IMPACT REPORT 20/21 - UUSU_Online
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IMPACT REPORT 20/21 UUSU_Online UUSUOnline UUSU_Online
IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Foreword
President > Collette Cassidy
The Impact Report gives UUSU the a campaigning organisation. The UUSU Officer team
opportunity to reflect and as we look back 20/21 came into our positions with the determination
of achieving our team goals which focused on Mental
at the academic year the one word that Health, Sustainability and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
springs to mind is ‘Unique’! These goals developed into our campaigns for the year
and saw the formation of Equality Councillors within
Who would have thought that we would have achieved our highest democratic body, UUSU Student Council,
so much with very limited time on our campuses and so the development of the National Student Mental Health
much time in our home-offices, kitchens and Action Plan and establishment of the UUSU Wellbeing
bedrooms. It truly has been a year filled with challenges Garden just to name a few. These achievements have
but no matter what we faced UUSU remained led to national recognition from the Union of Students’
committed to ensuring our members were represented, in Ireland with UUSU and our members being
engaged, connected and supported during this very shortlisted for 5 and winning 3 Student Achievement
unique year. Awards. Congratulations to all short-listers and winners!
Covid-19 remains the key theme of 2020 and 2021, As we draw to a close another academic year, I want to
UUSU has been at the forefront of representing our take this opportunity to thank the UUSU Officers and
members internally and externally to ensure their voices Staff who have worked tirelessly to improve the student
have been heard during this Covid-19 reality. From day experience, I cannot put into words how honoured I
one we worked alongside the University to support our have been to work alongside all these incredible
members while they faced the challenges of Covid-19. people. I am proud to say that the work we do is not to
last a few weeks or months, it’s long-term and I am
Nationally, we have partnered with NUS-USI to lobby confident that all we have achieved will positively
our political representatives to prioritise students and impact students in years to come.
shared with them our members lived experiences.
Everyday, we strive for change and this year has been It truly has been a privilege to be the UUSU President
no different. Despite the challenges, we have seen wins this year and thank you to all the students who gave me
for some students that included government funding the opportunity to have this journey, I will never forget
which has put money in some students pockets it.
however we know there is still much more to do to see
real change for our members.
Although Covid-19 has remained the priority we are still Collette Cassidy
IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Student Wins
Lecture Recording Policy
The Lecture Recording Policy was established to address UUSU’s concern as students reported
struggling with the pandemic and blended/ online learning. This policy provided a means to
catchup up on missed lessons during a chaotic time and substantially shaped Ulster University’s
commitment to students battling to cope with online learning. Whilst the policy was not
operational as quickly as we would have liked, UUSU continued to engage after implementation
through monitoring and reporting of non-compliance for quick resolution.
IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Student Wins
Money in Your Pocket
Case Study
“Students have been struggling and the £500 was a
lifeline, and the fact that I didn’t have to do
anything like a form or application to get it was one
less thing to worry about. I was lucky not to be
furloughed but the payment felt like a small
recognition of what we’ve been through.”
Declan Ross, BSc Hons Energy
The Covid-19 Study Disruption Payment Scheme delivered £500 directly to students without the
need to apply and was issued on behalf of the Department for the Economy via Ulster University.
This ensured an easy and swift process to deliver cash directly into students’ bank accounts.
We were disappointed that the payment was not available to international or part time students
however a motion calling for a payment to all was passed in the NI Assembly in March. We are
working with NUS-USI to put pressure on the Economy Minister, Diane Dodd MLAs, to bring this to
fruition. Ulster University are exploring the utilisation of the Hardship Fund as a means of meeting
the needs of those excluded from the disruption payment.
In collaboration with NUS-USI we secured an additional £2000 grant and hazard pay for our
students on placement on the front line of the pandemic.
IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Student Wins
All Party Group for Further and Higher Education
The All Party Group for Higher and Further Education (HE&FE) consists of MLAs, Student Union and
NUS-USI representatives. This is a platform to raise and report on student issues and maintain
momentum on resolutions with the Department for the Economy.
Matters raised included the Students Deserve Better Campaign, covid-19 disruption,
accommodation issues, Brexit, environmental and sustainability, mental health and free university
education.IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Student Wins
EC1 forms
The extension to the EC1 process underpins exactly how UUSU delivers impact for our members.
By identifying opportunities, researching similar initiatives across other institutions, and
advocating key staff with our findings we influenced Ulster University to extend EC1s. EC1 forms
were enhanced from 5 days to 10 days to accommodate illness (including mental health) without
the need for medical evidence.
UUSU have continued to monitor the EC1 process using the insights we have to ensure it meets
your needs. This has provided additional focus on issues exasperated by Covid-19, particularly for
our student carers and parents.IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Student Wins
Keeping Wednesday Afternoons Free
We ensured that Ulster University delivered on its timetabling principle to enhance the student
experience through the development of a “student focused” timetable. While the move to the new
Belfast Campus (GBD) means that timetabling will be expanded across a longer day we have
secured the commitment that Wednesday afternoons will remain free.
This ensures students have balance and are free to undertake enriching activities such as sport,
societies, volunteering or employment. These activities should rightly be insulated due to their
wellbeing effect and the needs of students to work and enhance their CVs.
This allows students to make plans with their employers and family, or schedule study sessions or
group work, without becoming overwhelmed by the demands of modern student living.IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Campaign
Students Deserve Better Campaign
What was delivered? Why does it matter?
We issued a student experience survey to hear first • Students came together and presented a united front,
hand accounts of students affected by covid, covering the stories shared on social media resonated with
financial, academic and housing matters. This others and helped them feel less alone.
information equipped us with the data we needed to
lobby on your behalf for intervention to support the • Local politicians (Ministers, MLA’s and local
student population. The survey results were presented councilors) became aware of main issues facing
to the Vice chancellor and Dean of Enhanced Learning. students and are motivated by the campaign to address
gaps, pinch points and scope next steps to enhance the
Students Deserve Better asks: overall student experience.
• Fully Funded Education
• The right to Defer or End Course • By January the announcement for funding came of
• Rent Rebate the back of the campaign.
• Right to Leave Accommodation
• Food, Necessities and Wellbeing Support • Generated wide spread support for students amongst
• Accessible Online Teaching politicians, civil service, media and general public.
UUSU President, Collette Cassidy and NUS-USI
International Day of the Student was marked in President Ellen Fearon undertook a number of press
November, UUSU supported this Day of Action with a interviews, highlighting the plight and resilience of
Phone Bank were elected student representatives called students.
local politicians requesting they sign the pledge and
invite them to attend a Town Hall event. • Groundwork over past twelve months has heightened
The Townhall was a digital forum attended by students, UUSU influence within the NI Assembly, district
parents, politicians and stakeholders to hear first hand councils and key government departments. These
student struggles. These stories were then shared on contacts will be utilised for future student wins and
social media. further lobbying.IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Campaign
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Student Council The Diversity Networks are the breakout groups that
discuss issues and challenges in depth, these are
What was delivered? brought to the Overall Diversity Forum for action,
UUSU’s student council was revised so that we would campaign shaping, and policy development if required.
now have 8 Equality Councillors, 2 per each campus. Networks included LGBT+, BAME, Disability Diversity,
Parents, Cares and Mature Students. In recognition of
Why does it matter? intersectionality, participants can represent multiple
• Our Equality councillors amplify the voices of our groups.
entire membership, ensuring all voices are at the table.
Equality Councillors received training in LGBT+ Rights,
Hidden Disabilities, and more, supported by The Why does it matter?
Rainbow Project and USI’s Equality and Citizenship • This work celebrates minority student’s identity and
Officer. empowers these students with a platform for change, in
UUSU, Ulster University and wider society to improve
• Our Equality Councillors work individually with their lives.
students from a minority background providing support
and advocating for meaningful change. They also • Participants of the Diversity Network meet those who
engage with our Diversity Networks, which make up the share a similar lived experience, helping them feel
Diversity Forum. supported.
• UUSU utilises the diversity forum to amplify the voice
Diversity Networks of minority students and helps us accurately represent
and Diversity Forum our entire membership.
What was delivered? • Educates the wider student body of issues and
This is a safe and respectful space to discuss issues barriers minority students face and facilitates a dialogue
faced by minority students, helping UUSU and Ulster to offer assistance.
University create bespoke policies and ensure they are
implemented appropriately. Each councilor is in post
for 2 years providing consistency and an opportunity to
build meaningful relationships with staff and students.IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Sunflower Lanyards LGBT+ History Month
What was delivered? During the month of February, we delivered online
UUSU Student Council passed the “Hidden Disability educational content and hosted “Let's talk about
Policy” – working alongside Student Wellbeing to Pronouns: Training with The Rainbow Project”. We are
implement sunflower lanyards on our 4 campuses. urged all UUSU staff to include their pronouns within
their email signature and social media bios
Why does it matter?
• Students who live with a hidden disability complete Disability Awareness Month
an online application form and once approved collect a
free sunflower lanyard from campus receptions or We collaborated with our Disability Diversity Network
library services. to create online content marking Disability Awareness
Month. This celebrated our students who live with
• The lanyards act as a discreet indicator that a student physical and hidden disabilities.
has a hidden disability, may require additional support
or just needs a little more time. This saves students any Why does it matter?
embarrassment or repeated explanations and allows • Students and staff are now more empathetic to
those around them to be sensitive and supportive. barriers to inclusion faced by students from minority
groups.
Black History Month
• By amplifying their voice UUSU helps to ensure the
BHM was delivered in partnership with UUSU’s African minority student experience is equitable to other
and Caribbean Society to deliver an online programme students and fulfills our values.
that aimed to enlighten students on active antiracism
and shared the lived experiences of minority students • Ensures UUSU deliver accurate and meaningful
living and studying in a predominately white society. representation that is not tokenistic.
The campaign focussed on the mental health and
wellbeing of our students of colour with 2 dedicated
online webinars.IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Campaign
Mental Health
The Student Mental Health Campaign was delivered in gathering student views and experiences that created
two key areas, awareness raising and change making. the final Action Plan. This plan has since been spoken
With the disruption of Covid and psychological and about in the NI assembly and will ideally sit alongside
emotional impact this has had it is vital that we take the NI Mental Health Strategy due to launch very soon.
action to support mental health, now more than ever.
Why does it matter?
Awareness Campaign • It remains too early to map the change initiated by
our Action Plan, however its recommendations were
What was delivered? heard at the heart of local government and put this
Throughout semester one UUSU focused on raising important issue at the top of the agenda.
awareness and removing the stigma of mental health.
• Barriers to good mental health have been identified
Why does it matter? and mitigated through key recommendations.
• Students shared that many of the issues raised by the
campaign reflect their experiences, and that it helps • The Student Mental Health Action Plan results in
knowing that others have the same anxieties, and thus better informed policy development within the
feel less alone. Northern Ireland Executive. Resources will be used
more effectively and assigned to priority areas that
• Students have improved access to appropriate mean the most to you.
support and know where to find it.
• The publicity generated by the media’s interest
demonstrates a high level of engagement beyond the
Student Mental Health Action Plan student population and we have been delighted by the
In March we were thrilled to launch the Student Mental response.
Health Action Plan, what began as a UUSU initiative
ballooned into a national drive encompassing all further • You can download the Student Mental Health
and higher education students. Action Plan here.
What was delivered? • We hope that University staff, policy makers, parents
In partnership with NUS-USI, and all other FE and HE as well as the public who have downloaded the Action
Students’ Unions, your UUSU ran a consultation Plan have been inspired and reflect on their practices to
deliver a student centric service, and appreciate the
need for good mental health.IMPACT REPORT 20/21
Mental Health
Wellbeing officer in clubs and socs
Why does it matter?
Students are significantly more confident in their ability
to look after their own mental health.
Wellbeing Officers empower students by providing help
and assistance where students in need are most likely
to seek it.
Mental Health Initiative
Informed peer signposting for students builds capacity
within the student body at Ulster University, reaching What was delivered?
more individuals to appropriately address any mental UUSU distributed x100 mindfulness packages to
health issues impacting upon their lives. students at home and in halls to mark University Mental
Health Day on 4th March 2021.
Why does it matter?
• This initiative was delivered in recognition of the
isolation and stress that students have experienced over
the course of the pandemic. The care package
encouraged students to engage in mindfulness
activities and actively take care of their mental health.
Case Study
“Being a Wellbeing Officer meant I was able to
recognise the signs of a friend in need and could
point them towards the service there to help them.
It meant they wouldn’t continue to struggle and
suffer alone.”
Zoe Hayes, Wellbeing Officer A.C.E, Belfast CampusIMPACT REPORT 20/21
Campaign
Sustainability
The Land Trust report: The value of our green spaces. Wellbeing Garden
‘A 2016 study by The Land Trust found that every £1
invested in their green spaces contributed £30 towards What was delivered?
health and wellbeing benefits.’ To meet the growing need for wellbeing and
sustainability initiatives on campus, on behalf of UUSU,
Sustainability Fortnight your VP for Magee Ryan Harling lobbied for the
investment in a communal wellbeing garden with the
What was delivered? development of a comprehensive long-term strategy.
Despite a virtual campaign due to Covid-19, The garden will build on trends across the UK for the
engagement remained high and we delivered an development of similar initiatives. At the time of writing
opportunity for students already passionate about the beds have been installed, students are recruited,
sustainability to get involved with a focus on broader and planting is imminent.
awareness raising.
Why does it matter?
Why does it matter? • This project is based on robust evidence that
• Students and stakeholders are more aware of and identifies the correlation between horticulture and
understand sustainability. green spaces, and a positive impact on individual’s
wellbeing and improved biodiversity and awareness of
• Over 90% of UK HE students say they agree their sustainable food systems.
place of study should actively incorporate and promote
sustainable development – our Sustainability Fortnight • Ulster University commits to routinely build
gave students this opportunity as a launchpad. The sustainability impact practice into its campus planning.
campaign brings sustainability and its benefits into the
student consciousness and momentum continues. • The Wellbeing Garden will act as a pilot, with the view
Read more here. to build on the first year of learning to develop this
initiative on all campuses, widening accessibility to
wellbeing initiatives. If you would like to get involved in
the work of the Wellbeing Garden, please contact
rj.harling@ulster.ac.ukIMPACT REPORT 20/21
Sustainability
Travel and Transport
What was delivered?
UUSU continue to collaborate with the Travel and
Transport Team this year, while much of the focus has
centred on the new Belfast Campus opening, we have
worked tirelessly to ensure there is parity across all the
campuses. Our influence has helped to secure 193 new
cycle parking spots for Belfast.
Sustainability Competitions
Why does it matter?
• The Greater Belfast Development has been an What was delivered?
opportunity to incorporate modern student wants and In February, Ulster Business School and UUSU
needs, from physical layout to more foliage to collaborated to host an E-waste Recycling Poster
accessible travel commitments UUSU’s influence has Design competition for their ‘Business and Society’
resulted in similar commitments transferring to module. The winner’s work was promoted during our
Coleraine and Magee to create the most engaging Sustainability Fortnight. For Earth Day, we held a social
environment possible for our students. media competition to help promote more sustainable
alternatives to fast fashion.
• Students travelling to campus via a more sustainable
mode such as walking, or cycling will result in less Why does it matter?
carbon emissions and pollution within our • With remote learning, exploring new initiatives to
communities. provide a platform for students to engage with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals has
• Our new ways of working have also brought some been critical. As per the Climate Emergency policy
environmental benefits, most notably a decline in travel passed at council, we have a mandate and moral
to and for work, and associated carbon emissions and obligation to help shape the future leaders of the world
air pollution. As we work towards our ‘new normal’, we to act for a shared and sustainable future.
will be considering how we can sustain some of the
benefits over the longer term.IMPACT REPORT 20/21 Sustainability Earth Action Hub Earth Action Hub is co-founded by Ulster student Barry McLoughlin and is a global youth-led project that provides young people with the knowledge, skills and support to inspire and empower them to combat climate change at an individual and community level. In February we entered a partnership to support and promote their launch event. Read more about Barry and the Earth Action Hub here. Why does it matter? • Earth Action Hub’s mission is to provide a virtual platform where we can share the voices of youth, indigenous people, minority groups and the global South to empower climate activism. The student movement is now a vital part of the wider sustainability movement and demonstrates students working to change the world for the better at a local, national and global level. • It offers virtual events and showcases resources to give people the knowledge, skills, support and hope needed to make changes in their daily lives. With Grace and Ryan’s nomination, Barry’s efforts this year have seen him shortlisted for USI’s Environmental and Sustainability Activism of the Year at the Students’ Achievement Awards Ireland 2021.
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