Sabb Update - 09/04/24

It's been a few weeks since our last update, so we're back with some news from your Sabbatical Officers!

President - Hannah

Manifesto updates

The Student Voice team and I held a one-off free lunch event. This event was incredibly popular with over 150 meal deals collected in less than 30 minutes! We're also looking into permanent initiatives that can support students. I’ve been busy promoting the Study Support Grant, and NUS’ Break the Cycle of Crisis through my weekly Thrifty Thursday top tips. Check out our campaign page to stay up to date.

I recently attended a mitigation policy extraordinary meeting to discuss draft regulations for the University's Extenuating Circumstances (EC’s) Policy.

I presented an update on our NeverOk campaign (tackling sexual harassment and misconduct) to our Student Executives (SSO and WCD), sharing what we’ve been up to and the remaining work to be completed.

Committees and general meetings

• On 20 March, I attended Academic Board before cheering on our Bears at Varsity 2024. Yes, a very hectic day. In the morning, I supported the Student Opportunities team with a range of tasks down at the Sports Centre such as escorting Colossus and helping with face paint on the SU stall. In the afternoon at Academic Board, I presented the President's report which covered the sabbatical officers' work and what the different teams in the SU have been up to. I also presented the PGT Policy Inquiry recommendations.
• The next day was our termly Trustee Board which I chair. An update regarding what was discussed will be going out soon so keep your eyes peeled.
• A few weeks ago, we held our termly Executive meetings. A very busy week for me, as I attend all three meetings: Societies, Sports and Opportunities, Education and Wellbeing, Community and Diversity.
• I am sitting on SU budget panels alongside the Deputy Head of Finance, the head of the respective department and the CEO. These meetings include a presentation from each budget holder and a discussion around revenue sources, expenditure breakdown, assumptions the budget holder has made, monitoring procedures, contingency planning, and next steps and opportunities.
• We’ve also had a recent Management Committee which includes the senior management team and the sabbatical officers.
• The officers and I have also had a WonkHE Catch up. Jim, an Associate Editor at WonkHE, brought us up to speed on ten things happening in Higher Education at the moment. This included topics such as mental health and student support, cost of living, student housing and Free Speech.

VP Education - Sharanya

Hello everyone!

I hope you’re having a very restful Easter break. Here’s my fortnightly update!

Last week, I met with the library to kick off a discussion about creating a reading list to teach students effective study skills and provide them with support in adjusting to university life. We aim to introduce this in September 2024!

I also had my monthly 121 with the library services team and we discussed the Library@ Scheme. Have you ever walked into the library, and it’s been absolutely rammed and you can’t find a space to sit and study? The Library@ Scheme identifies spaces on campus for students to use as additional study spaces outside of the library during the summer revision and exam period. This year, the library services team has identified over 1500 additional study spaces for students. Head over to the Library@ Scheme website to find out more.

Our Rep of the Month is William Coote, a Senior Course Rep for Computer Sciences and our EPMS School Rep-elect! Me and our Academic Communities Coordinator, Lauryn, met with William to discuss how they have been representing your academic interests this year! Keep an eye out for the video interview and find out more about who represents your academic interests here.

As a Sabbatical Officer team, we sit on the University’s Academic Board and the Union's Trustee Board. We attended both of these meetings recently and presented our achievements so far and the findings and recommendations that came out of the Student Voice team's PGT Policy Inquiry. We also discussed the future of the Union and had some important discussions about our new strategy. 

VP Wellbeing & Diversity - Nisha

Recently I took part in the interview process for hiring a new Graduate Advisor for our Advice Centre.

I also helped at an Open Day for the University where we talked to prospective students about why they should come to Royal Holloway.

I also chaired the last Wellbeing, Community and Diversity Executives (WCD) for Term Two just before the Easter break. WCD is a meeting that I chair, and all the student Community Officers attend. This meeting allows for feedback and student voice to be incorporated into campaigns and projects that the SU is working on.

Additionally, it was recently Neurodiversity Celebration week, so I assisted Alastair in setting up a chill-out zone where we had hot drinks, snacks, board games, and fun arts and crafts to celebrate!

I also recently attended the disabled student and staff working group. This is a meeting where students and staff come together to talk about relevant issues that affect disabled people on campus and work on solutions to these issues.

Additionally, I'm working with the Advice Centre to plan a campaign for Mental Health Awareness Week in May. We're also planning some Stressbusters to get you through the exam/assessment period and help you deal with and manage your stress.