VP Wellbeing Update Jan 25

Posted 111 Months Ago

In the first two weeks of semester I have:

• Organised Equality and Diversity Events in Refreshers Week:
• Hub Meet and Greet to engage students in Refreshers Week events and Diversity Week
•  Held a Feminism 101 forum open for all with speakers such as Talat Yaqoob and Alys from Engender
• Organised and hosted the International Arts Event- filed with flag painting and make shift photo booth
• Promoted Diversity events at Refreshers Fair
• Attended the University Equality and Diversity Advisory Group where I presented a report and spoke about student issues- the things you wanted me to bring up were: the lack of feminine hygiene products and bins in university bathrooms, the need for gender neutral bathrooms, more Muslim Prayer Space, how our international students want refugees scholarships available similar to so many other institutions and concerns surrounding the PREVENT agenda highlighted by students wanting their freedom of speech to be left intact
• Organised Diversity Week: a week of events requested by students. We organised and hosted an International Quiz Night, a Ladies Only ceilidh (as requested by Muslim Society and Womens Group and meeting our Safe Space values), a Trans and Body Image Talk and a self-defence class
• Involved in Wellbeing Week planning with the Sports Union- there will be a Mindfulness and Meditation Taster Session in week 5, a Depressed Cake Shop activity, as well as Advice Hub Meet and Greets and special Valentine’s Day cards

VP Community Update Jan 25

Posted 111 Months Ago

My name is Miranda and I’m your Vice-President Community. What does this mean? I work full time after having graduated from Heriot-Watt and I’m one of your representatives, specifically for the community on campus. This includes sitting on University Committee Meetings, ensuring decisions which are made by the University are in your best interests. Alongside this, I run Activities (societies, halls, charities), Events and any Campaigns that the Union is spearheading.

It’s been a busy first couple of weeks of this semester, so here’s what I’ve been working on…

• We had a successful Refreshers Week that I organised and ran. Ranging from a great turn out for the Big Fat Quiz of the Year, marking the start of regular Pub Quiz' at The Union to the new and regular Halls Parties.
• It is now currently Charities Week, where we work on putting on events and activities to raise money for our chosen charity: Children 1st. Be sure to pick up a flyer with the schedule for the week and get involved! Returning this year is 'Watt U Got?' our very own talent show.
• I am working on improving the entrepreneurial support on campus. I am meeting with a group to find ways to encourage students to take part in competitions, explore starting your own business and look at innovation.
• Soon, we will be running a campaign to get as many students registered in order to be able to vote in the upcoming Scottish elections. I'll be having a large role in promoting this in the next few weeks.
• I will be spearheading a donations drive for stationery and any other items for schoolchildren in Sri Lanka. One of our students on an associate campus has been doing great work over there and I hope to support him, hopefully with your help!

It is worth mentioning we are looking for more Events Crew members. It is a good way to gain experience in a variety of tasks including lighting, sound, electronics, set design and more! If you're keen, just send me an email.

President Update Jan 25

Posted 111 Months Ago

Semester 1 was incredibly busy, with Fresher’s Week kicking things off I expected it to calm down when classes started – obviously I wasn’t quite so lucky. I managed to achieve a lot in the 14 weeks of semester time including a definite student steer on the redevelopment of the current Elements Café area, a strong representation to the university that our students would not be satisfied with the numerous timetabling problems and car parking shortage, and a clear outline of what students need to see from any plans to restructure the School of Life Sciences. My first couple of weeks back at work has been understandably busy, but here’s what I’m looking to work on at the moment/in the near future:

• Just before Christmas, the Student Union was contacted by Edinburgh University Student Association’s VP Services about supporting a letter to the Scottish Parliament in regards to providing grants to asylum seekers. Our executive committee voted to support the cause, and so on Friday 15^th January I attended a small lobby at Holyrood for the hand in of the letter. The students unions that have signed the letter collectively represent over 220,000 students across Scotland.
• At present our postgrads aren’t paid as much as those at comparable higher education institutions, which doesn’t reflect the hard work and dedication they put in to their teaching, lab support and tutorials. Alongside the Student Union’s PG Officer and the Postgraduate Research representatives, I am now working with various key staff in the University to look at rectifying this issue.
• The design specification for the upgrade to Elements Café has now been created, but I will continue to be involved in the project. In week 2 I’ll be meeting with the project team to see where to go next, and I’ll continue to push for the high quality study space students need.
• Miranda (our VP Community) and I will be attending the first Senate meeting of the New Year at the end of January, at which proposals for the restructuring of the School of Life Sciences will be considered. We will continue to encourage the University to openly communicate this decision to both staff and students, and encourage them to address any concerns that may arise. Alongside this, I will be filming a brief message following the decision to ensure those of you who are unhappy or worried about the outcome can find support as you need it.
• Following the changes to exam regulations, we heard that a lot of students were unhappy with the changes which seemed to bring about more disruption to your exams. I’m planning to work with Academic Registry and communicate these issues as soon as possible so that come the next examination diet, these problems will be a thing of the past.
• Planning has already begun for the Student Union’s Learning & Teaching Oscars, which aim to recognise some of the outstanding work our teaching and support staff do. This year’s theme is international travel, drawing on culture from Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia to incorporate our five campuses. Nominations will open at the start of February, so get thinking about what academic & support staff have made a big difference to your time at Heriot-Watt!
• Last but not least – ELECTIONS ARE ALMOST UPON US! I’ll be working on revamping all of our sources of information to ensure that you can find out what you need to consider standing for election! This includes looking at our website and filming a couple of things, hopefully all will be improvements! Interested in my job or another elected role at the Student Union? Get in touch!!

Hopefully all this will keep me busy! If you have any questions about what I’m working on, or if you’re interested in standing for election but want a bit more information, please get in touch! Come visit me at the Student Union or email me on union.president@hw.ac.uk

I hope semester two has gotten off to a great start for you! Best wishes, Hannah x

Watt Ventures 2016

Posted 112 Months Ago

Are you a student? Do you have an idea for a new business? Then Watt Ventures is for you! 

Heriot-Watt, in partnership with Santander Universities, is running a business ideas competition for students to win up to £1,000. 

Now in its second year, Watt Ventures is looking for ideas from budding student entrepreneurs from Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh, Malaysia and Dubai campuses to submit an application form and 1-minute video pitch to be in with a chance of winning one of five cash prizes. 

Simply tell them about your idea by Friday 19th February 2016 to be in with a chance of winning up to £1,000!

We will be running a training workshop on Wednesday 27^th January 2016 from 12-4pm in the Court Room, Lord Balerno Building, HW.  The session will provide you with the skills to successfully pitch your business idea!  You will also have the opportunity to meet and share your experiences with entrepreneurs Kallum Russell, HW Alumnus and Chief Enterprise Officer of Acorn Enterprise and Dr Chris Leburn, Heriot-Watt Research Associate and Managing Director or Chromacity.  REGISTER YOUR PLACE HERE!

You can also visit the Watt Ventures website for more details.