Officers 23 24

Alice: 2 Years in ‘Wonderland’

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:01:06 +0100

Hey, it's Alice, your Guild International Officer 2022-2024. This is a blog about my "Officer Wins" and also a wrap up or “debrief” of my 2 years in my role. I have lots to tell you about my time as International Officer, because, as anyone who has seen my Officer updates on Instagram will know, I’ve had a very busy two years – so here we go!

Time is a slippery creature and moves quickly. It feels like the Officer Elections Results Night 2022 was just last Friday, but in fact, more than 2 years have passed since then. When I got elected that night, I had very little idea about the thing I was about to start, and as an international student with English as a non-native language, I didn't understand what did the word "guild" actually meant until after all the training. And I was very panicked. But I still feel very proud about myself at that time as I learnt so much and got to know many new people in a short period of time – some of them are my close friends now. Then I made the decision to re-run in the elections in 2023 because I wanted to continue doing some of the projects and carrying on some conversations, and to see what would happen.

The fun bits:

When I first started, someone asked me what I would like to be remembered for as an International Officer, my answer was, and remains to be, the Language Café. In the past 2 years, I’ve hosted 15 Language Cafés in total, basically every month in term-time. All the snacks were bought and transported by me, sometimes by myself, sometimes with another Guild staff or Officer. As a multilingual person, I have been enjoying doing this event, as I think this is a good social opportunity for everyone to practice language skills, to make friends and to have some free snacks with low commitment. It also helped some of the cultural societies to attract new members.

I have also hosted 10 socials including International Student Mixers, themed parties, an Easter Egg Hunt and Movie Night with the help and support of other Officers such as Ben, the Postgraduate Officer, and the Guild staff team. One of my favourite parts of hosting events is that I got to choose the music lists, sometimes I put online forms out for you to create the playlist with me.

Although I have not had experience of playing in musicals or dramas, I am very glad that people have been enjoying the Alice’s Top Tips videos and Come Dine with Me series. This has been something I really wanted to do, and I hope these have been helpful and entertaining to you. It’s very difficult to tell which one is my favourite!

The ‘serious’ bits:

When I first became an Officer, ensuring that accessible and inclusive information was being shared was one of my priorities. First of all, engagement in events had been very challenging when all the in-person activities were recovering from Covid. In my posts and Instagram stories, I always tried to include the accurate time, location of the events and the sign-up links. I also do newsletters and post on WeChat in Mandarin, and which proved popular. Another part was raising awareness of the resources at the University and at the Guild. Alongside general information on mental health and student safety, I have been working with the University on some announcements and relaying visa-related information to international students, including the Right to Work, Right to Rent and the Attendance information.

It would be surprising if anyone says that having meetings and reading papers is their dream job, but I think I secretly enjoyed this part too, especially the in-person ones where we get free food. I met so many talented and dedicated leaders and staff who care about education and students. Inevitably I was nervous, for example, in University Council meetings, seeing all those big decisions to be made and the big numbers about recruitment, finance and investments, commenting on the University’s strategies and policies. The things I usually talked about in those meetings are international students’ experience, cost of living, Birmingham International Academy and the Dubai campus.

I believe my dear friend Ben would agree, among the hundreds of meetings we’ve been to, one meeting we could both remember very clearly is the one where we tasted sandwiches, wraps and salads from different suppliers and gave them scores – we got so full at the end, well, that was before I went gluten-free. From students’ working hours to free language courses, from International Strategies to sandwiches, lots of magic happens in meetings and in the actions planned in the meetings.

National campaigns are something I am really glad that I have joined and witnessed, for example, Get Rid of the International Students’ Working Cap, Save the Graduate Route Visa and Cost of Living. Sometimes we would hear encouraging words from local politicians, sometimes it could be challenging. Through these campaigns, I have also connected with some officers in different Students’ Unions and people in different organisations, such as NUS and UKCISA.

The additional bits

As the International Officer, another part of my remit has been overseas campuses. I had the pleasure to visit our Dubai Campus and to meet with the Provost, staff, students and student leaders. That also marks my first trip to Dubai and it was during a special time, Ramadan. I also met with staff from our Joint-Institute in China.

I’ve worked closely with the University’s International Mobility Teams and the Community Safety Hub, as well as different culture-based societies and people from different countries/regions, and I have learnt so much. For example, I didn’t know that in Ukraine, ‘Easter’ is on a different date. I have done so many inductions, met with a lot of you and replied to lots of emails and messages to provide support within my capacity.

There were many other things but I would like to finish this article here otherwise it would be as long as my masters dissertation. I’d like to give a special shout-out to my two sets of Officer Teams: thank you for making the work so enjoyable every day - I will miss our time working together and our friendship will last forever!

To each of you reading this: thank you for having voted for Alice, and for coming to my events and sending kind messages all the time. I hope you enjoyed your time in Birmingham – I know I have!

Best wishes,

Tianjie Liu (Alice) - Guild International Officer 2022-2024

Join us at the Vice-Chancellor’s and President’s Question Time!

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:04:09 Z

Hi there, it's Amira, your Guild President.

On the 25th January 6pm I will be hosting the Guild’s first Company Law Meeting since 2015, and excitingly our Vice-Chancellor’s and President’s Question Time. This space is a chance for you to ask us both questions as key figures within the University and the Guild!

A Vice-Chancellor, can be likened to the principal of a school or the CEO of an organisation, but for a university. Our Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, took up the post in January of 2022, and his role is pivotal to shaping the strategic vision and direction of the University.

Adam and I have monthly 1:1s where we discuss student issues and steps that need to be taken, but we also sit in multiple meetings together. Two of the most notable are the Guild/University Exec Board meetings and the most senior university meeting, Council (which is like the Governing body of a school, or the Board of an organisation), that I sit in with our International Officer.

So, the Vice-Chancellor is a very influential figure at UoB, meaning this is a fantastic opportunity for you to feedback on your university experience. At the Question Time you will be able to ask us about the functions, work and goals of both the Guild and University jointly and separately and challenge us on the decisions we make.

What are the senior management structures of the University and the Guild? How do we understand the role and value of HE in the current political climate? How do we ensure that students get the best out of their time at the University of Birmingham? Make sure you learn all about the event and get your free ticket.

I cannot wait to see you all there!

Everything you need to know about the Guild Education Q&A…

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:34:02 Z

Hi! I’m Joe, your Education Officer. I’m writing this blog to tell you a bit more about an exciting event we’re hosting at the Guild at the end of January, where students will have the chance to question one of the University’s most senior academics on all things education.

Professor Deborah Longworth is Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) for Education. In short, this means that she is responsible for teaching and learning across the University. It’s her responsibility to ensure high standards across all of the five Colleges and make positive improvements to your academic experience. This Q&A is a chance to have your opinions heard by one of the most influential academics at the University.

I’ll be hosting the discussion, and the plan is to take as many questions as possible, some sent in ahead of time (we’ll tell you how to submit them once you register), and some from attendees on the day. There’ll be refreshments, as well as a break for you to chat and connect with other students, as well as your Student Reps and Deborah herself.

As PVC Education, Deborah’s remit covers a really broad range of issues which directly impact UoB students, so come prepared with questions on everything from timetabling, to teaching quality, to assessment and feedback. You might also be curious about bigger issues, like how to close the black awarding gap, or decolonise the curriculum. Deborah will be able to give her insight, not only as PVC Education, but also as a member of the University’s Executive Board, and a Professor of English Literature.

It should be a fascinating discussion, and it’s a chance to have your say on what the future of education at UoB looks like. If this sounds like your sort of thing, come along to the Guild Council Chambers from 12-2pm on the 24^th January - just remember to pick up your ticket via the Guild website.

Hi, I'm Amira, your Guild President

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:02:33 Z

Hi Everyone,

I am Amira. Your Guild President. So, when setting myself the task of writing my first blog post, I was keen to make sure I jumped right into content. However, I also wanted to ensure I introduced myself a little bit. So, I am going to talk a bit about the black awarding gap. And, anyone who has been to any of the earlier Black Voices events that we hosted, or who has worked for long periods of time with me will know how much I talk about it. But it’s important, and it is important to me.

When I came to university, I was more familiar with the term “black attainment gap”. I never problematised the bias it suggested; that black students were responsible for the gap between their grades and their white counterparts. I do now.

So, the black awarding gap pertains specifically to the proportion of students being awarded 2:1s or 1sts. At the University of Birmingham between academic year 2016/17 and 2020/21 the black awarding gap widened by 4.3%. In the same timeframe the Asian and mixed awarding gaps both narrowed by 2%. The awarding gap is only getting worse for black students and this was of paramount concern to the Guild President during the year that I joined the University of Birmingham (2020/21). For that President, there were multiple challenges faced by black students that needed to be addressed and were being addressed by her since the previous year when she was the elected Postgraduate Officer. This was achieved through the Black Voices campaign.

Now, I am comforted that Tobi (ex-Guild President and Postgraduate Officer) will be more than happy for me to state that Black Voices at this time was a priority campaign that functioned at a very senior level within the Guild, but unfortunately wasn’t being highly engaged with by students. I was a first year at the time, and I hosted some really interesting talks, but it wasn’t seeing much traction. That summer I received some training, we did some recruiting, and fast forward in the name of brevity, the Black Voices campaign is now student facing and seeing hundreds of students in our spaces.

During the time of its growth, I became employed to run the campaign, under the role titled the Black Voices Community Organiser. The role came with its challenges, and I saw multiple line managers during the time, but the support I received from my team and the Student Voice department was amazing. So amazing, that I was somehow convinced that maybe I could do even more in a different role. Maybe, If I were President, I could make even more change, not only for the black student community but other students.

And so, I ran to be President and boy did the team and my friends shout my name across campus. I chose not to put any of the Black Voices aims in my manifesto when I ran. If a black hairdresser came onto campus during my time as President that was not my win, that was a Black Voices win. If the Guild and the University adopted the #mynameis affiliation and placed their name pronunciations at the end of emails, that was a Black Voices win. If the Black Awarding Gap began to close. Well, that was a win for us all.

Ultimately, as your President I hope to do work on equity, affordability and transparency. During the Officer Elections I ran a campaign full of ideas, many of which I have already seen traction on and, as I get further into this role, I look forward to supporting our student population through any challenges that may arise. I have also had the chance to work with medical students, talk about workers’ rights with student staff, and I'm excited for the many more opportunities my term in office will hold. So, now more than anything I want to win your trust. And I want to keep it.

Introducing Community Pantry Breakfast

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:34:24 Z

Hello!

It’s your Welfare and Community Officer, Dean. I want to tell you a little bit about my brand-new Community Pantry Breakfast Club, what it is and why you should come along!

What is it?

The Community Pantry Breakfast Club is a new initiative I’m launching in November. It was part of my manifesto to expand the Community Pantry’s offering, and after floating some ideas around over the Summer, I’ve decided that a Breakfast Club, open to all, is the best way to do that.

Similar to school Breakfast Clubs, the Pantry Breakfast will be open to you before you start your studies on campus. This means that every Wednesday morning in November, you can begin your day with a completely free breakfast at the Guild!

Why is it happening?

Studies show that starting your day with a healthy breakfast is key to boosting academic performance. A nutritious breakfast contributes to improved readiness to learn, increased concentration, and improved mental well-being throughout the rest of the day. The science is very simple to understand: how can you expect to concentrate on studying when you’re hungry?

However, the ongoing Cost-of-Living crisis has meant that many students have had to skip meals to save on costs. Many students do not eat breakfast for a multitude of other reasons such as simply not having time. Often, breakfast is the first meal to go when students face increased pressures. Given the academic benefits of breakfast in the context of university life, I want to do something about this. That’s why I’m establishing the Community Pantry Breakfast Club this November.

Who can come?

All students are welcome! There are no conditions to entry for the Breakfast Club because I want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to start their day with a healthy, nourishing meal in a safe, supportive environment, optimising your ability to learn. Simply come to Mermaid Bar in the Guild any time between 8-10am on a Wednesday to enjoy a completely free continental-style breakfast. A Guild Advisor will also be present from 9am, so you can also access support and advice if you need to.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Not really! This is the gist of the Community Pantry Breakfast Club: access a totally free breakfast in Mermaid Bar at the Guild, any time from 8-10am on a Wednesday in November. I want to ensure that everyone can experience the benefits of a nutritious breakfast, and I really hope you can join us!

Hiya, I'm Cat your Sports Officer

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:22:14 +0100

Hiya, I’m Cat your Sports Officer for the coming year. I have just graduated from studying sport, exercise and health sciences and some fun facts about me are:

I have really weird and freaky double-jointed arms
Am pretty good at the ‘name that song’ round of a quiz (as long as the songs aren’t too old or too recent!!)

Alongside handing out sports night tickets and running some pretty cool events throughout the year, my role primarily is to act as an ambassador for sport, physical activity and wellbeing on and outside of campus.

I work to ensure students have ample opportunities to compete in sport or stay active whilst at university. At the centre of all my decisions is an urge to create an inclusive and welcoming sporting environment, where everyone, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, background, or physical ability, feels comfortable to participate in sport. I aim to create opportunities for students to develop as leaders, where they feel empowered and capable to assist in running events, or act as role models within their sport, assisting in the development of skills which are immensely valuable not only for future careers but on a personal development level too. Another role I hold is being the sustainability lead for The Guild, where I work in collaboration with the University to ensure we’re meeting environmental, social, and economic standards to improve the ways in which we operate.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that running for Sports Officer was initially another way for me to stay another year at uni surrounded by its culture and my friends. However, as I began to understand the nature of the role, I began to really identify with it. Those who know me will know I’m quite loud and like to have opinions on everything, but that I’m also a very empathetic person who often (well pretty much 97% of the time) puts others’ needs before my own. I feel these traits, alongside wanting to bring change to the lives of future students, by identifying sporting opportunities that I wished I had as a student, urged me to campaign. Feel free to check out my campaign page on Instagram (@vote_cat_in_the_hat) to see all the embarrassing content I put out. Funnily enough, I’m currently back at home writing this and some guy in the gym came up to me the other day and said “omg you’re Cat in the Hat!”, so it must’ve been slightly memorable…. for the record I had never met this guy before and I don’t live that close to Brum so was really weird but hey ho, guess I’m famous now!

Over the coming year, my main priorities are to make sport inclusive and accessible for all with projects including inter-accommodation competitions, and hosting second-hand sports kit and equipment sales, as well as starting a costume wardrobe for sports night. At the end of the day, I'm still a student and want what’s best for the student body, so will do whatever it takes to make sure your voice is heard and responded to.

Don’t hesitate to contact me with feedback, questions and ideas throughout the year; I’ll always aim to get back to you as soon as I can! There’re a few ways you can reach me including via Instagram (@guild_sports), Facebook (Cat Hardiman) or via email: sports@guild.bham.ac.uk

Alongside these, I like to think I’m an approachable person, so if you see me out and about (and doesn’t seem like I’m rushing to get somewhere!) please feel free to grab me for a chat.

Dean - Hi, I'm Dean, your Welfare and Community Officer

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:57:40 +0100

Hi, I’m Dean, your Welfare & Community Officer at the Guild for this academic year. I’ve just graduated from my undergraduate in Philosophy, and I am now studying a Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics part-time. A couple fun facts about me are:

I have worked as a member of student staff at the Guild for two years prior to becoming an Officer.
My favourite way to make coffee is by using a Moka pot (if you know, you know).

Why I applied to become your Welfare and Community Officer:

I have always had an interest in student welfare and housing, but in my third year I worked as a Community Warden at the Guild. The Community Warden scheme is a partnership between the University and the Guild to make Selly Oak a safer, cleaner, greener, and more cohesive community.

In this role, I engaged directly with students on a number of wellbeing and housing issues, providing advice and support. So, when Officer Elections rolled around, it felt natural for me to progress from Warden to Welfare & Community Officer. As an Officer I am well placed to influence Guild policy and work with the University on issues relating to student welfare and housing, which really appealed to me.

What I will be working on this year:

My top priority for this year is getting the Guild Renters’ Union up and running. The Renters’ Union will be a one-stop-shop for housing advice and support. Having all housing information in one place will make it easier to access, resulting in students having greater awareness about their rights as renters and how to assert those rights if the need arises.

My aim is that the Selly Oak rental market will be more responsive to students’ requirements, especially with regard to housing standards, communication, and responsiveness to maintenance queries.

If you have any questions or would just like a chat, please do get in touch! You can follow my socials for more updates @guild_welfare, or get in touch via email welfare@guild.bham.ac.uk.