Alastair's Term One Update

As we come to the end of Term One, the Sabbatical Officer team shares their highlights from the academic year so far. From lobbying the University to collaborating with the Careers Service, Active Lifestyle and Sport and Hall Life to heading up liberation campaign months – it’s been a busy one! 

Supporting our Student Groups

My number one priority as VP Societies and Sport is supporting the committees that lead our activities as much as possible. Whether that’s by answering emails from committee members, meeting with the University to put student groups on the agenda, or reviving and meeting students face-to-face at Committee Café, I’ve been doing what I can to be someone in the Students’ Union who can empower groups. My favourite part of the role is interacting with all the groups across campus, and I can’t wait to continue into the new year.

Student Group Awards and Recognition

A key piece of work over the last term has been a review of how we recognise and award the work of our student groups across campus. Committee members consistently pour countless hours into running their groups and make a huge contribution to what makes Royal Holloway so great.

We’re currently in the process of reviewing and planning Society Awards and Colours for 2024, and I’m excited to make changes that will help celebrate all the successes across different sized and interest groups. I’m also leading conversations with the SU to build a more consistent and high-quality method for publicising student group events, and making plans with Sport to build a platform for sharing fixture information, how to get involved, and the many wins our Bears accrue across the season.

Representing Royal Holloway Locally and Nationally

Finally, I’ve been hopping on trains and doing what I can to represent Royal Holloway, both locally and across the country. As the elected Student Chair for the BUCS London region, I’ve been chairing meetings at Imperial and King's College to represent the issues facing our competitors, and working with BUCS to make it work for students. I’ve also travelled north to Nottingham to represent the London region at the BUCS Winter Summit, and am looking forward to the national advisory meeting next year.

With the General Election approaching, I’m working with the National Union of Students (NUS) to make sure issues facing students are spotlighted.

Merry Christmas from the Sabbs!

As we reach the end of this term, we want to take a moment to reflect on a jam-packed and exciting term. It’s time for a well-deserved winter break! Whether you’re planning to relax and recharge, spend quality time with loved ones, or revise, make the most of this time for self-care.  

For those with assessments in the Spring Term, best of luck and check out Sharanya’s (VP Education) blog on the assessment period! You've got this, and your efforts will pay off.

Wishing you all the best winter break!