Student Union
The Student Union is at the heart of student life at the University of Winchester.
We provide a wide and diverse range of activities and services for our members. On enrolment you will automatically become a member. Please visit our site: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk
Seb Miell, Student Union President 2011 - 2012
Hello fellow students,
First and foremost, welcome to the University of Winchester and the start of an unforgettable experience that you will hopefully treasure for many years to come. I cannot put into words how the Winchester Experience has benefited me in what is now my fifth year here. As well as meeting friends for life, Winchester is bursting with opportunity in encouraging students to pursue and achieve their dreams and ambitions.
The Student Union is here to represent your needs as students. Along with:
- Jonny Brason - Vice President, Participation and Development
- and the nine part time officers who are still students
We as the executive committee, all work together to enhance your student experience to the best it can be.
As President, I regularly liase with the University, local residents and NUS as the chief representative of Student opinion to the University. Whether it’s volunteering or socialising in our bars or nights out, it is so important to get involved with the Union. This is an important time in your life and we are here to help you live it to your full potential, supporting and encouraging you the whole way.
Remember, whatever your needs or interests, the Student Union is here to represent you so please do not hesitate to get in touch with myself or any other members of the committee with any issues that you may have!
I wish you every success for the next academic year and can ensure that the more involved you are in your Union, the greater your University experience will be.
In the words of the hero that is Jack Dawson from Titanic;
‘You learn to take life as it comes at you...make each day count’
Seb Miell
Student Union President 2011/2012
Democracy in Action
As well as providing shops, bars and entertainment, the Union is a democratically run organisation. The President and Vice Presidents are full-time sabbatical officers who are elected from amongst the students to oversee the smooth running of the Union and its services and to ensure that it responds to student demand.
They are aided by an Executive Committee and Union Council all of whom are elected from, and are accountable to the student body. Continuity and professional expertise are provided by permanent staff, and there are opportunities for students to work in the bars, shop and as security stewards.
Governance
The Union provides welfare, academic advice and representation to students, and the President, along with part-time officers responsible for specific areas, has responsibility for co-ordinating this work. The President is also a Governor of the University and through the Union students are represented on University Committees. The Union is there to support student appeals to the University. The Union runs campaigns each year, promoting student health and welfare issues.
Winchester Student Union is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS) and through the National Union is committed to giving students everywhere representation at the highest level and co-ordinating national campaigns on student issues.
Students are given the opportunity to attend national demonstrations and conferences on student issues and the right to be elected into national positions.
Clubs and Societies
The Union provides leisure and recreation activities for students. Sport is organised by the Sports Council and overseen by the Vice President (Activities and Services). The range of sports clubs is wide and includes football, rugby, cricket, hockey, basketball, netball, as well as ultimate frisbee, volleyball, skiing and many more.
There is a variety of clubs and societies which meet regularly, such as performing arts, film, radio, LGB, archaeology, history and role playing. New clubs and societies are always emerging as students form groups to carry out the activities they want to undertake.
Bars and shops
The Student Union has an unique atmosphere, with relaxed and secure environments providing venues for entertainment. Events take place regularly and include club nights, bar quizzes, comedy evenings, live music, promotions, multi-venue events and theme nights. Over the course of the year the Union organises larger events such as the Winton Reunion Weekend, Freshers, Christmas, Summer and Graduation Balls which often play host to top name acts. These events are hugely popular and always sell out very quickly.
The Union also runs shops and launderettes situated on King Alfred Campus and at West Downs. These commercial services provide value for money for students and income to support Union core activity.
The Student Union, above all, is about getting more from Winchester than just a qualification. Involvement is essential, whether that is as an officer, member of a club or society, or just as a user of the bar and laundry. The Student Union helps you do more!