Elected Officers news

Statement Regarding ‘Operation Raise the Colours’
The Executive Officer team stood behind the #derbyuni sign at the Kedleston Road campus

Recently, across England and elsewhere, hundreds of St George's and Union Jack Flags have been put up in towns and cities and even on Motorways and Main Roads. To some, these are well-meaning demonstrations of national pride; however, these flags carry an entirely different message to others.

 
An update from your VP (Welfare)

On the 16th of April, the UK Supreme Court went into a legal challenge on if transgender individuals are included in the legal definition of a woman or man.

 
You Said, We Did – Apprenticeship Budgeting Workshop
The Executive Officers (in order of appearance: Jack, Holly, Gabby and Pournami) sat together on two

A new initiative has been put in place to help apprentices manage their finances.

 
Celebrating Female Inventors
A handmade cardboard sign that reads "women of the world, this is just the beginning"

Women’s History Month, celebrated annually throughout March, is a time to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions women have made across the world. This month serves as the perfect opportunity to reflect on some remarkable female inventors whose contributions have left a lasting mark on society.

 
Autistic Students' Experience Research
A pair of glasses laid down on a notebook with writing in

Are you an autistic student? Share your experiences in this research.

 
Three Things I Learnt From Running in the Elections

Hi everyone, Union President Holly here to share the best three things I learnt from running in the Elections.

 
Three Top Tips for Writing a Personal Statement
VP (Activities) Gabby handing out free pancakes

Hi, VP (Activities) Gabby here with my three top tips for writing a personal statement for nominating yourself in the Elections!

 
You Said, We Did – BUCS Takeover
VP (Activities) Gabby giving a speech at the 2024 Sports Awards

At the Union of Students, we’re committed to making sports at Derby University bigger, better, and more visible for everyone.

 
You Said, We Did – Union on Tour

The Union on Tour has been a fantastic way to bridge the gap between students and Union of Students.

 
You Said, We Did - Britannia Mill Study Space

You said, 'we've had our library taken away', We 'worked alongside both students and the university to ensure a suitable alternative was provided'.

 
Term 1 Round Up - Vice President Education
VP (Education) Pournami handing out tote bags at freshers fair

As Vice President (Education), my focus is on enhancing student representation, increasing the visibility of academic support services, and amplifying the voices of our student body to ensure their needs are met.

 
Term 1 Round Up - Vice President Activities
VP (Activities) Gabby handing out free pancakes

As the first term of the academic year draws to a close, I am proud to reflect on the initiatives and achievements I have been working on. Here’s an overview of everything I have been working on so far, from creating new possibilities to promoting diversity and inclusion.

 
Term 1 Round Up - Union President
President Holly Lloyd leading a conga line at freshers fair

As I moved on from Vice President Education to President, this first term has been both bittersweet and exciting. I’m grateful for the experiences that prepared me for this role and thrilled to lead with a fantastic team dedicated to supporting and empowering our students.

 
British Sign Language (BSL): Past, Present, and Future
Graffiti on a wall that depicts the British Sign Language spelling of BSL

By supporting BSL during Disability History Month, we can acknowledge the struggles of the past while building a more inclusive future for everyone.

 
You Said, We Did - Let's Be Friends
The Executive Officers (in order of appearance: Jack, Holly, Gabby and Pournami) sat together on two

You said, ‘We feel there aren’t many events tailored to our student group’, we ‘set up a Let’s Be Friends campaign, targeting specific groups of students’.

 
Understanding Hidden Disabilities
Disability History Month celebrity figure boards

Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, your Vice President (Welfare). Disability History Month is the time to understand the lived experiences of those who have disabilities. Although many are physical, some are hidden disabilities that are not initially apparent, making it hard to understand the experiences people with them have.

 
Drumming Hope - Reflecting on the Trip for Black History Month
VP (Education) Pournami with a group of students at an African drumming workshop.

As part of Black History Month (BHM) celebration, the Union of Students offered the students an opportunity to participate in an African drumming session at the National Justice Museum in Nottingham.

 
VP (Welfare) September Update
Vice President (Welfare) Jack McGuinness presenting an award at the 2024 Sports Awards

Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, the Vice President (Welfare) here at the University of Derby Union of Students. September is the start to the new academic year and it’s great to see students back on site and interacting with everything we have to offer.

 
Black History Month: Key Moments Within the UK

Black history in the UK is rich with significant events and contributions that have shaped the nation’s cultural, social, and political landscape.

 
Reflecting on the past years' achievements

This year as Vice President (Activities) I focused on three manifesto points, providing greater support and opportunities, to increase accessibility and inclusivity of the activities offer and to increase social media presence to all sports, societies and student led services.

 
Financial Hardship Extension Update

I am excited to announce that the University of Derby Academic Board has unanimously approved our new regulations amendment to address student financial hardship.

 
Vice President (Education) 2023/24 over and out!

Check out all of the amazing things I achieved last academic year...

 
Student Financial Hardship Update
A red neon light fixture reading 'change'

As Union President, I am very proud and excited to announce that the University Regulatory Framework Committee has approved my regulations amendment to address student financial hardship, with changes set to take effect from the 2024/25 academic year.

 
Post graduation routes and support
The back of someone looking out over an auditorium, wearing a graduation gown and cap. This image is

Some information on post graduation and the support the University provides to students.

 
Mental Health Tips
Black scrabbles tiles that spell out 'mental health matters'.

VP (Welfare) here to give some tips for mental health.

 
Why We, as Students and Young People, Should VOTE!
A hand holding a folded piece of paper, putting it into a ballot box.

Voting is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for shaping our future. Yet, many of us, particularly students, often exhibit lower voter turnout compared to other age groups.

 
Your thoughts, our actions on sustainability

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

 
Statement from VP (Welfare) on AFAF
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.

 
VP (Welfare) February Update
Jack McGuinness

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

 
VP (Welfare) February update
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!

 
VP (Welfare) Student Safety Roadshow

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

 
Student Safety Updates
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.

 
The History of LGBT+ Rights in the UK
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.

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

 
A Final Message From Your Executive Officers
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.

 
A Term of Progress, Unity and Triumphs.
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.

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

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

 
Vice President (Welfare) October update

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

 
Liberation Months

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

 
BUCS is back!

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

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

 
By-Elections: EDI Positions

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

 
Women in STEM

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.

 
Goodbye from Vice President (Welfare)

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

 
University Strikes

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

 
My Psoriasis & Me

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?'

 
An update on Halls Sport and Parasports

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.

 
Have you considered joining the Placement Academy?

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

 
UDo Refresh - Have your say

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.

 
Black History Month
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.

 
Black History Month Film Poll
Black History Month film night

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

 
Five reasons to run in the Snap Elections
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.

 
Disability Officer campaigns for improved access to eTexts

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

 
Why is Sustainability important to me?

An introduction to your new Sustainability Officer.

 
Mental health: Supporting each other

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

 
Re-introducing the Student Rep Scheme
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

 
You are invited to our All Student Meeting!

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

 
Tips for Mature Students

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

 
Education Council Sum Up 1!
A microphone in a meeting room

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

 
A final update from your President
Jack Tymon, your Union President

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

 
BIG WIN - Renters' Rights Bill
A row of houses

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a huge win for you as a student and a future graduate of the University and how it will improve your experience.

 
You Said, We Did - Apprentice Experience

You said, 'As apprentices we don't feel connected with the Union', we 'Worked alongside SPA in improving the sports offering, increased our induction talks and created an apprentice experience campaign'.

 
Term 1 Round Up - Vice President Welfare
VP Welfare Jack on the Advice stand at freshers fair with Advisor Zoe

As the first term comes to a close, it’s a great opportunity to share some of the work I’ve been doing across my manifesto and the wider VP (Welfare) remit.

 
Switch from BRP to eVisa

International students if you don’t know the BRP is switching to eVisa, please read the below information.

 
Black History Month: Celebrating Student Success Stories

Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, the Vice President (Welfare). Black History Month is important to understand the past, as I’ve done in another article. But, especially from a sector revolving on success of education, it’s important to celebrate people as well. Below are just some examples of the University of Derby students who have received awards, become elected representatives, and been promoted to senior positions.

 
A year in review

Reflecting on the past year, my efforts have been many-sided, aiming to provide better facilities, improve the experience for students, create more quiet spaces, offer more cost-of-living support, increase accessibility and inclusion, and strengthen Union presence across campuses.

 
Euros 2024 calming techniques
A photo taken from behind of someone watching a football match in a pub.

VP (Welfare) here to give some tips for calming techniques for the 2024 Euros.

 
End of year achievements

It’s been a phenomenal year working to represent and improve your student experience. And after being re-elected, I’m looking forward to continuing the work I’ve been doing.

 
5 Reasons to Run in the Elections
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.

 
Disability History Month
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.

 
VP (Welfare) November Update
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.

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

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.

 
Student Safety Update
a photo of President Owen Marques smiling against a grey background

Your Union President on Student Safety

 
An update on sustainability at University of Derby

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

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

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.

 
VP Welfare Callum's experience of Clearing
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!