Student Experience Officers ensure every student has a memorable and fulfilling time at College, helping you make the most of your experience.
They oversee the Students’ Union (SU) and provide other enrichment opportunities throughout the year. We sat down with Ella to find out a little bit more about her and what she does.
How would you explain the purpose of the Students’ Union to someone who’s brand new to college life?
Simply by being a student at Canterbury College, you’re already part of the Students’ Union! The SU has a President who is elected by fellow students, and their job is to represent the student voice.
There are also plenty of ways for students to get actively involved, for example you could becoming a Student Union Officer, Class Representative, or Student Ambassador. It’s a great way to help shape student life and make your voice heard.
In what ways does the Students’ Union support students both academically and socially?
The Students’ Union runs a number of services to support students, such as our Food Bank, Wardrobe Refresh Hub, and access to free sanitary products which are all available for students whenever they need them in the LRC.
The SU also helps to set up clubs and societies, which are completely student-led. If you’ve got an idea for a new society, just come and find me or the SU President, Vita, and we’ll help you get it started.
We also organise trips, events, and enrichment activities throughout the year.
From an academic point of view, the SU plays a key role in helping to make improvements based on feedback gathered during Class Rep meetings so your opinions really do make a difference.
What advice would you give to new students on how to get the most out of the Students’ Union and student life overall?
Get involved with as much as you can! Set up your own society, become a Class Rep, or apply to be an SU Officer so you can make a real difference. There’s always something happening at College, trips, activities, events, so make the most of every opportunity and really throw yourself into College life!
What are your main goals for enhancing the student experience this year?
My main goal this year is to make sure all students feel aware of and included in the events, trips, and activities we run. I’m also really looking forward to supporting all our SU Officers with their campaigns and events, helping them to make a real impact.
Most of all, I’m excited to get to know all the new students and hear about the kinds of trips, events, and activities they’d love to see that way we can keep improving the student experience together.
Want to know more, or chat with Ella about your ideas?
You can find her on the first floor in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), she would be more than happy to chat to you and hear your fantastic ideas!
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