Sheffield Activities Officer

Find your societies on Facebook

2009-10-31T20:50:00.005Z

I've just spent an hour or so on Facebook for work. Yes, honestly, it's for you!
Facebook is a great way for societies to advertise and for everyone to find out about what's going on in the society world.

Because of the building works, we need to keep you even more informed online because we're open as usual.

To help, I've set up a facebook group called 'Sheffield Union Societies'

This is a group for societies to tell each other and all Sheffield Uni students whats going - societies can add links to their events or tell us about them on the group.

Find out more and get involved for 09/10!

See you on Monday,
Love Claire x

Guns, drugs, and cracks

2009-10-27T12:31:00.002Z

So SUTCO have a new play this week. If you've not been before it's a fantastic opportunity to do something chilled out with friends which might spark some great discussion!

Claire x

************************************

SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: cRaCKs

San Francisco, 1973, and eight unsuspecting cast-offs are unaware that they are about to take centre stage in a psychodelic game of cat and mouse. As their drug fueled soire turns to a head long descent into madness each is pushed closer to the edge of their fragile sanity; threatened by a gun-toting assailant and their own personal demons.

This promises to be an exciting and funny show, so don't miss out!

Tickets can be bought at the Union Box Office, or on the door, or you can reserve them on our website - www.sutco.co.uk

On Wednesday, tickets are only £4. Thursday-Saturday it's still only £5 for students!

The show starts at 7.30pm (doors at 7pm) at the Drama Studio on Glossop Road.

We hope to see you there!

2009-10-23T17:45:00.003+01:00

This is the press release from the University about the event that Sheffield Liberal Youth held yesterday at the Union - well done to them!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A panel of politicians, including Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, faced a Question Time grilling by students at the University of Sheffield yesterday (Thursday 22 October 2009) at an event aimed at reigniting student interest in political affairs.

The high-profile politician was joined by former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Paddy Ashdown and current leader of Sheffield City Council and prospective parliamentary candidate for Sheffield Central, Councillor Paul Scriven, for the 'Evening with the Liberal Democrats' event held in the University's Richard Roberts Auditorium.

In a similar style to Nick Clegg's 'town hall meetings', which have seen him travel up and down the country inviting voters to tell him what they think about fixing the economy and rebuilding trust in politics, students were given the chance to have their say on political issues and pose questions to the panel.

Nick Clegg was elected leader of the Liberal Democrats in December 2007 after a leadership campaign in which he focused on reaching out beyond the party to new voters by promoting the Liberal Democrats as the party of the family, focusing on social justice, education and opportunity.

He has close links with both universities in Sheffield and even carried out a part-time teaching position in the University of Sheffield's Department of Politics after his departure from European Parliament in 2004.

The event was organised by The Exchange, a collaboration between the Union of Students, the Politics Society and the University and aimed to host current political debate in an informal context. The Exchange focuses exclusively on high-profile political and public figures to reengage student interest and participation in political activities and hopes to establish Sheffield as a centre for debate in current affairs.

Paul Tobin, President of the Union of Students at the University of Sheffield, said: "This was a great opportunity to ask some of the big names from the Liberal Democrats about their policy ideas. With a General Election coming up and students having the potential to swing any vote, it was fantastic that students were able to ask big questions directly to the party leaders."

Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "Since being elected leader of the Liberal Democrats I have enjoyed holding open meetings all over the country, where anyone can turn-up to ask me questions about any topic. The meetings are an opportunity to hear first-hand what people are concerned about and respond by explaining how the Liberal Democrats would help them.

"It was a particular pleasure to return to the University of Sheffield and speak to students in such an open forum alongside one of my predecessors Lord Paddy Ashdown and future Liberal Democrat MP Councillor Paul Scriven. The event was a perfect response to anyone who thinks that young people are no longer interested and informed about politics."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Look out for high profile speakers at 'Exchange' events over the coming year.

Love Claire x

Clubs and Societies RAG it up!

2009-10-20T10:02:00.008+01:00

Last year, through the generosity and energy of Sheffield students, RAG gave away £117,000 for charity. Some of that was raised by Societies and sports clubs, but this year we want to increase that massively.

Work with RAG as a one off, or how about taking part in the Adopt a Charity scheme? You can donate specifically to your chosen charity for the whole year to really make a difference.

**********************************************************

What can Sheffield RAG do for your charity event?

Your Community Fundraiser // if any group has a fundraising idea, the Community Fundraiser and RAG committee can advise, help plan and support your event.

Publicity // Massive email and facebook groups, and lots more.

RAG Week 2010 // it's your week so take control!

Street Teams // RAG can provide advice, collection buckets and merchandise to sell at union club nights. So that's where those glow sticks come from...

Spiderwalk 5th November 2009 // Why not do the 13 mile night walk with your club or society? Fireworks of course included!

RAG Raids // throughout the year RAG organise collections in town which you can get involved with.

What happens to your money?

RAG aim to donate to around 40 South Yorkshire charities such as Cavendish Cancer Care and Edale Mountain Rescue, and will give you as much help as they possibly can to raise lots of money.

The money you raise is split like this...
10% to RAG for the essentials. This pays for vital expenses like buckets, signs and the Community Fundraiser.

90% to you. You can keep some for society events, but why not donate some of it to a RAG charity which you can choose.

We ask that at least 50% of the money raised goes to charity.

*******************************************************

So for more details on how to riase money with the wonderous RAG, and to find out how to Adopt A Charity, then pop into the Society Surgery on Wednesdays 1-2pm in the Source.

Touch It on Friday

2009-10-15T10:23:00.005+01:00

Are you tough?
How long can you endure a physical challenge?
Could you be the last one standing?

TOUCH IT - is simple, throw £3 in the charity bucket and touch onto the huge rag'd up (garish pink and black) box on the concourse. The last person still touching it - wins the prize, an I-pod Touch, thanks to Apple Higher Education!

TOUCH ON BETWEEN 12 NOON and 2PM ON FRIDAY!! You must register on the concourse and touch onto the rag box between these hours! Spectators after 2pm are encouraged to come down and take a peek!

Come down for mid-day for a RAG fiesta, with cake-sales, awareness stalls and fun and games - all raising money for local charities.

INSANE IN THE BRAIN

2009-10-08T10:20:00.006+01:00

Dance Touring Partnership is collaboration with *Danceworks UK* are very proud to announce the UK tour of Bounce Street Dance Company:

INSANE IN THE BRAIN
A street dance version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lyceum Theatre
Friday 9 & Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm
Tickets £16 & £19 / £10 young persons (16-25)
Box office: 0114 2496000

The classic story of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is injected with a large dose of hip hop energy by Bounce. This exciting company is known for creating high energy, imaginative street-dance theatre, enjoying hit runs at both the Peacock Theatre and the Roundhouse.

"Fresh, fun and clearly told - the company is smart and talented" 4 stars, The Times

"Brilliant. This action packed show works like a dream" Daily Express

Don't miss your chance to see Bounce's only Yorkshire date this tour - tickets are selling fast!

Visit Danceworks, audience vox pops and further information.

Stand out from the crowd!

2009-09-25T14:27:00.003+01:00

On Wed 7 October, the Source & Gallery will be buzzing with excitement! There will be loads of stalls and hundreds of visitors coming to find out about Volunteering and Part time work.

SheffieldVolunteering has re-invented their annual Volunteer Fair to bring you the best in local volunteering plus part-time student jobs (in partnership with Student Jobshop) - all under one roof. Indeed, CV gold at it's very best.

Why not pop in tomorrow and see what it's all about - 11am til 3pm.

Get involved and STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD!

http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/news.php?contentID=7189

Love Claire

Sunset on Sunday is Yom Kippur

2009-09-23T19:30:00.007+01:00

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement; the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.

Jews do not eat or drink from just before sunset on Sunday until an hour after sunset on Monday – a dedicated fast of 25 hours. Services are held in synagogues all over the world throughout the first evening and all through the next day so that all Jews can mark this day.

On this Holy day it is encouraged that Jews pray and ask forgiveness. It is also asked that Jews do not work, which includes study and attending classes. This has a great impact on students, as they are unable to attend lectures at school and University.

Traditionally a meal is shared before the fast. Following this, Jews will attend synagogue to pray before meeting again to break the fast after 25 hours.

For new students, Yom Kippur comes at a very difficult time this year - the first day of the semester. Not only must they avoid study, but they may not know where to share the meals or where to go to synagogue.

The Jewish Students Society knows it's really important to make contact with as many students as possible so that they can be directed to services (Reform or Orthodox) and to hospitality for meals before and after the fast. If you are a Jewish student, they are here for you and would love to see you at the activities fair tomorrow. You can also get in touch by emailing them: jewish.society@sheffield.ac.uk

For the chaplaincy, click here.

See you all at the fair tomorrow!
Love Claire x

Socs and sports straight to your inbox

2009-09-14T23:05:00.009+01:00

So it's almost freshers week and the Union is already getting busy, people are planning and organising for their upcoming events. If you're interested in whats going on in the Union with societies, sports, RAG, volunteering then why not sign up to the snazzy new Activities E-newsletter?

It will arrive in your inbox every other Monday, with recent news, details of events coming up, and links to the 'Give it a go' program.

See you at the Activties Fair!

Love Claire xxx

170 Societes, 3 rooms, just for you

2009-09-07T08:58:00.005+01:00

So the activities fair organisation is going well, we're up to about 170 stalls which I've tried to organise in three rooms like some kind of massive tetris game. There will also be performances outside on the concourse to entertain you, including the amazing Bollywood society and the Cheerleaders so look out for the program of events which will be round and about.

The Fair is on Thursday of Intro week between 10am and 3pm. It's open to everyone, so whether you're a fresher, fourth year, post grad, international student or anyone else in between, make sure you come to the Octagon and check it out.

Don't worry if you can't make it though, you can join a society at any time in the year by going to one of their regular meetings. Pop in to the Source to find out more about societies all year round.

See you all in a couple of weeks :0)

Love Claire

P.s Don't forget the Sports Fair on the Friday too!

Making Ideas Happen

2009-08-27T11:23:00.011+01:00

Enterprise: Dictionary.com says... a project undertaken or to be undertaken, esp. one that is important or difficult or that requires boldness or energy.

Not scary business plans then.

I had a meeting with the Universities Enterprize Zone yesterday which was great. They're re-vamping the building and making it a brilliant space for anyone with any creative ideas - enterprise isn't just about starting a company from scratch with a long term business plan, it is simply using your noggin and being inventive to achieve something.

You could say all our societies are very enterprising - they take the little money they have, hold events to increase those funds, and put it back in to more society events. Thats very enterprising if you ask me.

SIFE is our Student in Free Enterprise which the Enterprize zone support - why not check them out...

If you're involved in a society or just have an idea, why not pop in to see them and see what they can offer. Also keep an eye out for their website with fab projects which you can get involved in and use towards the Sheffield Graduate Award.

Keep enjoying the sun,

Love Claire

My personal Objectives

2009-08-18T12:15:00.007+01:00

Hi guys and girls,

I'm back from my lovely relaxing holiday and ready for another few weeks of planning before you all get back!
We set our personal objectives a while ago and I have finally got round to making them really clear so I thought I would share them with you - comments and suggestions are very welcome :0)

1. Student Engagement in Activities

Objective: Make sure all students know about how much they can do with Societies, Volunteering and RAG.

Why?: Coming to University isn't all about getting your degree. The Union can make the difference between a good Uni experience and a great Uni experience. Getting involved in activities outside your course will give you unforgettable experiences and friends for life - All students should be given this opportunity.

To do list:
1. Online society sign up all year round
2. make sure meeting/practice rooms are available wherever possible
3. Set up RAG's adopt a charity scheme for societies and sports clubs
4. Push the bespoke Give It A Go scheme to get those left out groups involved such as medics, LGBT
5. Dance Your Socks Off! A massive dance/music GIAG and showcase day
6. Make GIAG tickets available at the Hallamshire for medics and dentists
7. Push the Sheffield Graduate Award to all our dedicated volunteers to get the recognition they deserve www.sheffield.ac.uk/thesheffieldgraduateaward

2. Help new, small and struggling societies

Objective: to give our societies the support they need at critical times, through a range of activities and channels.

Why?: By supporting them we can ensure they thrive and students get more form the society.

To do list:
1. Set up the Societies Surgery for advice and workshops on common problems
2. Make sure people know how easy it is to spend 'A' account money
3. Reduce society deficit through a one to one targetting approach
4. Improve the running of societies joint with Hallam

3. Show Off The Great Things Students Do!

Objective: To showcase the great things students do within their communities and increase the positive recognition they receive.

Why?: Student volunteers do great things! Make sure that this is visible to the student community and Sheffield population. This includes work by RAG and Volunteering but also the talent of our Society membership. This will increase participation by students, improve community relations and help make events more successful.

To Do List:
1. Open events up to the public such as Showcase
2. Improve society publicity through training and societies surgery workshops, and the officer blogs and twitter
3. Expand the Activities awards to encompass other areas such as RAG, Volunteering, Representation etc

I have lots more exciting things to tell you but that can wait for another day.

Love Claire

Platform Drama Festival

2009-07-28T09:56:00.004+01:00

I had a very exciting meeting on Friday with some very creative bunnies. A collaboration of drama groups are going to put on a Drama festival in April! It will be open to all students and members of the public and will have an edgy modern feel about it.
Watch this space for more info...

Back to work and the activties fair - hope you're excited about it!
Love Claire

Calling all Medics!

2009-07-23T15:39:00.003+01:00

I've just finished reading a fab book - Trust Me, I'm a Junior Doctor, by Max Pemberton. If you're currently studying medicine and dispairing at the long hours and more stressful bits of placement, read this book! It's very funny and does gripe about all the bad bits, like the state of the NHS and private practices, but it also reminds you how AWESOME being a doctor is. Also a brilliant read if you're thinking about going in to medicine so BMS or MBB students might want to take a peek too.

Back to the organising :0)
Love Claire xxx

Things to do and people to see!

2009-07-16T16:36:00.001+01:00

Well, I've finally found some time to sit down and write a blog! I was let loose on my own on the 6th of July and have been getting on well so far, although my excitable mind is full of ideas which I'm not sure what to do with as yet!

The hand over weeks were good, the new team went to Scarborough on an intensive training week and some how Kate and Holly got us all to swim in the sea. In the rain. Fully clothed. Madness. I also spent a week meeting lots of new people and learning more about my role from Matt before he left. Did you know that the sabbatical team are also Trustees of the Union and Managing Directors of the Fox and Duck and Coffee Revolution?

So what have I been up to so far? Well, lots of little jobs and getting things started, but over the past two weeks I've been working with RAG on an 'Adopt a Charity' scheme which aims to pair up sports clubs or societies with local charities. Hopefully this will all be set up and ready for sign up at the start of term so watch this space as it develops…

You'll also be pleased to hear that I've started organising the Activities Fair where you'll be able to find out about and sign up for new societies, and see loads of performances on the concourse.

Over this summer I'll be planning lots of exciting new things and making our annual events bigger and better for you, so I'll blog again soon to give you a picture of my ideas for the year in store. Bring on the new year!

Enjoy your hols! Love Claire x