Oliver Holt

Why did you apply for VRS?
I applied for VRS as a Hall Rep in my first year and gained a bronze award so I already knew about the scheme. It’s something I think looks good on the awards section of my CV.

What SU roles did you hold?
I was an Academic Rep, DLTQC Rep (EEE), Chair of BEAMES and Treasurer of BUCAS.

What did your roles involve?
My Academic Rep role involved providing feedback to the department from students. Raising concerns and giving constructive criticism of future changes with the department, and making students aware of changes. I ran and organised many events, including professional development lectures in conjunction with the IET and social events like going to Bath on Ice. I booked, organised and sorted out payment for highly popular curry socials.

What impact did you make in your role(s)?
I ensured problems such as Computer Systems Engineering (CSE) course changes by DCS were being addressed as soon as reasonably possible. I made sure any changes to the units had a student consultation attached to ensure they were reasonable. I ensured the department was aware of student opinions on a number of key areas including coursework hand ins etc.

What did you learn from your SU role(s)?

Organisation and planning is everything. Don’t rely on other people to do things that you should be doing. Bring about the change that you want to see. It is better to try and fail than to do nothing at all.

Katy Wallis

Why did you apply for VRS?
I applied because the scheme looked like, whatever tier you were placed into, you'd have a range of useful and fun prizes. I was interested to see how my volunteering compared to other students.

What SU roles did you hold?
I was Chair of the French Society and founder and Chair of the Inter Cultural Society Sports League (ICSL). I was also a Peer Mentor, Freshers Crew, Academic Rep, Cheerleader and RAG and Oxfam fundraiser.

What did your roles involve?
Chairing the French society involved cooperating with a committee and organizing a range of events for example a pen pal scheme, mentor scheme and organising nights out. My ICSL work involved setting up the idea from the start, liaising with the 3:Thirty club, an 11 person committee and the Chairs of each Faith & Cultural society to book and organise marketing, venues, kit and referees for a different sport tournament held every 3 weeks.

What impact did you make in your role(s)?
In the French society, it was necessary to bring together native French speakers, previous and current students of French and those simply interested in the French culture, in ways that everyone would enjoy. I tried to make the ICSL as inclusive as possible, because I had to bring together 20 nationalities in a World Cup style league and make it friendly, competitive and inclusive.

What did you learn from your SU role(s)?
I have learned how to liaise with people from very different backgrounds, be it members of societies to SU staff, how to manage money and time and how to make sure everyone involved is having fun. It has taught me personal time management and the art of marketing my events to make them as appealing as possible.

Hans Cook

Why did you apply for VRS?
I applied for the VRS because I felt it was important to be able to receive formal recognition from the Student’s Union for the work that I do. I’ve now added it to my CV.

What SU role(s) did you hold?
I was a Chemistry PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) Leader and a Chemistry Peer Mentor.

What did the role(s) involve?
As a Peer Mentor I lead daily activities to help settle the new students into university. I was also a point of contact for the students offering advice on pastoral and academic issues, as well as signposting them towards university services. As a PAL Leader I planned and ran weekly study sessions. In addition to this I have had the chance to attend both a regional and national PAL conference this year.

What impact did you make in your role(s)?
I was able to make an impact in my Peer Mentor role during fresher’s week. It was great to be able to offer new students advice and support and make them aware of all of the fantastic opportunities available in Bath. PAL is mostly focused on the academic side of university life. The sessions are voluntary but we have had very good attendance levels suggesting that the students are not only learning but also enjoying it. My role as a PAL Leader was recognised at the SU Community Awards where I received an award for 'Outstanding Contribution to Peer Assisted Learning'.

What have you learned from your SU role(s)?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my volunteering roles. Not only was it enjoyable but I have also learnt and developed a range of skills. The combination of roles have helped to improve my time management and “people skills” as well as improving my confidence.

Beky Whysall

Why did you apply for VRS?
I applied for VRS as it was a great way to be acknowledged for the work I did in the SU and to have something I could show to future employers.

What SU role(s) did you hold?
Media Secretary and also Head of Advertising and Marketing for CampusTV. I also sat on the Student Community Group committee as the Media Liaison.

What did the role(s) involve?
My role as Media Secretary involved taking minutes for each of the media groups' committee meetings. I also organise social outings. One of my key responsibility for this year was to achieve the SU Inclusivity Award which we did! As Head of AdMarket for CampusTV my job was to create adverts in order to attract new members throughout the year. I also managed several social media outlets online to keep our followers updated on our video content. Through my work in media I have filmed, edited and presented a significant amount of this years' videos such as FW15 and SU Officer Elections.

What impact did you make in your role(s)?
I am proud of the work I did to help the Media group achieve the Inclusivity Award. In addition to this, we have seen an increase in membership from previous years. Audience numbers for CampusTV have also increased, which is a result of improved marketing.

What have you learned from your SU role(s)?
From technical skills, such as how to edit films and how to set up live-streams, to chairing meetings and taking minutes, I have really developed my personal skills. Through regularly speaking with high-profile individuals, such as the Vice-Chancellor, SU Officers and executive staff of the university/union I have improved my ability to communicate effectively and this has impacted my confidence massively.