Welcome from the Student Officers

A very warm welcome to the latest update for students from Teesside University Students’ Union (TUSU). We get in touch every month during the academic year with all our latest news and upcoming events unless you ask us to stop by unsubscribing.

In this edition, you join us in looking forward to the forthcoming festive break! And whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we hope you have a safe, happy time! We also hope you get at least some time to relax and refresh after a busy Semester 1. We have details further down of our holiday opening hours and our holidays minisite, which has information on how to get urgent help and support over the holiday period and things you can do while you perhaps have a little time on your hands. You can also watch our holiday video here and view the TUSU digital holiday card here.

We are also looking back on another wonderful calendar year for TUSU in Our Impact and ahead to a fun-packed final week of festive fun, then big early highlights of 2024 like TUSU Refresh and the TUSU Elections.

Finally, we want to take a moment to say thanks and happy retirement to Jon Berg (TUSU Chief Executive), who leaves the organisation after over 30 years of exceptional service on 22nd December. There is a tribute to him and his huge contribution further down.

Have a great month, and, as always, keep TUSU right at the heart of your student life.

Nevin, Femi and Michael – Student Officers 2023/24  

tees-su.org.uk/officers.  

Goodbye, good luck and thanks to our Chief Executive Jon Berg

Jon Berg, Chief Executive at Teesside University Students’ Union (TUSU), originally joined the organisation in 1991, playing a key role in human resources and finance-related managerial positions before being appointed Chief Executive in the spring of 2005. 

He has shown remarkable dedication to the organisation over more than three decades of service leading the way on a range of highly significant changes to our strategic direction and the services and spaces provided to Teesside University students over that time. 

He has also ensured TUSU’s financial sustainability, contributed many ideas and analysis to the national student movement and, perhaps most importantly, been an invaluable source of support and guidance to every team of elected officers he has worked with. We thank him for his unique contribution and wish him a long and very happy retirement after he leaves us on 22^nd December.

TUSU Student Officers 2023/24.

Enjoy a packed week of festive treats from TUSU before the break!

The holidays are looming, but before we take a break, we have a packed week of festive treats and fun for ALL students to enjoy! Find out more about all the below through tees-su.org.uk/events or the events section of our main Facebook page.

• Delicious Christmas Dinner on weekdays until and including Fri, 15^th Dec – Tuck into a tasty Christmas Dinner (Vegetarian/ Vegan options also available) from just £9.99 in The Terrace 1^st floor, TUSU Building)! 
• Monday Night Quiz Christmas Special, Mon, 11^th Dec from 7 pm – Head into The Terrace for a fun-packed seasonal special of our quiz night! Your host, DJ Matty Morgan, will be armed with a Santa sack full of festive-themed questions, and there are plenty of early Christmas presents to be won! There is no need to book in advance; turn up with your team and take part! There are unbeatable drink promotions, including many non-alcoholic options, available from the bar all night, too.
• SUper Wednesdays Christmas games special, Wed, 13^th Dec from 11 am – There's FREE festive fun on the first floor with activities, games and classic Christmas tunes playing.
• Christmas Karaoke, Wed, 13^th Dec from 8 pm – We're back in The Terrace for the last karaoke before the holidays. It’s time to belt out all the Christmas classics and enjoy epic performances from others! There are unbeatable drinks promotions, including many non-alcoholic options, from the bar all night, too.
• TUSU Breakfast Club Holiday Special, Thu, 14^th Dec from 8.30 am to 9.30 am – Before the Breakfast Club takes a break, we’ve got some special treats while stocks last! Alongside the usual FREE cereal and fruit, there’s a limited supply of FREE pastries, toast and hot drinks available from The Terrace (1^st floor, TUSU Building). No need to book in advance, and first come, first served. Please remember this is only for current Teesside Uni students, and you must show your student ID card.
• Festive Friday, Fri, 15^th Dec from noon onwards – We’ll help you start the holidays in style with a day full of festive fun on the first floor of the TUSU Building! There’s delicious Christmas Dinner available from 12 pm, a great range of offers including many non-alcoholic options from the bar and free Santa hats and classic Christmas tunes from our resident DJs until late.

TUSU Holiday Opening Hours and minisite 

Teesside University Students’ Union (TUSU) reverts to festive holiday opening hours from Saturday, 16^th December 2023 (closed on Sat, 16th and Sun, 17th December) until Tuesday, 2^nd January 2024. We hope that whether you celebrate Christmas or not and whatever you are doing, you have a safe, happy, relaxing festive holiday. However, we also realise the holidays can be a challenging period for some people, especially if you are out of your usual routine or away from family and friends. Check out tees-su.org.uk/holidays for advice on what to do if you urgently need help while the University and Students’ Union services are closed, as well as lots of suggestions for things to do alone or in groups, free or at a low cost. 

• The TUSU Building remains open for external events and for students to use and participate in seasonal activities from Mon, 18th to Wed, 20th December (our social media will have details of what is available each day) before closing at 2 pm on the Wednesday. It will not then reopen until Tuesday, 2nd January at 8.30 am. After this, only limited services will be available on weekdays only until Saturday, 20th January 2024, when full-service resumes; see specifics below.
• The Student Officers will be out of the office and not available to contact or take meetings after Wednesday, 20th December, until Tuesday, 2nd January 2024, at 9 am, when at least one member of the team will be back in the office.
• The Terrace Café and Bar closes except for external events after Friday, 15^th December. It re-opens to students on Mon, 8th January 2024, between 11 am and 4 pm on weekdays only except for Sat, 13th January, when it is open from 5 pm until late. It is then open from 11 am to 10 pm from Mon, 15^th to Fri, 19^th January, before resuming full service at 12.30 pm on Saturday, 20^th January.
• The Hub and SU Studio spaces are closed except for external events after Friday, 15^th December, until Tuesday, 2^nd January 2024. 
• The SU Shop closes at 4 pm on Friday, 15^th December. It re-opens to students on Monday, 8^th January 2024, between 9 am and 4 pm on weekdays only before resuming full service at 8.30 am on Monday, 22^nd January 2024.
• The SU Welcome Desk will close on Friday, 15^th December, at 4 pm and not re-open until Monday, 15th January, at 10 am. No calls or messages will be answered between these two dates. 
• The TUSU Activities service will close on Wed, 20th December at 4 pm and not re-open until Tuesday, 2nd January at 9 am. No calls or messages will be answered between these two dates.
• The SU Student Support (SUSS) service will close on Friday, 15th December, at 4 pm and not re-open until Tuesday, 2nd January, at 10 am. No calls or messages will be answered between these two dates. However, detailed advice on what to do in an emergency will be available on the departmental and adviser’s auto-replies. It is also detailed in this newsletter and on tees-su.org.uk/suss.
• The Love it Lounge space is available to students whenever the TUSU Building is open, except if in use for external events. 

PLEASE NOTE: TUSU reserves the right to alter our intended/ advertised opening hours subject to levels of trade and other factors from 2^nd to 22^nd January 2024. Any changes will be communicated as widely as possible to students and other visitors.   

Semester 2 and 2024 are just around the corner…so is TUSU Refresh! 

Once the festive break is done, it will be time to look ahead to a brand-new year and semester at Teesside University. TUSU will provide a great range of Refresh activities, events and support to new and returning students from Mon, 22^nd January, including the below:

• The chance to get discounts, freebies and offers at Freshers Monday.
• Another opportunity to find out more about our student activities and societies, then join the ones that appeal.
• A special event to encourage cultural exchange between students from all backgrounds.
• Fun-packed and free or low-cost group activities on the first Super Wednesday of the new semester. 
• Advice and info if you’re thinking of standing in the Student Officer and NUS National Conference Rep Elections 2024.
• Advice, info, support and freebies at our TUSU Campaigns showcase.
• Much, much more besides! 

Check out tees-su.org.uk/refresh for all the latest updates on what’s coming up!  

Look back on another year full of incredible impact for students

It has been another busy and successful calendar year here at TUSU, with highlights including:

• Award-winning students.
• International recognition.
• New records.
• Our second-ever all-international Elected Officer team.
• Services that delivered for thousands once again. 

You can look back on 2023 from Fri, 15^th December through tees-su.org.uk/impact with printed copies of Our Impact 2023 available from the first floor of the SU Building from Mon, 15^th January. 

Check out our handy guide to parking in Middlesbrough

We know that finding parking spaces in Middlesbrough, especially close to campus, can sometimes be a headache for students and other visitors. Our brand-new parking web page provides a one-stop (if you’ll pardon the pun!) guide to short and long-stay parking in Middlesbrough for you and your family and friends.

Your chance to get paid to lead TUSU and represent ALL TU students is coming!

Teesside University Students’ Union (TUSU) is led by students for students, and each February, any current Teesside University student* can run in the elections to decide:

• The three people who get paid over £25,000 for and serve for at least one year overseeing the running of TUSU, leading on campaigns, and representing ALL students to the most senior figures at the University, including the Board of Governors and Vice-Chancellor. You may run for ONE of the three Student Officer positions – President Education, President Wellbeing or President International.
• In a fourth, separate election, students can ALSO run to be one of the six people who represent all Teesside Uni students on the big stage at the NUS National Conference 2024. You will join current Student Officers for the two-day event and speak up on the big issues facing the national student movement, as well as having your say in elections to the next national student leaders.

These are unique opportunities to gain new skills and experience while contributing to the democratic process at Teesside University! Past experience is less important than a willingness to work hard and a passion for helping your fellow students.

Find out more, ask questions, sign up for TUSU Elections updates and get all the key dates you will need if you are thinking of becoming a candidate through tees-su.org.uk/elections. 

* ARE YOU AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WHO IS THINKING OF STANDING IN THE TUSU ELECTIONS 2024? CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU RUN IN THE ELECTIONS.

* You may not be able to run for a Student Officer role or take up a position if you're not going to be a current student when elections are held or don't meet other criteria for being a Trustee of a registered charity like the Students' Union. Click here for more info on the criteria, or e-mail: elections@tees-su.org.uk for a confidential discussion about your eligibility.

Latest from your School and Course Reps  

Hi everyone, we hope you have enjoyed this semester, and you are looking forward to the winter break. We have loved speaking to you all and listening to your feedback. It is vital to our work that we collect your comments and concerns. We have achieved a lot with your help this semester, and you can see some of our work below.;

Semester 1 in review:

• Worked with TUIBS staff to make sure level 6 students were assigned an appropriate dissertation supervisor.
• Taken your questions and queries to the Student Safety Group.
• Worked with senior staff in the university to increase general support for international students.
• Introduced a monthly SSSHL student newsletter.
• Held over 30 drop-in sessions and stalls.
• Supported 27 Course Rep Training sessions.
• Introduced ourselves to over 500 new and returning Course Representatives.
• Completed 15 lecture shouts.
• Presented at the SCEDT student conference.
• Visited the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre and am planning a second visit with our course reps in 2024.
• Worked with the university and SU Officers on co-creating mental health and wellbeing policies.
• Signposted students to a range of services across campus.
• Promoted and supported SACI Creative Week.
• Attended the Student Experience sub-committee twice.
• Held online drop-in sessions for SHLS and SSSHL students.
• Starred in a walkthrough tour of the new TUIBS Phoenix building.
• Listened to and acted on hundreds of pieces of feedback from the student body.
   

We want to thank you for all your feedback, and we are looking forward to hearing more when we return in January. We wish you all a happy and healthy winter break. Best of luck with your assignment submissions and exam preparation!

International Student? Last chance to tell your Uni and SU about your experience

Time is nearly up to complete the 2023 International Student Barometer (ISB) survey and provide the Uni and ourselves with feedback which will help shape the future of your University. It will only take a few minutes to complete the survey, and you can do so anonymously. As a thank you for taking part, you will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of seven Amazon gift vouchers. Thank you to those of you who have already completed the survey. After it closes on 15 December, the Uni will collate the data and will be in touch to let you know what they have learned from your feedback. Click here to complete it now.

Make great savings this Christmas and all year with the TOTUM app and card!

Win £100 just by telling NUS what you think about key issues

What do you think about tuition fees? How about the cost of living? Do you have an opinion on how the government treats international students?  The National Union of Students (NUS) wants to know what students think about all of these issues and more. That is why they have set up WhatStudentsThink – a new website where you can tell them what you think about all of these issues. Your opinions will then be fed back to politicians as they build their manifestos for the next General Election. The more people who contribute, the bigger the impact we can have! 

I will tell NUS what I think! 

Student radio is back at Teesside Uni! Listen and get involved NOW! 

TU Xtra is the official Teesside University student radio station. It has recently resumed broadcasting after a long break, and you can listen and find out more here. Any current student who is interested in volunteering as a presenter or helping out behind the scenes can email: studentradio@tuxtra.co.uk to get more info. 

Staying safe over the holidays

Your SU works closely with the University and a range of external agencies such as Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire and the NHS to try to keep all students safe and well. Check out our tips for staying safe and reducing the chance of being affected by crime over the festive period below: 

• We know that the holidays are not always a happy time for everyone, so if you do need urgent support over the period, remember there is still lots of support; just a phone call, download, or walk away from you. If you or someone else is in an emergency situation (including a severe mental health crisis), ALWAYS call 999 IMMEDIATELY. You can also contact your local crisis team in a mental health emergency. If you are in Middlesbrough over the holidays, the number is 0800 0516 171, and they operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are based at Roseberry Park on Marton Road, Middlesbrough and will speak to you about your current needs and explore ways to support you. You can also find out more by clicking here. In less serious circumstances, you may also want to consider using the Student Assistance Programme, about which you can find out more by clicking here; the service can be contacted through 0800 0283766.
• If you leave your accommodation over the festive period, ensure that any valuables you leave are securely locked away, and all entrances/ vehicles are locked. 
• If you have a burglar alarm, ensure it is set. 
• You might also consider asking a neighbour you trust to keep an eye on your accommodation while you are away. 
• Ensure all taps and powered items that do not need to remain on are fully turned off. 
• It is a big time for socialising, and we hope everyone has a great time. However, please drink responsibly and be on the lookout for drink spiking. Additionally, we strongly advise that you avoid all illegal drugs, especially if they are supplied by someone you do not know. 
• NEVER drink/ take drugs and drive. 
• If you are going to be away for the day or a longer period, why not let housemates, neighbours or close friends know where you are going and when they should expect you back. 
• If you haven’t already, it is well worth downloading the Cleveland Online Policing App (COPA) and Safezone app. 

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