SERC SU Conference 2021

SERC Students’ Union recently held their annual conference online using Microsoft Teams. The conference gave members the opportunity to reflect on a greatly successful year for the college’s SU, vote on constitutional policy reviews and present/announce recognition rewards.

The event was opened by Student Governor Mollie Richardson who delivered a speech outlining the work the SU has done this past year. Speaking about the SU’s charitable events Mollie said “In November, we raised £650 for Men’s Health by walking, running, and cycling for the Movember initiative. Our Christmas Foodbank Drive saw all the main campuses getting involved and collecting an incredible amount for local foodbank charities.”

Mollie then spoke about some of the new clubs that have been launched in the last year: “Some of our SU Officers recently got together and launched our very own Pride Alliance, a place where LGBTQ+ students and allies can find support, training, and resources. Similarly, a Parent Learner Support Group was initiated, offering support to those students juggling their own studies, childcare, and home-schooling. SERC’s Games’ Club moved online, with 60 users engaging and running tournaments and competitions throughout the year.

“Each of these groups goes such a long way in helping students feel less alone and gives them a chance to communicate with like-minded individuals. This is particularly important during the times we’ve been in over the past year, and something I’m very proud to see.”

Mollie concluded “These are only some of the amazing achievements of this past year. Above all, our SU has been there for every single student and proves this over and over, no matter what hurdles there may be. I’m so proud to have been a part of it all.”

The SU then held a constitutional policy review which saw new policies passed. The SU voted to permanently move all SU elections online. Funding responsibilities of clubs and societies has been moved to the SU, removing the need for clubs and societies to raise funds before being created. The SU also voted to seek approval for the SU staff to create a dedicated volunteering policy that will seek approval in September.

The conference was an opportunity to recognise the work of some its members that have helped make this year a successful one for the SU. The Students’ Union Recognition Awards were hosted by Ellen Fearon the NUS USI President. The winners of the awards are as follows;

• Officer of the Year - Liliana Dias Ferreira
• Liberation Officer of the year - Beth Magenniss
• Outstanding Contribution to the Student Community - Priscilla Hewitt
• Outstanding Contribution to charity - Bethany Dickson
• Outstanding individual contribution to the SU - Sharon McCartney and Lucia Donaghy
• Class Rep of the Year - David Roy and Leanne Reid

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