Library refurbishment

Yesterday I attended a meeting which was discussing proposals for a major refurbishment of the Main Library. This is currently at a very early stage - it is not officially a 'project' yet as it is still required to go through the required committees. Those behind it are intent on creating a library that will be fit for the needs of students in the future.

I intend to provide more information to Guild Council about these exciting developments soon. Until then I want to hear your suggestions for what you want in the main library redevelopment..

More group study spaces?
Smaller computer clusters?
Air conditioning????

Easter

So I'm back in work today after the Easter vacation. Today has been designated a 'house-keeping' day, officially the Guild is closed and we are using this opportunity to catch up on admin (and blogging). I am however back in the the thick of it! This week I will be working on putting together a draft for the Student Rep strategy and helping with preparations for the Higher Education debate on the 6th May with the new Vice Chancellor, Professor David Eastwood. I will be attending the Learning and Teaching Committee, Academic Policy and Regulation Committee and Educational Enhancement Group.

What do you want to see me working on this term? - leave any suggestions in the comments section...

More from NUS conference

The NUS have just put up a video of some of the speeches by delegates from the University of Birmingham.



Hat tip to the Welfairy for beating me to it!

David Lammy visits the Guild

On the 8th April the Minister for Higher Education, David Lammy, popped into the Guild of Students for a chat with the Officers. We discussed a range of issues including fees, issues facing international students and also the role marketisation has played in the US higher education system. Find out more about his visit here.

NUS conference

From Tuesday to Thursday this week I was at NUS conference so I thought it worth doing a little report.

National Conference is the policy-making body of the National Union of Students. This year we discussed a raft of policies on higher education funding, student employment, and the student experience in general. This conference was themed as "Students in the Recession" demonstrating that, this year at least, NUS is relevant to the world that it exists within. There were also a series of elections. Find out all the detail from NUS conference here.

Birmingham was quite well represented this year. Myself and Fabian Neuner (President-elect) took speeches on a policy regarding assessment feedback. Hollie Jones spoke on employment rights, Jen took a speech on something (can't remember what though) as did my successor Brigid Jones.

Although it was technically a secret ballot I am happy to be held accountable for who I voted for in the elections. I voted:
- President: Wes Streeting
- Vice President (Higher Education): Aaron Porter
- Vice President (Welfare): Ben Whitacker
- Vice President (Society and Citizenship): Susan Nash
- Vice President (Union Development): Richard 'Bubble' Budden
Amusingly they all got elected!

I am not really sure what else to write about the conference but I would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section.