What does the Union of Students do? video transcript

[We begin with Alice on the Basecamp Decking at Kedleston Road]

Alice: Today, I'm meeting with the President  of our Union of Students to find out more about how they support our students, both socially and academically.

[Montage of Union of Students event bunting; Cheerleading society; Badminton Sport; student on a historical home trip; student using a motorsport simulator; students enjoying Rammed student night in Popworld

[Next, Alice is with Dom, the President of the Union of Students]

Alice: Hi Dom, so when I was at Uni, the union was just  how we referred to the bar but I'm guessing there's a bit more to it than that. What does  the Union of Students do here at Derby?

Dom: Hi Alice. Yes so it does mean a little bit more  than that nowadays, so as a Union of Students  we are an independent and charitable organisation.  We're able to challenge the University and support the University on the big issues that are facing  students today. As a charitable aspect we are able to raise money which we're then able to reinvest  directly back into the student experience, covering a very wide range of areas from our free and  confidential advice service, to our student voice and representation programmes, all the way  through to our Union outlets and our exciting activities offer.

Alice: So that 'Student Voice,' what does that mean what is the student voice?

Dom: So Student Voice is really important when it comes to understanding the student wants and needs and especially when it comes to student academics so our Student Voice programme covers student reps, part-time officers and full-time officers such as myself we are able to collect student voice and opinions and ideas, and then present that to the University's Executive teams.

Alice: And you mentioned activities there: what sort of things do you have to offer our students?

Dom: Well we have quite a wide range of activities available to our students covering Sports, societies, and student-led service. In our societies programme, we have a significant amount of academic societies covering Midwifery, Law, and Social Care, all the way through to our more niche interests such as Musical Theater and our Derby Raptors Video Game and eSport team.

Alice: So you mentioned Sports there,  I mean are those just for the really athletic types or is it the sort of thing that people can  get involved in at any level?

Dom: Oh, absolutely. Anyone of any level can take part in our sports programme here at Derby, there is something for everyone of all ability.

Alice: Now Freshers' Fair has always been a big thing and when do those happen and what happens at those?

Dom: So Freshers' Fair tends to happen around September and then we have Refreshers in around January. At Freshers' Fair, it's a great opportunity to meet our student clubs and societies, to see all the interesting offers that we have available to students and opportunities that go on throughout the year. Freshers is an excellent opportunity to meet new people  and try new activities.

Alice: So apart from the facilities on campus, and the sports and societies, what other services does the Union offer its students?

Dom: So one of our biggest Services is our advice service, which is a free and confidential service  that is available to students all year round. The advice service covers everything from academic  complaints and offences to housing and financial troubles we also have student-led services so  our student-led service covers everything from radio and newspaper which the students produce themselves, all the way through to Raise And Give also known as RAG, and student volunteering. And also at the end of the year, the Union hosts its annual award season and this covers all of our  Community Awards, our Sports Awards, as well as our Education Awards, which brings together staff and students from across our campuses to celebrate all the success that we've had over the year.

Alice: How does the Union go about celebrating inclusion?

Dom: So we have our liberation months, such as LGBTQIA History Month, Disability History Month, inclusive Sport fortnight, and Mental Health Awareness Month as well, and all of these events take place over certain months of the year which allow us to celebrate and educate students and visitors on what it means to be part of these specific groups or to be aware of the campaigns that are going on and as part of this we do several activities, we go on trips, there's lots of opportunity for all students of all backgrounds to get involved and to help us educate and celebrate each other.

Alice: So that's the Union of Students - a fundamental  part of university life which adds to the student experience and makes it as enjoyable  and supportive as it can be.

[University of Derby logo]