So moving in weekend is nearly upon us so I thought it was time for an update before the madness descends upon campus from Saturday.
Costa Coffee
Just a bit of an update on the Costa Coffee proposal. Any Costa Coffee franchise will now be implemented in Term 1. This is because the Guild are taking the impact of this opportunity on student groups very seriously. We are also looking into alternatives for a potential dance studio such as the old basement space. This will include hard flooring, raising the ceiling so it is appropriate for dance lifts, removing the cash office and potentially making the room larger so we have a full rectangular space. On top of this, we’re looking at making the Costa seating space bookable for groups from 6pm each evening (roughly a 3rd of the current size of the common room). We’re still looking at the feasibility of all this but until then nothing will happen. Room Bookings are also being looked at to make sure this wouldn’t have a disastrous effect on student societies.
Society Awareness Weeks
As part of the marketing of student groups I’m looking at setting up spotlights on different types of societies (mostly seperated into miniforums). I’m hoping to then signpost relevant work experience opportunities relating to the different group but also create some extra promo on the screens in the membership area/info on the website.
At the moment I’m looking at the following eight groups:
Recreational pursuits and Outdoor activities (inc sport)
Deaprtmental, Campaigning and Political groups
Indoor Activities
Religious and Faith societies
Volunteering Projects
Associations (Liberation + Representation)
Media
Drama, Performance, Dance and Music
I’m currently in the process in setting up provisional weeks for these and linking them with big events such as Interfaith Week for the faith groups and Volunteering Week for the Volunteering projects.
There will then be the opportunity for groups to decide whether they want to do something special for their week, promote their weekly activities or highlight a recent successful event or upcoming event.
Screens
I’ve also been working hard to try and get photos/videos up of societies doing their activities. I’m in the process of firming up how this will work for groups (similar to getting posters up on the screens at the moment) but watch this space because it will be available soon!
Society Door Knocking
If anyone is looking for extra promotion for their societies then get onboard with society door knocking! A chance to promote your society, make new friends and join in the heart of welcome week, whilst promoting the society fairs at the same time. Especially useful for societies who have stalls on the traditionally less well attended Friday!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/282037818477321/
PSA/Careers
I recently met the PSA team which was great and I’ll be hopefully following this up with a meet and greet with the rest of the Careers Centre shortly. I’m going to be working on some exciting projects with the PSA team this year and if you want more infomation on the Personal Skills Award then make sure you come along to their information fair on the 7th October to find out about the modular, activity and advanced pathways!
Apart from this I’ve been working on some of the changes to paperwork and training in Student Development this year. For all of those who didn’t know the speaker request form deadline had been reduced from 4 weeks to 2 weeks which will hopefully make things easier for student groups – but we still recommend you get this in as early as possible to reduce the risk of any problems!
Also, please join this event and publicise to your friends so we get as many people to the societies fairs as possible – remember there are different groups on each day!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=233061650079675
Looking forward to seeing those of you who are back next week!
Any questions then please get in contact. (See contact me page)
VPAD love – Fliss
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