Hello and welcome to Reading University! I'm Emily, your Vice President for Democracy and
Campaigns. I make sure that every student is represented within our Union and that together
we tackle issues of importance to you. So please do come and say hello if you see me out
and about during Freshers' week and let me know how you're getting on!
Throughout the year we have many democracy meetings to which all Union members (that's
you!) are strongly encouraged to come - they are your chance to decide how the Union
should go forward!
Student Voice happens twice a term and it is here that we vote on what campaigns to run and
approve motions. For example, students have recently approved a motion to boycott Nestle
in our Union shop and voted in favour of a Union-assisted campaign to find an adequate space
for drama groups to rehearse in. Everyone is welcome to bring forward their proposals for
Union campaigns and motions or come along to vote.
Student Feedback Forum happens twice a term and is your chance to give feedback - positive
or negative! - to us, the student officers, on what we are doing. It can also be general feedback
to us on things that have been an issue for you, for example, your housing, safety,
volunteering, sports, societies or local community.
Services and Entertainments Forum also happens twice a term and is the time to come along
and give key Union staff some feedback on our Student Advice service, bars, shops, nightclub
and nursery.
Everyone is welcome to any or all of these democracy meetings - check out the website to find
details of the next one! www.rusu.co.uk/speakup
A key part of my role is supporting the other student officers in the campaigns you choose at
Student Voice and I am really excited about this. As a huge body of students, we have the
ability to make massive changes and I look forward to making full use of this to improve
University life for all of our membership.
I will also be encouraging you guys to get more involved with the local community through
volunteering projects and helping to support student enterprise.
I cannot wait to start the new year and I hope you feel the same!
Make sure you get involved in the Union and keep get in contact as my job is to represent you!
Best of luck for your first year and hope to see you soon.
