Wednesday 09-09-2020 - 16:21

Updated 17th December 2020

Welcome to GCU Students' Association.

Despite the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak we are delighted to inform you that the Students’ Association is still active and has moved most of the services and activities online. As the Government eases lockdown restrictions we will, in a phased approach, restart our in-person services and activities and will keep you informed through our emails, on our Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and on this website.

If you have any questions please email hello@GCUstudents.co.uk, phone 0141 331 3886 or use Messenger: m.me/GCUstudents between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Please find below an update on our various services and activities.

Representation

Our main focus is ensuring that you have a high quality student experience and that we represent your academic interests here at GCU. There are lots of academic reps to provide feedback to about your on campus or online learning and teaching on your course. You can also raise issues with your elected Full Time Officers, who are being consulted by the University on decisions that affect all students. The Full Time Officers will be available at scheduled times in person on campus within The Library and working virtually. Student Voice meetings, our main policy making committee, will take place online. 

The Executive Committee which is made up of the elected four Full Time Officers, take the view that there should be some limited in person learning and teaching that takes place in a safe way on campus during the Coronavirus pandemic and that this should be prioritised for new students, international students and students with practical elements of their programmes. The rationale is that this will help with progression and retention as new students will better understand the programme they are participating in, help develop communities of learners and encouraging the formation of friendships, help promote positive mental health, a sense of belonging and social networks.

Societies and Liberation/Representation Groups

We are happy to inform you that all our societies, liberation and representation groups are currently running online and there are lots to join. There are academic, hobby, cultural, political, faith and belief and performance based societies and our liberation and representation groups can help provide a community and sense of belonging. When Scottish Government guidance changes we will work with the University to restart these in person activities to take place either on or off campus.

Student Leaders Programme

You can join our accredited Student Leaders Programme and develop your current and future leadership skills. The workshops will be initially delivered online and once we have returned to campus we will run the workshops both in person and online.

Advice Centre

The Student Advisers within our Advice Centre are here to support you through this anxious time with your academic or personal issues. They provide confidential support and are available by email, telephone and video chat. You can current get free condoms and sanitary products delivered to your home. The Safe Taxis Scheme continues to be available to all GCU students.

Radio Caley

Radio Caley will be launching their exciting new podcasts from Trimester A. Get involved, make new friends and learn a new skill.

The EDIT

The EDIT Freshers Edition has been launched, so why not become a contributor in future editions and online articles. 

Sports Clubs

We are keen to restart our Sports Clubs and their in person activities as soon as possible. This is a bit trickier as we will have to work individually with each Sports Club and their Sports Governing Body to ensure their safe return. This will happen in a phased approach, looking at restarting outdoor sports first and indoor sports later on when permitted. The Athletics Club, Hockey Clubs and Snowsports have been given permission to restart.

Nightline

We are trying to figure out how Nightline, our student listening and information service, can operate remotely. In addition to our Student Advisers there is lots of support if you need a listening ear. 

Students' Association Building

The Students’ Association Building and facilities are temporarily closed at the moment and we will work with the University to re-open when it’s deemed safe to do so. This means our 24 Hour Computer Lab, Group Study Rooms and Re:Union Bar are currently closed. You can book a study space in the Library. Our outside gym, traverse wall and basketball are also not in use.

Freshers Week 2020

We have produced an amazing Freshers Week packed with lots of exciting online events that we know will be right up your street! Visit our Freshers page to find out how to join the Freshers Facebook Group, buy your Freshers Pack, attend our specially designed two day Virtual Freshers Fair, created just for you, or attend one of the many organised online events. You can find out more about the Students' Association through our Student Handbook and at your GCU induction.