Students’ Association

GCU LondonScottish Charity No. SC022887

OUR MISSIONTo represent and enable GCU students to enhance all aspects of their student experience

OUR VISIONThat our students will have an outstanding experience that will live with them forever

OUR VALUES

Hello and welcome to GCU from your Student Executive Team here at the Students’ Association.

Our job is to represent you and to try and make your lives better as students. We shall also work to make sure your time at GCU London is enjoyable.

We are based in Glasgow but please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we are regualrly in touhc with your GCU London Rep to support them.

Have a good year, Matt, Neill, Sinead and MonikaFull Time Officers 2013-14

Diversity We are proud of our diverse student body and are dedicated to activities that celebrate this diversity.

Community We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, allowing students to form and build upon strong, lasting relationships that contribute into an enjoyable and productive University life.

Participation We promote and provide the opportunity for widespread involvement through sports, societies, volunteering and in all our activities.

Fun We are dedicated and passionate about the professional nature of working for students whilst maintaining a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Support We provide a high level of consistent, reliable, confidential and independent support, ensuring the welfare of all our students.

Leadership Throughout all our activities we encourage students to become leaders, to take pride in their University and fellow students, enabling them to be outstanding graduates.

www.caledonianstudent.com

CONTENTS PAGE

FULL TIME OFFICERS 3

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION 4

GCU LONDON REP 4

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES 5

NUS 5

ADVICE CENTRE 6

STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAMME 7

ACTIVITIES

SOCIETIES 8

THE EDIT MAGAZINE 9

RADIO CALEY 9

EVENTS 10

EVENTS TEAM 10

ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF ULU 10

VOLUNTEERING 10

@GCUSA_VPW

@

GCUSA_President

Matt Lamb Student

Presidentstudentpresident@gcu.ac.uk

call: 0141 273 1601

Sinead Wylie

Vice President Wellbeingvpw@gcu.ac.ukcall: 0141 273 1612

@GCUSA_VPE

Neill Clark

Vice President Education

vpe@gcu.ac.ukcall: 0141 273 1602

@GCUSA_VPA

Monika MacDonald

Vice President Activitiesvpa@gcu.ac.uk

call: 0141 273 1616

Find out more about your elected Full Time Officers at

www.caledonianstudent.com

FULL TIME OFFICERSElected by you, to represent you.

Student President: I can help you by making sure your University and Students’

Association works the way you want

it to.

VP Wellbeing: I can help you with general wellbeing, your mental and

sexual health, your safety and your

happiness.

VP Education: I can help you with your academic life

including feedback, contact time and learning facilities.

VP Activities: I can help you get more out of uni life through our Sports Clubs, Societies, Media Groups,

Events Programme and Active Lifestyles

Programme.

GCU STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION LONDON HANDBOOK 2013-14

4

www.caledonianstudent.com/gculondon

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONThe Students’ Association can be found on level 2 sharing an office with the Positive Living Room in the Student Learning zone at GCU London. The Students’ Association employs a Students’ Association Co-ordinator at GCU London.

GCU LONDON REPThe GCU London Rep is responsible for representing the views of GCU London students. They help organise events and activities and collecting fellow students’ opinions and views. The GCU London Rep receives expenses for carrying out this role (£150 per Trimester).

The GCU London Rep is responsible for campaigning to improve your student experience working closely with the Students’ Association Co-ordinator and the Full Time Officers.

T: 0141 273 1764E: studentsassociation@gculondon.ac.uk

OFFICE HOURS (May change on occasion)Monday 11.00am - 7.00pmWednesday 11.00am - 7.00pmThursday 9am - 5pm

Sayeed TuronStudents’ Association Co-ordinator(GCU London)

FULL TIME OFFICERSEvery year we elect four full time officers. These officers are paid positions based at the Glasgow Campus and represent all GCU students to the University and Nationally, through the National Union of Students (NUS). The elections take place in March and information about them will be available from December. Any GCU student can stand in the elections.

Please feel free to get in touch with any of the Full Time Officers if you have any questions or comments. Contact information for the Full Time Officers can be found on page 3.

GCU London RepAbdullah Al-Juma

5WWW.CALEDONIANSTUDENT.COM/GCULONDON FACEBOOK.COM/GCUSALONDON @GCUSAINFO

www.caledonianstudent.com/classreps

www.caledonianstudent.com/NUS

CLASS REPRESENTATIVESEvery programme within the University should have Class Representatives at every level – usually two but sometimes more. Class Reps are there to let lecturers know when there are problems so that things can get fixed quickly rather than turning into a bigger problem. They are also there to let lecturers know what students like about the course so that they will know to keep doing them!

There are also representatives for students studying for taught and research postgraduate qualifications and so every GCU student has a representative for academic issues.

Each year some Class Representatives are given the opportunity to become School Officers and become involved in higher level representation in their Schools. The School Officer role receives a small payment each trimester. These roles are normally appointed at the end of each academic year.

REPRESENTATIONAt Glasgow Caledonian University, the Students’ Association is here to make sure your needs as a student are represented at every level to make sure you have the best possible student experience.In order to do this we support Class Representatives on every programme, have our own democratic decision making body, Student Voice, and are led by four students in full time positions, the Executive Committee, who you get to vote for each year. We are also affiliated to the National Union of Students along with most other university and college students’ associations to work together to extend, defend and promote the rights of students.

Representation also means running and supporting campaigns to improve your time at GCU. From taking part in demonstrations and organising petitions through to lobbying the university and government – we’ll be there fighting for you.

Every student at GCU can make a difference by sharing their Ideas for improving the student experience at www.caledonianstudent.com/ideas.

NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTSThe Students’ Association is a member of the National Union of Student (NUS) which means all students at GCU are members too. NUS is a national campaigning body which exists to promote, defend and extend the rights of students. As part of NUS we work together with other students’ associations from across the country to campaign and lobby the government to ensure the best outcome for our students. We are always looking for students who want to get involved in national campaigns. Whether it’s taking part in a demo or writing to your MSP, you can help us make a difference.

GCU STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION LONDON HANDBOOK 2013-14

6

STUDENT ADVICEIf you are experiencing personal or academic problems whilst studying at GCU then come and talk to us in the Students’ Association. We provide a free non-judgemental and confidential service to all GCU students. The Students’ Association Co-ordinator works on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday but you can also contact the Advice Centre based on the Glasgow Campus anytime between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday by phoning 0141 273 1650 or emailing studentadvice@gcu.ac.uk if you need support.

We provide independent and confidential advice, guidance and representation to students on academic procedures such as Mitigating Circumstances, Academic Appeals, Student Disciplinary, Complaints and Harassment issues.

We also offer advice on a wide range of other issues including:• Problems on your course: Difficulties with fellow students or tutor? Do you feel your course is not right for you?

• Representation for Disciplinaries: Information on your rights and responsibilities including minor and major offences e.g. plagiarism and cheating, anti-social behaviour. • Listening and support: Coming to University for the first time can be daunting and challenging. If you just want to talk and need someone to listen in complete confidence or you might be worried about a friend, then pop in to see one of our Advisers as we are here to help.

• Financial worries: Why not come in and talk to one of our Advisers about it? If appropriate we can refer you to other services.

• Sexual Health: Would you like an unlimited supply of condoms and information about sexual health? Then pop into the Advice Centre and access the free condom service. Our service is linked to the sexual health clinic at the Sandyford Initiative.

Contact the Advice Centre Call: 0141 273 1650 or

Email: studentadvice@gcu.ac.uk

www.caledonianstudent.com/advice

7WWW.CALEDONIANSTUDENT.COM/GCULONDON FACEBOOK.COM/GCUSALONDON @GCUSAINFO

STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAMMEStart building your future today…

You’ve all found yourselves being asked that unavoidable question, “What are your plans after you’ve finished University?” Some of you might answer that you plan to get your dream job, go travelling, continue with your education, set up you own business or that you’ve not made up your mind yet. Well, no matter what your plans are, the Student Leaders Programme can make sure you’ve got all the skills to take you where you need to go.

The programme aims to get you to think about leadership and to realise that each and every one of you have the ability to demonstrate leadership throughout your University career, the workplace or in any volunteering or mentoring that you do. Getting involved in the programme will allow you to become more confident, perform better and most importantly you will learn how to ‘sell’ yourself in this increasingly competitive graduate market.

You’ll also have the opportunity to be awarded the prestigious GCU Student of the Year Award!

“I was asked at an interview what my involvement with the University was other than my course. They were impressed when I told them I had taken part in this programme and I ended up getting the job!”

Laura Tibbles, Student Leader

“As Principal, I am fully supportive of the Student Leaders Programme. This innovative programme will stand them in good stead after graduation as they grow in their careers and personal lives as global citizens.”

Professor Pamela Gillies, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, GCU

“To be part of such a unique programme has allowed me to stand out from fellow graduates. I am proud to be recognised as a Student Leader. “

Matt Lamb, Student President & Student Leader

“I was easily able to convey my skills during a lengthy post graduate recruitment process - abilities I attribute uniquely to my involvement with the Student Leaders Programme.”

Brian Reilly, Student Leader

www.caledonianstudent.com/SLP

GCU STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION LONDON HANDBOOK 2013-14

8

ACTIVITIESOne of the best ways to be part of student life at GCU is to become involved in one of our activities.

SOCIETIESEvery society is run by students so activities can be shaped by you and your fellow members. These are course based, culture, faith and liberation groups as well as social, interest and hobby based societies. If you can’t see the society for you then it’s really easy to start your own. Many societies hold weekly activities and regular events.

JOIN NOW It’s really easy to become a society member. Simply pop into the Students’ Association, sign up and pay.

START YOUR OWNCome and visit us in the Students’ Association on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday and speak to the Students’ Association Co-ordinator about starting your own society or email: studentsassociation@gculondon.ac.uk

9WWW.CALEDONIANSTUDENT.COM/GCULONDON FACEBOOK.COM/GCUSALONDON @GCUSAINFO

THE EDIT MAGAZINEThe Edit is the Students’ Association’s award winning magazine written by GCU students for GCU students, it is published in print and online. You can volunteer to be a writer, photographer, graphic designer or PR and contribute to magazine while you study. Topics include fashion, arts, student news, music, writing reviews or any other subject of interest to students.

RADIO CALEYRadio Caley is the Students’ Association’s online radio station, based at the Glasgow campus.

www.radiocaley.com

www.caledonianstudent.com/theedit

GCU STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION LONDON HANDBOOK 2013-14

10

EVENTS The Students’ Association runs loads of exciting and fun events throughout the academic year. Going along to one of our events is great for expanding your social circle, trying something new, relaxing with friends, having some fun and de-stressing from studying.

www.facebook.com/gcusalondon

EVENTS TEAMWe are looking for students to volunteer on our Events Team. You will work with the Students’ Association Co-ordinator to arrange the events for GCU London students and help decide the activities and events we run. Find out more information by visiting the Students’ Association Co-ordinator or emailing studentsassociation@gculondon.ac.uk.

www.facebook.com/gcusalondon

ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF ULUYou can buy an Associate Member of ULU which entitles you to become a member of Energy Base, their on-site gym and health club, at a reduced rate, you can enter their Student Union Building after 6.30pm to make use the bars and facilities. With this membership you can also join their sports clubs and societies.

To become an Associate Member go on the ULU website and follow the directions www.ULU.co.uk

If you are interested in joining a sport club or gym then come and see the Students’ Association Co-ordinator on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday and we can talk about your options.

VOLUTEERINGIf you are interested in wanting to get involved with the local community then we can also help you find opportunities and information to get involved in areas outside of what we have mentioned in the guide.

Contact the Students’ Association Co-ordinator or email studentsassociation@gculondon.ac.uk for assistance.

11WWW.CALEDONIANSTUDENT.COM/GCULONDON FACEBOOK.COM/GCUSALONDON @GCUSAINFO

PSLADVERT