Term 1 has been lively, and we’ve had some fantastic discussions about what matters to students at UCL! In our Policy Zones, students heard updates from our Sabbatical Officers on the work they've done to represent their interests across the term. Students asked questions, participate in debates, and make decisions on how the union represents them!
We also held our Rep Elections in Term 1, which means even more student leaders participate in our democratic structures. This increase in representation shows our commitment to creating a democratic environment where every student's viewpoint is valued and can help shape our community. Overall, the energy and enthusiasm shown this term highlight the dedication of our student leaders and the significance of student participation.
Anyone can attend our Policy Zones and Union Executive to submit policies or ideas for discussion! If you want to help make student life even better and influence the future of the Union, you can submit an idea here! You can also check out current Union policy here!
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Activities Zone has always been the hub for extracurricular and student activities at our Students’ Union. As a Zone, it oversees grant allocations, affiliations, disaffiliations, and disciplinary actions related to Clubs and Societies. In addition to this, there has been a significant shift in focus. Ana, our dedicated Activities & Engagement Officer and Chair of the Zone, has been particularly keen on enhancing ongoing communication between her position at the Students’ Union and our members. She believes that the Zone is the perfect platform to facilitate this.
Activities Zone has engaged in several important discussions this term. One key topic has been Increasing Union Transparency in Activities & Engagement. This involves ensuring that all decisions and processes are clear and accessible to students, fostering a more inclusive environment. Another critical area of focus has been Club & Society Sponsorship Guidance, providing clubs with the necessary tools and knowledge to secure sponsorships effectively and ethically. This piece of work will be continued by Ana in the new year.
Additionally, the Zone has tackled the issue of Exemption from Class for Students Representing UCL Nationally (BUCS). This discussion aims to support student-athletes by allowing them to balance their academic and sporting commitments more effectively. Lastly, Feedback on the Activities Zone has been a priority, with Ana actively seeking input from students to continuously improve the Zone's operations.
The outcomes of these discussions have significantly informed Ana's conversations with staff at UCL and the Union, ensuring that student voices are heard and acted upon. This proactive approach is set to make a lasting impact on the student experience.
Attending Activities Zone
There are three more Activities Zones this year! All Activities Zones are held in IOE Bedford Way C3.09 and via Teams, everyone can attend. You can see what is going to be discussed on the event page closer to the time.
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Education Zone is the democratic home for all students and is dedicated to representing your academic interests, enhancing their academic experiences at UCL! Here, our Faculty Academic Representatives, Student Officers, and Sabbatical Officers collaborate to achieve this goal. Shaban, our Education Officer, is now in his second term and is enthusiastic about empowering the Zone to continue advancing academia at UCL.
This year, the Zone has decided to focus on five main areas:
- Advocating for the Programme Excellence Project: This initiative involves representatives participating in a review of module selection and a comprehensive evaluation of the portfolio and curriculum. It also addresses the structure of Reading Weeks, specifically examining the amount of free time available to students during these periods.
- Developing a Student Support Framework: This framework includes reviewing and expanding the work done by the Academic Communications Centre, improving the accessibility of the SORA procedure, and enhancing peer-to-peer support services.
- Assessment and Feedback: The focus here is on improving the processes surrounding assessment and the feedback students receive, ensuring it is constructive and timely.
- Community and Space: Students want to see a stronger sense of community, and optimised physical space which is more conducive to learning and collaboration.
- Training for Postgraduate Teaching Assistants and Staff: Providing necessary training to ensure effective teaching and support from graduate assistants and staff members.
Concentrating on these areas, the Education Zone aims to make significant strides in improving the academic lives of UCL students. Shaban's leadership and the collaborative efforts of all representatives are set to make a lasting impact.
Attending Education Zone
There are three more Education Zones this year! All Education Zones are held in Bentham House 221 Hong Kong Alumni Room and via Teams, everyone can attend. You can see what is going to be discussed on the event page closer to the time.
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The Welfare & Community Zone is a dedicated space for open discussions and conversations about student well-being on campus. Here, the aim is to address a variety of topics, including mental health support, academic pressures and the resources and services available to students. Rachel, our Welfare and Community Officer, aims to utilise the Zone to foster a close-knit community among our various welfare representatives, enabling them to influence how the Union and UCL prioritise student wellbeing.
This year, the Zone has five key objectives:
- Work towards clearer signposting about UCL's wellbeing services.
- Enhance the Flourish program of activity in the halls.
- Investigate international students' accommodation experiences.
- Advocate for greater diversity in the mental health support services on campus.
- Improve communication and student feedback accommodation services.
Progress is already underway with feedback exercises on hall experiences and UCL-affiliated GP practices. The Zone has also expanded Project Period into a university-wide initiative, making it more inclusive across all buildings and gender-neutral bathrooms.
With such dedication to improving well-being at the Union and UCL, the Welfare & Community Zone promises an exciting year ahead!
Attending Welfare & Community Zone
There are three more Welfare & Community Zones this year! All Welfare & Community Zones are held in IOE Bedford Way C3.09 and via Teams, everyone can attend. You can see what is going to be discussed on the event page closer to the time.
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The Union Executive is essential to the democratic functioning of the Students' Union. It comprises elected student representatives and discusses ideas and ratifies policy proposals from the Activities, Education, and Welfare & Community Zones. This platform allows representatives and students to evaluate the Union's future direction and hold Sabbatical Officers accountable by hearing what they are up to and asking questions. Our Students’ Union President, Goksu chairs this meeting and uses this space to gather student feedback on national policy priorities we aim to influence on behalf of UCL students.
The Union Executive has already examined several national policy areas, including the Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to abolish section 21 evictions, strengthen private renters' rights, and remove fixed-term tenancies. Another key area is the Universities UK Blueprint for Change, which seeks to stabilise, mobilise, and maximise the contribution of UK universities to economic growth and widening opportunities.
Discussing potential government policies is vital for shaping our Sabbatical Officers' feedback on issues affecting our student membership. However, the Union Executive also focuses on transparency and efficiency within our democratic structures. Recent initiatives include adding the International Students’ Officer to all Zone meetings and providing an open platform for students to question Sabbatical Officers on their work and plans to address challenges facing UCL students.
Attending Union Executive
There are four more Union Executives this year! All Union Executives are held in Drayton house B06 and via Teams.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Representation & Democracy Team at su.democracy@ucl.ac.uk!