Elected Officers news

Summer Loneliness

With many students having finished their classes for the year and either moving home or remaining in Derby for the summer, it can be pretty lonely waiting for University to start up again in September, and I know I spent my fair share of summers feeling quite lonely, but here are some of my top tips for how to deal with loneliness over the summer.

Introducing your Union President, Kaeda!
The 2026/27 Executive Officer team sat outside in front of a wall. From left to right: Union Preside

Hello everyone I am Kaeda Hipkiss my pronouns are they/them, last year I was VP (Welfare) but this year I am very pleased to say that I am Union President.

Meet Your Vice President (Communities) Nduka!
The 2026/27 Executive Officer team sat outside in front of a wall. From left to right: Union Preside

My name is Nduka, and I am the Vice President(Communities), currently pursuing an MRes in Leadership and Management, specialising in Project Management. My academic background has helped me develop strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that I hope to use in serving and supporting students throughout the year.

Reflecting on the year: Eleanor, VP (Activities)
Eleanor, VP Activities, giving a closing speech at the Union Awards

As my time as VP Activities comes to an end, I have found myself reflecting on what has been an incredibly rewarding and memorable year.

Reflecting on the year: Anshika, Union President
Union President Anshika at the Union Awards

As this academic year comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how special this year has been, not only because of the events, campaigns, and achievements we’ve accomplished together, but because of the people, conversations, and sense of community that made it all meaningful.

Reflecting on the year: Kaeda, VP (Welfare)
Kaeda, VP Welfare, presenting the Most Inclusive Community award at the Union Awards

For this year I have had a clear focus of ensuring that students feel supported, represented, and able to thrive throughout their university experience.

A Message to University of Derby Students

Over the past few days, many of us will have seen distressing reports about the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

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.

Reflecting on the year: Sam, VP (Education)
VP Education Sam giving a closing speech at the Union Awards

Can't believe it's already a year. A year filled with growth, learning, building meaningful connections, navigating challenges, making strategic decisions, and creating memories that I'll carry with me for years to come.

Union Staff Top Tips for Destressing
Union staff all stood in a group at the annual Christmas meal

It is really important to make sure you are looking after yourself during the exam season. If you don’t take some time to care for yourself and do the things you love, you leave yourself at greater risk of becoming burnt out and exhausted.

Introduction to your new Vice President (Education) Lucy!
The 2026/27 Executive Officer team sat outside in front of a wall. From left to right: Union Preside

Hello! I’m Lucy, and I’ve been studying in Derby for over 4 years now in Civil Engineering (Construction and Business). Fun fact: I’m a proud plant mum, and I love to scrapbook.

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