University of East London Students’ Union · 2015. 10. 15. · - Imran Hossain, UELSU President 2014-15 ... Books or Tablets In October 2014, as part of International Week, UEL

IMPACT REPORT 2014/15University of East London Students’ Union

UELSU Impact Report 2014/15 2

Contents

Messages from Outgoing and Incoming Presidents

Campaigns

3.4.

Student Voice & Activities7.Admin14.Advice Service

Appointment of our new Chief Executive

17.19.

UELSU Impact Report 2014/153

Message from the Outgoing Students’ Union President

Message from the Incoming Students’ Union President

As President during the academic year of 2014/15, my team and I had to face a few burning issues such as lack of student engagement and poor social life on campus. I was extremely lucky to work with two of the most dedicated executive officers I had ever seen at UELSU. Adrian Patsalos (incoming UELSU President) and Edna Chirwa worked tre-mendously hard to improve the student engagement and the social life on our campus-es. Adrian led many successful campaigns with the help of other executive officers, such as International Students Graduation, a Personal Tutoring campaign linked to student retention encouraging a proactive approach of support, and the General Election 2015 campaign, which also received a huge amount of media coverage both locally and at a

national level. We also successfully organised the first ever International Week. Our aim was to celebrate our diversity as an institution. Last but not least we created a new department within our SU called ‘Civic engagement & Radio’ where students can gain volunteering experience and gain funds for student-led projects. We took the initiative to set up a University and Union joint partnership group with the help of the Univer-sity, where we looked at the Union’s governance. This was a tremendous challenge for us. As part of this process, we visited many unions across the country. Also, after a long process, we successfully appointed Denis Shukur, who was previously the Deputy CEO (Membership) at Goldsmith Students’ Union, as our new Chief Executive. When I finished my term in July, I had a resilient optimism that as a team, we were leaving behind a legacy of a stronger student-led union than ever before. Student engagement shall increase after an investment of £30k, which will have a positive impact on our NSS score both as a Union and an institution.I am sure that under Adrian’s leadership of UELSU, the Union will continue to grow as a strong Students’ Union. I wish all the best for Adrian and his team.

- Imran Hossain,UELSU President 2014-15

Last year, we set the tone of how the Union should be relevant and linked with burning issues that our membership were facing. This included important campaigns which helped us create the foundations of clarifying our identity, celebrating our diversi-ty, engaging with our membership directly and making their voice too strong to ignore. For many years, UELSU’s efforts seemed not to deliver results, where in the past academic year we saw that change is possible. It was our responsibility to ensure students’ voice and concerns were listened to and were addressed. This year is time for honest reflection, and a collective mission to identify what our Union’s direction should be for the next three years, but also to have a review on the most impor-tant element of a democratic organisation, its governance. I hope that united, we can plan the future of our Union.

- Adrian Patsalos,UELSU President 2015-16


• International Week• Personal Tutoring• Shuttle Bus• International Graduation• General Election• Books or Tablet

Campaigns


CampaignsInternational Week

Personal Tutoring

Shuttle Bus

UELSU & UEL’s International department collaborated in order to introduce the first ever International Week which aimed to be a celebration of UEL’s cultural diversity. The event ran from 13th to 17th of October 2014.

UELSU & UEL partnered up to launch a Personal Tutoring campaign under the name “Know Your Officer, Know Your Tutor.” The campaign not only aimed to raise awareness of the importance of Personal Tutors, but also to highlight the support their elected officers could offer within the Students’ Union. The campaign targeted first year students, who were most likely to be lost, but also a proactive approach to make sure our students were aware, nice and early, of all the support available to them to avoid drop outs.

In September 2014, we saw the introduction of a free shuttle bus for our stu-dents between Docklands and Stratford. This was a great success initiated by Adrian Patsalos (International EU Officer at the time), and backed by his fellow officers to convince the University to introduce free transportation between the two campuses. The bus was warmly welcomed by the students and thou-sands of pounds were saved by them (and staff ) thanks to this service.

different nationalities represented at UEL. continents represented over 5 days.

positive feedback from a group of 150+ students at a General

Meeting.

120 5 90%

International Week

13th-17th October 2014

International Week


International Graduation

General Election

Books or Tablets

In October 2014, as part of International Week, UEL responded to the request the Students’ Union had made to introduce an International Students’ Graduation so our students coming from abroad would get to graduate before their visas expire. On October 14th, more than 100 students graduated before their visas expired, inviting guests for free and having quality time with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor group members, Deans and Academic staff in an event that was set up to honour them.

UEL Students’ Union joined forces with Newham Council to make students’ voices too strong to ignore. We actively engaged with students and got more than 500 students to register on campus as well as launching a social media campaign to ensure students were aware of the General Election of 2015. On May 7th, we created a vibrant spirit on our campuses by walking stu-dents to the Beckton Community Centre at Docklands and turn-ing our SU Dome at Stratford into a polling station.

Following continuous comments and feedback about the introduction of tablets & e-books to UEL, the Stu-dents’ Union decided to launch a referendum to allow students to form the Union stance on this issue directly. Following the results of the referendum, UELSU officers made a case to the University to either stop the scheme, or to introduce better quality tablets with additional support for students on an ongoing basis. Based on that argument, UELSU managed to secure funds for the creation of the UELSU Tech Team which has created student jobs as well as IT support twice a week at both campuses throughout the academic year.

International students graduated on 14th of October.

students registered to vote in the General Elections on 7th of May.

students took part in UELSU’s referendum.

of them voted in favour of tablets.

of them voted in favour of books.

100 +

500 +

51572%

28%

“It’s not about being narrow-minded or old fashioned but about being realistic. The practicality of having a hard copy of a book cannot be replaced.”

“Tablets are so easy to carry, they are small and light and you can take them literally everywhere. Carrying a big heavy book is long gone. Now with tablets, you have e-readers, easy and so simple. Spell checking is no longer a problem, you write and your tablet helps you correct it.”


• Representation• Democracy• Elections• NSS• Societies• Events

Student Voice & Activities


Students who found Programme Reps had a positive or very positive effect on their time at UEL.

Students who reported they knew who their Programme Rep was.

in 2014 in 2014in 2015 in 2015

Representation

In 2014-15:

According to our lifestyle survey*,

Of those,

Programme RepsOne of the fundamental functions of a Students’ Union is the representation of students. An effective Programme Representatives System can be one of the most successful ways of achieving this.Programme Representatives (Reps) are one of the main vehicles by which stu-dents can have a measure of control over their own learning experience.Programmes Representation gives students a voice to influence University policy and provide an accountable system for channelling student views.Programme Representation is important because it ensures that students’ views are lodged firmly in the University’s decision-making processes (i.e. where policy is decided & resources are distributed).

Programme Reps were recruited.

were trained in skills (such as time management, teamwork and leadership, meeting skills and communication skills) and Quality Assurance and Enhancement processes at programme level.

364 150

41% 58%43% 65%

* UELSU Lifestyle Survey was done in April 2015. Amongst other things, it looked at students’ personal and professional develop-ment. their social life, health, safety as well as wellbeing.


=Students who noted that their Programme Rep had made a positive or very positive contribution to their programme.

Students who reported that they understood the role and responsibilities of their Programme Rep.

2014 20142015 2015

School Representatives have the same kind of responsibilities as Programme Reps but on a School level.UEL Students’ Union has two School Reps for each year and each School. Until 2014-15, those were paid positions. Starting from the 2015-16 Acedemic Year, those will be elected positions.

School Reps

In 2014-15:

They attended School Boards, School Quality Sub Committee and School Learning & Teaching Committee.

During our Students’ Union Awards in April 2015, 40 Student Reps (both Programme Reps and School Reps) were awarded certificates to recognise their contribution.

School Reps were recruited and trained.

14

40% 51% 57%40%

Being involved with the delivery of the programme has empowered me to pursue Higher Education as a career.

“

”- Zena Hussein

(Education Studies student)May 2015


DemocracyGeneral Meeting

The Students’ Union’s General Meeting is the place for students to have their voice heard.These meetings allow all students to have a voice, submit a motion and vote on motions, and set the politi-cal direction of their Union to give them the best possible student experience.Any student can write a motion which directs the Union’s activity, policy and states what the students of UEL be-lieve and what they, as members of the Students’ Union, will do about it.Motions can be about anything from changes happening in their programme to where we stand on environmen-tal issues.

General Meetings were held in the 2014-15 Academic Year.

motions were passed,

including our Consent policy.

24

Annual General MeetingDuring last year’s UELSU’s AGM:

affiliations were made.

3Those were; Advice Uk, Citizens UK and NUS.

Citizens UK organises communities to act together for power, social justice and the common good. We are the home of community organising in the UK, with diverse civil society alliances in London, Mil-ton Keynes, Nottingham, Birmingham, Wales and Leeds. We develop the leadership capacity of our members so they can hold politicians and other decision-mak-ers to account on the issues that matter to them.

“

”- Citizen UK


Student CouncilStudent Council is the body that represents the voice of UEL Students and sets the Policy of the Students’ Union.It is made up of the five Sabbatical Officers and a number of Part-Time Officers and Representatives, who have each been elected by Students.Meetings of Student Council are open to all Students to attend as observers. Observers have no voting rights or speaking rights.Part-Time Officers fully supported and co-led the main campaigns. The Personal Tutoring campaign and Interna-tional Week wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for them.

Student Council meetings were held, including an Extraordinary meeting.

motions were passed, including a No Platform

policy

councillors were awarded for their excellent contribution, with Annie Ferreira receiving

Best Councillor of the Year.

38 7

ElectionsMarch 2015 Elections

Each year, UELSU holds elections to fill the postions of Full-Time Officers, Part-Time Officers, Volunteer Repre-sentative and more.

of students voted in UEL Students’ Union elections in March 2015.

positions were open. students nominated themselves for those positions

7% 32 30


National Student SurveyQuestion 23

The National Student Survey (NSS) gathers students’ opinions on the quality of their courses. The purpose of this is to contribute to public accountability, help inform the choices of prospective students and provide data that assists institutions in enhancing the student experience.Question 23 of the NSS entirely focuses on Students’ Unions.

UELSU’s score went down to 61% in 2015 (from 65% in 2014).

are the three Programmes to focus on particularly this coming year.

Psychology Law Biomedical Sciences-4%

SocietiesUEL Student Societies are groups of students with a common interest, who plan their own events and activ-ities on or around University of East London campuses. The Students’ Union affiliates and supports its student societies by providing student organisers with training, resources, advice, venues, and other assistance. Student Societies are not-for-profit, and like the Students’ Union itself, are run by students, for students.

societies were registered during the 2014-15 Academic Year.

Societies won Gold Awards at the SU Awards 2015,

which was a record.

Societies won Silver Awards at the SU Awards 2015, which was

a record.

75 6 15


EventsFreshers 2014

Remainder of the year

Freshers is our big welcome to new and returning students every year.Officially kicking off on the Saturday of moving-in weekend, most of our events - as well as our Freshers’ Fair - take place during induction week.In September 2014, our nightlife events were held in our Marquee or the Underground Bar, whilst our Freshers’ Fair was held at SportsDock.

During the rest of the year, the Students’ Union organises events on a regular basis.Those are often society-led or officers-led. We also worked quite closely with the Undergound Bar to help organ-ise a weekly Sports Night.After Freshers’ Week,UELSU’s biggest event of the year was the Students’ Union Awards. They comprise Volunteers Awards, Reception Staff Award, Student Representatives Awards, Societies Awards, Media Award, Democracy Award and the Student Led Teaching Awards.

nightlife events took place in the marquee.

events held per week on average, including events at the Underground Bar, the SU

Lounge and other venues.

nightlife events took place in the Underground Bar.

attendance on average to Students’ Union organised events.

Freshers’ Week wristbands were sold out by moving in weekend.

students and staff attended UELSU Awards in April 2015.

3 4

80%

450

>225

>2


• Volunteers• Student staff employed• Budgets & Finances

Admin


VolunteersCivic Engagement

A new position was created over the summer 2015 to address civic engagement and offer more volunteering opportunities to students at UEL.

UELSU RadioThe Civic Engagement Coordinator is also the Radio Coordinator. Alongside a Radio Intern, they will work on creating a Radio Station and recruit students to get involved through different positions. Recruitments of the Co-ordinator and the Intern were carried out over the summer 2015 while recruitments of student volunteers were undertaken over September and October.UELSU Radio is due to launch in November 2015.

Work PlacementsUELSU secured 2 Graphic Design placements and 1 Research placement for UEL students on a 3 month basis.

Student staff employedTech Team

Tech Team student staff were recruited in 2015.

days a week at both campuses, they have a stall at the Univer-

sity Hub, offering help with tablets and other IT enquiries.

students per week have been given help since the Tech Team

started in 2015.

8 2 >100


Casual Staff

Receptionists

Our Societies & Events Coordinator had 10 casual staff for Freshers 2014 and a few ad-hoc staff to help with events during the year.

A surplus year for the Students’ Union: £37,000 has been achieved, with costs under control, income slightly up and with a strong balance sheet and cash reserves.

students were recruited as Receptionist on a part-time basis.

of enquiries were regarding academic advice.

NUS Extra Cards were sold at reception. Including online, we sold a total of 1488 NUS Extra

Cards.

7-9 80% 152

Finance

Societies £10,000Officers £110,000Freshers £45,000Events £25,000Staffing Costs £265,000Student Staff Costs

£37,300

NUS Affiliation £30,626Pensions Deficit £44,238Events Intern £16,000

Breakdown


Advice Service


Housing and Academic AdviceThe UELSU Advice Service provides free and confidential advice on a range of issues that may affect students during their time at UEL.

We offer advice in regards to Academic Appeals, Academic Misconduct, Complaints, and Disciplinary Proce-dures & Extenuating Circumstances as well as private sector housing advice.

UELSU Advice Team comprises of a part-time manager (0.6 FTE), two full time advisors (2 FTE) and a term-time only position (0.7 FTE).

This year there have been changes to the Academic Framework and the Academic Calendar which have impacted on students and the work that we do. For 2015/16 we will be moving to new premises which will allow us to have more confidential space, increasing the potential to see more students. We will also be introducing a telephone advice service in response to feedback from students. We will be re-visiting the idea of having volunteers working in the Advice Service to improve efficiency and to help students gain valuable work experience.

In 2014-15:

generating

students were assisted. distinct cases.

1123 1233


Denis Shukur has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the Students’ Union and started working for the Union on the 10th of August 2015. Denis will work with the executive team and staff members to strengthen its relationship with its key stakehold-ers, oversee the upcoming governance review, develop and implement a new strategic direction and work towards meeting the charitable objectives of the Union.

Denis has ten years of experience in working for the Students’ Union movement and has held a variety of different roles which provide him with a great understanding of how to interact with a diverse range of students and enhance their overall experience.

Prior to his recent appointment, Denis was the Deputy Chief Executive (Membership) at Goldsmiths Students’ Union where he oversaw the implementation of the membership strategic plan which led to an increased electoral turnout, increased number of academic representatives and higher participation in student activities.

He graduated from Queen Mary, University of London with a degree in Geography and Politics. After his gradua-tion he served two terms as an executive officer at the Students’ Union and had responsibility for academic rep-resentation, student welfare and democratic functions of the Union.

He has been involved in many community organisations, including Tolerance in Diversity and Citizens UK, where he worked on fostering better community relations as well as on life changing campaigns (City Safe zones and Liv-ing Wage Campaign amongst others). Denis is excited by the opportunity at hand and states “I am delighted with this appointment and am looking forward to working with the Union’s stakeholders in releasing the great potential that UELSU has, as well an ensuring that a reflective stratergy is developed and overseen”.

Adrian Patsalos the incoming Union President notes; “The University of East London Students’ Union Executive team are looking forward to working with Denis Shukur as our new Chief Executive. With UELSU Trustees being the leading force of the appointment panel, we feel confident that Denis will take the Union forward, always with our key stakeholders, the students, at its heart. Your outgoing officers have ensured they delivered a very different union which will have various ways of engaging with its membership. However, we will need a leading member of staff to ensure the continuity of the union, and with Denis we feel confident that our hard work will remain in safe, but also creative and ambitious hands. The Executive team would like to take this opportunity to thank Bev Crawford, who stepped in as our Acting CEO for the past 17 months, ensuring the Union continued to move for-ward and engaged with its students more than ever before, always advising and supporting us in our mission and projects.”

Appointment of our new Chief Executive

Top 3 priorities for this year:

Road Map to Independence

Strategic Review

Governance Review

Disclaimer: All information was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time this report was put together (October 2015).

Designed by Marion Legrand.

StratfordThe Dome, University House, Stratford Campus, Water Lane, London, E15 4LZ.Telephone: 0208 223 4209

DocklandsGround Floor, North Building, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London, E16 2RD.Telephone: 0208 223 7025

University of East London Students’ Union

www.uelunion.org

Documents

University of East London Students’ Union · 2015. 10. 15. · - Imran Hossain, UELSU President 2014-15 ... Books or Tablets In October 2014, as part of International Week, UEL