You Said, We Did
2021: "I feel disconnected from other Student Representatives."
Student Union President 2020-2022, Harriet Moore, created a Student Representative Google Classroom this year to foster a community for Student Representatives, and ensure all the key information was in one easily accessible place.
2021: "I wish there were more places to showcase my artwork."
During the 2021 renovation of the Students' Union, we include a space for this. There is now a dedicated wall in the SU which is updated regularly. You can submit by emailing studentsunion@aup.ac.uk with the subject line "Student Artwork Wall".
2020: "I wish there was a dedicated space for posters to advertise events, fundraisers, exhibitions, etc."
During the renovation of the Students’ Union, we wanted to include a dedicated space for this, so created the “SU Community Board”. Online, we also have a Arts University Plymouth What’s On group on Facebook. This is a dedicated group for advertising events, fundraisers, exhibitions and more.
2020: "I wish the Students’ Union supported our academic studies more in some way."
Student Union President 2020-2022, Harriet Moore, created the Student Union Bursary of £1,000 to directly support student projects. In addition to this, the SU commissioned new illustrations, typeface and branding from Milly Richards and Savannah Dale, graphic design work from Kieran Jasper, and Student Representative of the Month certificates from Esme Midwinter and Bhuvaneshvari Gunaskara.
2020: "I would like to see wider student representation."
The Student Union Executive Committee has a wide range of student representatives, and in 2021 Student Union President 2020-2022, Harriet Moore, included a Ethnic Minorities Representative and a Disability Representative for both FE and HE. In 2022, Harriet introduced a Mature Representative for HE students too.
2020: "I wish there was better range of alcohol in the Student Union Bar."
The Students’ Union Bar is now stocked with a full range of alcohol, with spirits instead of mixer cans, and we can buy in requests for those who come regularly. The plan is to continue expanding this, having a regular menu and specials for specific events, seasons, holidays and more. SUggestions welcome!
2019: "I wish there was more clubs and societies."
Clubs and societies are run by students, supported by the Students' Union. The Student Union advertises the groups as much as possible over social media and at meetings, and supports any new groups in finding more members. Please get in touch if you are interested in starting a new group.
2019: "I wish events catered for a bigger variety of people."
Over the last year, the Student Union Team have put on more catered events based on direct student feedback, such as a Student Work Fair and Drink and Draw events. There are events catered towards specific groups such as LGBTQ+ or Mature students too. Suggestions welcome!
2019: "I don’t use the Students’ Union space because it feels plain and unwelcoming."
Student Union President 2020-2022, Harriet Moore, and Student Union Manager 2018-2022, Paige Nolan, worked over the summer of 2020 to completely renovate the Students’ Union to become a dual-purpose relaxed study space and funky SU Bar.
2019: "I wish the Student Union would work with more local businesses."
Student Union Manager 2018-2022,Paige Nolan, has worked with many local businesses for giveaways and competitions. She and Marketing and Enterprise Lead 2018-2020, Harriet Moore, organised a range of ‘Pop-Up Shops’ and Fairs with local companies.
2019: "I wish there was an easier way to get in contact with members of the Student Union Team."
You can find all of our paid and volunteer staff members on the ‘Meet The Team’ section of the Student Union website, and everyone can be contacted through our generic email address.
2019: "It would be great if there was music playing in the Students’ Union."
Whilst we can't play music in the Students' Union all the time, a new speaker system has been fitted to improve listening when music is on.
2018: "The Students' Union is often cold."
The Student Union have spoken to Estates and this issues has been reviewed; heating was adjusted to alleviate the issue.
2018: "I'm not sure where to find the Students' Union, or what they offer."
We are working on more visibility via signage and other methods, including the SU website, which has been utilised to advertise the support and services we have on other, plus much more.