northumbria students' union annual report 2008

‘It has been a very productive year for Northumbria’s Students’ Union. The University values its relationship with the Students’ Union and the professional and informed manner through which it represents the opinions of students.’

Professor Andrew WatheyVice-Chancellor & Chief Executive

www.mynsu.co.uk

Our mission

Our visionNorthumbria Students’ Union’s vision is to achieve excellence in meeting our members needs through student-led activities and services, to be recognised by students and the university as an essential focal point for community life as a student, and to become indispensable to the overall quality of the student experience at Northumbria University.

Our key aims1. Stand up for student rights through excellent representation and campaigns. 2. Provide consistently good quality services, activities and facilities.3. Maximise the use and involvement in the Students’ Union by the widest cross section of students possible.

Our core values

To have a positive impact on the lives of all our students

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We will ensure that we -

Are a democratic organisation that is owned, run and focused entirely on our members’ needs.

Are accountable to our members through open decision-making that is underpinned by good ethical practice.

Defend our right to independently represent our members to the University to improve student rights locally and nationally.

Enhance university life through the provision of quality services and activities that wherever possible exceed our members’ expectations and are delivered in a way that minimises negative environmental impact.

Encourage the widest possible involvement of our members in all our activities.

Are the community heart of the University to provide a safe place for all our members to network, socialise and be supported and represented.

Make our activities fun and whenever possible involvement will contribute to the personal development of our members.

Develop teamwork between our offi cers, staff, volunteers and establish productive external partnerships. Have equality of opportunity at the heart of everything we do.

Foreword by the Vice-Chancellor & Chief ExecutiveIt has been a very productive year for Northumbria’s Students’ Union. The University values its relationship with the Students’ Union and the professional and informed manner through which it represents the opinions of Northumbria’s students.

The student representation system at Northumbria is supported by excellent training initiatives, including the Annual Course Representative Conference and the publication of a nationally recognised Course Representative Guide for academics. I should like to congratulate two of our students, Thomas Gyr and Timur Jan Pinar, who have each earned the prestigious title of National Union of Students Course Representative of the Year 2008.

During the past year the Students’ Union’s engagement with the University’s Executive Team, its Schools and Service Departments, has been most constructive; advancing academic standards, increasing feedback, enhancing participation in the National Students’ Survey, facilitating retention and improving key aspects of the student experience.

I was pleased to be involved with the opening of Habita Café Bar which, as part of the fi rst phase of a three-year plan to transform the SU building to better meet the needs of today’s students, has greatly improved our city centre campus. I look forward to the completion of the second and third phases, which will include the refurbishment of the Venue and the development of facilities to support club and society activities, personal development, community action, charity fundraising, student representation and other volunteering initiatives.

Through its many endeavours the Students’ Union is Northumbria’s principal non-academic conduit for life-changing opportunities for its students; creating communities of common interest, enabling students to learn from one another and to acquire skills which increase their employability. The University supports the Students’ Union’s mission - to have a positive impact on the lives of all students – and its commitment to increase the diversity of its offer and to appeal and to be relevant to the widest possible range of students.

On behalf of Northumbria University, I should like to thank the Students’ Union for their hard work and I look forward to what I am sure will be a productive future relationship between the Students’ Union and the University.

Professor Andrew WatheyVice-Chancellor & Chief ExecutiveNorthumbria University

4 President’s message Award Winning Union

5 Run by Students for Students

6 - 7 Guiding Light

8 Reaching Out

9 Fighting for Student Rights

10 Warm Welcome

11 Active Students

12 Putting Something Back

13 Developing Services & Entertainment

14 People & Money

15 Looking Ahead

northumbria students’ union annual report 2008 www.mynsu.co.uk 03

Contents &

Foreword

Aw

ard Winning U

nion

President’s Message I am proud to refl ect on another incredible year of success and achievement for Northumbria Students’ Union. The Union has again stretched itself, having a profound and positive impact on the lives of thousands of Northumbria Students. Record breaking levels of involvement, superb new social networking opportunities and services, and the student voice heard loud and clear across the University.

Perhaps our greatest achievements, growth and positive impact have been in our nationally acclaimed systems and support for student representation. The “Northumbria Way” is a benchmark and used as model of best practice by NUS. The quality of our work was marked by the award of ‘NUS Course Representatives of the Year for 2 of our Reps’.

The Students’ Union has more active societies and student groups than at any time in its history. They provide countless opportunities to create social communities and networks whilst rapidly developing the skills and employability of all the participants. Northumbria Student Community Action (NSCA) enhances the reputation of Northumbria University helping to dispel negative connotations associated with student life. Again our work is nationally recognised with our ground breaking ‘Speed Dating for people with learning disabilities’ event which received the TimeBank award for the ‘Most Innovative New Community Project 2008’.

Our sincere thanks and gratitude go to the University for the investment in our stunning new café bar, Habita. Students and staff use these facilities knowing that our management and operational practices are of the highest order. Winning the ‘Newcastle City Council Best Bar None Club Gold Award,’ confi rms our pre-eminence in the way we care for the safety and well being of our customers. In addition for the second year running, the ‘Silver Sound Impact Award’ from NUS Services Ltd., proves our commitment to sound environmental and ethical practices.

Whilst it is good to celebrate our many awards, what is most important is that we continue to have a positive impact on student lives at all levels. I am very grateful for the continuing hard work of our countless volunteers, fellow offi cers, Student Councilors, Trustees and our staff team who make this aim a reality, daily. Northumbria can rightly claim to be a national leader amongst Students’ Unions. With the continued support of the University, I am confi dent; it will soon become recognised as best in the country. That is our ambition and our promise to you.

Dave Wright PresidentNorthumbria Students’ Union

40 www.mynsu.co.uk northumbria students’ union annual report 2008

• The National Union of Students Course Reps of the year • TimeBank Most Innovative Volunteering Project • Newcastle Best Bar None Gold Club Award • NUS Services Limited Silver Sound Impact Award • NUS Services Limited Best Bar None Award

Our Successes in 2008 Students’ Union Winners of:


Run by S

tudents for Students

A New Constitution2008 was an important year for the long-term governance of the Students’ Union. Following approval of a new governing document in 2007, signifi cant changes in the organisation have successfully been implemented, including the election / recruitment of 12 out of 13 trustees and over 30 Student Councillors elected / recruited, with a full compliment of quorate meetings held.

e-LectionsElections are always a key measure of a healthy Students’ Union and 2008 saw the continuation of recent positive trends within the sabbatical offi cer elections. 2466 students voted for their elected representatives. A new record for the Students’ Union and a 27% increase on the 2007 turnout.

• Governance Reforms successfully implemented• 2466 votes in the Sabbatical Elections• Increase of 480% in all Union democracy since 2004 • Third successive quorate AGM held in October 2008• 27% increase in Big Ballot turnout• 2008 total E-Voter turnout in 3500

Key Achievements

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

2004 2005 2006 2007

1935

1672

1288

460

2008

2466

Num

ber of Votes

Big Ballot

For the second year running, the Students’ Union gave students the opportunity to vote in an e-Referenda to decide what their number one campaign should be. 647 students (a 27% increase on the 2007 turnout) voted overwhelmingly that ‘Keep Wednesday Afternoons Free’ should be the priority campaign for 2008/2009. The Students’ Union has already begun the planning process of this campaign and began discussions with the University to assess the current Wednesday afternoon timetabling demands.

Student CouncilA new format for Student Council has been successfully introduced with most (over 30) positions on Council being fi lled within one month. Student Council has seen a number of motions and policies submitted by members, ensuring that students are at the heart of decision-making in their Union.

Elections 2008

Growth in elections since 2004

Guiding Light

The Advice & Representation Centre

This year witnessed further impressive growth of the advice and representation services of the Students’ Union.

Northumbria is rapidly building a national profi le for the quality of its student representation, recognised by NUS as sector leaders; the Advice and Representation Centre is continuously gaining credibility within the University for the quality of its support for students.

Course RepsThis year has seen unprecedented innovation within student representative systems at Northumbria that the Students’ Union is confi dent are unique within the Student Movement. These include:

• Developing a Programme Leader Survey to identify future improvements in the Course Rep system and provide a dataset to benchmark future improvements against.• Producing and distributing a ‘Course Rep: Best Practice Guide’, with funding from Student Affairs Committee, as a tool for staff in recruiting and supporting their reps.• Delivering N-tale sessions for academic staff in ‘how to get the most out of your reps’.• Developing an online Course Rep training module, with support from L-Tech.

October saw the second annual Course Rep Conference at St James Park. 155 students attended this popular and successful event, which included a presentation from Deputy Vice-Chancellor Craig Mahoney and sessions led by Student Services, Library and Learning Services, Academic Registry and IT Services.


Tom Gyr and TJ Pinar accepting NUS Course Reps of the Year Award

SUSU

PGR Reps Training Event 2008

And the Winner is…Northumbria Students’ Union Reps Tom Gyr and TJ Pinar won the Award for Course Reps of the Year 2008 at the inaugural NUS Annual Awards. This achievement refl ects the quality of Northumbria’s students and Reps as well as the system in place to support them.


School Reps and Post Graduate Research RepsThe achievements of School and Post Graduate Research Reps were many in 2008. Here are just some of the positive changes at Northumbria that the Students’ Union and its Reps have helped to bring about this year:

• Introduction of cash points at Coach Lane and City Campus East.• Setting up ‘feedback wall’ where Reps post updates on issues raised anonymously by students.• Agreeing universal standards across one School for level of detail in module guides.• Establishing Women in the Built Environment Group.• Preventing clashes between fi nal degree shows and the School graduation ceremony in Design.• Presentation to whole School staff team on importance of “the student experience”.• NBS: securing fortnightly meetings with their School management.• Making dissertation supervision sessions more accessible and fair.• Drawing up guidelines on disruptive behaviour in the classroom.• Campaigning for student representation at Collaborative Ventures.• Lobbied successfully to tighten regulations surrounding PhD viva regulations.

Northumbria Students’ Union has introduced a system for tracking School Rep meeting attendance in 2008. The commitment of these Reps across the University is excellent with 89% of meetings having a Rep in attendance and just 5% of Reps missing a meeting without sending apologies.

Advice and CaseworkThe professional casework service offered by the Students’ Union has continued to grow in popularity since its launch in 2007. The Union provided advice and advocacy for 232 students in 2008 and many more benefi ted from the range of information literature developed on topics such as ‘appeals’, ‘complaints’ and ‘academic misconduct’.

Coach LaneBranching out cross campus the Students’ Union launched the advice service at Coach Lane tailored to meet the specifi c needs of the Coach Lane students, offering support and guidance at designated surgery times, with the total advice time for Coach Lane in 2008 amounting to 300 hours.

Guiding Light

• Winner of NUS Course Reps of the Year 2008 Award• Conducted fi rst ever research survey of Programme Leaders to identify improvements to Course Rep system• Launched a ‘Course Reps: Best Practice Guide’ to support University staff• Over 1000 elected Course Reps• Over 30% of registered Course Reps trained• Launched a new attendance tracking system for School Reps• 89% of School Meetings attended by a School Rep• 1150 hours advice hours provided to students

Key Achievements

WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO?The Advice and Representation Centre is independent and exists to help students with any on-course issue; we offer advice on academic procedures, support student representatives to represent the student ‘voice’ at Northumbria and run schemes such as the Learning and Teaching Awards, which give every student a say in their education.

WE HAVE THREE MEMBERS OF STAFF: • The Representation and Democracy Coordinator • The Education Caseworker• The part-time Student Assistant

Between us we support the whole range of activities the centre provides; supporting individual students through crises and developing representation to improve the whole student experience.

The Advice and Representation Centre is based at City Campus but we spend 3 days a week at Coach Lane as well.

CITY CAMPUSThe Advice and Representation Centre is on the fi rst fl oor of the Students’ union. Visit: We are open 10-4 during term timeTelephone: 0191 243 7684Email: [email protected]

COACH LANEThe SU Offi ce is on your left as you enter the building from the quad.Visit: 10.30-4 Monday & Wednesday, 10-1 Tuesday and 2-4 ThursdayTelephone: 0191 215 6872Email: [email protected]

Or, fi nd us on the e-learning portal! Search Education Advice or Course Representatives

Advice and Representation Cen

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SUSU

northumbria

Advice and Representation Cen

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SUSU

northumbria

ADVICE AND REPRESENTATIONCENTRE

COURSE REPMEETING

COACH COACH lane lanelane


Reaching O

ut

A Brand New WebsiteThe Students’ Union undertook a new partnership in 2008 by collaborating with IT Services to redevelop and re-launch www.mynsu.co.uk

The new website has a brand new look, it is more visually appealing, more accessible, structured and contains features such as online sales and ‘What’s On’ to ensure it is a valuable tool for students.

My NorthumbriaPartnership with IT Services was also crucial to the Union contributing two applications to MyNorthumbria. The personalised site for students contains a MyInterests feature allowing students to receive targeted information about the topics they are interested in and the MyReps application allows every student to check who their School and Course Reps are at the click of a button.

GOALsElected Offi cers of the Students’ Union continue to prioritise the importance of engaging and listening to students. Go Out And Listen is the Students’ Union’s scheme for ensuring that it is constantly in touch with the issues that affect Northumbria students. This information is used to inform Offi cers’ contribution at University meetings, ensuring that the Union is delivering evidence-based representation.

nu:life MagazineFollowing Governance reform the Students’ Union has brought the student publication in house and re-launched and rebranded what was the student newspaper. The election of a Communications Offi cer has meant that more students have been involved with writing articles and making the student magazine the true voice of Northumbria Students. NU:Life is a contemporary guide to campus life and in partnership with Team Northumbria gives balanced updates with social, political and sporting news.

Diversity Weeks’The Students’ Union ran not one, but two Diversity Weeks during 2008, having delivered the fi rst ever Northumbria Diversity Week in February 08, the second was organised and delivered during December 2008. Both weeks were hugely popular:

• Over 40 sessions were ran across the two weeks• High-profi le visitors included renowned Islamic speakers Khalid Yasin and Abu Imran

Key Achievements

• Launched brand new website• Tailored and personalised websites to user needs through use of new technology• Elected offi cers directly engaged with 500 students through GOAL • Launched a brand new magazine as the voice for students• 40 active Media Volunteers• Increased readership of student publication by 50% • Organised two Diversity Weeks’ with 2000 students participating

nu:lifeIsuue No.1 November 2008 FREE TO A GOOD HOME

The official voice of Northumbria Students’ Union

ww

w.m

ynsu

.co

.uk

REGULAR FEATURES: ENTERTAINMENT, NEWS, YOUR UNION,

FASHION, SPORTS, HOROSCOPES, SPOTTED PLUS LOADS MORE

LISTEN UP!We’ve got something for you

In this edition...

SPOTTED

TEAMNORTHUMBRIA

NEWS

STUDENT DEBT

GUIDE TO FRESHER’S

TOPHOUSING

TIPS

Diversity Week


Not Another Ticking Survey

One of the Students’ Union’s biggest and most noted achievements in 2008 was supporting the University in increasing its National Student Survey response rate to 71%.

The Union developed the notanothertickingsurvey campaign theme which captured students’ imagination, whilst working behind the scenes with the University to ensure that improvements were made and that the results refl ected improved satisfaction.

Assessment FeedbackThe big campaigning success story for the Students’ Union in 2008 took the form of its campaign for improved assessment feedback. Voted as the Union’s number one campaign in the Big Ballot 2007, elected offi cers worked tirelessly with the University to install timely, good quality feedback as a main priority. Working closely with Academic Registry to promote the ‘feedback feed-forward’ campaign, highlighting how effective feedback could be used to improve results.

Students were involved, with School Reps surveying their peers on expectations of assessment feedback and presenting the fi ndings to School Learning and Teaching Committees, and driving the debate on what makes good feedback through student-led forums.

The campaign result was a staggering 9% rise in satisfaction, placing Northumbria in the top quartile in this category and with individual subject areas jumping by as much as 30%.

RepresentationThe elected offi cers of the Students’ Union continue to work very hard at ensuring that students have an input into decision-making within the University Committee structures. In 2008 it is estimated they spent over 800-hours involved in almost 60 committees, boards and working parties.

Fighting for Student R

ights

Committee

24-hour Library OpeningOver a year on from the Students’ Union’s 24-hour library campaign and students are still reaping the benefi ts. 2008 saw the further extension of the library to become a full 24-hour service during term time.

Fools Rush InThe Students’ Union has continued to build its links with University Accommodation

Services, gaining an increased presence in the University’s housing publication to promote its ‘Fools Rush In’ campaign. This campaign tackles the Christmas accommodation rush and promotes the fact that it is a tenants market and that there is plenty of housing available.

Key Achievements

• Helping the University to achieve a 71% NSS response rate• 9% increase in satisfaction with assessment feedback• Over 800 hours spent representing students in University committees• Successful campaigning led to 24 Hour Library Opening during term time COULDN’T

GIVE A TICK?You can now!It’s back again.An independent national survey,for most fi nal year undergraduatesComplete it online and get a free cup of coffeefrom your Students’ Union

You could win £1000Quick and easy to complete

Your voice – make a difference

www.notanothertickingsurvey.com

24 - hour Library Opeinng


Warm

Welcom

e

Welcome Week Welcome Week 2008 was a ground breaking year for the Students’ Union, selling out of Welcome Passes before the start of the week shows our strength in delivering a fantastic induction to student life and an invaluable element to the overall student experience. A key aim for the Students’ Union is providing a warm welcome to all new students arriving on campus. Over 200 current students volunteered as Welcome Team Helpers to move students into halls and provide advice and guidance to newcomers. For the fi rst time, the Students’ Union recruited a dedicated Welcome Team for Coach Lane Campus. Before students arrived they received a personalized mailing introducing them to the Students’ Union and the activities, services and entertainments on offer. Specifi c mailings were posted and events and activities were organised for International and Coach Lane students, reaffi rming the Students’ Union’s commitment to increasing diversity. Following market research in 2007 the Union reviewed and amended the activity and entertainment programme in line with student needs. This year we really did offer something for everyone, with top name Radio One DJ’s, a formal Ball, Roller and Silent Disco to tours of the city, trips to Ikea and a family fun day at Coach Lane, whatever the taste, we catered. Greater attendances, participation and turnover provided evidence that the Students’ Union is in tune with the membership.

Key Achievements

• Organised specifi c Coach Lane and International student Welcome programmes • Recruited, trained and developed 200 Welcome Helpers • Targeted direct mailings to all fi rst year students • Over 15,000 attendees at Welcome Week Entertainment Events • 300 students participated in Welcome Activities • Hosted one of the biggest Welcome Weeks in the country• Footfall of 12,000 at the Welcome Fairs• 10% Increase in advertising sales • Elected Offi cers provided inductions to 6500 students - an increase of 4%

E t t i t

Welcome FairsThis year the Union organised 3 days of hugely successful Welcome Fairs with a footfall of over 12,000 attendees, it’s no wonder the Students’ Union is nationally recognised as hosting one of the biggest and best Fairs in the country. The Fairs, give students the opportunity to sign up for doctors, dentists, fi nd out more about local businesses and charities or sign up for one of the many activities or volunteering opportunities on offer. This year saw much greater collaboration between Team Northumbria and the Students’ Union, running a Sports and Societies Fair across both venues.

A Personal TouchAn integral part of induction for new students is the introduction of the Students’ Union from the elected offi cers. Offering students the opportunity to get involved, be active or just fi nd our more about how we can help and support them during their time at University. In September 2008 the Sabbatical team spoke over 6500 students at City Hall and in other induction sessions, a 4% increase from 2007 and 13% on 2006.

Welcome Team helping students move in

Welcome Fairs


Student Activities Centre

The Student Activities Centre has continued to go from strength to strength and is now established as THE one stop shop for students to get involved in extra-curricular activities.

SocietiesStudents’ Union societies continued to show a signifi cant amount of growth in 2008 with over 80 active societies ranging from the rock-climbing and breakdancing societies to the popular Maylasian and Taiwanese societies. Over 2500 students were members of societies during 2008 and the Students’ Union was represented for the fi rst time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2008 by our Musical Theatre Society.

One PlanetThe Students’ Union and Student Services joint One Planet programme continues to be hugely popular with international students. In 2008, over 1000 students attended One Planet activities and the Autumn/Winter programme set a new record by selling out 10 trips within a day.

Active S

tudents

• Drop in and equiries increased at the Student Activity Centre by 10% • Number of societies soared to over 80• 2500 society members an increase of 15 % • Over 1000 International One Planet attendees• 200 students registered for Northumbria Plus Award = 6000 hours of volunteering time• 30% greater attendance at the Annual Awards

Key Achievements

Northumbria PlusThe Students’ Union continues to contribute large numbers of volunteers to the University’s Northumbria Plus scheme, with over 60% of recipients in 2008 participating in Union schemes. Over 200 students have registered for the award in this academic year, all of which have volunteered at least 30 hours of their own time.

Annual AwardsThe fi fth Students’ Union Annual Awards Evening was held in May 2008. The event was a huge success and continues to provide a great opportunity for the Students’ Union to celebrate the huge contribution made to University life by the large number of students that engage in volunteering and other activities.

2008

www.mynsu.co.uk

Societies

RAGStudent Community Action

Give it a Go

Skills

Students’ Union 2008 Annual Awards


Putting S

omething B

ack

National RecognitionAs if the warm glow of altruism wasn’t enough, Northumbria Students’ Union has again been recognised nationally, this time for its volunteering projects. The Students’ Union won the TimeBank ‘Most Innovative Project 07-08’ for its Speed Dating for People with Learning Disabilities events.

The Students’ Union works with TimeBank to deliver the national ‘Junction 49’ project whereby community projects can bid for and receive funding to support their activities.

Raise & Give (RAG)2008 was another excellent year for Northumbria RAG. Over 300 volunteers were involved in RAG during 2008 and numerous events throughout the year and raised over £30,000 for a number of charities.

In September 2008, the Students’ Union launched a year-round RAG project which is well on its way to raising the biggest RAG total ever. 10 new events have taken place between September and December, a new RAG calendar has been produced and the number of students from Coach Lane participating in RAG has increased dramatically.

Key Achievements

• Won a national award for ‘Most Innovative Project 07-08’• 404 active NSCA volunteers• 2100 students registered on the volunteer mailing list • 32 community projects and 12 new project leaders• £30000 raised for charities through Raise & Give

“I really can’t thank the students who collected for

their hard work, contributions and commitment

to Whizz-Kidz. On behalf of all the children and

families we work with - Thank you, your support is

appreciated and invaluable to us.”

Kay AslettRegional Fundraiser & Volunteer Manager

Northumbria Student Community Action (NSCA) and Junction 492008 has been a boom year for community volunteering in the Students’ Union. This scheme supports students in setting up their own community volunteering projects.

There are over 400 active community volunteers with 2100 students registered on the volunteer mailing list. 32 Projects have been set up and ran by NSCA volunteers including:

1. Speed Dating Disco2. Tea Dance 3. Swap Shop4. Speed Dating for those with learning disabilities5. Beach Clean and Survey 6. Adopt a River Time Lapse Photography7. Adopt a River Willow Weave8. Ouseburn Farm Clean Up9. School For Fools Community Theatre Performance10. Carol Singing11. Tea Party for United Benefi caries Society12. Giving Tree Shoebox Appeal13. Krocodile Krew Big Snapper14. BBC Children in Need Short Film15. Children’s Christmas Party for Barnardos16. Christmas Lunch for Homeless People

These projects continue to have a big impact on the local community and a big impact on the University’s local image.

Volunteering

“I wanted to say a big thank you to all of you for organising and helping out

at the Pyramid Christmas party. It was a fantastic afternoon which I know

all of the children really enjoyed, and it really was a testament to your hard

work and commitment. We were all really impressed by the effort, skill and

imagination you’d put in”

Tracy Bell Pyramid Coordinator


Developing S

ervices & E

ntertainment

• Refurbished and rebranded a stylish contemporary café bar• Increased sales in Habita by 232%• Increased coffee sales by 53%• 500, 000 people attended Union events• Hosted some of the biggest acts in the industry• Winners of Best Bar None Gold Club Award in Newcastle City• Awarded NUSSL Best Bar None• Won Silver Sound Impact Award

Key AchievementsDeveloping Services and Entertainments The Students’ Union runs a variety of commercial services; cafes, bars and nightclubs generating an annual turnover of almost £2 million. 2008 was an exciting time with huge transformations within the building and the services in which we deliver. We became an award winning Union for our operational and ethical practices, ensuring Northumbria is a bench mark for other Students’ Unions and licensed trade operations locally and nationally.

HabitaThe most notable development last year was the £2 million refurbishment of the old Bar One, fi nancially supported by the University. The business rational was rewritten in line with market trends, a review of product range; coffee and food offering alongside high quality service have resulted in the old style outlet evolving into a stylish and contemporary café and bar.

The grand opening by the Vice - Chancellor kicked the year off to a tremendous start and Habita has proven to be the social heart of campus with students and staff packing it out, morning, noon and night! Sales have exceeded expectations and are up by 232% on turnover, which proves we really can deliver services that students want!

EntertainmentsOur strength in delivering top quality entertainment is evident in the big names we have hosted and the number of people that attended our events in 2008. We offered a more diverse entertainment package from Salsa, to comedy nights and not forgetting the unforgettable end of term parties! During the course of the year we have had approximately 500, 000 though our event doors and headlining acts included; Ting Tings, The Futureheads, Feeder, as well as countless top named DJ’s and TV Stars, ensuring that students at Northumbria will have a truly outstanding student experience.

Award Winning Our commitment to running excellent, ethical operations was recognised at a number of prestigious ceremonies in 2008. We came top at the Newcastle Best Bar None Awards and won Gold Club Award, highlighting our excellence of running bars within the City. In addition, we gained a Best Bar None NUS Services Limited Award. The Awards didn’t stop there and our dedication to ethical and environmental issues was rewarded when we won the Silver Sound Impact Award, ranking the sixth best Student Union in the country, doing our bit for the environment.

Best Bar None Gold Club Award

NUSSL Silver Sound Impact Award

In Habita we really do offer something for everybody. Whether it be winning hundreds of pounds at our mammoth sized quiz nights,watching your team on the big screen, chilled house beats, or you just want to warm up before heading elsewhere, we are open late every night of the week!

Grab yourself one of our scrumptiousfruitastic cocktails, lush crisp beer or a Starbucks coffee, kick back and relax in our cosy warm atmosphere, or get up and groove to our DJ led beats!

StudentS unionSU

northumbria 2 Sandyford Road

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8SB

www.mynsu.co.uk

Monday - Friday 8.30pm until late

Saturday & Sunday 12pm until late

Open Hours


People and Money

PeopleThis year the Students’ Union has ensured a big focus on building a motivated and engaged team of staff. A ‘Rewards and Engagement Strategy’ was launched to extend and provide clarity on the wide range of staff benefi ts.

A staff survey carried out with a response rate of 77% in November shows signifi cant improvements in satisfaction and overall Northumbria Students’ Union staff are proud to work for the organisation, with an overall satisfaction rating of 83%.

Financial Wellbeing The Students’ Union continues to face fi nancial challenges. Competition for the student pound in Newcastle is at an all time a high with many bars and clubs heavily discounting on price. The consolidated statement of fi nancial activities for the Students’ Union and its subsidiary company Naturally Northumbria for the year ended 31st July 2008 showed an overall defi cit of £97,206. Exceptional items include a balance sheet write off of £67,958 relating to the transfer of city site Catering and Retail service to Northumbria University from the 1st September 2008. These services are now run in partnership with Northumbria University through a Joint Management Agreement.

The Students’ Union continues to rebuild its fi nancial solvency with net current assets of £3,873 compared to negative liabilities of £82,422 the previous year and down from its peak of £493,007 in 2003. The University’s continuing confi dence in the Students’ Union’s ability to manage its affairs in a prudent manner was rewarded with an increase in Block Grant funding of 8.5% and total funding of 9% in the fi nancial year 2007-2008. This increase has allowed the Students’ Union

Key Achievements

• Launching the MAP Management Development Programme for managers and supervisors• Introducing a set of management competences so that all staff know what they can expect from their manager• Organising fi rst ever programme of social events for staff including a start of term bowling trip with over 80 attendees• Staff Survey response rate of 77%• Positive net current assets achieved for the fi rst time in fi ve years• Block Grant funding increased by 8.5%• Total University funding increased by 9%• Positive cash at bank achieved over full year

to maintain the quality of its representation services and the breadth of student activity and personal development opportunities for our members. However, further expansion in the scope of these services and activities particularly at the Coach Lane campus is dependent on new funding being secured.

Finances are student led, with the input of professional staff and are approved by the Board of Trustees. The Students’ Union complies with the Education and Charity Acts’ requirements on fi nancial record keeping, systems and reporting.

Bars £882,514

University Block Grant £661,850

Catering £527,469

Coach Lane £139,171

Retail £126,935

Sundry £69,775

Machines & Vending £30,325

Naturally Northumbria £5,781

Entertainment & £299,169Concerts

Marketing & £247,579Membership Services

Saleries & Wages £1,323,445

Costs of Sales £865,704

Building Costs £209,257

Security £92,969

Marketing £83,033

PRS, PPL, Insurance, £151,950Legal, Audit, Bank & Payroll Charges& other professional fess

Depreciation £141,308

Loss of Asset £67,958

Training, Development £40,917& Conferences

Administration £33,700

NUS Affiliation £32,016

Sundry £16,171

Subsistence £13,543

Campaigns £9,017

Subscriptions £6,786

IncomeExpenditure


Looking AheadNorthumbria has a very diverse student population. The Students’ Union recognises this by continually striving to improve its services and activities to add value to the Northumbria students’ university experience. 2009 sees a major review of our Strategic Plan. The outcomes will be underpinned by rigorous market research of our members’ needs and priorities. We will also pay particular attention to Coach Lane where specifi c strategies and plans are in place to develop our presence and have as positive an impact on their lives.

The Students’ Union wholeheartedly supports the achievement of the University’s vision and goals. We are fully committed to working closely with our new Vice - Chancellor, Professor Andrew Wathey and his team to maximise its potential to be a truly great University and one we can all be proud of. We will develop new and innovative partnerships at all levels of the University. And when necessary, we will also act as a critical friend. We are the authentic voice of students. It is our primary role to ensure that they are heard, particularly the case with our Student Written Submission to the upcoming QAA Institutional Audit.

Phase One of the physical transformation of the city site Students’ Union into a building which is “fi t for purpose” was completed in 2008. Phase Two follows in 2009 with the redevelopment of the Venue as a complimentary facility for the new and co-joined Sports Centre due to open in June 2010. However we need to secure the University’s fi rm commitment to Phase Three and the creation of sector leading Membership Services facilities to support the future growth of our representation, volunteering and social-networking activities. Bringing together of all our core services at ground fl oor level will be the fi nal and essential piece of the jigsaw of building work thus creating a fi tting showcase and “shop window to support and involvement” for these award winning services.

Looking Ahead

• Identify member needs and priorities through market research • Devise a new Strategic Plan • Develop new and innovative partnerships with the University• Ensure the student voice is heard in the QAA Submission• Create a contemporary multi functional venue of excellence • Gain a commitment for the development of a Membership Service Hub

Key Priorities for 2009

We are well on our journey to create a Students’ Union of national standing. With its continued support and ambition, Northumbria University can help us become an essential, fun and vibrant community focal point that achieves our mission to have “a positive impact on the lives of all our students”.

A positive impact on the lives of all our students

2 Sandyford Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8SBt: 0191 227 4757 f: 0191 227 3760 w: www.mynsu.co.uk e: [email protected]

Melis Besen

Ivan Blackwell

Rachael Brannan

Lisa Burton

Sarah Edmunds

Martin Farr

Dave Foster

Debbie Hunt

Karen Ingram

Tim Mallender

William Ralston

Steve Ross

Yetunde Saliu

Katie Scott

Lewis Still

Simon Sundberg

Vijay Varghese

Dave Wright

Jen Wynd

Trustees who served in 2008

northumbria students' union annual report 2008

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