Winchester Student Union

Winchester Student Union
Institution University of Winchester
Location Winchester, England
Established 1960s as 'King Alfred's College Students' Union'
Affiliations National Union of Students
Website winchesterstudents.co.uk

Winchester Student Union is the Students' Union for the University of Winchester. The union was formed in the 1960s and has been known as both King Alfred's College Students' Union and King Alfred's Student Union ("KASU"). The not for profit charitable organisation, which is funded by a University grant and commercial services revenues became known as Winchester Student Union in June 2004, and continues as the main representational body for all students of the parent institution - now The University of Winchester (formerly - King Alfred's College and University College Winchester). The University of Winchester gained full University title in summer 2005 and taught degree awarding powers shortly afterwards. The National Student Survey 2015 ranked Winchester Student Union 7th out of 108 universities in England.

Sports teams

There are currently over 40 sports teams at the University of Winchester supported by their members and administered by the Student Union. The majority of these teams take part in BUSA, SESSA or local leagues. The teams at the University include 5 Football teams, 3 Netball teams, 3 Hockey teams, a Rugby Union team, 2 Rugby Sevens Teams, a Tennis team, 2 Basketball teams as well as a variety of other sports including an athletics team with new international coaching additions.

Societies

Winchester Student Union is also home to over 90 student societies, such as "Performing Arts Winchester" (the amateur dramatics society that arranges public performances), "WAMS" (Winchester Anime and Manga Society) and "WUDS" (Winchester University Debating Society, formed to allow a platform for debate between students across all courses). Besides special interest societies, there are also societies formed to provide support and social opportunities for those studying particular courses, like History, Politics or Archaeology. It is possible for a student to start their own society with the backing of at least fifteen peers, once it has been approved by the Student Union. With the number of societies growing each year, the Union is confident in achieving the aim of providing students with interesting and educational outlets outside of their studies.

The student union also has its own radio station, Sound Radio, which has been running since 2012. They stream live from the Winchester Student Union website.[1]

Democracy and Governance

As well as providing shops, bars, welfare and entertainment, the Union is a democratically run organisation. All students of The University of Winchester are automatically members of the union, though are able to opt out if they so choose. The President and two Vice-Presidents are full-time sabbatical officers who are elected from amongst the student body every year to oversee the smooth running of the union and its services. They are aided by an Executive Committee and Student Senate 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, shops and offices.

The Union provides welfare, academic advice and representation to students. Along with the three full-time sabbatical officers, there are currently nine part-time officers responsible for specific areas. For example, the Entertainments Officer will pay particular attention to the smooth running of student union bars and nights-out. The President is also a Governor of the university. Through the Student Union, students are represented on other University Committees as well by their representatives. The Union can also support student appeals to the University. Campaigns are run each year strongly promoting student health and welfare issues.

Beginning the academic year 2014/2015, the Student Union administration increased the number of part-time portfolios by three to allow further engagement with the growing student body. These three roles are; Sports and Societies Officer, Part-time and Mature Students Officer and Volunteering and Community Officer. Altogether, this brings the total number of elected student executive positions to twelve.

As of July 2016, the holders of the twelve elected positions are:

The previous year's elected officers (2015/2016) were:

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.

Winchester Student Union is currently ranked as one of greenest student union within Britain, as measured by its Gold ranking in the NUS award system entitled: Green Impact: Unions. In 2012, 2013 & 2014 Winchester Student Union won NUS's national 'Best Bar None' competition, cementing its status as one of the best student union venues in the country.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/groups/sound-radio
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