A very warm welcome to the March/ April edition of our newsletter. We will be in touch every month this academic year with the latest news and events from Teesside University Students' Union (TUSU) unless you ask us to stop by unsubscribing.
We want to start by urging people to take all sensible precautions and expert advice on how to limit your chances of contracting or spreading the very serious Coronavirus. We continue to monitor it's development and have already, with a very heavy heart, cancelled two of our biggest events. We will keep you up to date on any futher changes, find out more in the article below and click here for our official statement about our response.
This month we are particularly looking ahead to voting in the Student Officer and NUS National Conference Rep Elections on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th March. Find out all about all the candidates and why/how to cast a vote through tees-su.org.uk/elections. No matter how much or little time you spend getting involved with your SU, your vote CAN and WILL Matter, it's your right and responsibility to have a say on who leads your SU and represents you to the most senior figures at the Uni. The voting process is quick and simple, plus there are great prizes to be won for yourself and any clubs or societies you are involved with.
There are plenty of other highlights this month, however, including:
• The always wonderful Society and Rep Awards on Wednesday, 1st April, and the unmissable Athletic Union Awards on Wednesday, 29th April will both still go ahead at the time of wrtiting, keep an eye on our social media and website for updates. We cannot wait for two glittering opportunities to celebrate outstanding groups, teams, clubs, societies, and individuals Check out the article further down for more info and details of how to get your tickets
Amongst all of the excitement and big events, we always like to remind you that we are here; however, your student life is going. If you are a current student, then you are always welcome to use our social spaces, get delicious food, and drink and attend our events. We would also urge you to participate in our activities, and, if you need it, access free, independent support and advice.
Have a safe, happy, and healthy month!
Sophie, Alan, and George – Student Officers 2019/20.
We want to take this opportunity to assure you that the wellbeing and safety of students and other people who use our buildings and attend out events is of paramount importance to us. It is because of this and in view of the expert advice on The Coronavirus that we have reluctantly cancelled The Tees Wear Varsity and The Final Fling. And we are urging everybody to follow advice on how to minimise your chances of being infected or spreading the infection.
Teesside University Students' Union (TUSU) reverts to holiday opening hours from Saturday, 4th to Sunday, 26th April (This may be extended depending on the development of The Coronavirus and decisions that the University take around opening of the campus so please keep checking our website and social media). The building is closed entirely over the Easter Bank Holiday from Friday, 10th April to, and including, Monday, 13th April. Outside of this, it will be open weekdays only from 8 am to 5 pm, except for entry to external events.
• At least one Student Officer will be available on weekdays for meetings with students, except for the Easter Bank Holiday.
• The Terrace is closed except for external events until Monday, 27th April.
• The Hub is closed throughout the period except for external events.
• The SU Shop is open 9am to 3pm weekdays except for Good Friday and Easter Monday.
• The SU Welcome Desk is open 9 am to 5 pm weekdays except for Good Friday and Easter Monday..
• SU Activities staff will be available weekdays, except for the Easter Bank Holiday but please ring or email ahead to confirm that staff are available.
• SU Student Support (SUSS) is open 11 am to 2 pm weekdays except for Good Friday and Easter Monday. Their Nightline service will not be available at all over the spring break.
• The SU Studio and Snooze Room are open 9 am to 5 pm weekdays while first and second-floor meeting rooms can still be booked through the SU Welcome Desk.
Teesside University (TUSU) is led by students for students, and each year all current students* have the right to vote for the people they want to:
• Lead their Students' Union and speak up for them to the most senior figures at the Uni. You'll choose the three full-time Student Officers (President Welfare, President Education, President Activities) for 2020/21.
• Represent all Teesside University students at the National Union of Students (NUS) National Conference 2020.
If you don't use TUSU very much or don't know much about your SU, you may think there is no point casting a vote. However, there are plenty of good reasons to take a few seconds to do so next week:
• The people who are elected as Student Officers, will represent you to the most senior figures at the University, including the Board of Governors, Vice-Chancellor, and his top team. They have real power and influence on decision making at the University and can have a real impact on your student experience, whether it be good or bad.
• The Student Officers also get paid over £60,000 per year between them and are ultimately responsible for the running of a business with a turnover of over £2.5m per year. It is vital they have a proper mandate from students. • It is your students' union, and you should exercise your democratic right to have a say in who is responsible for leading it and ensuring it is properly run.
• National Union of Students (NUS) Conference Reps will speak up for all Teesside University students at the single biggest annual gathering of students and students' unions. They will be part of major debates on the issues facing all students and will get a vote on the decisions that are taken and who leads the national student movement next.
• Voting is quick, simple, and can be done anytime, anywhere, and on any device belonging to the students' union or yourself over the two days. Check out the elections minisite (link below) for more info on where the official SU voting stations will be located.
• Not knowing the candidates or what they aim to achieve isn't an excuse! They will all be out campaiging around campus right up to the close of voting, and you can check out their personal statement and campaign video through the elections minisite (link below) anytime until voting closes. There are also extended highlights of our Meet the Candidates event, which took place on Friday, 6th March.
• You could win great prizes for yourself and any clubs or societies you are part of just by taking a minute to vote! We are offering £100 to the club and society who each get the highest proportion of their members to vote while individuals can win event tickets and vouchers redeemable here in the SU. Every voter is also eligible for 50% off a TOTUM card/ app...an amazing saving!
Find out more about all of the candidates, how to cast a vote, and when/ where the Results Party takes place through tees-su.org.uk/elections.
*If you are not classed by the University as a student during the period that voting is open, you probably won't be able to participate. If you log in and find that the voting system isn't accessible and you believe it to be a mistake, please e-mail: elections@tees-su.org.uk or alert TUSU staff ASAP, the sooner we are made aware, the more chance we can help you.
*PLEASE NOTE: This event is subject to cancellation depending on the development of The Coronavirus. We will aim to give ticket holders as much notice as we can should it become impossible to go ahead.
The Society and Rep Awards 2020, in association with TS1 Students, is a very welcome opportunity to recognise the wonderful work of our various societies and their individual members over the past year. We will also celebrate exceptional School and Course Reps at the glittering event.
Hundreds of students, along with VIP guests from the Students' Union, Teesside University, and commercial partners, will enjoy a two-course meal, the inspiring awards ceremony, and get the chance to celebrate afterwards in our venues.
Tickets are just £10 and available now by clicking here or going to the SU Welcome Desk (1st floor, SU Building, and open 9 am to 5 pm weekdays). You can see a full list of nominees for this year's awards by clicking here and, if you can't attend, we will have full live coverage on the night plus highlights the day after on facebook.com/teessidesu and instagram.com/teessidesu.
Our year-round Student Opinion Counts (SOC) campaign is your chance to tell us about your student experience and win BIG CASH PRIZES for taking the time to do so!
The more surveys you complete, the more money you can win…complete all four to be in with a shot of winning £500!!!
SOC is divided into four short, simple surveys that are all now live and cover…
• The challenges you face in your everyday student life and your opinion of how well the University helps you meet them.
• Your opinion on how well-led and run the Students' Union is and how aware you are of everything we offer.
• Your opinion of our opportunities for you to get more from student life and become more employable through clubs, societies, and other activities.
• Your opinion on the support, advice, and representation we provide.
• Your opinion on the evening events and venues we provide.
Find out more and complete them before the end of April through tees-su.org.uk/soc.
*PLEASE NOTE: These events are subject to cancellation depending on the development of The Coronavirus. We will aim to give ticket holders as much notice as we can should it become impossible to go ahead. If you are planning to attend any of the below please take care to follow the expert advice on precautions when at public gatherings.
TUSU is THE place to be seven days a week with something for everyone in our safe, inclusive, and internationally recognised venues during semester time. There are loads of unmissable regular weekly events plus special one-off occasions, and non-students are always welcome, so bring your family and friends! No matter whether you drink alcohol or not, you will be sure of a warm welcome!
Mondays - DJ Matty Morgan brings you the MASSIVE Monday Night Quiz. Fun themes, cash prizes, and free drinks to be won, loads of laughs, and top tunes between rounds.
Wednesdays - Sing your heart out to your fave songs and watch performances from others at our fun-packed Karaoke night. There are also some unbeatable drinks prices at the bar through the night with The Drinks Exchange. Make a real night of it by heading to Go Ninja at Spensleys on Albert Road, the biggest and best mid-week around! And...BRAND NEW...check out all of the songs we have available to play at karaoke online through tees-su.org.uk/karaoke, which will soon include a Spotify playlist to preview and practice the songs from...don't say we never do anything for you!
Selected Thursdays - Enjoy one of the very latest movie blockbusters and much-loved classics on screens around the first floor totally free! We've already shown Joker, IT Part 2 and Terminator: Dark Fate. You can tuck into free popcorn and watch Forrest Gump and The Secret Life of Pets 2 before the spring break.
Fridays - Unbeatable drinks offers (including many non-alcoholic options) and top tunes from 5 pm and throughout the night in The Terrace. Whether you want to unwind after uni/ work or are out for the evening, make sure you start the weekend in style right here.
Saturdays - Warm up for the biggest Saturday night in town Shangri-La right here in The Terrace. Head in from 8 pm for unbeatable drinks prices, top indie and rock tunes from their resident DJs, and the chance to get discounted or even free entry to the main event round at The Empire on Corporation Road.
Weeknights and Weekends - We show all the biggest FA, and Carabao Cup football clashes on screens around the first floor. There's also coverage of plenty of other sport, including all the big moments of the Six Nations rugby tournament and more besides. This is subject to sporting events being allowed to resume before we close our building for the summer.
Huge one-off events - Alongside all the regular fun, we like to treat you with some very special one-off events some run by the SU, some by partners. Again, non-students are more than welcome, so please do tell your family and friends!
• The brilliant Bongos Bingo is back for another unforgettable night of fun, music, and fabulous prizes on Wednesday, 18th March. It's another sell out we are afraid but keep an eye on our social media and website for details of more Bongos Bingo related lunacy!
• The dynamic duo Jeff Stelling (Sky Sports and broadcasting legend) and Paul Merson (former Arsenal, Middlesbrough, and England football star) are here with their hilarious show on Wednesday, 25th March. They'll talk about their hugely successful careers and share some of the funniest moments from their time together on Sky Sports. Tickets are selling out fast, don't miss out!
• We present another fascinating and chilling insight into the mind of history's most notorious serial killers on Friday, 27th March. Join celebrated forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees for another fascinating and interactive night looking at psychology's most troubling topics.
Keep an eye on our events page on Facebook or tees-su.org.uk/events for more info and the latest updates.
TUSU is a students' union that is committed to real-world campaigns that make a genuine difference to all students at Teesside University. We'll keep you up to date with what our Student Officers and Campaign Reps are working on in this column every month and make sure you check out tees-su.org.uk/officers for more about upcoming campaigns.
The Officers and Reps have been out around campus all of this semester to gather your feedback. They want to know about your student life and how we can work with the Uni to make it even better. They complete their current dates with a visit to The Clarendon Building from 12 pm to 2 pm on 23rd March. If you spot the SU on Tour stand, make sure you stop for a chat, and even if you don't, remember that you can give us feedback anytime through tees-su.org.uk/suontour.
The SU Shop (ground floor, SU Building) and The Terrace (first floor, SU Building) are open seven days a week from early to late with top quality products and service for your convenience! Non-students are more than welcome to use both of them!
Get yourself great value meal deals, snacks, drinks, stationery, course materials, Teesside Uni clothing, and more in the shop! There's also great offers and discounts, including this month:
• Tubes of pringles for just £1
• Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free products from only £2
• 2 Cadburys Creme Eggs for only £1
• New range of pastries included in our great value meal deal.
There's also another reason to head into the SU Shop all of this academic year! You can now charge up your phone or other devices while you enjoy a hot drink and a chat and check out some great offers from big names at our brand new power tables!
Meanwhile, you can enjoy a wide range of delicious hot food, quality beverages, non-alcoholic, and alcoholic drinks in The Terrace. It's a great place to spend time with course mates and friends between lectures and seminars or when you're done for the day. Check out the 2019/20 menus by clicking here.
And, new this month...
New milkshakes including Vanilla, Crème egg and Flavoured(create your own) Milkshake- £2.85 each
New food items including cookies and ice cream, and 3 burgers- Parmo burger, Hunters Parmo burger, and Chilli Con Carne Burger. All Burgers available in the meal deal.
*PLEASE NOTE: This event is subject to cancellation depending on the development of The Coronavirus. We will aim to give ticket holders as much notice as we can should it become impossible to go ahead.
The Athletic Union Awards, in association with TS1 Students and Boro Taxis, takes place on Wednesday, 29th April, here in The Hub. It will be another glittering night where we honour our best performing sports clubs, teams, and individual sporting stars.
The audience of current students plus VIP guests from the SU, Uni, and commercial partners will also recognise several individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to student life here on campus and the wider Tees Valley.
Check out tees-su.org.uk/awards for a full list of nominees from and more general info. Tickets are just £30 and include a three-course meal, the ceremony, and a fun-packed after party. You can purchase them through the awards web link or the SU Welcome Desk (1st floor, SU Building, and open 9 am to 5 pm weekdays during semester time.
If you’re struggling with any aspect of student life or already have existing mental health issues then our SU Student Support (SUSS) and Nightline services may be able to help.
SUSS can assist with issues around housing and your housemates, money, your course, generally settling in to student life or feeling homesick, anxious or depressed. Nightline is our confidential listening service staffed by trained student volunteers. From 8pm to 7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (subject to volunteer availability) you can call them to talk about anything you’re struggling with and they’ll listen without judgement. If the service isn’t available remember that there is help available from the likes of Mind and The Samaritans while you should always call 999 in a mental health emergency. PLEASE NOTE: Our support services and Nightline may be affected by the development of The Coronavirus and the availability of volunteers, please keep checking our website and social media for updates.
And we’re always keen to work with partner organisations to widen the support we offer to students. We’ve teamed up with Arch North East and SARC Teesside this academic year to offer confidential support for anyone affected by sexual assault while Recovery Connections will also be in the building every Wednesday with help and support if you’re overcoming addiction to drugs or alcohol. Click here to find out more about all of the sessions.
Teesside University is working in partnership with Mind on a new project called “Mentally Healthy Universities” which is aimed towards first and final year students. The aim is to created improved awareness of and more support with mental health. Over the next 18 months Mind will offer a series of sessions, run by experienced mental health trainers in a safe space, to provide students with techniques to look after their mental health and wellbeing. They will also empower students to seek appropriate help where required. Keep an eye on the University and SU websites for more info soon.
TOTUM is the only official student discount card and app, the only one provided by The National Union of Students (NUS) and the only one we recommend.
For a one-off payment of just £12, you can get 12 months of savings, discounts, and offers from some of the biggest international and national brands. A huge range of small, local retailers also offer a discount when the card is shown so you can easily save a small fortune on food, drink, fashion, music, cinema and much, much more besides.
And you'll be helping your SU out too as we get a percentage of each sale plus payments based on how often you use the TOTUM app. All of that money is pumped back into improving TUSU for all students.
Click here to find out more and order your card/ download the app now.
The National Student Survey (NSS), which closes at the end of April, is a chance for most final year students to tell the University and your SU about the good and bad parts of your entire time here.
It's one of the biggest and most influential student surveys around, and the feedback has a significant impact on the decisions that the University takes and the issues we run campaigns on and work with the Uni to improve.
We're both so keen for you to complete it that there are some incredible prizes to be won including:
• £1,500 off further study at Teesside Uni for one lucky student.
• A VIP Graduation Reception in July 2020 for whichever cohort achieves the highest response rate.
Find out more and complete the survey through thestudentsurvey.com
If you’re away from your student accommodation over the spring break make sure you do all you can to keep it safe and secure! Here’s a few top tips…
