Winchester Student Union is the Students' Union

Students' union

A students' union, student government, student senate, students' association, guild of students or government of student body is a student organization present in many colleges and universities, and has started appearing in some high schools...

 for the University of Winchester

University of Winchester

The University of Winchester is a British public university primarily based in Winchester, Hampshire, England. Winchester is a historic cathedral city and the ancient capital of Wessex and the Kingdom of England.-History:...

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The union was formed in the 1960s and has been known as both King Alfred's College Students' Union and King Alfred's Student Union ("KASU"). The not for profit organisation, which is funded by a University grant and commercial services revenues became known as Winchester Student Union in June 2004, and continues as the main representational body for all students of the parent institution - now The University of Winchester http://www.winchester.ac.uk (formerly - King Alfred's College and University College Winchester). (The University gained full University title in summer 2005 and taught degree awarding powers shortly afterwards.

Sports teams

There are a number of sports teams at the University of Winchester supported by their members and the Students Union, the majority of these teams take part in BUSA leagues. The teams at the University include 4 Football teams, 3 Netball teams, 3 Hockey teams, a Rugby Union team, 2 Rugby Sevens Teams, a Tennis team, 2 Basketball teams as well as a variety of other sports including an athletics team with new international coaching additions.

Sports tour

Every year the Students Union organises a sports tour for the aforementioned teams, a chance to play other universities abroad, during the Easter break. Previous tour locations include:

• 2005 Rimini, Italy
• 2006 Salou, Spain
• 2007 Calella, Spain
• 2008 Rimini, Italy
• 2009 Salou, Spain
• 2010 Salou, Spain
• 2011 Rimini, Italy

Other societies

As well as the numerous sports teams, Winchester Student Union is also home to many student societies for students of The University of Winchster, such as "Performing Arts Winchester" (the amateur dramatics society that arranges and performs shows for students and staff, as well public performances), and "RockSoc" (a society formed through like-minded fans of rock and metal music), "WAMS" (Winchester Anime and Manga Society) and "WARGS" (Winchester Association of Roleplays and Gamers).

Democracy and governance

As well as providing shops, bars and entertainment, the Union is a democratically run organisation. All students of The University of Winchester http://www.winchester.ac.uk are automatically members of The Union. The President and Vice President Participation & Development are full-time sabbatical officers who are elected from amongst the students to oversee the smooth running of the Union and its services and to ensure that it responds to student demand. They are aided by an Executive Committee and Union Council all of whom are elected from, and are accountable to the student body. Continuity and professional expertise are provided by permanent staff, and there are opportunities for students to work in the bars, shops, offices, and as security stewards.
The Union provides welfare, academic advice, and representation to students, and the President, along with part-time officers responsible for specific areas, has responsibility for co-ordinating this work. The President is also a Governor of the University and through the Union, students are represented on University Committees. The Union can also support student appeals to the University. The Union runs campaigns each year, promoting student health and welfare issues.

The Elected officers for 2011/2012 are:

• President: Seb Miell
• Vice President Participation & Development: Jonny Brason
• Academic Affairs Officer: Jamie Gough
• Services Officer: James McKenzie
• Ethical And Environmental Officer: Alex Walker
• Participation & Volunteering officer: Jonny Brason
• Welfare Officer: Sadie France
• Equal Opportunities Officer: Sunita Crack
• Communications Officer: Sam Cornelius-Jones
• Community Action Officer: Harry Stow
• International Students Officer: Konstanze Kugler
• Activities Officer: Adam Fellingham

Winchester Student Union is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS) http://www.nus.org.uk and through the National Union is committed to giving students everywhere representation at the highest level and co-ordinating national campaigns on student issues. Students are given the opportunity to attend national demonstrations and conferences on student issues and the right to be elected into national positions.

Winchester Student Union is currently ranked as the 2nd greenest student union within Britain, as for the year 2009/2010 the Union won the Gold Award in the NUS award system entitled: the Sound Impact awards

External links

• http://www.winchesterstudents.co.uk – Official website
• http://www.winchester.ac.uk
• http://www.nus.org.uk