What is the role?

 

Societies are student-led groups affiliated and supported by the Students’ Union. Societies can range in topic from academic and course-based (e.g. Psychology, Allied Health, Criminology) to hobby-based (e.g. Dungeons & Dragons, Gaming, Boxing). These groups are a fantastic way to meet new people, make friends, explore your interests, and supplement your studies! Various roles exist within societies, including general membership and committee membership (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Media Coordinator, and more!). 

 

What is expected within the role?

 

One of the best things about getting involved in societies at university is the flexibility they offer. They can take up as much or as little of your time as you wish. They are very much what you make of them, so thinking creatively and managing your time well do come in handy!

 

As a general member, you would be expected to attend some society meetings to discuss ideas, organising events/activities, and discussions about how to meet the annual objectives the Society sets at the beginning of the year. You would also be expected to participate in the annual Society Committee election (either as a candidate for a role or as a voter!).

 

As a committee member (depending on your role), you are expected to lead on events and activities for the Society, arrange and chair meetings, communicate and liaise with Student Opportunities staff, and complete necessary paperwork relevant to your activities (e.g., submitting funding request forms, guest speaker requests, risk assessments, etc...)

 

We also ask for 2 members from each society to attend the Annual Members Meeting, usually held in the SU in January/February. You are also expected to attend your society’s Annual General Meeting (election) in March/April, and any Emergency General Meetings which may be called for the Society throughout the Academic Year.

 

What are the benefits?

 

Benefits of being involved in societies include maintaining/improving your physical and mental wellbeing, building a network across the university, the wider community, and/or your area of study (if your society is course-based). 

 

Other perks of being involved in a society include broadening your social circle, expanding your comfort zone, and learning new skills (e.g. time management, admin, event organisation and coordination, risk assessment completion, interpersonal communication, and so much more!).

 

Committee roles are not paid but do offer unique opportunities to develop transferable skills which you can take with you into your personal, professional, and academic life! Many team members also graduate having made life-long friends from participating in Societies here at Wrexham University.

 

In the Student Opportunities Department at the SU, we are always welcome to hearing new ideas and exploring new options for how to expand the benefits that can be offered through participation in Societies.

 

What training will be provided within this role?

 

Committee members will be trained for their roles at the beginning of each new academic year, or whenever they come into their role. This training is delivered by the Student Opportunities Coordinator and will cover things like how to organise events, submit requests, role-specific responsibilities, and other expectations of the SU.

 

Other training sessions that take place throughout the year can include things like safeguarding, Prevent, event organisation, bid-writing for grant and sponsorship applications, and more!

 

Helpful resources can be found on the SU website for Society members.

 

Who is the main contact for this role?

 

Ariana Bradshaw, Student Opportunities Coordinator at the Students’ Union: ariana.bradshaw@wrexham.ac.uk