Term 1 Update
What is a society forum, and what is its purpose?
A Society Forum is a platform for the Students' Union and societies to collaborate, share ideas, inform about activities, and address challenges. As SU is run by students for students' organisations, societies can hold the SU accountable and provide feedback on what they want to see at the SU via the society forum. Upon a feasibility check of what has been requested, the SU will try its best to implement the request.
Society Update:
Societies: Currently, we have a total of 40 societies. In June 2024, there were only eight active and sustainable societies. This represents an increase of 32 societies, which is a 400% increase.
Total membership: Total members: 1183, among them society members: 760, sports members: 423.
Contact: lauren.gerrish@solent.ac.uk for any sports club-related concerns or issues. Memberships contact: student.involvement@solent.ac.uk
Encouraging Students to take part in societies:
Students' Union has been continuously working hard to get students involved in societies through Freshers' Fair, sharing leaflets, and Students' Union inductions. The Refreshers' Fair on February 18th is another opportunity for societies to promote their activities and attract members, as well as an opportunity for networking and discovering many prospects.
In addition, students can try out various sports and hobbies before committing to them regularly, thanks to the "Give It a Go" initiative.
These events aim to foster a strong sense of belonging from the very start of university life by making sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
We would be delighted to hear from you! What events are you interested in seeing at Students' Union? We'll try our best to make it happen if you let us know!
Campaign:
"Go with the Flow" is one such initiative that helps students who are experiencing period poverty. The SU offers free women's sanitary products through the Exchange, our community pantry as part of this program. One of the majorcampaign accomplishments has been obtaining a decent donation of period products from Boots by utilising the power of networking.
Van hire:
The Students' Union van hire service is there to support students to save on their transportation costs. It comes with a maximum capacity of 9 people and is available for society trips, assignments, and other university-related activities.
The car can only be driven by approved drivers (e.g. a Solent student who is 21+ years old with a UK driving license held for 2+ years). Priority is given to individuals using it for educational reasons, and reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance.
The cost of the van is 50p per mile plus a £10+ daily hiring fee, and the driver is responsible for any penalties or fees.
To make a reservation contact (student.involvement@solent.ac.uk).
Student-owned space:
Your VP Communities and Wellbeing and VP Education are lobbying for a dedicated student space for the students and the society. Current spaces at the university are open for everyone, but seating areas are often removed to arrange events. As a result, students struggle to find places to sit or hang out on campus due to the lack of dedicated seating areas for students.
Therefore, a student-owned space will only be available for our students and society, and the idea of this point is to have a hub place for students to get in, play video and board games, network and build connections, hang out, and attend society meetings.
SU Elections: Nominations for 2025-2026 SU elections for the sabbatical officers' role and the part-time student officer role are now open. This is a great chance to step into leadership roles, like becoming a Full-Time Sabbatical Officer or a Volunteer Officer.
For further information and updates please visit our SU website, follow @solentsu and @solentsu_officers on Instagram, alternatively email students.union@solent.ac.uk