Contact Me

As one of your elected Officer Trustees I'm always happy to talk to students and help out where I can.

You can get hold of me through the following ways:

Gabriela Gretkowska

Vice President (Activities)

Hi, I’m Gabby, the new VP (Activities). I have recently graduated from Sport and Exercise Science here at the University. I am originally from London, so moving to Derby has been a massive change. I love travelling, learning about new cultures and traditions but most of all I love animals, especially dogs. This year as your VP, I want to create a sense of belonging and community for everyone here at the University. I want everyone to have a fun and engaging experience from participating in some of our exciting extra-curricular activities. If you have a question, feel free to catch me around the campuses and speak to me. We are a union of you and need your voice to make a change.

Over teh next year I aspire to; Provide greater support and opportunities for societies, increase accessibility and inclusivity of the activities offer, and increase social media presence and improve support to all societies, sports and student led services.

Officer News

Your Officers
Your thoughts, our actions on sustainability

Tue 30 Apr 2024

VP (Welfare) here to talk about responsible futures, sustainability and the actions we have taken to better incentivise sustainability.

 
Your Officers
Statement from VP (Welfare) on AFAF

Wed 24 Apr 2024

Jack Mcguinness

A statement outlining the event being held by AFAF, why the University are allowing it to go ahead, and the support the Union and University provides.

 
Your Officers
Student Safety Updates

Thu 21 Mar 2024

Jack McGuinness at a Union stall

Hi everyone! Jack McGuinness, your Vice President (Welfare), here to give some updates on the work I’ve been doing around student safety and the plans I'm putting in place to improve student safety here in Derby.

 
Your Officers
VP (Welfare) February Update

Fri 15 Mar 2024

Jack McGuinness

An update from the Vice President (Welfare), Jack McGuinness, on student safety, the community pantry and more.

 
Your Officers
VP (Welfare) February update

Mon 04 Mar 2024

Vice President (Welfare) Jack McGuinness talking to a student at freshers' fair.

VP (Welfare) Jack McGuinness here to give you some updates on the work that's been going on!

 
Your Officers
The History of LGBT+ Rights in the UK

Wed 14 Feb 2024

An image of a gay rights movement march in Birmingham circa 1975.

The history of LGBT+ rights in the UK, shown through significant milestones and progress points.

 
Your Officers
5 Reasons to Run in the Elections

Mon 12 Feb 2024

Union President Dominic White smiling at the camera at Election Results night 2023

The Union elections are an amazing opportunity to use your voice and enact change within the Union and the University, so I wanted to share my top 5 reasons for why YOU should nominate yourself in the current Union elections.

 
Your Officers
VP (Welfare) Student Safety Roadshow

Fri 09 Feb 2024

Jack McGuinness, Vice President (Welfare), is on a roadshow for student safety.

 
Your Officers
Can you write about ‘Spring’ in a 50-word festival competition?

Tue 30 Jan 2024

The Derby Book Festival logo - it features a blue ribbon bookmark and text reading 'Derby Book Festi

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you this great opportunity that all students can get involved with. The Derby Book Festival are looking for inspiring entries for their Flash Fiction Writing Competition - could you be the winner? Check out the press release below for more details on how to get involved!

 
Your Officers
A Final Message From Your Executive Officers

Tue 19 Dec 2023

The Executive Officers (in order of appearance: Holly, Dom, Gabby and Jack) lying on the floor cover

With the year coming to an end, we wanted to leave you with one final message.

 
Your Officers
A Term of Progress, Unity and Triumphs.

Mon 18 Dec 2023

Union President Dominic White doing a speech after being elected as President on elections result ni

As we bid farewell to another year, I find myself reflecting on the multitude of successes and shared experiences that have defined our journey together thus far. Serving as your Union President has been both an honour and an immense responsibility, and I am extremely proud of the progress the Union has made so far since taking office as Union President.

 
Your Officers
Disability History Month

Tue 12 Dec 2023

Dom playing Wheelchair Basketball as part of the 'Yes You Can' project

In a world that often strives for inclusivity and diversity, it is important to shed light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Disability History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the journey towards equality and understanding.

 
Your Officers
VP (Welfare) November Update

Fri 01 Dec 2023

VP (Welfare) Jack at an elections stall during a Union fair.

Your VP (Welfare) here to give you an update on some of the work that myself and the rest of the Executive Officer team have been up to during November 2023.

 
Your Officers
You are invited to our All Student Meeting!

Tue 14 Nov 2023

Find out what happens at our All Student Meeting, and how you can get involved!

 
Your Officers
Empower Your Voice: Why you should run in our upcoming Union of Students Elections!

Mon 06 Nov 2023

I understand that running for the Elected officer roles can be a daunting experience.

 
Your Officers
Vice President (Welfare) October update

Mon 30 Oct 2023

The Vice President (Welfare), Jack McGuinness, here to give you an update on what I've been working on.

 
Your Officers
Liberation Months

Fri 27 Oct 2023

An overview of all the liberation months we will be focusing on this year and why they are important.

 
Your Officers
BUCS is back!

Wed 18 Oct 2023

A new term of BUCS Sport has started for our Derby teams!

 
Your Officers
Here's why you should join one of our sports clubs or societies!

Fri 18 Aug 2023

Hey there Freshers! I am Gabby and I am the VP (Activities) for the academic year ahead. I was part of Women’s Rugby during my time at university and here are my reasons for why joining sports clubs or societies can be an absolute game changer for your university experience.

 
Your Officers
My top 15 tips and tricks for settling in at University!

Fri 18 Aug 2023

Top tips for settling in at University with Holly Lloyd

I understand that coming to university can be a very daunting time. But it doesn't have to be, I've put together my top 15 tips and tricks to ease your transition into Derby University.

 
Your Officers
By-Elections: EDI Positions

Mon 03 Apr 2023

Consider nominating yourself for one of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Student Officer positions.

 
Your Officers
Women in STEM

Fri 31 Mar 2023

As the Women History Month comes to an end, I felt like there was the need to talk about a group of women who don’t always get the credit they deserve: those are the women in STEM.

 
Your Officers
Goodbye from Vice President (Welfare)

Thu 23 Mar 2023

And so the time has come for me to step down from this position, it has truly been an incredible experience.

 
Your Officers
University Strikes

Mon 06 Mar 2023

In the last few months, there has been an increase in staff strikes from different industries across the country, including the educational industry.

 
Your Officers
My Psoriasis & Me

Thu 23 Feb 2023

Over this last year I’ve been able to meet lots of students and I'm often asked 'why is your skin RED some days and not the next?'

 
Your Officers
An update on Halls Sport and Parasports

Tue 15 Nov 2022

Creating a new sport offering, focusing upon the social aspect and in turn improving our halls of residence offering, we are slowly but surely widening access to sport for all.

 
Your Officers
Have you considered joining the Placement Academy?

Fri 04 Nov 2022

Are you considering doing an industrial year and need help with the process? The careers service has just the right thing for you.

 
Your Officers
Student Safety Update

Fri 14 Oct 2022

a photo of President Owen Marques smiling against a grey background

Your Union President on Student Safety

 
Your Officers
UDo Refresh - Have your say

Wed 28 Sep 2022

UDo is your University of Derby student portal, hosting a range of information, advice and services to support you during your time at Derby and we'd like to know what you think.

 
Your Officers
Black History Month

Tue 27 Sep 2022

A photo of VP Welfare Callum Young

For many, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the diverse histories of people of African and Caribbean descent, as well as to recognise their achievements and contributions to the UK's social, political, economic, and cultural development.

 
Your Officers
Black History Month Film Poll

Thu 22 Sep 2022

Black History Month film night

We need your help in choosing a movie for our Black History Month cinema night!

 
Your Officers
An update on sustainability at University of Derby

Thu 22 Sep 2022

For my journey so far as the Sustainability Officer, I have started to move forward within my manifesto in the following key areas.

 
Your Officers
Five reasons to run in the Snap Elections

Fri 02 Sep 2022

Five reasons to get involved with VP Education Alex Mazilu.

Snap Elections exist to fill the Student Officer roles that have been left vacant since the Student Officer Elections in March.

 
Your Officers
A warm welcome to new students from your Vice President (Education)

Wed 31 Aug 2022

Starting uni is a big change, so myself and the team at the Union are here to welcome you, and help you settle in and make the most of your experience.

 
Your Officers
VP Welfare Callum's experience of Clearing

Wed 17 Aug 2022

Headshot of Vice President Welfare, Callum Young

Callum’s advice for anyone who might be going through Clearing is not to be nervous, but completely open minded!

 
Your Officers
Disability Officer campaigns for improved access to eTexts

Wed 27 Jul 2022

Your Disability Officer is championing better access to learning resources for all students

 
Your Officers
Why is Sustainability important to me?

Mon 18 Jul 2022

An introduction to your new Sustainability Officer.

 
Your Officers
Mental health: Supporting each other

Fri 04 Feb 2022

In times like these its good to know what exists to support you, and your loved ones.

 
Your Officers
Re-introducing the Student Rep Scheme

Fri 12 Nov 2021

A student talking into a microphone in a lecture theatre

Check out what's changed and what's stayed the same with the Student Representation Scheme- it's never been easier to be a Student Rep

 
Your Officers
Tips for Mature Students

Tue 12 Oct 2021

A few helpful tips from your Student Office for Mature Students.

 
Your Officers
Education Council Sum Up 1!

Tue 12 Oct 2021

A microphone in a meeting room

Education Council is a meeting held multiple times throughout the year with your elected student officers for education.

 
Your Officers
A final update from your President

Thu 07 Oct 2021

Jack Tymon, your Union President

Jack's final update as President and what happens next.

 
 
 
 
 

Manifesto Pledges

During my time in office I pledge to:

Campaigns

Some of the campaigns I have been/will be working on this year.

  • TBC
  • Scrutiny Reports

    My reports from Scrutiny Panel and AGMs.