Dating, talking to MPs, and sweet talks about governance...what more would you possibly want in a week!

• Your Exec Officers went on a date...
• We are actively sharing information with university now
• Oxford Brookes Campus redevelopment now considers students' input
• Your SU is to be governed a bit better

Speed dating with the University SMT The University Senior Managemnet Team and the SU Executive Committee had their first date! The Speed dating event was organise as a bonding exercise for both teams to meet and get to know one another better. This types of events are usually held at the beginning of the academic year, however having had the New VC Inauguration, Graduation ceremonies, and bi-elections, it meant that the event could only happen at a later stage. The event highlighted the need for more communication between the SU and the University – both on formal and informal basis. Both parties are now a lot more ken on collaborating and exchanging information and more specific action points will be recommended to inprove the work of the two. In summary, the top tip that each member recommended in order to improve our work and the student experience was the need to exchange information and update on progress.


Information Sharing Meetings:Our VC Janet Beer has initiated Information Sharing meetings happening every forthnight for subject heads, directors and the SU to meet and exchange information. This has proven very useful. Since the meetings much more information is available for the SU, numerous opportunities have occurred for collaboration: alumni, societies, postgrad, events, and other initiatives of which the SU is now much more aware.

Campus Redevelopment Update: Following the 22 Nov meeting, the governance structure for the campus redevelopment has been agreed. The University has now agreed to have student reps sitting on every level of the decision making structures! Student Consulation on the Masterplanning is currently being looked at.



Students’ Union Governance

I have spent a lot of last week going on conferences, discussing governance with leaders in the volunteering sector, listening to The vice-chancellor of the University of Exeter, Steve Smith, debating with NUS over governance - Wes Stering and Gemma Tumelty, talking to Phil Hope MP Corby and East Northamptonshire (for those internationals who have no clue - a British politician - member of parliament). It was interesting to hear so many progressive universities supporting their SUs widely.

Circle of Organisational Effectiveness
The team spent a day looking at the effectiveness of the organisation. The SU mission, vision and values were reviewed, the current difficulties each department is facing were taken into account. The day was particularly useful with regards to Masterplanning. The teams looked at how would the new campus look like when it is being redeveloped, and it was clear that it is in the best interest of the SU that it preserves and strengthens its identity and image, makes the brand coherent and visible across campuses. As a follow up there are more organisational effectiveness review sessions scheduled with myself and Helen West – General Manager, to build on the foundations. The exercise was also a good way of thinking about the new governance of the SU.



NUS Presidents residential event
The residential covered NUS Governance and the major changes of the governance structure proposed in the new constitution. There was ‘trouble shooting’ activity, many problematic areas were covered – from managing relationships with teams, staff and university, to dealing with campus redevelopments. The event offered an opportunity to look at the course fees – employability ratio, some detailed analysis were discussed regarding the current structure of tuition fees, and improvements were suggested.


Acevo National Annual Conference
The Annual Conference was attended by myself and Helen West – GM OBSU. The conference addressed the future of third sector governance: the volunteering sector. From across the UK I was the only SU President who attended the event, and felt that this sorts of events ought to be attended by more SUs - there was plenty to learn. The conference was very useful in terms of offering further insight into the professional governance practice within this sector. It included an afternoon keynote speech from Phil Hope MP Third Sector. Examined trends in 3rd sector governance from Boards Count, and discussed the role of Trustees. I have attended the workshop on recruitment of Trustees where many useful tips and advice on recruiting trustees were offered. As this is something that directly affects OBSU I have initiated a contact with consultants at the conference, and directly spoken to Phil Hope regarding the support provided for SUs across the coutry. He has confirmed that SUs will be taken into consideration, and has mentioned Bill Rammell. Organisations that have undertaken a governance review, have shared useful tips with the delegates, where all the do’s and don’t-s were listed .


Enhancing the Students’ Experience National Annual Conference
Wednesday 28th November 2007, Central London, Sponsored by: 1994 Group, In partnership with: National Union of Students.
Speakers include:
· Professor Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter and Chair, 1994 Group
· Miles Templeman, Director-General, Institute of Directors (IoD)
· Wes Streeting, Vice-President for Education, National Union of Students (NUS)
· Dr. Brian Lang, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St Andrews
· Professor Brenda Smith, Assistant Director, The Higher Education Academy
· Professor Robert Burgess, Chair, HE Academy and Vice-Chancellor, University of Leicester
· Chaired by: Donald MacLeod, Editor, EducationGuardian.co.uk

Delegates considered how to define the student experience, how to exceed student expectations, and how to capitalise on the student experience to secure the future of the university. Students’ Union role in enhancing the student experience was widely highlighted and supported by every speaker. The message about SUs playing a key role in building an image of excellence was re-iterated by Prof Steven Smith – VC Exeter, as well as many other members of senior management team across the country. Miles Templeman also made a presentation on employers expectations from the education sector, highlighting the need for a closer liaison between the skills aquired at uni and those needed in practice at work. I have made a point to the delegates and the panel that the point regarding the lower importance UK Employers place on laguage skills is not in line with the universities’ strive for better internationalisation. Wes Steering has acknoledged the importance of the point and added how important learning foreign languages is.

The conference was very useful, on a national level it was recognised how invaluable well resourced SUs are for every modern university. Some SMTs have pointed out that they are increasing the support offered to their Sus - recepntly increased Block grants to SUs, and investment not only in membership services but also in commercial activities, as well as invested in Student experience research undertaken by SU presidents of the 1994 group.

The delegates were primarily Vice Chancellors, deputy and Pro VCs, Deans and Directors. Oxford Brookes University attendence compared to other universities was weak – Clive Robertson – Head of Student Learning Experience only attended. I felt there was a need for more University representatives on a senior level, especially since the National Conference discussed a theme so central to Oxford Brookes University mission.

New Constitution!!!!

OBSU now has a brand new Constitution, which was now officially approved by University Board of Governors on 22 Nov! Ok, before you go on saying 'hold on a sec, we have approved the Constitution in Oct at OBSU AGM' yes yes, you are right! But until we have an independent charitable status, by law, our final decision making body is the University. In a year or so it would be us - OBSU! Now we can start implementing it gradually on phases, and becoming much more up-to-date with contemporary governance as opposed to the old old old Constitution that we had! These implementation stages will be discuss at Executive Board (Wednesdays) and Union Council on 8th Dec! So come along!!!

Memories from the Vice Chancellor's Inauguration Sept 2007

For first day today I stopped and thought about the couple of months just gone...and clearly remembered this day:

It was a day full of excitement for everyone at Oxford Brookes - a new start of the year, a new SU Exec team, and a new Vice Chancellor!

Here's my speech http://www.brookes.ac.uk/about/structure/management/inauguration/antoinette

Good Morning Ladies and Gentleman.

It is an honour to be here today and on behalf of all Oxford Brookes’ students, past and present, I would like to welcome our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janet Beer.

Professor Beer is joining a university of which I am exceptionally proud to be a part. It is a university in the truest sense; a place in which we are free to explore the joy of learning for learning’s sake, to become enlightened individuals with a sense of our place in the world. It is a fusion of ideas, people and experiences. It is, I believe, a university that leaves its mark on the world.

I am delighted that Professor Beer’s academic journey has brought her to Brookes, and I know that she will find us to be both inspiring and ready to be inspired.

My own educational journey has brought me from my home country of Bulgaria to studying here at Oxford Brookes. Along the way, the experience has changed me more than I could ever have imagined. When I am asked what it’s really like to study here, I cannot help but talk about the truly remarkable internationalism of our university.

This vitality will be on show in all its splendour over the next week, as we celebrate this year’s graduations – a perfect welcome for our new Vice-Chancellor.

The graduates will all have enjoyed and benefited from Brookes’ diversity. They will also have succeeded because of the dedication of their lecturers, because of teaching which is exciting and outward-looking, and because of the enabling and supportive environment at Oxford Brookes. Brookes’ approach to learning has, at its core, a belief that practical experience should not be an afterthought, but should be a vital part of degrees that also demand intellectual rigour and creative thinking.

It is no accident or stroke of luck that this is a university in the ascendant, challenging the very best universities in areas like graduate employment and student satisfaction.

Brookes students are encouraged to seize every opportunity that opens up for us, to transform our lives while we are here and to be passionate about our work and our futures. Like every student who comes here, Brookes has changed my life. It has led to possibilities I would never have thought of, and prepared me to meet the future with confidence.

For me, the greatest of these opportunities has been to play a part in the way the university is run. As a student Ambassador, Academic Rep and now an elected officer of the Students’ Union, I have had the chance not only to find out why things work the way they do, but to challenge the university – and myself - to make them work better.

I now know how important it is that students do have a say, not just for the sake of the university but for our own personal development. Brookes has always striven to include students in the decisions that affect them and I’m confident that Professor Beer understands and values this student involvement.

Oxford Brookes has exceeded my aspirations, and I am sure that Professor Beer will find that it does the same for her. Students here are rightly proud of Brookes’ reputation, and we are delighted today to entrust that reputation to our new Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Beer, on behalf of the student body, welcome to Oxford Brookes University!

if you are looking for reasons to smile - then read this :)

I have 5 awesome news about your SU and Uni to announce:

1. One of the most influential political figures in the UK - Higher Education Minister, Bill Rammell, is our special Students’ Union guest speaker!!!! So get your place booked before it’s too late! OBSU is delighted to announce that Bill Rammell is delivering our annual Students' Union lecture, as part of Oxford Brookes' public lecture series!! The topic is ... well why don't you find our HERE...
   


2. School of Social Science and Law has just received a trully prestigious world-wide level award for excellence - Queen's Anniversary Prize (find out more about it here)
   (there are only handful of universities around the UK hwo have received the award - Brooks has been awarded the prize TWICE!!!)
   


3. For the second time your SU is hosting the annual South-East region NUS event -Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Trangendered Activists Training Day on Wed 21st Nov!
   


4. Don’t forget your first ever SU International Forum on 21st - this coming Wed 12pm- 1pm at Gipsy Lane Main Hall. It is organised by Orla and is open for ANY international student to attend! So come along, want to hear from you!
   


5. The International Welcome Event hosted by your SU and organised by the International Office has gained popularity, attracted over 60 students where SU stalls, societies, welfare services like our SU Advice Centre and our volunteers project STAX exchibited information and spoke to international students. VC: Janet Beer and myself made a small speech to welcome the students. The evnt was attended by VP Activities and development – Mared, International officer Orla, Mature Students’ Officer Takao, Halls Rep Hazey and many others (sorry of I missed many of you guys, the list will be really long). But thank you for making this event lively, colourful and so welcoming for our international newcomers!

We need to be hearing more of the good news around! The above 5 is what I call a confidence booster!!! :) well done Uni, well done SU!

What's on the horizon at the SU

Apart from the entertainments: clubnights, social events and get-togethers that we are providing every week, here's what else is on:

• Announcing Hall Elections Results on Monday 12th Nov...mmmm this year we had candidates and nominations from every hall :) Talk to Louise Golden or Hazey to find out more!
  
• Mature Students' Society Launch on Mon 19th Nov
  /Takao - Mature Students' Officer is working closely with the society/
  
• To all international students: the 1st SU International Forum! Held at lunchtime Wed 21st Nov week 9. Woo hoo! you are WELCOME to join /Organised by Orla - International Students' Officer/
  
• GI JOnny campaign organised by Andi Whiting - LGBT Officer on 23rd Nov
  http://www.gijonny.co.uk/events.shtml
  
• Don't forget the Self Defence Classes run every Thursday - organised by Anna our Women's Officer
  
• Student Reps continue their meetings, see Bryony's Blog
  
• Societies keep on being affiliated, every forthnight on Thursdays, if interested don't forget to talk to Mared!
  
• News items, safety bus, environmental issues or clubs, bars, commercial stuff- talk to Jason!

And as for some more curious facts: I am meeting with Subject Heads on Monday 12th to discuss progress of work at University, presenting the new aproved constitution to Board of Governors on 22nd Nov, review of the SU organisational effectiveness is coming up on the 19th, oh AND

The Lightsabres of change for North UK..hm-hm-hm I mean NORTHUMBRIA SU, headed by Martin Farr, are coming to visit us on MOn 12th!!!

Update on progress

Well, I haven't been posting anything too detailed here for a while, and I feel I really should enlighten those who took their time to visit my blog...so there is some progress on

1. Internationalisation


2. Relationship with the local community


3. Postgraduate students integration


4. Hall Elections - a real epic story now :)


5. Anti-SU feelings recently made the Exec officers work even harder


6. Student Employability talks


7. NUS - review of its governance is finally

International Event
The SU was the host of the 1st International Event of the year, organised by the International Office. The event was successful – approximately 50-60 students attended. The following societies took part of the event and exhibited there:
Rock Soc, Philippine Soc, French Soc, Jazz Soc: well done guys!!! There was general students’ union information available as well: including SU Advice Centre and SU Stax . The Chapliancy was also present there. The students find out a lot more about their SU and made contacts with their International Students’ Officer: Orla , Mature Students’ Officer : Takao, VP: Activities and Development: Mared and myself.

Residents Association
My 1st RA was real fun :) he-he Attended the brief and the meeting itself with SU General Manager: Helen West, the meeting covered the following idems:

• Facebook use to promote parties: local residents were not happy with students promoting parties openly online, however the union and university have made it clear that there is almost nothing that can be done as students are free to organise parties and promote them on the virtual space on any social network, and neither organisations has authority over these networks


• Students behaviour, complaints procedure: the university and the union is taking anti-social behaviour very seriously and is ensuring that students are made aware of their responsibility to the local society


• Transport and parking: it was noted parking has improved at most residential areas


• Volunteers: ack of volunteers to help with Leage of Friends has been highlighted. STAX will be informed, so that students willing to take part in the project can be sent to volunteer at the JR hospital.


• Recycling was discussed, SU will be passing a clearer message incuringing students to recycle


• No Mince Pies: the event is co-hosted by the SU and the University at the SU venue and will be held on 29th Nov. The SU needs to make an effort in presenting itself in its best light for all local authorities.

Postgraduate event
This was the second PG event. The organisation of the vent involved the circulation of promo materials as well as the production of sign-up sheets for postgraduate students to sign up to support the creation of a postgraduate society, so that such can be created and students can be represented better.

Despite the low turnout on 31st Oct at the PG event – 35 students – I have managed to take down 25 students’ details and a better foundation for future relationship was established. Most of the students felt very supportive of reviving the postgraduate students activities, being better represented and creating a postgraduate society. The problem was commitment, the Graduate school have offered to assist the society by having a member of staff: Judith Powell, to assist if enough society members are gathered.

The event was also attended by VP Academic Affairs: Bryony France, VP Activitie sand Development: Mared Evans, Mature Students’ Officer: Takao and myself. David Evans: Head of Graduate School, and Judith Powell have both attended. Students met the team and the University guests.

Halls Elections
This has been a real effort, late night work and persistence by the whole team! ELECTIONS ARE STILL ONGOING THOUGH! All Hall managers and their line manager Peter Toomer, have been e-mailed on numerous occasions to inform them on the dates, times and locations of the elections. Posters have also been circulated to all halls. Information to all students has been also via website, face-to-face, GOAL days, message of the day and visits to campuses. Generally the issue raised so far was that few students knew what the halls president and treasurer responsibilities were. Information on this are available on www.thesu.com for students to read, however it was acknowledged that better awareness should be raised. The feedback is passed on to VP Welfare and Equal Opportunities as well as Halls Rep: Matt Hayes.

Facebook anti-su groups
The Exec officers have been made aware of several groups that have been recently created, who are quite negative about the work of OBSU. Active measures have been taken to make the SU work is transparent and visible to those students as possible. While no Exec officer has direct influence over the management of these groups, it was ensured that the areas of the union work that were under question have been explained in detail, and reasons behind SU decisions have been clarified as well. As a result one of these groups has sent apologies for misinterpreting the work of the union, and has agreed to send further feedback constructively so that the SU can improve its performance. The creator of the group informed me that the group will be closed around the 20th Nov, but any points so far have been copied in my electronic file of students’ comments and will be actioned upon.

Wheatley GOAL --/11/07
During Go Out and Listen at WHE theer were several points raised by students:

• Wi-fi on campus: this will be actioned by Jason Manning


• Hall Elections questions


• Canteen Food


• Buses/ transport


• Too much coursework

Degree for Life Conference
Attended the conference held by the university – career centre. VC Janet Beer, as well as other university members attended. There were 5 guests speakers:

1. Christina – Price Waterhouse Cooper


2. Tony Watts – Association of Grad. Carrer Services


3. Graeme Roberts


4. Angela Maher


5. Abby – student talk

All talks were on student employability, from various perspectives, with interesting information, statistics and general information on how employability can be improved. The information seems to be quite useful especially for Academic Affairs VP: Bryony France and Mature Students’ Officer who has recently mentioned he was keen on researching this topic. Copy of the presentations will be soon available on intranet by Carrers Centre.

Visit by NUS regional Officer: Chris Shelly
Chris has visited us at the SU. We discussed the role of NUS for SUs generally and OBSU in particular. He urged us to actively participate in the governance review so that we can pass any comments for improvement of NUS. Agreed to arrange a half-day meeting with Chris and the Exec for more detailed and effective discussion. Also agreed to look into calling of Extraordinary Conference. The Exec Committee is looking at it.

OBSU Mission Vision and Values

After the success at the AGM the students have approved the Union MVVs (Mission, Vision, Values)... so here they are (I am particularly keen on the last line of the values by the way ;)

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

VISION

• We will support students’ personal and academic development with increased opportunities for involvement.
• We will ensure that students have ownership of the direction and success of their Union and University.
• We will extend and protect the rights of our students.
• We will reflect the diversity of the student body through effective democratic representation.
• We will enhance the social and cultural engagement of students within the community.
• We will always put students first.
• We will rock you.

VALUES
In all of its dealings, the Union will be professional. It will be accountable to its members. It will be democratic and forward thinking and will seek to add value in all of its transactions. These values will be at the heart of the organisation.