Blog
The search for Sir Alan's apprentice is on
Since the last update, I’ve been busy on a few different projects and tieing up loose ends from the last two years in office.
I attended a meeting with our Chief Exec and the Director of Finance for the University where we discussed a very draft budget proposal for YUSU next year. We are about to embark on some difficult times with Higher Education funding stretched, and as such, our parent institution will find it difficult to balance the books. The case has never been stronger to invest and continue to support the Students’ Union, so that it can continue to enhance and support the student experience. Our target now is to gain a ‘budget freeze’ meaning that we will not receive any additional income from the University next year, than we’ve received this year. However, our Commercial arm will endeavour to increase the contribution which covers fixed cost increases within the Union. We are making a bid to the University for more space. As a Union we are shackled to the current building in Goodricke and do not have enough suitable office space. One plan a foot is to try and develop an outlet in Market Square, next to Your Shop, to enhance our service offering.
I’ve been heavily involved in the Goodricke 40th Anniversary weekend: co-ordinating on the 300 person ball on the Saturday night with the Goodricke vice-chairs. The weekend was an amazing success and I hope that my involvement, not just because of my college affinity, is a sign of support in how your Students’ Union supports activities on campus. It was a very special occasion for Goodricke as it prepares to leave for pastures new on the Heslington East development.
I co-ordinated on the Roses events that took place on Friday and Saturday night, which saw both York and Lancaster teams and supporters celebrating their hard work. The events, overall, were a massive success and well attended. Perhaps, too successful, was the Saturday night event, where we saw 80% of attendees trying to gain access to the Courtyard, where this was a joint event with Vanbrugh Hall. By request, we had sourced some great live bands and put on a full band rig in Vanbrugh, however, the Courtyard’s pull was very popular and we saw a bumper weekend there. We will learn from these events and reconfigure different elements, including re-considering live music, for the Roses events in two years time.
All of the full-time officers had a lunch time meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of the University, where he re-affirmed his support of the Union and was very happy with the successes we have made to date. Members of his senior team were present and we have some action points moving forward to support our growing student activities base.
I have been an active member in the Catering and Social Working Group, looking at options for Heslington East. This week saw the conclusion of the group, where we agreed on a plan to build a catering & social venue which would cost in the region of £2million, to go forward and try and gain University capital support to do so. This is really exciting for York students and will enhance the offering on the whole site. As a YUSU member on the group, I ensured that we also create ‘social space’ that is fit for purpose and at the heart of the project.
The Student Centre working group has now been put on hold pending more research and development of the University’s estates strategy plan. The Union is pushing for the redevelopment of the Langwith area, to take place after the proposed move in 2012/2013. The group will be picked up in 2010 to start progressing these ideas.
I attended my last NUS Services Ltd committee meeting, where I have volunteered over the past two years on the Business and Enterprise Committee, to generate and develop new ideas for the student movement and bring more money into Students’ Unions. I’ve been honoured to be part of groups with very talented student officers and Union staff.
I’m continuing in my quest to apply for new jobs, and had an interview last week. Anyone looking to employ a hard working, dedicated person with GSOH, get in touch.
And finally, I saw STAR TREK this week. It was fantastic and I recommend everyone to go see it, regardless of if you are a trekkie! Looking forward to Angels and Demons next week!
Until next time.. keep watching The Apprentice.
