Hi I’m Sophie, your elected Activities & Community Officer. I came to Keele in 2020, from a little town called Solihull on the outskirts of Birmingham to study a dual honours in Forensic science and Psychology. However, at the end of ym first year I realised my heart was with forensics and so moved onto the Masters in Forensic and Analytical Sciences course. I first got involved in the SU when I joined craft, KRAP and American Football back in my second year, as my first year was spent in COVID.
I have been a part of 12 different clubs and societies during my time here. Outside of my role I am interested in music, from Taylor Swift to Bring Me The Horizon, and a bit of musical theatre here and there. I’m also obsessed with my baby boy, Gizmo, who is a tiny chihuahua who will sometimes come and visit me on campus in my lunch break or after work, in his bumblebee harness.
I ran for Experience and Community officer because I saw the impact I had in my many volunteer roles I had alongside studying, and really felt like I could have a positive impact doing this full time.
My priorities:
- Give societies the representation they deserve and give clubs the support they need to flourish.
- Make an inclusive SU and build a strong supportive community.
- Ensure students feel prepared to apply for jobs, university should give them the skills they need to succeed.
I love Keele because I love the close community feel. We might be one of the biggest campuses, but it feels like everyone knows everyone.
The advice I’d give students this year is to push yourself! Do things you haven't done before, meet new people, study new things. But if there's things you feel you're only doing out of obligation or the words of others, let go, and do what's truly you, not what others say you should be.
Talk to me about...
- Clubs
- Societies
- Careers and Employability
- International student issues
- Mature student issues
- Local student issues
- Commuter student issues
- Activities and Events
Email me at su.communityofficer@keele.ac.uk
Posted on Thu 08 Feb 2024 at 13:21
Thursday 8th February 2024
Welcome to my latest report on what I’ve been up to, this is everything I’ve done since the last UGM on Tuesday 5th December.
Society Spotlight, Club of Keele and Execs Give it a Go!
- As part of changes to this year's campaign, our AU and Societies Executives attended these sessions, which was a major success!
- Applications will reopen for semester 2 in the next couple weeks so keep an eye out!
- We had 7 applications from clubs and 8 from societies, with a total of __ sessions attended by __ of our executives.
- I am planning long term changes to the campaign and integrating taster sessions year-round as part of weekly AU activities so if you want more info or have any feedback on these changes please come along to our AU Council on Wednesday 21st February, 6pm in the Squirrel (come in social attire!).
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BUCS AGM and Fees
- Before the winter break, I attended the BUCS AGM where an increase in membership fees was decided.
- Fees will increase by 6.1% for next year, this will have a knock-on effect on the AU membership fees for the 2024/25 academic year as these new fees will need to be reflected in the price, what this price will be hasn’t been decided yet.
On the same note as AU Council, we also have our next Societies Forum also in the Squirrel the following day, Thursday 22nd February 5pm – 6pm so please come along! We will be discussing important society topics including the new freedom of speech legislation, don’t know what that is or why you should care? Come along and find out!
Semester 2 Events prep
- I have been helping with prep for Society and AU Awards, AU Summer Ball, and Varsity, as well as planning for This Keele Girl Can I hope to launch next month, keep an eye out for updates on these and for our annual Varsity competition next month!