At BGSU, we strive to represent you and make sure that your student experience is the best it can be. We want your experience at university to be more than just studying and work – getting involved with BGSU gives you all the opportunities and experiences to do just that.
BGSU is run for students by students; we are an independent registered charity that exists to represent our student members. All students enrolled on a programme of study at BGU are automatically members of the students' union. We are here to enhance your student experience by giving you opportunities to have fun, do exciting and different things and meet many new and interesting people so that when you finish your time here, you will not only have a well-earned degree but also be compassionate, innovative, and well-rounded individuals. Getting involved with BGSU gives you all the opportunities and experiences to do just that.
BGSU is an independent charity, and our Executive team comprises three full-time student leaders who are supported by part-time officers, elected from the student body. Our main aim is to represent every single student on campus, no matter who you are. We run academic course reps to make sure the course you are on is being run fairly and that you feel supported and confident in what you are doing. We also have an advice centre, where we can offer impartial advice with anything to do with housing, academic problems, student complaints and more - if it's troubling you, we'll do our best to help you!
What we do
Representation is the main focus here at BGSU. BGSU runs a successful Course Representative scheme, in which students represent the students on their course and make positive change within their course. Student Council is held every month and this is one of the ways in which our students can voice issues, complaints or compliments and submit motions for council to debate and vote on.
Student Council is also a chance for you to find out what work the SU is doing on your behalf and how you can get involved. BGSU also runs a successful Student Representative Feedback System which streamlines Feedback collated by Students, and details how staff within the university use this feedback to create positive change within their Programme or Support Service. If you’re interested in becoming a Student Rep, please come to the Students’ Union for more details.
Our welfare services are designed to try to make sure that you are happy, healthy and having fun. As well as this we make sure that students get a fair deal, both nationally and locally, and we lobby those above us to make sure you’re getting the best out of your time here at BGU.
We have a wide range of established societies, from performing arts to poker, which anyone can join and take part in to meet new friends, do something that you love or to just get involved. The Students' Union also has several sports clubs such as the men’s football, rugby union, badminton and netball clubs, which take part in national leagues.
If there is something that you like doing and there is not a society or club for that activity, then you can easily set up a society, come to the Students' Union for more information, support, and a society creation form. Check out our website for an up-to-date list of all clubs and societies.
Meet Your Student Leaders
Your SU Team know all about great entertainment and host a range of fantastic events including talent competitions, karaoke, hypnotists, trips away and band nights, just to name a few. BGSU aim to provide opportunities designed to make your time at BGU the most memorable of your life.
How you can help others
The Students' Union runs a wide range of campaigns such as University Mental Health Day, attended NUS National Demonstrations, and we have also championed green initiatives and sustainability. All our campaigns are student-led and anyone can get involved. You can even develop your own campaign and receive help from us with the organisation. We can advise you on funding and even publicise the project.
If you want to help raise money for charity, or have a charity that you want the SU to support, then head in the direction of the Volunteering and Charity Officer, who can help you raise money to help others. In the past, we have supported Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Help for Heroes, the Teenage Cancer Trust and many, many more by holding events and campaigns. In addition to this we also offer new and exciting volunteering opportunities for you to take part in, with projects in the past including a volunteering trip to Romania, and a hike to Machu Picchu.
Come and say hello!
We want everyone to have access to the services we offer and our door is always open to all of our students. Give us a call on 01522 583714, drop us a line at su@bishopg.ac.uk, or come and see us in the SU Building. Make sure to check out the BGSU website for more information on our team, how to get involved and what events and activities we’ve planned.