Wednesday 16-12-2020 - 16:24

Updated: 7th January 2021

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.

Refreshers Week 2021

There is a range of events during Refreshers Week 2021 to welcome new students and welcome back existing students. Visit out Events Page to see everything going on. We have our online Refreshers Fair, The Big Fat Refreshers Quiz of the Year, Drag Bingo, Students' Association Webinar and Building Resilience Workshop. 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.

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 Coffee on Campus. 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 currently 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 are exploring live broadcasting via YouTube, with an accompanying Spotify playlist from Trimester B. Get involved, make new friends and learn a new skill.

The EDIT

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

Sports Clubs

We have taken a phased and cautious approach to restarting our Sports Clubs. We restarted some outdoor sporting activities in Trimester A and when allowed we will restart indoor sporting activities. When local government areas are within local protection levels 3 or 4 this prevents travel for sporting activities. Current government restrictions are prevent sporting activities from taking place.

Nightline

Our Nightline is not currently operating due to the Coronavirus pandemic. If you need support, in addition to our Student Advisers in our Advice Centre 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.