. The system is based on audio recording that links to PowerPoint or other visuals. Completed recordings will automatically appear under 'My Media Files' in the corresponding NOW module learning room(s) so you can refer back to lecture content online.
Trent Talent: Earlier this year, we put on the first ever Trent Talent show which provided students with a platform to showcase their various talents. There were cash prizes for the top 3 performers and the winner performed live at the Grad Ball. Keep an eye out for info about this year’s event coming soon.
Varsity Series: Every year, we compete with the University of Nottingham in a series of sporting events. Last year’s series was the biggest one ever, with sold out events and #NottsVarsity trended in the UK top 10 on twitter twice! Keep an eye out for info about this year’s series coming soon.
SOS (Stamp Out Stress): This is our initiative that helps students deal with high stress exam/coursework periods. During key times of year we put on a number of chill out activities across all campuses including massages, puppy rooms and much more.
Pushed for a larger number of academic societies: Outside of the classroom, there is a need for more social learning activity so students can better support and learn from each other. Although some fantastic academic societies already exist, NTSU is now pushing for more of them to add a social aspect to the education the students receive while they’re here at NTU.
Degree show funding: Historically, students studying on courses in the Art and Design school, as well as the Architecture, Design and Built Environments school, had to raise money for their final year degree shows, which cost a lot of time and money! Working with the University, NTSU has helped to secure funding for these degree shows, allowing students on these courses to concentrate on producing their best work rather than having to spend time and energy raising money as well.
Recent wins
In line with the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), universities across the UK can now increase fees for new and current students depending on the level they achieve on the TEF. Following consultation with the Students’ Union, the University decided to delay implementation of any increase in fees until the 17/18 intake onwards. This means any increase will not affect current students. Furthermore, it was decided that students that are starting in 17/18 will finish their academic studies on the same fees they start on.
To read more about the TEF, follow any of these links:
http://www.hefce.ac.uk/lt/tef/
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/teaching-excellence-framework
Laundry costs at Brackenhurst: Some students at Brackenhurst have to wear overalls and work outdoors for a large part of their course, incurring extra laundry costs because these overalls cannot be washed with their regular clothes. Working with the University, we’re glad to announce that these students will now have these laundry costs covered by their courses and will no longer have to bear the cost themselves.
Improving NTSU shops and diners: Progress has recently been made on our campus shops and diners. In the shops, we’ve expanded our vegetarian range based on student feedback. We’ve also brought in a new healthy lifestyle range which is proving to be very popular. Hopefully we can continue to make further improvements and widen the range of products offered to you.
In our diners, you will find a revamped menu. Introduced at the start of this academic year, it has a new kids menu, a high protein/low carb menu, plus a wider selection of vegetarian and gluten free dishes. Our bars also stock various new drinks like Dark Fruit Strongbow.
International Opportunity Showcase: We recently put on the International Opportunity Showcase for students to find out about the various opportunities available for working, volunteering and studying abroad. Students can do this either as a placement year, by taking time out of their studies, or by going abroad during holiday periods between term-time. We had lots of companies attend the SU to promote their opportunities and how they can help students to apply for them.
Volunteering and Part Time Jobs Fair: We recently held a fair which allowed students seeking part time work to find out about local vacancies. Local, national and international volunteering opportunities were always on display at the fair.
Inter-halls sports competition: Twice a month, there is an inter-halls sports competition which runs throughout the academic year. Taking part in this is a fantastic opportunity for you to represent your 1st year halls of residence. A wide variety of sports are being played and the competition is open to everyone that currently lives in a hall of residence or lived in one during their first year. Don’t worry if you are not a super-athlete – this is a competition with the emphasis on fun! There are some awesome prizes up for grabs so make sure you get involved by talking to your hall rep.
Coming up
Union Meeting: We have the first Union Meeting for this academic year coming up on Tuesday 29th November. We are holding one meeting per term, rotated across each campus through the year. The Union Meeting for this term will be held on Brackenhurst campus in the Bramley building (TG 10) from 5pm - 7pm.
This meeting is for all NTU students, not just those studying at Brack. Transport will be provided for students not based at Brack and will leave from the City site. The meeting will also be streamed online for those that cannot attend the meeting in person. Details regarding buses and streaming will be advertised on the Union website and social media closer to the date, so look out for that and make sure you take part. The meeting is a chance for you to hold your elected officers to account and find out more about what your Students’ Union is doing for you.
And finally…
Yes, we know that’s a long list, but that just shows how much work NTSU does on your behalf. It is changes and activities like these that make engaging with your Students’ Union so important and allow you to make the most of your time at NTU. Don’t forget to vote in our elections during term two so that we can continue doing lots of awesome work for NTU students. Also, look out for our end of term round-up covering even more things we have achieved for you!
Thanks for reading!
NTSU Exec Team 2016/17
