Unlocking Potential: A Look at UUSU Training Sessions

-

One of the key benefits of getting involved with the Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) is the extensive range of training sessions offered to students. Whether you’re a course representative, society leader, or student councillor, UUSU equips you with the skills needed to thrive in your role, ensuring you not only succeed in your university journey but also in your future career. 



What are UUSU Training Sessions?

UUSU offers various training programs tailored to different leadership and representative roles within the student community. These sessions cover everything from public speaking, leadership development, conflict resolution, event management, and effective communication. The goal is to empower students to confidently lead and represent their peers while also building essential soft skills that are highly sought after in the workplace.

My Experience with UUSU Training

As a student involved in UUSU, I’ve had the privilege of attending several training sessions that have enhanced my personal and professional development. One session that stood out to me was the School Rep training, where we were able to learn and engage with our UUSU officers, and we were told about the variety and diversity of students at Ulster. This training not only helped me excel in my role but also gave me practical knowledge I could apply in group projects and internships as I was given ideas on how I could advocate for student and share ideas with other School reps.

I also attended the course representative training sessions in my first year which helped me connect with students that were also passionate about student advocacy. This really helped me as a first year student, as it helped me get more information on how the UUSU operated and the role I played in it. It helped highlight the 10 key tasks of a course rep:

1.) Induction and prep for the role 

This allows students to prepare for their role as a course rep and helps sign post the relevant information and guidelines for the role. It allows course reps to get to know how to make the most of their role and achieve success across all boards. 

2.) Promote yourself to students to let them know about the role

This helps keep other students aware of their course reps. Without this awareness, students know that they have a student advocate on their side provided by the UUSU. It really does make a big difference. 

3.) Keep an eye on the aims of your course

Ensuring the course is fulling the aims that students are expected is key for helping to improve the student learning experience. This will help the course reps provide key feedback to lecturers on the key aims of the course if students have any concerns. 

4.) Student feedback to staff

Helping to feedback the student experience to staff allows the course to adapt and change to student expectations or any concerns can be addressed. Making sure the collective views of the class are brought back to the staff, helps ensure Ulster continues to improve the student learning experience. 

5.) Represent the collective views 

Representing the views of all students on the course is a key part of the role, signposting concerns pf the student body and representing your class both to lecturers but also within the UUSU. Be a point of contact, however it highlighted what was and wasn't expected of course representative and helping outline resources that can help students with any individual issues such as the Advice Bureau or Student Wellbeing.

6.) Attend the Staff Student Consultative Committee

The SSCC meetings allow course reps to address any concerns in a formal setting with minutes taken and allows students to get a follow up on anything that was previously addressed. This allows course reps to feedback information to their class, department rep and other members of staff. 

7.) Liaise with the UUSU

Taking part in UUSU meetings and helping improve the student experience at Ulster allows the UUSU to improve and develop anything that currently isn't working. Keeping the student officers at the centre of any issues that course reps may face helps improve the student experience. 

8.) Work with other reps

This helps course reps get together on any collective issues across multiple courses, allowing everyone to advocate more effectively. This is also a great chance to make new friends and get to know students with similar interests. 

9.) Refer individual issues 

Addressing any issues that students have with senior members of staff and knowing the relevant services provided by the UUSU. 

10.) Staff feedback to students 

Feedback any information given by staff to students, possibly through group chats or sign posting any emails. 

Benefits of UUSU Training

  1. Skill Development: UUSU’s training helps students acquire valuable skills, from leadership and teamwork to communication and time management. These are vital not only within university life but also as you prepare to enter the workforce.
  2. Increased Confidence: Whether it's public speaking or handling difficult conversations, UUSU training can help boost your confidence in a range of situations.
  3. Networking Opportunities: Training sessions are also a great place to meet like-minded individuals, whether they’re your peers or professionals delivering the session. This can help grow your network and open up opportunities you may not have previously considered.
  4. Career Readiness: Many of the skills developed in these sessions align with what employers are looking for in graduates, making you more competitive in the job market.


Why You Should Get Involved

Taking advantage of UUSU’s training sessions is a fantastic way to enhance your university experience beyond the classroom. These programs not only make you more effective in your student leadership roles but also prepare you for life after university.

If you haven’t yet taken part in one of these sessions, I highly recommend doing so! Whether you're a course rep, a society leader, or simply looking to build your skills, UUSU offers something for everyone. For more details on upcoming training sessions, make sure to keep an eye on UUSU's official website (UUSU website) and social media platforms.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Building Bonds at Magee: A Guide to Campus Societies

-
Image
University life isn’t just about lectures, assignments, and late-night study sessions; it’s also about finding a community where you belong. At Magee Campus, societies are at the heart of student life, offering a chance to connect with others, explore your passions, and create lifelong memories. Whether you’re looking for a safe space, a place to deepen your faith, or just somewhere to share your love of film, Magee has a society for you. Here’s a closer look at some of the fantastic societies on campus, and why you should consider joining them this semester: LGBTQIA+ Society Feeling accepted and understood is vital, especially during your university years when many students are discovering more about themselves. The LGBTQIA+ Society at Magee offers a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ members and allies. This society has been revived by a passionate committee dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. With 17 active members, they’re eager to grow their community and ensure eve...
Read more

Discover Coleraine - Insights from a Magee Student

-
Image
Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to visit the Coleraine campus at Ulster University, and I couldn't wait to share my experience with you all! As a student at the Magee campus, I was curious to explore the unique offerings of another campus within our university and see how they compare.  First Impressions Coleraine is very different from Magee. I was immediately struck by the beautiful surroundings. The campus itself is nestled just outside of Coleraine city centre, so you're kind of out of the way from everything, but the facilities on campus definitely make up for that. With a picture perfect view of the Bann river and a modern architecture, Coleraine has a unique setting that directly contrasts Magee. The atmosphere was vibrant, with students bustling between the bridge and enjoying the social spaces available to them. It felt like a welcoming environment, perfect for fostering academic and social connections. Campus Highlights One of the highlights of my visit was e...
Read more

Running In A Student Election - My Campaign as VP Equality and Belonging

-
Image
What is the UUSU Leadership Elections? UUSU is one of the largest membership organisations in Northern Ireland supporting over 26,000 student members. Operating as a charity, UUSU represents, supports and connects its members through a range of services, activities, and pledges, and is the voice of students at Ulster University. Over the years, UUSU's representation and services have grown significantly with a range of services for members including academic representation, volunteering opportunities and enhancing the student experience through events and activities. Over the next few weeks, candidates will be across all 3 campus' telling you why you should vote for them for their respective roles. Voting is open from March 4th at 9am and closes on March 6th at 4pm, so make sure you log into  the UUSU Website  to vote.  My name is Caitlin-Rose and I am running to be your next VP Equality and Belonging. Why I’m Running If you had've said to me a year ago that I'd be runn...
Read more