Do Sabbs Actually Do Anything? – Student Engagement
“It’s halfway through what has been an extremely exciting term in office for the Sabbaticals. To mark the new year, the Sabbatical team are writing mid-term reports to update you with what we’ve been up to and the sorts of things we’ve been dealing with, as well as the plans we have for the remaining 6 months.
You can read up on our regular reports to Union Council and goals here, as well as our manifestos (just click on your favourite face) here, and remember, in a month’s time, we’ll be electing the next Sabbatical team – so if you have any questions about our roles – get in touch!
Also, next Tuesday and Wednesday at 5pm, we’re running a Twitter Q&A session – just use #askSUSUsabbs and join the discussion! –
The Sabbatical Team”
Over the Christmas period I got a bit of a head start on mid term reflection through the #Engage12 Series. So I think I will use this opportunity to summarise some of the successes of the Student Engagement team since july.We kicked off the year by welcoming over 4500 new students to our community (or as I like to think the SUSU family). During freshers week we enabled students to finally do what they love with an awesome bunfight including our new online get involved site.RAG once again organised the infamous Naked RAG Calendar which has raised more money for charity than any previous. On top of this Union Films have been beavering away bringing us three epic movie marathons in the form of Avengers, Halloween, and Batman!
In the world of Student Enterprise we have been working with Fish on Toast and the university to trial business incubators, the first step in the uni backing their commitment to enterprise. This term we have also secured new portable flooring and mirrors for dance use in classes, practice, competitions and performances.
Over the past months we have been working hard to get Societies media wide and up the online presence of these student groups. Those of you who are living in halls we have elected brand new JCR Committees to represent your views and organise your social calendars!
The next big thing project has finally realised its potential and the start of formation of a Performing Arts Strategy is looking bright. On top of this RAG have stepped up their fundraising and have been organising raids to big cities! (Check out the video below to see how Dave and I got on, on one of the more recent raids.)
On top of this Performing Arts have been working with careers destinations to trial arts specific empolyability sessions.
One of the successes that I really want to take time to finish on has to be the increase in the Societies budgets. This year between Societies and Performing Arts the committees have received £82,000 from SUSU to allocate to groups. To date the committee has allocated £57,593.81, this is already £20k more than we allocated the whole of last academic year!
All in all its been a pretty good term and im looking forward to the rest of the year working on my council plans.
Smurphy x
22/01/2013 at 12:06 pm Permalink
I really enjoyed following your Engage series over the Christmas break, Shane. The amount you do to support your student leaders is fantastic, which is clear to see from your involvement in RAG on their raids, supporting the JCRs to set up Refreshers’ Week activity, and even today with Union Films for their DCI proposal. You’re a great Sabb and don’t get told it enough!
22/01/2013 at 4:15 pm Permalink
^Shane top commenting on your own page
23/01/2013 at 1:17 pm Permalink
Hi Fred,
Unfortunately even i’m not sad enough to comment on my own blog. Thanks for your feedback though!
Shane