Officer Team 2024/25: Officer Log
Entry One: 29/08/24
Teän: Activities Officer
What have I been up to, nosey – what have you been up to?
I’ve been familiarizing myself with university and UCSU policies and structures that affect you, such as working with campus and class reps, learning who does what and how decisions that impact students get made. Understanding some of the background workings of the University of Cumbria will help me to best advise, signpost and support you this academic year.
I’ve been working with students to design and plan socials that bring people together and initiate community from September onwards.
Getting to know ourselves as an Officer Team and the wider SU team with regular meetings to allow us to share ideas and perspectives for student centered situations.
Resisting the urge to make campaigns and plans I think you want. Instead, I am wait for you to arrive, physically or virtually, so we can get to know each other and establish what is of value to you this year
Co-planning welcome weeks
Visiting all the campuses and getting a feel for the uniqueness of each - Fusehill, Brampton, Ambleside, Lancaster, London – my my there’s a lot of campuses!
Facing the challenge, while resisting the urge to tear my hair out, of understanding online risk assessment training so that I can support you to make plans and get fun stuff happening throughout your time at UoC.
Sima: Academic Officer
A Journey of Growth and Empowerment: Reflections from My First 1.5 Months as Academic Officer
Throughout these weeks, I’ve engaged with students, faculty, and staff across all four of our campuses—Lancaster, Carlisle, Ambleside, and London. Each conversation has reinforced my commitment to fostering an environment where every student can achieve their academic potential. The sense of community and shared purpose across our university is incredibly strong, and it’s this spirit that drives me to do my best every day.
As I reflect on my first one and a half months as the Academic Officer for the University of Cumbria’s Student Union, I am struck by how much I’ve learned and grown in such a short time. Starting this role in July, I knew it would be a challenge, but I couldn’t have imagined just how rewarding it would be. The past few weeks have been a journey of discovery, empowerment, and inspiration, and I am eager to share some of the highlights with you.
As I continue in this role, I am more inspired than ever to advocate for initiatives that promote academic excellence and student empowerment. The journey so far has been one of growth and learning, and I’m excited to see where it will take us next. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our university experience, creating a place where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I look forward to working with you all to achieve our shared goals, and I’m confident that, together, we can continue to make the University of Cumbria a place of academic distinction and creativity.
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Alice: Welfare Officer
Since stepping into the role of Welfare Officer at the start of July, I’ve embarked on an incredible journey, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the well-being of our student community. My journey began with a handover from the previous team, which provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges and successes of the role. Attending the Lead and Change conference in Birmingham was a great experience, equipping me with fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to better support our students. The training I’ve undertaken since then has not only sharpened my skills but also fuelled my passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
Over the past few months, I’ve been actively involved in organising Welcome Week, collaborating with a fantastic team to bring new ideas to life that will ensure every student feels welcomed and supported from day one. I’ve also been working closely with the Equality Diversity and Inclusion team, the Student Services team, and the Accommodation team, building essential connections that will help us create a more cohesive and supportive environment across all our campuses. One of my key focuses has been working on various campaigns that I hope will resonate with our student community, addressing the pressing issues that many of us face. There's one specific campaign in particular that I’m especially excited to speak about in the future, as I believe it can make a significant impact.
I wanted to become Welfare Officer because I understand how challenging university life can be, with its unique set of demands and pressures. This understanding drives my commitment to ensuring that every student, whether they’re on-campus, a distant learner, or an apprentice, feels seen, heard, and supported. As we approach the new academic year, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. The hard work and dedication that we’ve put in since July are about to come to fruition, and I’m eager to see the positive impact we can make together as a student community. This year, more than ever, I’m committed to being a source of support, guidance, and advocacy for all our students, and I’m ready to work tirelessly to make our university a place where everyone can thrive.
