BBC Radio - more comments from listeners

Thanks for the student perspective, Rob!

OBSU Venue story covered by BBC Oxford

BBC radio Oxford - Morning Show with Dominic CotterGuest Speakers discuss the provision of an SU run social space/venue in the future Student Center building at Brookes University for 2011

The experience was definitely worth it. I feel much more could have been said regarding the future of our SU, but considering the tight timescales, and the slight pressure both myself and DVC Rex Knight tried to do our best to put our arguments across.

Visit www.thesu.com/2011 to find out more about our perspective

and keep an eye on Space to Think webpages

http://www.brookes.ac.uk/spacetothink

We are compiling the business case on the venue now, it is going through the formal university review on 30th June - my last day of Presidency! Never thought that Presidential duties will be full on until literaly the very last minute of my term of office!

I am loving it nevertheless!

Your Prez x

BBC Radio - OBSU Venue - listeners' comment 2

Another comment from an alumnus. After BBC radio Oxford Morning Show with Dominic Cotter on OBSU Venue, many current or former students have called in the BBC studio to comment. Dan, former student and sabbatical officer at Oxford Brookes, who is concerned about the SU venueGuest Speakers discussed the provision of an SU run social space/venue in the future Student Center building at Brookes University for 2011 OBSU

Our future - press coverage on OBSU Venue

Follow the link (http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.2359395.0.students_fight_threat_to_music_venue.php). One thing that the article is missing is referring to my comments about the Venue not being jUST a musical venue, but catering for performances, societies, and generally contributing to the welfare and representation of Brookes students.

A Tribute to The OBSU Venue

We are here today to say goodbye to a great Venue.

The OBSU Venue was born and reared in the Oxfordshire heartland. The Venue belonged to a student generation that cherishes student rights, a generation that is ambitious and demanding in its quest for learning not only through the world of academia, but through student lead initiatives, a student generation that seeks to express itself through the way it organises its student community. We, students, grew to manhood under the roof of a loving SU Venue - and when times were tough, the Venue offered us safe space, advise, a friend to share a drink with, and part-time jobs to help our student finances, and when times were good we shared more than a drink or two, a dance or two, and a laught or two in The Venue.

In The Venue the students’ community saw the best of Oxford Brookes student experience -- and the Oxford Brookes student experience found a place where leadership skills, strong characters, ambitious talents, sense of social and personal responsibility were shaped.

Long before it was known as The Venue, our students owned space created great talents and leaders. As a student owned and run space it brought people together, established shared values and believes, offered freedom of expression, sheltered equal rights movements, debates, student advocacy, and student politics: campaign strategies – for the fights for better canteen food, tuition fees, the move to semesters, change of exams dates…

The Venue offered social and cultural activities free from severely branded, profit-making commercial management styles, where the student community chose when and how to enjoy their student life and manage their student spaces.

Some would argue that these activities could be potentially outsourced: move clubnights in town, place the debates in lecture rooms, have workshops in local youth centres, have classes in the gym, and perform in the local theatres….But then then the whole purpose of a Students’ Union will be disabled! The community that our activities provide by creating a student-owned, vibrant, non-commercially pressured social space will no longer exists.

The Venue portrayed Oxford Brookes students’ characters through the activities it sheltered. The Venue’s devotion to the Brookes family was remarkable. On the day of its creation it set to serve the students, and only the students’ needs, to represent, support and inspire them and encourage positive social change and personal development.

It is horrendous to know that The Venue might never see the talents and leaders it created again, might never inspire more Brookes talents, and might never offer its floor to debates, or performance, dance and drinks again.

The Venue will not exist in 2011 because The Venue will be destroyed by its own parent organisation Oxford Brookes University. A University which through sheer lack of understanding and appreciation of what The Venue means to the Brookes student community, is ready to abolish what makes the student experience so special here.

I will always cherish the memories of the days spent in the SU Venue, and I believe most strongly that the days at Brookes will not be the same without The Venue. And I am sure many would share my feelings too.

I am equipped with some last remaining optimism, and believe that Brookes University still has time to be reasonable, forward thinking and modern in its understanding of students need, and I will remain positive that Brookes will learn to listen and will hear the student voice instead of shaping independently false perceptions!

So far:

- 424 prospective students said that they will not come to Brookes if we do not provide a student run space like the SU Venue

- 369 existing students believe that we should have a student run venue in 2011

- only 8 students believe otherwisestudent feedback is being received every day

And so, on behalf of a grateful student community, we WILL NOT bid farewell to our Venue!

We thank The Venue for its remarkable service, I ask those that were, still are and/or will become part of the student experience at Brookes to in give their credit back to The Venue, our precious student space, and to become part of the project for our future Vision 2011!

Let’s save our Venue, and Let’s save our Union!You can support and help The Venue…your Venue… by answering this one question and sending us your comments and feedbackhttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=KWqEO00PCHzi9EzMpYVwfg_3d_3d

Also visit www.thesu.com/vision2011 , Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8343006767

Comments and stories of your experience in The Venue can be send on obsu.president@brookes.ac.uk and will form part of the Venue Biography

Antoinette Kyuchukova
OBSU President

OBSU welcomes our NEW CHANCELLOR

OBSU sends its official responce to the announcement of the new Chancellor's appointment:

Dear Vice Chancellor Janet Beer,

On behalf of the students at Brookes I would like to express my delight with the appointment of the new Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University.

Ms Shami Chakrabarti is a truly inspirational leader, and a great example of humanity. I am sure that Brookes’ future will be strongly defined and further enhanced under Ms Chakrabarti’s inspiring representation and leadership.

The student body warmly welcomes such a distinguished, compassionate and driven figurehead, who has made a real difference to the world through her honourable work and ideologies.

Oxford Brookes Students’ Union is committed to supporting and inspiring its students to enhance personal development and affect positive social change!

As conscientious citizens and future leaders, Brookes students welcome the opportunity to meet with our new Chancellor.



Sincerely yours

Antoinette Kyuchukova
President
Oxford Brookes Students’ Union

Oxford Brookes has a new CHANCELLOR!!!

IMPORTANT: Here's a copy of the announcement that was circulated today to all members of staff by Oxford Brookes Vice Chancellor Janet Beer. This will soon be announced to all students as well.

Dear colleagues

I am delighted to let you know that the Governors have appointed Shami Chakrabarti to succeed Jon Snow as Chancellor of Oxford Brookes.

This is a significant appointment for Brookes. Shami is the Director of the civil liberties and human rights group, Liberty and has a national reputation as a fearless and principled campaigner. I am sure that you will feel – as I do – that to have attracted a new Chancellor of this calibre is yet another endorsement of Oxford Brookes’ high reputation.

Shami’s background and skills in advocacy make her ideally placed to continue in the tradition of our two previous Chancellors, Jon Snow and Helena Kennedy, in supporting Brookes’ endeavours and aspirations. After graduating in law from the London School of Economics, Shami has enjoyed a distinguished career as a barrister at the Home Office before joining Liberty in September 2001. She was appointed CBE in the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours and is regularly ranked as one of the most influential people in contemporary society.

I look forward to sending you details of Shami’s installation as Chancellor in next week’s Onstream. We have been exceptionally lucky in benefiting from Jon Snow’s enormous support over the last seven years. He has provided a fantastic service to the University and this will be recognised in the appropriate way – with more details to come, also in Onstream.

Best wishes
Janet

Achievements...achievements

We are often told that we do not talk about our achievements, and that we are quick to note where we fail to do well, so I thought it is time not to be modest anymore and to think back over the past year with a pride of what we have achieved!

Here's a quick snapshot of some of the SU's achievements so far:

• Exams dates remained unchanged - you can still enjoy Xmas!
• We have fiven 170k back to students through our Advice Centre
• Over 4600 students sought and received advice from us this year
• 24h Library - opening times were extended around exam times yeeeiii :)
• Sexual Health Campaigns (250 screened + 200 participants)
• Quorate AGM and Constitution modernised - implementation phase
• 1st Students’ Union Public lecture: Minister of Education - Bill Rammell - was our guest
• Diversity lectire: Bhupinder Anand Lecture on how to be successful
• SU Reunion - past officers from 1968 - 2008 finally met!
• Oxford Spring Clean - more than 60 students worked on the local areas
• Volunteering in sectors ranging from local hospitals, to community projects on national level
• We won Bronze Sound Impact Award
• Ran self-defence classes for students to enhance student safety at Brookes
• 2nd stage of SUEi, our work on diversity is referred to as ‘model of good practice’
• As promised organised a End of Year BALL, which was overwhelmingly positive
  
• After 12 months, we now have a Mission and Vision, that we, our students and I hope the University knows and understands

All of the above was only possible thanks to the committment of SU officers, staff and the students at Brookes. Of course there is so much more that we should do, and we will do. Patience my friends, we are getting there!

Your Prez x

My last BOG and a few reflectons as a bonus

It was my last Board of Governors on 22 May.

I have made a brief, honesta nd open summary of the Students’ Union over the past year and also introduced the incoming president Lina Mughal and her team

I kept it short. I feel that the SU needs to be much more assertive and open with the university. There are tensions between both sides - Uni and SU - and the past 2 months have been incredibly frustrating most of the times. It is tempting to patronise an organisation lead and run by students, however if Brookes wants to see a successful strong Students’ Union, then it needs to learn to effectively listen and act.

My presentation made a reference to our mission statement and objectives, and listed overall achievements and performance of the SU over the past 11 months. I mentioned how proud we are of how far we have gone despite the difficulties, leaving 5 min to reflect on the experience of the SU over the past 11 months, and yes I was honest about how it feels currently at the su!

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it is extremely difficult at times, we are working at full capacity, resources are insufficient and the University is not necessarily hearing us. If you are working at any SU in the UK, you might think that these are hardly news! But why should it be this way? I’d like to think that at some point things will move on for SUs in the UK

I have highlighted that the SU would need some investment in order to continue performing. The resources identfied are a result of the student feedback and consultations that took place in over semester 2. Detailed business proposals have been presented to SMT at May Management conference 2008. I am yet to hear the final decision.

Main investment is needed for:

- Development of Democracy Unit – to better support representation and democracy
- IT system - Improve Membership Management – a much needed IT system to help information flow, communication and representation
- Support and guidance through the process of organisational change 2008-2011

These were the 3 main, absolutely essential areas that our SU needs more funding for, of course there are other aspirations we have, but if we establish these, the rest will be much easier!

If you look at the scale of funding compared to many SUs across the country, from top we have gone to the very bottom over the past 5 years.

My presentation outlined my frustration with the University’s commitment. Of course it was not pleasant to the ears – especially those of SMT, but if not the President of the SU, who would ensure that the SU perspective is given in open and honest manner?

I was pleased to see overwhealming feedback from Gvernors in the break after my presentation. Many said that they appreciated the honest review of the SU this year.

An SU should be challenging, open and honest, we need to ensure that the students' view is communicated clearly. Just a note: assertive doesn't mean unapreciative! We need to be critical friends with our University, and I'll stress 'critical'. MUtual respect, integrity and assertiveness are crucial if we would like to work in effective partnership.

I’d like to see the University taking a note of the SU when it does well, not only when it doesn’t do well enough.

I’d like to see Brookes University actively talking and being proud of its students, and in doing so recognising that these students ARE the Students’ Union, and the Students’ Union is the students! (and if there are comments that the SU is not inclusive enough, I'll challenge this - just recently we were given as an example of good practice for diversity and inclusivity on a national level... and of course we should improve much much more! but without an adequate infrastructure and resources it won't be that easy)

I’d like to know that staff at Brookes know what this SU stands for, and use the potential of this organisation to promote and enhance the Brookes image and the students' experience.

It sometimes feels like we are tagged along at the end of a few projects and events, simply because it looks good on paper to say that students’ view was taken into account. Maybe that's just my false impression - i'd welcome different opinions here.

Why am I feeling that Brookes own SU is noted on a national level, or by local authorities more, and is complemented more on our achievements, than by our own University?!

Having said that, I appreciate that the University is a complex organisation, busy in its own affairs, but if it gives even the minimum credit at regular times, then the SU won’t throw tantrums and feel upset becuase of attention deprivation.

It might be that I want too much too quickly?!

Of course at the end of the day we’ll keep the smile and continue achieving, enhancing the student experience and making an impact on society.

Noone says that changing the world for the better is an easy job!

Love from your Prez x

AGM Flashback! we now have the video from our AGM!

Memories from the AGM - 11 Oct 2007 - A legendary date to be remembered in the history of OBSU: the meeting was quorate, we adopted a nEW constitution..and had some trully inspirational speeches!

Special thank you to Pete Green who compiled and edited this video, and who put up with my endless demands to change fonts, add text, put colours...ect! Pete - you are a star!

Please have a look and leave your comments!

Love

Your SU Prez x

A Legendary Ball at OBSU!

Saturday night was legendary! We had a remarkable End of Year Ball!

The first Ball in 4 years @ Brookes!

Oxford Brookes Ball

The atmosphere was fantastic! I've heard people's excitement, surprise..there were event tears of joy when entering into the magic that the Ball was!

The venue decor was great - impressive attention to detail in every room - Moulin Rouge, Moroccan Room, the moonlight terrace, the Marquee! The Camel, the Eiffel tower, the 2 cupids in the Venue, and the colour lit dance floor in the marquee were favourite attractions to many - you can tell by the number of pictures taken around these!

We wowed many - since we don't have a tradition of great Ball events at the SU at Brookes, few expected the quality of the event that was delivered!

The performance acts were fantastic, the string quartet really set the right tone for the Ball, meanwhile Vernon Kay as expected immediately won the hearts of many ladies..and gents in the audience.. all the other bands - Danny McNamara - EMBRACE, Doug Walker, Joshua Roberts and Lucas were absolutely fantastic, and I enjoyed the buzz of making the introductions! According to some who weren’t at the ball, and who bitterly regretted not coming, the fireworks display was seen from central oxford! It was magical & made such a lasting impression to all!

The headphones disco was hilarious - people dancing to 2 different rhythms next to one another, singing along, clapping hands in the air, laughing and looking at each other while some enjoying Metallica, and others Spice Girls for example. This crated such a wonderful, fun atmosphere!

Everything was flawless - you wouldn't tell how and when things were falling into places, the Entz Crew were absolutely hands on, managing perfectly everything, the bar staff skilfully served everyone, and cocktails were made with dexterity in the Mez - well done guys! Security was at the top level, and even the Police who arrived at some point were very impressed with the Ball.

This Ball was not going to be such a great event without the team effort! Almost one year ago your SU Exec was determined to deliver an end of year ball, not knowing how much of an effort..and money that would cost - and from a simple SMART objective on a peace of paper, this turned into a precious memorable real event! From planning, promotions – SU Promo team, Reception and Bars, sabbs, non-sabbs, reps, societies, to delivering : Fraser and his team - Jeeves Events Solutions, our Commercial teams, Entz, Bars, Admin, marketing...am I missing someone!? I won’t name anyone here as the list would be enormous - you were all amazing - made such a great effort, put patience and energy into this!

It really felt like a team effort - everyone helped in making the event the success it was, all I can say is a MASSIVE THANK YOU for making the Ball a reality!

We've made a legendary start, which would hopefully set the beginning of a beautiful tradition of many memorable Balls to come...and from next year let's hope that we won't need to convince anyone about the quality of the SU Ball - it will be a sell out within a matter of hours :)))

Once again - thank you!

Love from your President and the rest of the SU Exec team 07-08

Our Chancellor & his ace performance!

Who wouldn't find Jon Snow awesome!?

The SU Memories revived..from 1968 onwards

Your Students' Union Reunited!!! We bridged the gap between 1968-2008! Over 40 past SU officers, staff, volunteers and reps met at the SU Venue on Saturday - 19th April. Former sabbatical and non-sabbatical officers, members of SU staff, and even past safety bus volunteers exchanged ideas, shared views on politics, students movements nowadays, and looked at memories from the past !!! I have learned how our SU has made a difference..

• 5 Presidents turnover...within ONE year in 1968-9
• 1973-4 The 1st ever female SU President - Tina Seaton
• many years ago the SU won the debate over better canteen food for students, through a cleverly designed food strike (the issues with food quality never changes I guess!),
• how the 1st SU bar was established (by the SU Prez Gerald Milch in 1968)
• how 20 years ago, amongst communist and capitalist movements, an SU President was elected on an a-political platform
• and how students fought against the decision to move to semesters...we still did move to semesters however :s
• I also learned about the struggle to enhance the constitution...which lasted over 10 years..just up to this year - as we finally have our brand new constitution :)

I have met the SU President from 1967-8 (40 years ago!) and of 1987-8 (20 years ago!) as well as many others, and it was such a fantastic experience to exchange knowledge and ideas!

The current Exec welcomed the past officers and staff. Myself and Helen West (our general Manager) addressed the guests. The Reunion also celebrated 10 years since Helen joined the OBSU family!

We had an SU timeline sheet which many of the guests filled up with names they could remember, we also had a SU Memory Book where the guests could record their memories from the years working at the SU. The memory book will be engraved and put in the trophy’s cabinet for many more officers and staff to write in!

This event set the beginning of a really precious process - rebuilding the history of the Students’ Union – a history that we could all refer back to and be proud of! We will soon be building up a space online with information on our history and on our student activists and leaders

Because believe me, there is plenty to be proud of at Oxford Brookes Students' Union

Love from your Prez

Antoinette x

‘This is MY Union!’ said Jon Snow

On Wednesday afternoon – 16th April 2008, Jon Snow hosted his LAST public lecture as the Oxford Brookes University Chancellor.

His Valedictory lecture on ‘’Threat and Illusion…the best of times or the worst of times?’ was a fascinating reflection of the vulnerability of the world we live in nowadays. Jon Snow, also an exceptional worldwide known journalist and TV presenter, shared his views on the War on Terror and the threats that community faces nowadays.

Oxford Brookes Students’ Union was there, of course! We could have stayed in the lecture hall debating over 10000000 issues maybe all night long, and the questions from the audience were numerous. The audience partly satisfied our curiosity by asking variety of questions. However noone mentioned the students, or their role in building the future of our society...what would society be without the precious students?! Despite the fact that our Vice-Chancellor Janet Beer did not manage to fit our question in time at the official Q&A, we managed to talk to Chancellor Jon Snow at the post-lecture reception.

And here’s what I asked on behalf of our SU:

‘Jon you spoke about the war on terror, the vulnerability of society, and the number of Islamic students studying in the UK. You mentioned that we have to find another way of talking to one-another.

Students’ Unions are the voice of our students…this year our students’ union has made a step forward in terms of integration between students from religious backgrounds, but still there is so much unused potential, so much to talking to do… at this University and on national scale…

Do you think that this new way you referred to could be through the young minds of the 21st century – the student community? And what do you see our role to be?'

Jon Snow said that the students’ community and its role in addressing the vulnerability of our society is crucial. He also complemented us for the work we’ve done. He said that SUs across the country should strive to educate students as well as local community of tolerance, respect and shared understanding of the ideologies of the future. He was very pleased to hear about the work OBSU has done so far in relation to integration of diverse students, and requested that we e-mail him our story…so an e-mail will be going out soon :)

Jon then happily posed for a picture with us, making a loud exclamation ‘This is MY Union’.

This 4 words would be long remembered at the SU - this was more than enough for us, knowing that our work has been somehow sincerely noted! What more would a Students’ Union possibly want from its University! … Recognition?!

A hug from Jon Snow and that’s all we need!!! We’ll dearly miss you Jon!!!!!

Antoinette
OBSU Prez

PS
You can find out more about the event..and how Jon Snow..’detonated’ the old image of OBU, by lighting up the night – just follow this link https://www.brookes.ac.uk/spacetothink/news/lights

Awards Night - Oxford Brookes SU

The Students' Union just had its annual Awards Ceremony 08. This is our way of saying 'thank you' and 'well done' for all the hard work of so many talented student leaders who are part of the Oxford Broookes Students' community! Societies, Reps, Ambassadors and generally individual students have been given awards for their remarkable effort this year in relation to their Union and the welfare, representation or entertainment of their fellow students! For creating a real sense of community at Brookes, and bringing the fun, smiles and care to our students!

Our special guest for the night was Pro Chancellor Danby Bloch http://www.brookes.ac.uk/about/structure/management/danby_bloch

VP Activities and Development - Mared Evans was a key figure on presenting the whole night, but also on the organisational side of the event, alongside SU staff members like Clara, Tamsin and Jon. They have all been fantastic at making sure that the night is enjoyable and well delivered! Thank you team!

List of all winners wil be available shortly!

NUS Annual Conference 2008 - Blackpool

The Annual Conference of NUS has been controversial and challenging for the supporters of the Governance Review. Since the Extraordinary Conference earlier this year OBSU has taken a supportive stance on the review. Despite the fact that the Governance Review fell short of votes in order to be passed through, range of positive motions have been put forward, incluing the contribution of Oxford Brookes on the Welfare Zone. The Housing motion submitted by us has passed with no opposition.

You can find out information on the conference at the following sources
http://www.officeronline.co.uk/news/275327.aspx

Read the full report here
http://www.officeronline.co.uk/events/nationalevents/274295.aspx

So what next?

As stated by many of the NUS representatives, NUS is willing to change and reforms in governance would happen, maybe more gradually than expected. SUs across the country have been urged to continue their support for NUS reform. Certainly OBSU will be continuing its support as demonstrated by the current Executive team.

The following members have been elected as representatives at NUS:

Wes Streeting has been elected as the incoming President of NUS. Dave Lewis has been re-elected as national treasurer, Richard Budden has been elected as national secretary and the vice-presidents for welfare, higher education and further education are Ama Uzowuru, Aaron Porter and Beth Walker respectively.

Twelve executive members (Block of 12)
Joel Braunold, Hind Hassan, Yemi Makinde, Ed Marsh, Susan Nash, Rob Owen, Sam Rozati, Elizabeth Somerville, Tom Stubbs, Nasir Tarmann, Ben Whittaker, Hollie Williams

Committees: Finance Committee
Graham Gaskell

Steering committee
Rob Park (1 year place); Stephen Aitken (2 year place) ; Nicola Heaton (2 year place) ; Kathy Wylde (2 year place) ; Mark Foster (2 year place)

Oxford brookes Went Cleaning!!!

More than 50 Brookes students, many residents' associations, youth groups, colleges, restaurants and pubs all took part in two hour litter picks across the city just before the Easter Break!

Brookes students and members of staff worked in Wheatley, John Garne Way, Cheney Lane, Divinity Road, Cowley Road, Morrell Avenue, Warnford and Gipsy Lane. We managed to find all sorts of bizzare litter, from gold balls, a safe, condoms, jewelry, handbags, and have almost gathered all the necessary parts for a decent car...while we've found an engine & a registration plate, I think we were missing a few doors!

We brought so much energy, smiles and enthusiasm, that Oxford feels greener, happier and ready to embrace the Spring. The volunteers made a small, but significant difference to the local community we live in! I hope that we have sent a positive message to the community - we've shown that Brookes students are responsible and caring for the environment. This is a core value that Oxford Brookes Students' Union has at heart!

P.S. All volunteers received a T-shirt, and a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor - John Tanner, the Vice Chancellor - Janet Beer, and myself :)

Vision 2011 - SU Principles have been finalised!

Following the University’s campus redevelopment plans, your SU is moving to Gipsy Lane in 2011. The architects’ plans are being designed this year and we are working towards establishing a clear vision of what the SU should look like in 3-4 years. We need to be proactive and clearly know what we want our SU to be like!

To do so, firstly we have outlined the principles of the SU that will guide us through developing our Vision 2011.

Below are the 10 principles that have now been finalised after gathering feedback from student and staff in the shape of: student satisfaction surveys, union council, individual student and staff feedback sessions, Union General Meeting 14/02/08 and staff development day input.

The Principles start with and build on our mission statement:

Our Mission

Oxford Brookes Students’ Union exists to provide representation, support and inspiration for all its members throughout their student experience

This means that we will:

1. be autonomous with a strong separate identity
2. be democratic in everything we do
3. put students at the centre of University and Union decision making
4. have a visible presence at the heart of every campus
5. ensure support is accessible to all our students
6. provide and promote opportunities for involvement and personal development
7. have strategic and operational control of diverse welfare, retail and leisure facilities and services
8. have a professional and motivated workforce
9. be socially responsible and caring for the environment
10. be central of University’s student recruitment and retention strategy


What happens next?
We have now established our principles. Next stage is using these to build a detailed picture of what the SU would look like in 2011. If you have any questions regarding Vision 2011 please leave your comments here or contact me on obsu.president@brookes.ac.uk

OxClean 2008 / Brookes Goes Cleaning

It is never too late to make a difference!

Spring is on its way so the Oxford Brookes Students’ Union is taking part in a massive Oxford Spring Clean initiative in MARCH.

This initiative is open to everyone: STUDENTS, ALUMNI, STAFF or other members of the local community – let’s make a difference together! Get involved and help us protect the environment, and give something back to the community we live in.

Be one of the 1st 100 to sign up and you will receive a special Oxford Brookes Students’ Union OxClean T-shirt, and a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor of Oxford for your contribution to the Oxford community. The fun is guaranteed: games, competitions and Art! The initiative will be broadcast by the media – so you’ll have a chance to wave at the camera too!

Register as a volunteer at www.thesu.com/oxclean (you need to be logged in to our website to do so) or e-mail j.biggs@brookes.ac.uk

Where & When?

• 14th Fri at Wheatley Campus and the local areas


• 15th Sat at Headington Campus, London Road and surrounding areas, as well as Divinity and Cowley Road
  

http://www.thesu.com/news/index.php?page=article&news_id=8363

Coming up soon...OBSU Elections

Elections….

Yup – it’s this time of the year again!!! You’ll soon see people just like me last year, running around, talking about the SU, wanting to make a difference and get things done better, and well – that’s the whole beauty of Elections! Some people will be running for an Exec Officer position, others for a student rep, union council or NUS delegate position. All the students participating in elections are effectively defining the future of our SU! I’d like to ask you to support and appreciate the effort of those who are campaigning this year, as it is not only a rather challenging thing to be a candidate for elections, but it requires a lot of courage and confidence!

To support people wanting to run at this year’s elections, the team will be out on each campus on our regular GOAL days, which would have a special elections flavour!

Remember nominations week is 11-15 Feb (week 3)

IMPORTANT: The Exec has agreed that NO SU Exec Officer should be able to nominate a candidate this year, so that each student is given equal support by us at the SU!

If you want to find out more about elections talk to Jason Manning, or anyone of the other officers ...or visit http://www.thesu.com/content/index.php?page=488

New Year … New start

This year brought a lot of new projects and even new year’s resolutions for us at the SU! So what is your team working on?

• Vision 2011 … what our SU will look like in couple of years time
• Students’ Safety on the agenda
• Making a difference to the Local Community we live in
• A much more effective committee meetings…as promised!

Vision 2011

Oxford Brookes SU is undertaking a Campus Redevelopment project, dating back several years to date, but it is now in its critical phase of Headington Campus redevelopment. Darcy building has been demolished and the University plans to develop a brand new Student Centre on the landscape. The building will accommodate all student facing services and the Students Union. The building work is expected to be completed by 2011. The SU needs to create a proposal to be presented to the university. The proposal, or the ‘business plan’ should contain a detailed picture of what the SU in 2011 would look like, what services it would have. To do so we have started an initiative called Vision 2011, so we are spending the next 4 months doing extensive consultations on the future of the SU.

This project is of ENORMOUS importance to every single student at Brookes, so any feedback and involvement would be essential to secure the best future for our SU!

Student safety

We are takig student Safety very seriously at OBSU…so we have started working closely with thames Valley Police, to make sure that we can address safety issues even better! Myself, but mainly Louise Golden will be working on various aspects of safety this semester!

Making a difference: Oxford Spring Clean

There is progress on the Spring Clean Initiative!! We have received the back up of the PR department at Brookes who are offering a small financial contribution so that we can make the Spring Clean a fun and rewarding initiative for all volunteers! Watch this space for more information!

Effective Meetings

Good news - the Open Exec has indeed gone through a real reform, and is now held every Wednesday fortnight, from 16th Jan, 30th jan and so on. This is the meeting where your exec officers take decisions that affect you and our Union on daily basis. The meeting is open for every student to attend and is held at the SU, as at reception for directions to the meeting room!

The 1st Open Exec of the year was held on 16th jan at Harcourt Hill - we have much more space now (above the bar) which is used for Advice Center and societies and reps space to meet!