Student Officer summer update
Hi everyone, we are your Student Officer team for 2024/25! We have been in post a few months now and have been preparing for an academic year of positivity, change and fun.
Over the past few months, we’ve been thrown into SU life, from team training in Criccieth to leading processions at graduations, conferences to marching at Liverpool Pride - the run up to freshers has been all systems go!
Our officer residential training in Criccieth was a great opportunity to learn more about each other, as well as gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. We also learned about our own personality types (which we all agree was spookily accurate!). The training induction sessions were a blend of informative presentations, interactive workshops, and team-building activities. We covered a range of topics - from understanding our roles and responsibilities to the intricacies of handling student issues. The workshops were particularly beneficial because they provided hands-on experience in conflict resolution and effective communication strategies. This gave us all an idea about the depth and breadth of the roles we were stepping into.
We kicked off our term in office at the LJMU 2024 summer graduations, and what an honour it was. We gave speeches to thousands of LJMU graduands, thanking them for their hard work and dedication during their studies, and wishing them the best of luck in their future endeavours. We bared the ceremonial staff and candle for each procession which was an amazing experience, and led each cohort out as they celebrated their successes. It was a magical event that we will never forget.
Now onto a bit of networking, Lottie spent a week at BUCS conference in Warwick learning about all thing’s sports, getting vital advice on issues that may arise, learning new techniques that can be brought in to enhance the overall sports perspective. Straight after BUCS, Lottie met Brenin, Seren and Alex at the University of Birmingham to attend the NUS Lead and Change conference. We all mingled with other officers from across the UK where we learned about their roles and future responsibilities. This involved getting in breakout groups, discussing how to evoke change at each university. We touched on topics regarding local politics and the cost-of-living crisis. It was such an insightful experience and a great opportunity to get to know other officers from other SUs.
So, what’s next …?
Freshers Week!! Keep a look out on social media and within the university campuses for the freshers’ events which start in the next few weeks. We look forward to seeing you.
Lottie, Brenin, Seren and Alex :)
