Kamva Gcaza - SU President
This Spring term has kept us all on our toes and more importantly, kept us talking about everyone’s favourite UK topic… the weather. We’ve had a lovely tease of pre-summer sunshine followed swiftly by the classic return of torrential rain and winds that make you question whether spring is actually just a myth. But through it all the SU has been out here representing, advocating, and engaging with the student body as always.
One of my personal highlights has been CultureFest Week. It’s always incredible to see the whole campus come together to celebrate and learn from one another. The food, the performances, and the atmosphere were all fantastic. A big shoutout to all the societies who got involved and especially to our VP Communities, Lydia, for leading the organisation of the festivities. A special mention as well to the BSU Execs for bringing back the ever-popular White Party, a proper hit and an unforgettable night.
On the more “serious but still important” side of things, we’ve been working closely with the University to make sure the upcoming exam period runs as smoothly as possible. This includes ensuring reasonable adjustments are properly in place for students who need them. We’ve also had ongoing meetings with faculty student reps to push for changes that improve the student experience in real time, not just on paper or “for next year,” but when they actually matter. So please do not hesistate to contact your class reps, the SU or the SABBS for any concerns you might have!
We also hosted our Spring Student Town Hall which was really well attended and had some great engagement from students. There were plenty of direct questions put to University leadership and Deans, which is exactly what these spaces are for. The aim, as always, is to make sure students are not just being spoken about but are actively part of the conversation shaping their education and experience.
And of course, there’s still plenty more to come this year. Summer term is just around the corner and I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s next.
To everyone heading into exams, your SU is wishing you the best of luck, you’ve got this! If you guys study just as hard as you party you should have no worries. So make the most of those late-night trips to Desperate Dan’s and Louis’ Pizza for some essential study fuel to keep you going through exams and see you all in summer term!
Maneeka Bhujun - VP Student Voice
The spring term went by so quickly. As per my role, I managed the rep network and liaisons officers. My second manifesto point, which is making the reps and liaison officers a team to streamline student feedback, is going very well.
My AI and digital literacy project is making big leaps- I am currently breaking down our current AI policy to make it easier for you to understand! I have met with faculties to see how AI is being used currently.
My colleagues and I were able to represent and involve you, the students, in the construction of our university strategy.
I was able to reinstate the student councils across all faculties. Student councils help the reps to voice their concerns to the Student Union to take forward. Several exam related issues have been successfully escalated through feedback received during those councils.
This term, I also sat on council and revalidation panels as your voice and I also gave the student address at student townhall; shoutout to everyone who came!
Last but certainly not least, I assisted students with their cases and appeals.
Please look out for our posters that update you on what the sabbatical officers are working.
Big thanks to my colleagues and my manager for their assistance this term. It was indeed a busy spring term! To the next one!
Lydia Offei - VP Student Communities
One of the biggest highlights for me this term has been Culture Fest! This was something I’ve been working on for a while now and was amazing to see the vision finally come to life. To see how much the celebration has grown in just a year has been amazing, and a very big thank you to all the clubs and societies involved in making this possible!
Our network leads have also been busy this term, running paint and sip events, quiz nights and competitions! If you missed out this time, make sure to keep an eye out for future events.
As exam season grew close, we hosted a Zorbing session of Beloff Lawn. Whether you found a new talent in running inside an inflatable ball, fell head over heels multiple times, or just enjoyed bouncing on the barriers – I hope you enjoyed!
The sabbs and I have been out and about during the exam period, handing out “study care bags” with plenty of snacks and revision materials to keep you all going during the long revision periods. Hopefully, we’ve managed to find you, but if not, make sure to keep an eye out for us over the next few days!