Record elections, learner engagement, improved IT provision and the development of a vibrant programme of activities for students are just some of the achievements of Further Education Students’ Union of the Year, Canterbury College Students’ Union.
The Students’ Union has worked hard to establish a democratic core, one where the elected officers are known by and accountable to the students. This was demonstrated by a record 32 candidates standing and an increase of nearly 150 per cent in students voting in their elections when compared with two years ago.
They have set up regular meeting with the College’s management in order to deliver consistency of their learner engagement strategy. As a result 400 class reps have been trained and meet every six weeks. A number of innovative ways for students to have their voice heard have also been introduced, these include a student diary room and a text messaging system so students can leave feedback. There is now also a termly meet the managers event after more than 150 reps came along to the first one.
IT provision in the College library has been improved thanks to the Students’ Union. It took nine months of meetings, lobbying and campaigning but was successful as a direct result of student pressure.
The Union developed a vibrant programme of activities to educate, inform and entertain students. More than 100 cultural trips enriching students’ academic experience were organised. Several new clubs were set up in response to student demand including Glee, FilmClub and Street-Dance, all enjoying great success. The Union’s RAG raised more than £5000, double the previous effort.
Canterbury College received international media coverage after a student won a competition to design the logo for the London 2012 Education network GetSet – a competition which the Students’ Union promoted.
The Students’ Union lobbied the College to support the Healthy FE national project and was one of 40 Colleges to conduct the pilot Big College Health Check.
In response to threats to Higher Education the Students’ Union established links with local university students’ unions and agreed to work together to raise awareness for both students and the wider community. They formed Canterbury United, a week of action which included two debates with local Prospective Parliamentary Candidates and the NUS Executive.
Using social media to communicate with 1500 people, the Union promoted events and raised awareness of the Vote for Students campaign. This culminated in a march through Canterbury attended by students and the local community. This received excellent press coverage and resulted in four local PPCs signing the NUS pledge.