The first Speak Week of 2020 took place in February with the topic being Assessment and Feedback.  Over a period of 3 days and in various locations across all campuses, the SU Engagement Team with the help of student volunteers asked students to answer three questions relating to Assessment and Feedback.  We had a fantastic response; 826 of you answered our questions.  The information will be analysed and used to improve assessment and feedback.

The Welcome Back Fair was held in the Chancellor’s Mall with local organisations attending, students were given information and incentives.  This was an opportunity for new and existing students to see what Bolton, the SU and the University has to offer them. 

Nominations for the Leadership Race closed and the two prospective candidates for President began their campaigns to be elected.  Voting takes place next month.

As part of LGBT History month we hosted an LGBT-Tea in the SLZ.  We made a board detailing the history of LGBT activism and key events in LGBT History.  In the Loft we hosted a Screening of the ‘Life of Marsh P Johnson’.   Students said the event was very informative and interesting. 

We held our first Student Volunteering Week.  This involved liaising with other universities in the North West to come up with a shared theme, the theme selected was sustainability.  We held an awareness event which showcased the process of recycling in the Bolton area.  This coincided with the ‘Time to Talk’ day which highlighted the importance of maintaining good mental health.  We incorporated this by showing different ways students can be more sustainable.  We had great interaction with over 120 students getting involved with the stand.  Students and staff told us they learned a lot about recycling and were surprised with what they can and cannot recycle. 

The University launched the Row Britannia Big Challenge. Row Britannia is an inclusive (adaptive sport) mental health, fitness and wellbeing challenge by The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), for teams throughout the UK to raise vital funds and positive awareness.  Some SU staff and SU volunteers took up the challenge and rowed for a few miles on the rowing machines in the Chancellor’s Mall.  Other SU staff cheered them on! 

As part of National Student Money Week we held a ‘Taste Test’ in the Chancellor’s Mall.  Students sampled supermarket home brand products and compared them with branded products.  We didn’t tell the students which was which and there were a few surprises.  Students said they would definitely buy certain home brand products as they tasted better and were much cheaper. 

We held an International Student Welcome event in the Loft.  Students had the opportunity to get to know Ansh, (SU President) and get to know each other.  Students thoroughly enjoyed the evening and eating the great food provided by The Vista. 

 The SU General Manager (Janet) and the SU President (Ansh) attended a special ceremony held at Bolton Fire station.  This ceremony was held to recognise and honour those people, from the University and the emergency services, who went above and beyond on the evening of the fire at the Cube student accommodation, to help students who were affected.  Both Janet and Ansh received a ‘Certificate of Outstanding Performance’ which they rightly deserved.