I'm currently sitting at a computer at the University of Hertfordshire on a break from my 'Active Political Leadership' training, run by the NUS. In short, I have been learning about different leadership styles and the scenarios in which to implement them. The numerous workshops I am undertaking are giving me the opportunity to put theory into practice by actively developing the skills I will need to bring out the best in the Courtauld Students' Union.
Still two more days to go...!
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Sunday, 13 July 2008
ULU Summer Training
I've just returned from my three-day ULU residential training at Royal Holloway. Firstly, the weekend gave me the opportunity to get to know other sabbatical officers from the other University of London colleges, and secondly, it introduced me to the operational structure of ULU, giving me to chance to evaluate its significance for Courtauld students.
This year ULU will be making a concerted effort to re-engage with its affiliate unions following some years of underachievement. This means that students will be given the opportunity to decide what they want ULU to be. Whether you want to see more clubs, societies and sports provision or increased visibility and engagement with affiliate institutions, it is you, the students, who can determine what changes are necessary. I will therefore be consulting with you over the first few weeks of term to make sure that the specific priorities of Courtauld students are met.
I was also involved in a debate about the future of Higher Education funding (in preparation for the forthcoming 2009 government review); and I was consulted about the proposition of a London-wide NUS commission (beyond the University of London). I also shared ideas and forged allegiances with fellow officers from small and specialised institutions whose unions face similar tasks to the Courtauld SU over the next year.
This year ULU will be making a concerted effort to re-engage with its affiliate unions following some years of underachievement. This means that students will be given the opportunity to decide what they want ULU to be. Whether you want to see more clubs, societies and sports provision or increased visibility and engagement with affiliate institutions, it is you, the students, who can determine what changes are necessary. I will therefore be consulting with you over the first few weeks of term to make sure that the specific priorities of Courtauld students are met.
I was also involved in a debate about the future of Higher Education funding (in preparation for the forthcoming 2009 government review); and I was consulted about the proposition of a London-wide NUS commission (beyond the University of London). I also shared ideas and forged allegiances with fellow officers from small and specialised institutions whose unions face similar tasks to the Courtauld SU over the next year.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Hand-over and training
Lizzie Swarbrick and I are currently 'handing-over' the Presidency of the Students' Union. Together we are assessing potential concerns, highlighting required skills and thinking through significant issues which I will encounter in the forthcoming year. My time with Lizzie is to help prepare me for the year ahead, whilst allowing me to evaluate my own ideas, strategies and opinions.
Tomorrow I am off to Egham for ULU training at Royal Holloway for three days. The conference will officially introduce me to University of London Union politics and will give me the opportunity to think critically about how Courtauld students can interact with, and benefit from, the wider student network across the capital. Upon my return I will update you on what I discovered...
Tomorrow I am off to Egham for ULU training at Royal Holloway for three days. The conference will officially introduce me to University of London Union politics and will give me the opportunity to think critically about how Courtauld students can interact with, and benefit from, the wider student network across the capital. Upon my return I will update you on what I discovered...
Monday, 7 July 2008
CSU website on the way...
The Courtauld Students' Union website is currently under construction and will be ready for the beginning of the forthcoming academic year. It will incorporate elements from this blog, our Facebook and Flickr web presence as well as a a whole host of useful information and ways for students to get involved and have their say. We aim to make it the one stop shop for everything you need while studying at the Courtauld — from information about upcoming events to the latest info on what's going on in London right now. Stay tuned...
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