On 26 March, students, representatives from the Highfield residents’ association and members of the local police force, met together for Building Bridges, a scheme aimed at strengthening ties between students and the wider Southampton community.

Main goals of the project include:

A campaign to raise awareness of crime prevention measures among students and families living in the area, to stop them becoming victims of crime.  This would involve the production of three newsletters, which would be delivered to every household in the area, a new website and a new social media campaign..

Three future social events to ensure that students … Read the rest

Not to be confused with the ETAs, the EVAs (Excellence Volunteering Awards) are an annual event to celebrate the amazing achievements of all the different volunteering that happens within the Union.

There are seven categories that students nominate fellow students from including commitment, leadership, innovation, collaboration and impact. Both individuals and groups have the chance to be recognised in one of the biggest events of the year.

Talking about the EVAs VP Engagement and previous winner, Claire Gilbert said: “EVAs are a brilliant chance to discover all the amazing things our students do – [last year] I was so impressed … Read the rest

On Wednesday February 5^th, Solent Students Union and University of Southampton Students’ Union are teaming up with Bite the Ballot to hold a day of coordinated action, aimed at empowering students through registering to vote.

Bite the Ballot (bitetheballot.co.uk) is a party neutral organisation aimed at increasing voter engagement among young people. In the 2010 General Election, only 56% of 18-24 year olds were registered to vote, and just 44% voted. This is compared to 96% of people aged 65+ registered, with 76% of that age group voting.

Claire Gilbert, VP Engagement at University Students’ Union, … Read the rest

SUSU are pleased to announce that VP Welfare, Beckie Thomas is recovering well and has returned home!  Beckie recently took a break from her post at SUSU after experiencing a climbing accident. During this time SUSU’s priority has been Beckie’s welfare and recuperation, covering her work with Sabatical officers, Claire Gilbert and Olie Coles.

Union President, David Gilani commented, “It’s fantastic that Beckie is recovering so quickly. The kind messages from staff and students all over Southampton have just been incredible. I’m also extremely proud of Oli Coles and Claire Gilbert who have stepped up to cover the workload of … Read the rest

Last night at the Excellence in Volunteering Awards we paid tribute to the heroic volunteers, both groups and individuals, who dedicate so much effort and time to delivering all kinds of services, events and activities to their peers.

This year we received an astounding 436 nominations across the seven award categories, and each of the nominees received a certificate to recognise their achievements.

We are very pleased to announce that this year’s Excellence in Volunteering winners are:

Collaboration Award

Winner – Pure Dance
Highly Commended – Adam Dales
Highly Commended – Stage Soc

Impact Award

Winner – Cameroon Catalyst… Read the rest

After weeks of nominations, campaigning and a very busy few days of voting we’re pleased to introduce you to your next team of Sabbatical Officers!

Union President – David Gilani
VP Democracy & Creative Industries – David Martin
VP Education – David Mondoza-Wolfson
VP Engagement – Claire Gilbert
VP Sports Development – Evan Whyte
VP Student Communities – Oli Coles
VP Welfare – Rebecca Thomas

For the first time ever we’ve elected your Sabbatical Officers, Student Leaders, Trustees and Union Councillors at the same time – and the winners of the biggest Elections we’ve ever held were finally revealed last … Read the rest