To include every student…you said, we did!

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Our mission statement is to unlock the potential and enrich the life of every student and that means that we aim to provide opportunities, facilities and services that include every student, regardless of what you’re studying and where.

You Said – “Improve transport services between Southampton and WSA”

The Students’ Union Did – We introduced the Shuttle Bus, a free service operating between the WSA and the University Highfield Campus, Monday-Friday during term-time from 8:00 to 20:00.

The two campuses are better connected and you are able to attend events at both locations.

 

You Said – ”Make your services more relevant to everyone“

The Students’ Union Did – We have asked you what you expect of us and we are currently reviewing our services to ensure they meet your needs, including the way the Union looks, feels and behaves.

Following your feedback, we have replaced JCRs with Halls Committees; we have hired a dedicated Insight Manager to understand you better; we are working in partnership with the University to improve teaching and support for International students. Your Full-Time Officers have also been regularly visiting NOC, WSA and SGH and Boldrewood University campuses to meet you face-to-face.

 

You Said – “Improve the representation at Winchester School of Art”

The Students’ Union Did – We created the Winchester Campus President position and run an election in October, when Ryan Notman-Watt was elected.

Ryan is here to represent your views both academically and socially, and to improve how you give feedback and make positive changes happen.  Meet Ryan and find out about his plans for the year here.

 

You Said – “Improve the experience of the mature student community”.

The Students’ Union Did – We organised events aimed at mature students including the Great Gatsby Dinner Dance and the Teddy Bear Picnic (where families were welcome) during Freshers’ Week. We also re-launched the weekly Postgraduate coffee morning with a Postgraduate Meet and Mingle to welcome new students. We are supporting the promotion of the Mature Student and Student Parent Network by meeting them regularly and helping to design a logo.

You have the opportunity to get to know other likeminded students and to access the support you need from the Union both academically and socially.

 

You Said – “We don’t have enough resources and support at WSA”

The Students’ Union Did – We provided new equipment for students including bean bags, plasma screen, games and craft equipment. We also employed Student Support Staff. We have organised a month full of events as part of Stress Less Fest (now known as You Are More Than…) to help you cope with your hand-ins as well as other social events throughout the year.

You have access to Students’ Union services and you are kept up-to-date with the latest information via face-to-face contact with dedicated WSA Union staff on a wide range of student issues.

 

You Said – “We want more events and activities at WSA”.

The Students’ Union Did – We organised a whole host of day and night-time events to cater to all tastes, such as:

• the WSA Freshers’ Week (a full week packed of events including Bunfight, Union Fayre, Mid-Autumn Festival and more)
• Shetland Tea,
• Regular Quiz and Curry socials,
• End of Term BBQ
• Creative Industries Career Seasons event
• and more.

You can enjoy events and activities specifically at Winchester, as well as the ones in Southampton.

 

You Said – “Improve how you communicate with us at WSA”

The Students’ Union Did – We established an official Facebook page for The Union – Winchester, and organised regular visits by our Sabbatical Officers and Communications team to keep you in the loop with everything that is happening.

You get the correct and relevant information you need as quickly as possible and offer the opportunity to talk to the Sabbatical Officers on-site.

 

You Said – “We need flexible working opportunities while we study at Winchester”.

The Students’ Union Did – We recruited a dedicated Winchester-based team known as the ‘Winchester crew’ to promote the Union activities at WSA. We also have a team of Design crew members who study at WSA to assist and facilitate with our campaigns.

You can earn money flexibly while you study, gain more experience and build a portfolio to unlock your potential.

 

You Said – “We want you to bring dogs to WSA, as you did for Highfield students”

The Students’ Union Did – We organised a Meet the Guide Dogs event at WSA for Freshers’ 2015

You had the opportunity to meet the guide dogs, see your feedback being implemented and receive the same service as other students.

 

We have many more examples of things that Students’ Union has improved or changed for you according to your feedback. Watch out for more on our social media and in this blog.

If there is something that you would like to change at the Students’ Union, please go to the Make a Change section of our website and submit your suggestions. Your elected Full-Time Officers read every post and answer them publicly on the site and many suggestions are discussed at Union Council.

Tags: Avenue Campus, Boldrewood Campus, connections, democracy, equality, events, feedback, have your say, Highfield Campus, NOC, representation, SGH, shuttle bus, student voice, students, Students Union, we did, Winchester, you said