Tuesday 18-01-2022 - 14:00

Updated: 18th January 2022

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 re-opened the Students' Association Building and our GCU London Office and restarted in person student activities for Trimester A 2020/21. Our approach continues to be dependent 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.

Students' Association Building and London Office

Our Building and London Office will re-open on 24th January 2022 for Trimester B. 

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.
    - We are working to re-open our Computer Lab and Group Study Rooms in Trimester B
      during the day, Monday to Friday.
    - The outside gym, Traverse Wall and basketball court beside the building
      are open.

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

Re-Freshers Week 2022

Re-Freshers’ Week 2022 will take place Monday 31st January until Friday 4th February 2022. We have a wide range of online and in person events planned to welcome new students and welcome back existing students. Visit our Events Page to see everything going on. Attend our Refreshers 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 may be required to book in advance to attend any in person events for Test and Protect (contact testing) 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. We will pilot hybrid meetings (ie where you can attend either in person or online).

You can read the latest position of your elected Full Time Officers on learning and teaching through the pandemic on www.gcustudents.co.uk/articles/full-time-officers-statement-on-learning-and-teaching-during-pandemic.

Sports Clubs, Societiesand Networks

You can join our sports clubs, societies, liberation and representation networks. Their activities will take place either in person or online in Trimester B. Each sports club, society or network will provide you with any specific guidance for how they will operate, including how activities will take place on or off campus. You will be required to book in advance to attend any in person activity for Test and Protect (contact tracing) 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. We encourage you to book an appointment with a Student Adviser to meet them in person, although the drop in service is operating. You can get free condoms and free reusable period products from the Advice Centre. Single use period products are available in our building. The Safe Taxis Scheme continues to be available to all GCU students.

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 be delivered both in person and online and you will book in advance to attend. 

The training for volunteers and academic reps will be delivered both in person and online and you will book in advance to attend. 

Radio Caley

Radio Caley are expected to restart in Trimester B. 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

In Trimester B Nightline plans to operate their telephone and online listening service. Find out further information on www.glasgowstudentsnightline.com or about volunteering for Nightline.