Thursday 26-08-2021 - 12:32

Updated: 26th August 2021

Welcome to GCU Students' Association.

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic the Students' Association has remained active and moved most of our services and activities online. Working within the Scottish Government Guidance for universities we plan to reopen the Students' Association Building and our GCU London Office and restart in person student activities from 20th September 2021. Our approach may change depending on the current state of the pandemic in Scotland.

We will be doing everything we can to ensure you enjoy your student experience with our hybrid approach of online and in person services and activities and help you feel part of our GCU community. We will keep you informed through our emails, on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, 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.

The University has produced guidance for GCU students and this can be found at: www.gcu.ac.uk/student/readyforyouatgcu/. This includes information on reporting a positive Covid-19 result, taking two free lateral flow tests each week and on how to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.

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

Freshers Week 2021

Freshers’ Week 2021 will take place Monday 20th to Friday 24th of September. We have a wide range of online and in person events planned to welcome new students and welcome back existing students. Visit our Freshers Page to see everything going on. Attend our Virtual Freshers Fair to find out more about our sports clubs, societies, student groups, academic representation and volunteering. Our sports clubs, societies and groups also organise a range of events, so hopefully you will find something right up your street! You can find out more about the Students' Association through our Student Handbook and at your GCU induction. You will be required to book in advance to attend any in person events for Test and Protect purposes.

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. They will continue to host Ask the Officer online and on campus. Student Voice our main policy making committee, and Student Voice Sub Committee meetings, will continue at the moment to take place online. We will pilot the return of in person and hybrid meetings.

Sports Clubs, Societies and Student Groups

You can join our sports clubs, societies, liberation and representation groups. Their activities will take place either in person or online in Trimester A. Each sports club, society or group will provide you with any specific guidance for how they will operate, including how activities will take place on or off campus. In person activities can start again from Monday 20th September. You will be required to book in advance to attend any in person activity for Test and Protect purposes.

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, video chat and in person. You must book an appointment with a Student Adviser to meet them in person. You can currently get free condoms and free period products delivered to your home. The Safe Taxis Scheme continues to be available to all GCU students.

Students' Association Building 

We plan to re-open the Students’ Association Building on 20th September 2021. In line with Scottish Government guidance, all members and visitors will be required to use face coverings inside the Students' Association Building unless eating/drinking or medically exempt. 

    - Our Welcome Desk will open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
    - The Re:Union Bar will open from 11am to late, Monday to Friday.
    - The 24 Hour Computer Lab and Group Study Rooms cannot currently open
       but this may be subject to change later in the academic year.
    - The outside gym, Traverse Wall and basketball court beside the building
      will re-open.

All our staff and Full Time Officers are available by email, telephone and video chat. You must email to book an appointment to arrange to meet them in person, where possible.

GCU London Office

The GCU London Office will re-open three days a week in Trimester A. However, the Students' Association Co-ordinator at GCU London is available to be contacted Monday to Friday.

Student Leaders Programme and Volunteer and Academic Rep Training 

You can join our newly refreshed Student Leaders Programme and develop your current and future leadership skills. The workshops will initially be delivered online and later in the academic year will run both in person and online. You would be required to book in advance to attend each in person workshop for Test and Protect purposes.

The training for volunteers and academic reps will initially be delivered online and later in the academic year will run both in person and online. You will be required to book in advance to attend training that is delivered in person for Test and Protect purposes.

Radio Caley

Radio Caley are expected to restart in Trimester A. Get involved, make new friends and learn a new skill.

The EDIT

Why not become a contributor for future editions and submit online articles to be published on www.theeditgcu.com.

Nightline

Nightline is expected to restart in Trimester A. Get involved, make new friends and learn a new skill. Nightline training and volunteering will take place online only during Trimester A.