Student Officer Report

Student Officer Report

Name: Rachel Gilbey

Position: President

Date: 28.02.17

Manifesto Point:
Look to improve Theta and Campus Shop facilities with increased student benefits
Update:
Cargo:
Meeting with Michael Shepherd (Cargo Catering Manager) took place on the 24 February. Collected student feedback about Cargo and its provisions were fed back to Michael and a full report of the meeting can be viewed online here:
Any feedback about Cargo and/or the Atrium café can be sent to
Campus Shop:
Following the feedback collected through the SU survey in Nov/Dec, a focus group has been arranged for Thursday 9 March, 3pm – 4pm at the SU. If you would like to be involved, please email me  We need around 8 students.
Manifesto Point:
Continue to increase representation of ALL students at University
Update:
Our Student Voice Coordinator Josh has been into cohorts to elect Course Reps for those who started in February. Welcome to the newly elected Reps!
It’s nomination week (27 February – 10 March) for the general elections where all the full time and part time officer roles are up for grabs! If you’d like to find out more or nominate yourself, visit:
Manifesto Point:
Celebrate student achievements with the introduction of a recognition scheme
Update:
I should have a much more final answer by the Union Council meeting, but at the time of writing my report, I am still waiting on the University’s decision about the student and staff awards. There is a paper being submitted to the University Exec next Monday where a decision will be made. I will hopefully be able to update you in Union Council on this.
Manifesto Point:
Push for more social events and trips both on and off campus
Update:
Refreshers saw a variety of events take place Sunday – Sunday. A number of these were held off campus such as Archery Tag and the SU Quiz.
Barcoda was the biggest event of the week and saw approximately 300 student’s take part.
We also held a Health Science student lunch buffet and had over 30 students attend.
Manifesto Point:
To increase awareness and engagement of the Students’ Union
Update:
Refreshers week (19 – 26 February) has now finished but it saw the Students’ Union organise and participate in a weeks’ worth of activities that was open to all students on campus. The SU staff was encouraged to wear branded clothing so they could be identified.
Johnathan and I also delivered several inductions to new cohorts who started that week.
Manifesto Point:
To campaign for clearer and fairer academic policies for students
Update:
Nothing new currently to report.
Manifesto Point:
To introduce the NeverOK programme across the university
Update:
NeverOK is still on hold til for the time being.
Manifesto Point:
To respond to local and national issues affecting students by engaging in activism
Update:
Following the Referendum, I have launched a second campaign around freezing the tuition fees for 2018/19. I am asking students to sign an open letter to the University Board of Directors to ask them to consider not raising fees. The #FreezeTheFees Campaign is currently live and is available for students to sign both online (via the web link below) and in person at the SU.
You can sign the petition here:
Other Projects:
Ipswich Public Transport Discount
Update:
I have been lobbying Ipswich Buses to introduce a University student discount/fare as well as being in conversations with Suffolk County Council about extending their free shuttle bus to include the University. Conversations are ongoing and will update once I have more information.
Other Projects:
NUS Officer Visit
Update:
We are grateful to have so much support from NUS and their officers so far this year having had SoranaVieru (VP for Higher Education) and MaliaBouattia (NUS President) visit campus. I have also recently invited James Elliott (Disabled Students’ Officer) to campus to speak with students about accessibility to services while they study. Once I have the visit confirmed, I will be inviting all students to attend.
Other Projects:
Summer Ball
Update:
The Summer Ball and its Alice in Wonderland theme was announced at Refreshers Fair. Date: 27 May 2017. Early bird tickets are on sale now at £20pp until the end of March, and then they will be £25pp. You can bring +1’s (or more, with a ticket). To get your ticket now, go to:
Other Projects:
SU Quiz
Update:
The SU Quiz, hosted by myself, Johnathan and John (Health Studies Department Officer) started back on the 19February and will be running every Sunday til May (date tbc). Held at Cult Bar, 7pm start.