Purpose To represent the interests of its members, i.e. the students, to the University and wider community Mission To assist every student at the University of Northampton have the best possible student experience What is a Students’ Union?

Independent Student Voice The Students’ Union is an independent organisation, separate from the University run by Students through our Sabbatical Officers for students. Through Course Reps, Part Time Officers and Sabbatical Officers we speak for the student body at University Committees. Why do we need a Students’ Union?

Students are Change Makers

Mature Students International Students Lesbian Gay Bi and Trans (LGBT) Students Students are Change Makers

Women Ethics & Environment Entertainments Students are Change Makers

Student Reps Students are Change Makers

How do we represent? Board of Studies. Student Reps are recruited, inducted, trained and supported in partnership between the Students’ Union and the University. Student Reps sit on Board of Studies, subject specific committee meetings held termly and chaired by Course Leaders. It is attended by all relevant teaching and admin staff as well as Reps for all year groups. Students are Change Makers

How do we represent? SEC The Student Experience Committee meets 6 times a year and works to improve the Student Experience across the University as a whole The Students’ Union President and Vice Presidents represent the student body as whole at these meetings. Students are Change Makers

How do we represent? The President The President represents students at Senate, the highest academic committee in the University. The President also sits on the Board of Governors of the University. Students are Change Makers

New Democratic Structure at the Union Sports Committee Societies Committee Student Rep Committee Executive Committee (Student Officers) Commercial Committee Democracy & Governance Committee Students are Change Makers

New Student Council Open to ALL students ALL students are eligible to vote ALL students can contribute to creating change Students have an active role in determining the Union budget Staff can attend as an observer Students are Change Makers

But we offer so much more… Advice: an advice centre offering guidance from academic to welfare and social issues. Activities: including Sports Clubs, Societies and volunteering. Entertainment: from arrival to graduation in our recently refurbished venue. A Home Away from Home: Excellent facilities including catering at all 3 venues, social spaces, shops on both sites, pool tables and cash machines.

Campaigns Throughout the year we run a number of campaigns. This year we have produced the following: Sexual Health Campaign NUS Demo 2012 Alcohol Awareness Give It A Go Money Week Employability Week Plagiarism Campaign

Campaigns In addition to the delivery of the following student-led campaigns: Black History MonthOctober Interfaith Week19 – 23 Nov LGBT History MonthFebruary Go Green Week11 Feb – 14 Feb Funding was available, but no applications were received for Disability History Month (Mid Nov- Mid Dec) or International Women’s Day (9 March).

Sports Clubs The Students’ Union has 30 Sports Clubs and over 1200 students participating in sport! There is no cost to students for participating, sport is entirely FREE! Our Sports Clubs receive: Professional coaching at training sessions Stallions branded kit All match costs including transport to and from away games Required equipment and facilities

Sports We also offer FREE fitness classes at both Park and Avenue Students’ Unions: Zumba Cheerobics Yoga

Societies The Students’ Union has 55 student-led societies and over 650 members. All of these are listed online at but include: Academic-Based Societies e.g. Psychology/History Society Faith-Based Societies e.g. Christian Union/Islamic Society International Societies e.g. Global Soc/Vietnamese Society Recreational Societies e.g. Rock Soc/Salsa Soc/Anime

Societies There are many benefits to affiliation: Access to Society Grants, annually and throughout the year. Access to Students’ Union facility bookings Free venue hire of Students’ Union venues Access to Students’ Union minibuses Free web services including the provision of an online store e.g. for clothing or ticket sales Free photocopying and printing Banking services Access to the Freshers’ Fair, Students’ Union publicity and centralised marketing materials

Societies The institutional benefit to affiliation is: Greater support to these student groups; Transparent and fair access to these student groups for all students; Adherence to legal practices and procedures; Adherence to University policies and procedures; Greater numbers of volunteer hours registered; Removal of integration barriers.

NUMedia NUMedia consists of 3 outlets: Student Newspaper – 8 issues every year, distributed monthly across both campuses Student Radio Station – Launching soon! Student YouTube Channel – producing informative and creative shorts every week.

NUMedia NUMedia hold weekly meetings Monday – Wednesday, 7pm at Avenue Students’ Union where students can find out more about the opportunities available to them, whether it be a newspaper piece on an interest, or a radio show on their course of study. ANY student or staff member can send a media release or submission for consideration by ing The newspaper has a print run of 2000 and circulation of approx students. – a fantastic marketing tool for both student groups and staff!

Students’ Union - Commercial The Students’ Union at both Park and Avenue offers catering services that offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Both campuses have shops that sell a variety of convenience goods and snacks at prices competitive with that of Spar. Our bars provide affordable and quality offerings. All profits made through our commercial arm are invested in delivering our membership services – sports, societies and campaigns to enhance the student experience!

Questions?