Student Experience Awards

2019/20 Winner - Kia MacKenzie

‘Kia continued the Lit and Lang Show from her predecessor, securing funding from the ASAs and working hard to bring in a range of speakers that appealed to all in her school, despite her own heavy workload. The event catered to a range of students and was well attended thanks to Kia's hard work in the organisation, promotion and implementation of it.’

This award will recognise a student who has gone above and beyond to develop an event, scheme, campaign or otherwise that has enhanced the student academic experience.

2019/20 Winner - Djihane Breteche

‘Djihane used her own initiative to apply for funding from the AS Awards and was successful in receiving funds to help set up a seminar series for students. This was a brand new and innovative idea that captured students' imaginations. She had approximately 50 people attend her first event, which she spoke at and then ran an hour long wellbeing workshop.’

This award will recognise an Academic Rep who has introduced a new and/or different way of representing their students. An innovative Rep might have come up with a unique solution to a problem or implemented an exciting new idea to increase student engagement across their course or school.

2019/20 Winner - Matthew Gilbert

‘Matthew has been a dedicated Rep for all three years of his degree, working hard to gather as much feedback as possible and make change for current students and those to come. He has juggled his own workload with the ever increasing responsibilities of a School Rep and has helped pave the way for future Reps through sitting on panels and committees.’

This award will recognise an Academic Rep who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to representing students over a prolonged period of time. This student has continuously and consistently worked to improve the student experience. They have volunteered countless hours to help benefit others, working closely with RUSU to better the quality of teaching and learning at UoR.

2019/20 Winner - Cait Pilkington

‘Cait’s motivation and dedication to fundraising has pushed RAG forward a huge amount this year. RAG events like the auction and the challenges are a big part of student life and wouldn't happen without a determined team behind them. She manages to balance the drive to raise money with the need to keep the fundraising enjoyable for the students.’

This award will recognise an individual that has gone above and beyond to fundraise for charity throughout the year.

2019/20 Winner - Charlotte Hyde

‘Charlotte has proven to be the best representative of students with disabilities in her PTO role, her passion is contagious! It's this, along with her dedication and overall attitude that I believe have led to many successes this past year. She's a very active member of RUSU and is very approachable. I really respect her and what she's achieved!’

This award will celebrate an individual that has gone above and beyond in their volunteer role. This student consistently dedicates their time to volunteering, having a positive impact on all they do.

2019/20 Winner - Pole Fitness Society’s Poleathon

‘All were welcome to try pole in this event on their own or with their friends, enjoy something new and raise money for No 5 Counselling and Information Service in the process. During four hours, over 50 people came in to do something against the norm, experienced the sport and left with a smile on their face. Doing good for themselves and others.’

This award will recognise an exceptional event that clearly demonstrated commitment and dedication to organise whilst raising money for charity.

2019/20 Winner - The Spark Newspaper

‘The Spark Newspaper has enhanced the student experience by informing, supporting and entertaining its student readers on a daily basis. The Spark is a key source of advice for students and a platform that many students go to for regular updates about campus issues and events. The Spark strives to represent all voices.’

This award will recognise a project that showed great dedication to their charity.

2019/20 Winner - Sport in Mind

‘Sport in Mind has given a variety of different sport sessions across the week for students to come to as a place to be free of stress and relax from any issues University life brings with it. It has something for all different types of people, and the volunteers always work well to make sure everyone is safe and enjoys their time there.’

This award will recognise a project that has gone above and beyond to include students from a diverse range of backgrounds.

2019/20 Winner - University of Monsters

‘The University of Monsters initiative has drastically changed this year. It has become a student committee based initiative, and has flourished. The feedback from the schools involved has been incredibly positive, commenting that this change is the reason they will be continuing their involvement with the initiative.’

This award will recognise a project that has clearly shown signs of improvement and development throughout the year.

2019/20 Winner - University of Monsters

‘The students leading the University of Monsters days experience great pride in their University as they are able to share it with others. The leaders gain skills in leadership, working with children, organisation and safeguarding.’

This award will recognise a project that has positively impacted the local Reading community, through outreach and/or engagement.

2019/20 Winner - Sikh Society Langar

‘Sikh society have consistently organised and held Langar, promoting diversity and educating students on their culture. The event has been well attended and is very popular.’

This award will be given to a student group or individual student for their efforts in organising an event that focuses on striving for equality and/or celebrates diversity and inclusion.

2019/20 Winner - Charlotte Hyde

‘Charlotte has worked tirelessly to improve accessibility on campus, championing accessible social media posts, a hearing loop in RUSU, and increased awareness of accessible sports and activities for our students. She provides a consistent voice to students with disabilities at high level committee meetings with key senior members of staff.’

This award will be given to a student for their campaign work related to creating an inclusive and liberating environment.

2019/20 Winner - LGBT Society Committee

‘Leo Bowman, Josh Forman, and Henry Mispelaere have worked consistently alongside RUSU to support LGBQ and Trans students on campus in the absence of a trans officer. A notable example includes working on Transgender Day of Remembrance, with Leo confidently and bravely talking at the flag raising event in front of staff and students alike.’

This award will be given where a student group, or individual student has shown initiative and drive to diversify an aspect of student life where not previously done before.

2019/20 Winner - Wantage Hall JCR

‘Through the different inclusive events including both formals, Sunday night quizzes, yoga sessions with Sport in Mind, puppy day, Christmas party and the dinners organised with some international students, I believe that this JCR have attempted to provide a welcoming and friendly environment for all students of Wantage.’

This award will recognise a JCR committee that has had an exceptional impact towards improving the student experience. This committee will have devoted their time towards creating an inclusive and enjoyable space in halls for students to become part of a community, by running events and initiatives for all. Consider improvement

2019/20 Winner - Sarah Lister

‘Sarah has gone above and beyond as Wantage JCR President from filling all committee member positions to ensure that all the students in Wantage Hall are represented and coming up with innovative ideas to improve the wellbeing and socialisation of students in Wantage.’

This award will recognise an individual who has shown commitment and dedication to their role in the JCR and gone above and beyond to engage with the residents to improve the student experience in hall.

2019/20 Winner - Sport in Mind

‘Sport in Mind’s approach of using physical activity to help promote self-care and positive mental health is very uplifting and of great benefit to many students on campus. The group are incredibly well organised and help to boost the student experience by providing opportunities to all.’

This award will recognise a welfare campaign that has clearly demonstrated an understanding of the welfare issues in hall in addition to showing commitment and dedication to spreading a positive message within the hall community to enhance the welfare of students.

2019/20 Winner - Leyla Owen and Mark Jeavons

‘Leyla and Mark have been the driving forces for Sport in Mind this year which has provided weekly opportunities for students to look after their mental health through sport. They are always willing to get involved in events and are very passionate about the fantastic work they do.’

This award will recognise an individual who has made a consistent contribution to maintaining a positive environment on campus, either by providing continued support to friends, promoting positive mental health initiatives, or giving up their time to support welfare events and initiatives.