What is Winchester Student Union?
Put simply Winchester Student Union is an organisation run for and by the student population of University College Winchester. Student Unions are a unique chance for students to run their own services and to help support and represent themselves throughout their educational career. Winchester SU is also almost entirely funded by you too. Whenever you drink in one of our bars, buy something from a shop, or wash your clothes in our laundrettes, you are directly contributing to the running of our services - from student staff salaries to welfare and support.
I'm a part of The Union...so what?
Belonging to your Union makes you part of a local community as well as part of the UK-wide body of students. Winchester SU has facilities you can benefit from and opportunities you can enjoy, and you can get involved and have your say in the things that happen there. We can also act as your first port of call for advice and information. Make the most of this knowledge and experience - it's here to help you.
As an organisation, the SU is easiest explained by breaking it down into two sections: commercial services and welfare/representation.
The commercial services are the money making sections of The Union: the bars, the shops, laundrettes, vending machines etc, while the welfare and representation section covers the areas such as campaigns, academic representation, legal aid etc. What can be so easily forgotten is that the money made from the commercial services goes straight back into funding those areas that don't make money!
Who's the boss?
Ultimately...you!
The everyday running of The Union is entrusted to the Executive Team and the Union Council, but as elected bodies they are accountable to you, the students.
Union Council is made up of various representatives and chairs of societies, so it is essential that you utilise these people to make sure that your voice is heard and your opinions are considered when decisions are being made.
The Executive Team is made up of 7 elected officers: 2 full-time Sabbatical Officers (the President and Vice President Activities and Services) and 5 part-time officers. The part-time officers are still studying but you can always drop them an E-mail, telephone our main number to leave a message/request, or visit the SU on level 3 of the University Centre.
Changes in recent times
In June 2004 'King Alfred's Student Union' became Winchester Student Union. This day also saw King Alfred's College Winchester become "University College Winchester". Yet the university's title was short-lived as it has since been superseeded - our parent institution announced in the summer of 2005 that it had won its long battle to achieve full university title. University College Winchester subsequently becamThe University of Winchester (see university website).
The historic city of Winchester is proud that it has its own University.
At the Student Union our mission is to provide services and support for higher education students in Winchester. We provide and support varied activities and services. We are justly proud to give the city of Winchester prominence in our title 'Winchester Student Union'. As King Alfred's Student Union before it we continue to provide high quality support and services to students in the city of Winchester and elsewhere.
The University Centre and Student Union opened in September '07
It's the flagship building that's transformed the main campus. The multi-million pound development is a four-storey building covering 3,200 square metres. It is located at the entrance to the King Alfred Campus providing an impressive gateway for visitors as well as social facilities for the whole university community.
The new University Centre includes the Student Union venues, catering facilities, main reception, a bookshop, a mini-mart convenience store and a Learning Café.
The Student Union includes our state-of-the-art venue 'The Vault' for club nights and concerts, plus our Terrace Bar and games room.
The Vault also has a cinema screen and surround sound for movies!