Why would I implement an ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY? In my experience, the difference between enjoying University and not enjoying it is the people you choose to surround yourself with. Quality, reliable and fun friends can provide a better support structure to help you deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life than any service the Union can provide. On that basis, we - the SU, should be doing as much as possible to encourage, promote and foster the strongest friendship groups as possible. Friends in Uni, are so important. Membership and active participation with the Societies, Associations and Teams of the SU is the best way to ring every last drop of enjoyment out of your university experience - and so I consider such participation a WELFARE ISSUE. I would hopefully work with the Societies & Campaign Officers to increase society participation accordingly. Speaking as someone who was completely disinterested in my first year (I didnt even come to the societies fayre) we need to get more first years engaged with societies, associations and teams - and I would ask the Wardens to actively promote this. Some of the Medics in Heath get credit on their course for Student Service participation and we should be actively encouraging that where ever possible. The Millennium Accredited Volunteering certificate that Elliot Howells has put into place this year is just the kind of thing the SLSs need to encourage commitment. I honestly feel that everyone should have some committee experience while in Uni - and the SLSs are crying out for volunteers and Exec Officers. Societies for me are like I said... a WELFARE ISSUE. I
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:30:01 +0000