Alex Doyle - UPSU Vice President Activities
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Manifesto update:
Enhancing the promotion of societies
Recruitment drives and influence societies to get more involved in the ‘Give it a go’ scheme’
Each week we ask the question to societies surrounding what events or opportunities they are hosting the following week, In hope to share the opportunities through our social media platforms. Following from this I hope to create a Student Led Activities Newsletter (For those whom wish to subscribe) in which will include a calendar of society led events for the following month.
In regards to increasing participation in ‘GIAG’, we have gone through the development plans for each society in hope to find opportunities in which they can host ‘GIAG’ events, and will be approaching societies after fresher’s week presenting the opportunity.
Front line SU
Media and use them to showcase what our clubs, societies and volunteering departments have to offer.
I have worked hard with the SU:Media committee to give them a good starting platform for the term. Each outlet (TV, Radio and Print) have presented me with what they hope to achieve this year and the barriers they face. I had hoped that with helping SU:Media grow in numbers and what they offer this would present them with more members to showcase what UPSU have to offer.
Funding: We have found money reserved from the societies when they were separated which can now be put to good use to develop SU:Media.
Equipment: Currently searching through all the available equipment in the radio room to see what works and what doesn’t, in aim to bring the Radio back to the forefront.
Website: Undergoing conversation with SU:Print and our web developers to better the website and fix any issues we currently have.
Support student groups in the process of external funding
Holding advice sessions and ensure they are not taken advantage of.
Due to issues in the last academic year, many clubs and societies were taken advantage of by their sponsors. I’m currently looking into how we can include sponsorship guidelines alongside a sponsorship contract template within committee training starting September. I’m currently finding the most appropriate staff member to give a session on sponsorship once the students return.
Key role related activities update
Activities Fund?
In hope to make UPSU Activities more accessible I have been looking at the different areas which hold barriers. Upon asking the students it has become evident that the financial implications are in fact a barrier widely felt.
I am currently working alongside the University and the relevant departments to create a fund which will help with the students that cannot currently engage in activities due to the costs. This will cover Sports & Societies Membership, Give It A Go sessions, MGA and potentially costs associated with the Duke of Edingburgh Award.
Fossil fuel divestment & Reinvestment Campaign (P&P)
The fossil fuel industry is unequivocally driving us towards a global climate crisis: we will not keep dangerous climate change at bay without halting our extraction of fossil-fuels. I am currently working closely with the People & Planet Society to campaign for the University of Plymouth to not only divest from fossil fuels but also to reinvest in sustainable energy.
Other key updates
Currently in conversation with Anna Lockley in Residence Life surrounding the question of how she can help get students in Hall’s more involved in the activities UPSU offer so they can build friendship networks at an earlier stage.
Employability is becoming increasingly more important and UPSU have recognised this. This has now been added to my remit and I will be working closely with the University of Plymouth on Employability.
The role of the Vice President Activities involves:
- Representing Students of the University of Plymouth
- Develop and support societies, volunteering, fundraising and student media
- Supporting staff at UPSU and the University in key activities including training, fairs and award ceremonies.
- Working as a trustee of UPSU
See last update here