student handbook 2013/14
DESCRIPTION
University of Northampton Students' Union Student Handbook 2013/14TRANSCRIPT
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The Student Handbook 2013
STUDENT GUIDE
STUDENT
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Hello and welcome to the University of Northampton Students’ Union! We’re here to ensure that your time at University is the best it can possibly
be, that it is rewarding, fulfilling, memorable and fun!
Every student automatically becomes a member of the SU as soon as they enrol and it’s absolutely free! This means the Students’ Union will be there for you from Day one.
As a member you are entitled to all of our great services and opportunities on both Avenue and Park Campuses, from student representation to sports clubs and societies, our retail outlets to our nightclub. We have something for everyone.
You can come in
anytime to see Haviour, Tom and Kane at the Union
and we’ll help you with whatever your problems are; whether you have a course-related issue, a financial or a welfare issue, or you
simply fancy a cup of tea our door is always
open to you!
Haviour, Tom and Kane.
In the following pages you will find everything you need to know about the Students’ Union. If you have any questions please don’t be scared to just come in and ask us or contact us using the details provided throughout this handbook.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
WELCOME
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Welcome
Part Time Officers
Meet The Officers 2013
Elections
President
Sports
Vice President, Engagement&Participation
Societies
Vice President, Student Experience
VolunteeringStudent RepsEmployability AdviceStudent Advice
Park Venues
venue Venues
CONTENTS
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The Students’ Union is many things to many people, but the most important thing to know is that it is yours! As a student of the University of Northampton you are a member of the Students’ Union, run by students for students. We exist to represent and support every student at the University and as a
member have the power to influence how we operate.
YOUR UNION
We provide academic representation for those times when things go wrong. Through our democratically elected Sabbatical Officers and Student Reps programme we offer support for when you need your voice to be heard.
The Union also has an array of diverse and popular societies – 47 to be exact - including the History Society, Surf Soc, Global Students’ Society and Cake Society! Even if you can’t find the one you’re looking for - you can start your own!
We have shops on both campuses, offering a range of convenience goods, sandwich deals and the obligatory University hoody and all the money we raise from our shops, bars and events are used to fund all the other great things we offer!
Throughout the year we run campaigns and raise awareness of issues that affect students. We campaign on the issues that are important to you on a local level, with the University and nationally.
Your time at university is really what you make of it. However, no matter your sex, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, disability or age, your Students’ Union will always be here to help you make the most of your experience at the University of Northampton.
We have 31 Sports Clubs to choose from, ranging from American football and cheerleading to trampolining and rugby, regularly playing in British Universities and Colleges Sport competitions.
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“If I could give you one piece of advice for starting at University it is
do not hold back!”
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Hello! Welcome to Northampton! I’m Haviour and I’m your Students’ Union President.My role is to represent you all on the issues that matter to you, to the University, the local community, in the media and on the national stage. At the Students’ Union my colleagues and I are here to ensure that your time here is the best it can possibly be, that it is a place to socialise with your friends, provides representation, acts as a venue for diverse events, or as a place to seek independent advice if things get too tough.
If I could give you one piece of advice for starting at University it is do not hold back! Believe me, time flies when you are here, and you only get to have this experience once. Get involved and enjoy your time from day one!
I cannot wait to meet you all, starting with Fresher’s Week! Until then you can contact me by emailing or by tweeting @Pres_HaviourC.
“If I could give you one piece of advice for starting at University it is
do not hold back!”
Students Union PresidentXihui ‘Haviour’ Chen
[email protected]@Pres_HaviourC
01604 89 2551
Aims:• Enhance your employability, and seek to develop more internships and placement opportunities.• Provide a platform to heighten personal development skills.• Promote social integration within the Students’ Union and University.
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Hi, I’m Kane! I’m the Vice President of your Students’ Union, which means I represent you and your needs, here at the University of Northampton. That’s right! The Union’s more than just a bar! We provide a huge range of services and activities for you, and I want to ensure you make good use of them. There are currently 31 sports teams and 47 societies to choose from, and if I can give you one piece of advice, it would be to JOIN A TEAM OR SOCIETY! Nothing makes your first year at Uni an easier transition than having a way to meet people and make friends, outside of lectures.
I joined the Lacrosse team when I first came here and it was the best decision I could have made. I wouldn’t have enjoyed university as much as I have, if it weren’t for the sense of community that a club offers.
It’s my job to find out what you want from your university and your union, and do my best to make sure your needs are met. I work for you. Get in touch or come find me, and have your voice heard!
“ I joined the Lacrosse team when I first came here and it was the best decision I could have made”Vice President, Student ExperienceKane Roderique Walker
01604 89 2550
Aims:• Ensure students are aware of the Union and the services and events it provides through social media and face-to-face interactions• Engage our off-campus student body, and ensure students in subsequent years of study, international and part-time students feel valued by their Union.• Develop a sense of pride in our university, and to encourage students to come and support their peers on the sports field.
@VPSE_KaneRW
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“ I joined the Lacrosse team when I first came here and it was the best decision I could have made”
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“We provide a huge range of services and activities for you, and I want to
ensure you make good use of them”
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Hello and a big welcome to the University of Northampton, you made it! My name is Tom Hatton, and I am the new VP Engagement and Participation. My role is to get all students at the University, from part-time to full-time, from domestic to international and from mature to the immature involved in what the Student’s Union has to offer! You will see me around a lot on both campuses this year so don’t be shy to ask any questions you may have about your University, advice on anything that may be troubling you or if you just fancy a friendly chat with some useful guidance.
My biggest tip I can give you, regardless of whether you are a 1st, 2nd or 3rd year is to have fun, give yourself a good amount of time to complete assignments, look after your student loans (it goes very quickly) and join in with all the University and the Union have to offer.
If you ever want to contact me, it’s easy – you can contact me by email, twitter or by phone using the details above or by dropping into the office. I look forward to meeting you all soon!
“We provide a huge range of services and activities for you, and I want to
ensure you make good use of them”
Vice President, Engagement & ParticipationTom Hatton
[email protected]@VPEP_TomH
01604 89 3545
Aims:• A more visible Students’ Union on both campuses• Ensuring all International Students at the University feel at home• Coordinating rewarding charitable events by students and for students
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Disabled Students’ OfficerManavi Perera
Hi! My name is Manavi and I’m your Disabled Students’ Officer.Having undergone a minor injury earlier this year and having had to travel around with reduced mobility, I finally understood what many students face on a daily basis and having previously been elected to the role of Ethics & Environments Officer I was confident I could work with the University and Students’ to campaign for change.I believe that everyone deserves a fantastic university experience.
Having reduced mobility shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to enjoy it any less.
It is important to understand the different types of disabilities and address them individually, rather than trying to come up with common solutions. This year I promise to voice the opinions of disabled students and work together with the university to make the Students’ Union experience better, for everyone.
OFFICERSPART TIME
In addition to our 3 Full Time Sabbatical Officers, the Executive Committee of the Students’ Union includes a number of Part Time Officer positions. These students are volunteers who have been similarly elected to represent the students at the University on a particular issue or on behalf of a particular demographic.
We have 11 Part Time Officer positions available and they’re not always filled. Currently 5 of these positions have had students elected to the role, the other 6 remain vacant.
In October, these vacant positions will re-open for nomination in our bye-elections and if you’re passionate about a particular role can nominate yourself to run. Further details are available on Page 17
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Hello there! I’m Sheridan Powell and I’m your Entertainments Officer for 2013/2014! Currently in my second year of studying popular music and events management joint honours, I intend to use my knowledge and experience in running events to ensure I can make our events exciting, fun and one of a kind!
My aim is to make the Student’s Union something you can enjoy to its full potential and being a musician myself, I’m always looking for talent on campus to get involved in these events, from specific genre nights to open mic nights.I know that this will be a fantastic year for you, SO ENJOY!
Hello everyone, I am Abdinasir Yusuf, this year’s Ethics and Environment Officer.As your Ethics & Environments Officer I aim to lead the changes that will enable our University to make a real difference to the environmental issues facing us today.This year I will be working to commit our University to support the effort to raise more awareness of exactly what being unfriendly to the environment causes and how little effort is required to make a massive difference.
I also hope to establish a programme that seeks to collect all the unwanted resources from the University and students for redistribution to the less advantaged, particularly items left in Halls at the end of the year. If you have a passion for the environment or would like to get involved please do not hesitate to contact me.
Entertainments Officer
Ethics & Environments Officer
Sheridan Powell
Abdinasir Yusuf
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OFFICERSPART TIME
Hi, my name is Li ren Zhang and I am your International Students Officer. Currently in my second year studying BSc Accounting & Finance, I am a friendly and approachable person with the passion and commitment to take our Union forward. I will help improve representation and participation in the Student’s Union by being available as much as possible
Hello! My name is Sarah Lee. I’m currently studying for an HND in Computing, and have lived in Northampton throughout my life. I’m 34 years old, a keen runner and cyclist. I consider myself to be a Mature Student and intend to help all Mature Students with any issues or problems they may have.As the Mature Students’ Officer I would like to see what the views of students are and work with them to find out what they think is important for them to have put in place.
- enabling International Students to raise their concerns, suggestions and event ideas directly with me and in so doing creating opportunities to make new friends.
I want all International Students to feel at home while studying in University of Northampton and I am looking forward to working with you all.
Furthermore I strongly believe that every student has the right to learn free from discrimination and intend to assist any student with issues that may affect their ability to learn.If you have any issues or suggestions for improvement please don’t hesitate to contact me.
International Students’ Officer
Mature Students’ Officer
Li ren Zhang
Sarah Lee
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The Union’s Executive Committee is made up of a combination of Full-time and Part-time Officers, and elections are held twice a year for the student body to choose their representatives. The Executive Committee includes:
The main elections take place in the spring term and all positions become open for the following academic year. The Union also holds bye-elections in the autumn term to fill any openings that haven’t been filled in the previous term.
Sabbatical Officers
• President• Vice President, Student
Experience• Vice President, Engagement and
Participation
• Part-time positions • Mature Students’ Officer• Postgraduate Students’ Officer• International Students’ Officer• Entertainment Officer• Avenue Officer• Ethics and Environment Officer
• Disabled Students’ Officer• LGBT Officer• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
Students’ Officer• Women’s Officer• RAG Officer• Activities Officer
ELECTIONS
You can hold these Officers to account and ensure you get the experience you want from your time at University by attending Student Council. This is your opportunity to speak out about where you want change on campus and what you want your representatives to work on as a priority.
It’s also where all the big decisions are made regarding Students’ Union policy and by attending you can ensure you shape the Union’s future direction. To find out more about Student Council, future dates and agendas visit www.northamptonunion.com/StudentCouncil or email [email protected]
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SPORTS
For more information or to sign up visit www.northamptonunion.com/sports or visit the Sports and Societies Fair on Wednesday 18 September between 10am and 4pm on Park Campus.
Sport at the University of Northampton continues to go from strength to strength. There are now 31 sports
clubs to choose from, with the majority competing within BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) competitions each week, travelling to other Universities
in the Midlands and beyond.Best of all, participation is entirely FREE. There are no
fees to pay to join.
• American Football• Archery• Badminton• Basketball• Boxing• Cheerleading• Climbing• Cricket• Dance
• Football• Golf• Hockey• Judo• Lacrosse• Netball• Rounders• Rowing• Rugby League
• Rugby Union• Sailing and Windsurfing• Squash• Swimming• Tennis• Trampolining• Ultimate Frisbee• Volleyball• Wheelchair Basketball
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SOCIETIES
You might start a society around your degree programme or set up a society to find other people interested in your hobby or interest – like chess, gaming or film – or just to bring together like minded people such as a religious or political group
The University of Northampton Students’ Union has an array of diverse and popular societies, 47 at last count, ranging from the History Society to the Islamic Society and if you can’t find the one you’re looking for you can start your own!
Whatever your passion the number of opportunities for involvement are enormous and there’s no better time to see what societies are all about than Freshers Week. For more information or to sign up visit www.northamptonunion.com/societies
Joining a society is undoubtedly the best way to make new friends and meet more people from outside of your course – get away from the books and have some fun!
Societies regularly run a number of social events, meetings and trips throughout the year –there’s something for everyone, so you can get involved as much or as little as you want.
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STUDENT REPS
By becoming a rep you can become the voice of your classmates, drive change or lead one of the Students’ Union’s campaigns.
You’ll develop your skills in advocacy, representation and leadership - increasing your employability - and receive formal recognition from the Students’ Union and the University for the work you put in.
If you’re passionate about ensuring the best student experience for your course mates, think about becoming a Student Rep! Reps are responsible for finding out about any course related issues you might be experiencing and ensuring they are
resolved by the University and Students’ Union.
All our Course Reps and School Reps that make up the Student Rep system are nominated and elected by students. To find out more information about the role and how to start representing visit www.northamptonunion.com/studentreps or email [email protected]
STUDENT
REP
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RAG, or Raising and Giving, is a student led group of students that organise a number of different events and activities for the university and greater local community in aid of charity. It’s great fun and a great way to make new friends, whilst raising funds for a worthy cause! Quiz nights, golf day, auctions, club nights, prison breaks, sponsored silences and football tournaments - the list of opportunities goes on and the boundaries are limitless!
Run by students for students, Nightline is a brand new confidential listening service at the University of Northampton for struggling students. Working to improve student mental health and wellbeing, the service runs overnight, available when university welfare services are not and at times when students need it most.
If you want to get involved in something new and make a difference, why not volunteer? The Students’ Union has a number of fun and exciting projects you can get involved in. You’ll find one off and flexible opportunities as well as longer term options – all to fit in with your spare time .To find out more about volunteering visit www.northamptonunion.com/volunteering.
VOLUNTEERING
RAG
Nightline
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Whether you want to work in our bars or nightclub, are interested in events marketing, looking for administration experience or want to apply for one of the Students’ Union’s media tenders to broadcast your own radio show, we have a wide range of roles to suit everyone.
You’ll gain real world experience and develop a range of transferable employability skills that won’t only complement your studies, but aid you in seeking employment when you leave. Not only that, but we’ll help you in attaining the University’s Certificate in Employability.
To find out more about the opportunities available at the Students’ Union, when we’re recruiting and how to apply visit www.northamptonunion.com/opportunities
In order to provide our Union services and activities we employ a large team of part time student staff and invest in helping them through skills and personal development in order to make a real difference to the student experience
The opportunities in the Students’ Union, both paid and voluntary, present a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a professional, fast paced and fun environment providing a first class service to our members..
OPPORTUNITIES
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The Student Advice Service is staffed by a Student Policy Advisor trained to advise in both generalist and specialist areas. You will be able to get support and advice from us in a private, friendly and relaxed office which is located on the ground floor of the Students’ Union building on Park Campus. Our opening hours during term time are Monday to Thursday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Friday from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
We aim to ensure that no student is adversely affected because of a lack of information about their rights and responsibilities so you can also contact us by email or by phone by contacting [email protected] or on 01604 892272. Appointments can also be made for meetings to be held at Avenue Campus or during vacation periods.
Your time at University should be enjoyable and rewarding and not spoiled by unnecessary worries. As soon as you are aware of a problem seek help, and remember, it is never too late to ask for advice. We are independent of the University. We can give you free impartial and confidential information, advice and support on a range of academic and non-academic issues.
STUDENT ADVICE
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Last summer, the first floor of the Students’ Union underwent a £450,000 refurbishment to create a flagship nightclub and multifunctional social space now called Attic. Between lectures it’s the perfect place to meet friends, have a coffee, watch TV, play on one of our X Box consoles or talk to your friends back home in one of our SkypePods.
At night, we serve a fantastic array of cocktails and offer an exciting programme of events with an A list line up of DJs and bands that in the past have included Zane Lowe, Huw Stevens, Edith Bowman, The Hoosiers, Arctic Monkeys , Reggie Yates and Ministry of Sound.
Park Campus boasts three distinct venues that offer everything from coffees and paninis to jaegerbombs and pinot grigio in addition to our fantastic membership services and shops. Whatever your tastes we have the perfect offer for you.
PARK VENUES
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Downstairs, you’ll find our Central Park Bar, which focuses on bringing you a wide range of hot and cold drinks and quality home cooked food at affordable prices. Our relaxed attitude and friendly staff truly make this a home away from home. Combined with our free wifi, free withdrawal ATM and large projection screens showing live sport and your favourite TV programmes Central Park is sure to become a part of your daily routine.
Across campus, located near Spencer Perceval and Simon Senlis Halls of Residence you will find Pavilion, a cosy and comfortable venue offering fresh pastries, homemade sandwiches and salads all year round. In addition Pavilion proudly serves the full range of Starbucks coffees, teas and beverages.
So whether you need something to wake you up in the morning or something to cool you down in the summer we’ve got you covered.
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A fun, vibrant and widely-stocked bar it boasts a fantastic, large outdoor seating area, and serves hot, comfort food all day. What’s more with two massive 55 inch 3D screens it’s the perfect location to meet your friends between lectures or enjoy a drink after a long day.
Over in the Maidwell Building, you’ll find The Art Shop and as the name would suggest it sells a comprehensive range of quality art materials, but at far more reasonable prices than those in town. Whether its paint brushes or paper, pencils or putty erasers we’ve got everything you’ll need for class so the only thing you need to worry about is your work.
In the evenings we have comedy nights, open mic nights and popular, weekly clubnights for those that love to dance. Being an ‘arts’ campus we also regularly host home grown bands, aspiring dance groups and other student organised events.
Avenue Campus is home to its own sleek and modern bar, shop, radio station, media suite and art shop!
AVENUE VENUES
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