Welfare, Community & Diversity

Welfare Times April 2025

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:59:47 Z

Welfare Times March 2025

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:42:17 Z

Nathan’s Campaigning Tips and Tricks for PTOs and FTOs!

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:03:31 Z

Hi guys! Hope you’re all well and looking forward to an exciting campaign period. I thought I’d write a little tips and tricks (or do’s and don’ts) list to help you through these next few weeks, and help you make the most of your time campaigning.

While I’ve been at UEA, I’ve run in a fair few elections – Course Rep, Part-Time Officer, NUS delegate (3 times), Club Vice president, Club president, and Full Time Officer. In these elections I’ve noticed some interesting trends and used them to my advantage – it’s only right that I pass this information on to you too!

PART-TIME OFFICER TIPS:

Make sure to join relevant group chats for clubs and communities. If you’re running to be a disability PTO, for example, you should definitely be in the Disability Peer Support Group chat. Some roles have small but engaged communities – most of the eligible voters will probably be in these chats!
Posters are not your whole campaign. Sure, they’re pretty and will definitely get your face out there, but they won’t convince people to vote for you. Everyone has access to canva nowadays, so this should be the bare minimum for campaigning!
Don’t overdo the posters either. A few strategically placed posters is better than covering a whole wall. FTO candidates will naturally print more posters and campaign material, and they will dominate the available poster space anyways.
Nobody is expecting you to have a huge list of accomplishments when running to be a PTO. It’s more than enough to say that you have the right principals for the job and that its something you’re passionate about! In my first campaign, my main selling points were that I was proud of my community, gets stuff done, and that I had a proven track record (even if I hadn’t done anything yet or have a proven track record). People will judge you more for your intentions than your previous actions.
Make your personal brand early – got a favourite colour? Great. Make that the basis of your campaign. It’ll make your more recognisable and people will associate that with you. And if you feel comfortable, make sure to use your face in your campaign. People want to know what you look like, so if they need your help, they can identify you!
Send your manifesto or campaign posts to different society Instagram’s – if they’re feeling kind they will share with their members. If you’re in a contentious election, beware that your competitors will also submit their posts. If a society shares one candidate’s content, they have to share all content that they receive!
Do your best to talk to people, but don’t campaign too crazily. Just remember that this is a volunteer position. Continue to prioritise your studies and take care of yourself throughout!!

FULL TIME OFFICER TIPS:

Similar to what I said about PTO’s, a strong personal brand makes everything easier. Mine was green, and previous successful candidates have done orange, red, and the classic yellow-blue combo for A&O.
Use your face as much as you can – people know the face before they know the name! When you vote on the website, people see your face next to your name. Don’t count on people remembering your name or your campaign slogan! (I secretly hate how much I used my face in my campaign and in my officer role, but it’s a necessary evil to get people to recognise you).
Do your best to go to as many lectures as possible – people love that you have bothered to go and talk to people face to face. This can be intimidating – I hated going into a 500-person lecture in LT1, but people respected that I had the guts to do it.
It’s impossible to reach everyone, but there are some ways to extend your reach during your campaign. For example, instead of using all my time going to lectures, I made a short 2-minute campaign video and posted it to YouTube. I then used UEA school faculty lists (available on the website), copied the emails of lecturers, and emailed the campaign video to them in batches (sending them by BCC means that they don’t know you’ve sent that email to more than one person). I’m sure there would be a way to use AI to scrape the emails – but I advise against this. Not only is AI resource intensive, its also not recommended to process personal information (like emails and contacts) through it. Do the hard work and it will pay off! Using this method, you could easily reach four to five times the number of students that you would otherwise.

You can see my old campaign videos here:

https://youtu.be/NovSPKRu03w

https://youtu.be/Td79xknW3-8

Instagram is your best friend, but it can also be your worst enemy. Social media can be deceiving sometimes, but its also a good indicator. My campaign account @NathanUEA had just over 1700 followers when I ran in my first year – this was a great indicator but didn’t translate exactly into votes. I won with just over 1000 votes to my competitors 300, meaning that just over half of the people following me bothered to vote in the elections. Given how competitive this election looks like it could be, it might be even more difficult to use follower count as an effective gauge for votes.
Social media can also lead to contention between candidates – screenshots, messages between campaigns, vindictive posts, and most notoriously mean concrete confessions against their rivals. Don’t fall victim to using it in a nasty way, as someone can always report your behaviour…
EVERYONE LOVES A STUNT. I loved pulling a stunt – the old VC’s face on a banner, a 20m wide poster on the ziggurats, and posters next to the toilets saying that things were ‘taking the piss’. These things make you more memorable and show your unique flare! They can also be done for cheap. My big Ziggs poster was made with Sellotape and A3 paper, probably cost me around two pounds. But they can also get you in trouble… so be prepared for that!

Make a nice banner – I can say that in the past few elections I can’t think of one candidate that won with an ugly banner. An ugly banner shows that you haven’t really taken the effort to make something impressive, and if you can’t do it then, will you do it as an officer?? Nice handwriting, no rough jagged edges on the fabric, and even a fancy design are enough to show that you really care. Make sure that you think strategically about your banner’s location too – the best spots are usually reserved an hour or so before campaigning (this is also my favourite election tradition and a great way to meet the other candidates).
TALK TO PEOPLE. This one might sound simple but its actually really easy to convince yourself that you’re doing it, when reality all you’ve done is stand in the hive all day talking to your mates. If you don’t recognise their face, introduce yourself. If they tell you to piss off, you say okay and thank you for their time. If you think you’ve spoken to them already, make a joke! Say you have a bad memory but that it just shows how bad you want the job or something. If you feel exhausted from talking to people, that’s a good indicator that you have had a good day of campaigning and have had a positive reach!
GET OUT OF THE HIVE!!!! The number of candidates I’ve seen that just lurch around the UNIO café all day, holding their leaflets as students try to duck them, is incalculable. There are so many different spaces on campus that are better for meeting students. The last thing you want is someone putting in a concrete confession saying that you’re the annoying one in the hive with the posters, and to please leave us alone. Keep it varied and move around!
You don’t need a huge campaign team to win. One or two friends is all it takes – and honestly all you really need is one friend to walk around with you and give you a confidence boost.

Me and my campaign team (my mate Lottie)

Stuff happens during campaigning. Life doesn’t stop, and that’s okay! Take time to yourself to decompress as best as you can – and do your best to keep up to date with your work. The Uni do not grant extensions for those who want to campaign in the elections (apart from self-cert extensions obvs).
DON’T CAMPAIGN ON SUNDAY. Literally no point. Students on campus on Sunday will be there to study and not much else. This is the only real day of rest you’ll get in the entire campaign, so please make sure you take it.
It’s not the end of the world if you don’t win. But don’t give up! Its not over until its over. Because we use preferential vote, you don’t have to be everyone’s first choice – you just have to be enough peoples second choice to edge a win!
Have fun. Keep it light, and don’t be a dick to your other campaigners – the job market is horrible at the moment, and this is one of the only jobs that is guaranteed without an interview. Of course people are going to go for the positions! Just be nice to eachother, let your own personality shine through and let students make an educated choice.

Microsoft Pronouns Update!

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:44:54 Z

It can be easy to make assumptions about people, based on their name or appearance, which sometimes do not match the identity that person holds. The way a person identifies can also change over time. Some people find, therefore, that stating personal pronouns can avoid confusion and mistaken assumptions, aiding communication and inclusivity.

To help make UEA inclusive for all, UEA now invites students to indicate preferences regarding personal pronouns. This might take several forms including through your UEA Microsoft 365 Account, Email Signature and Blackboard.

Equally, UEA understands that some staff and students prefer not to state their personal pronouns and there is absolutely no expectation that staff or students do so.

Microsoft 365 Account (Teams and Outlook)

If you do want to add personal pronouns you can update these through your outlook or by teams by clicking on your profile photo.

You have the option to include your preferred pronouns on your Microsoft profile card. These will be visible to people across the institution (staff and students) within MS Apps, including Outlook and Teams. It will not be visible to anyone external to UEA who views your profile, however.

For details on how to add, change or delete pronouns on your profile card, please visit the Microsoft support pages.

There are also some useful Frequently Asked Questions on pronouns, providing further advice.

In the unlikely event that you have any issues switching on the pronouns function please contact the IT Service Desk.

Blackboard

Users are able to add pronouns and name pronunciation to their Blackboard profile. Pronouns are selected by navigating to the profile in the Blackboard Navigation Menu and then clicking on the ‘Add Pronouns’ link in the Basic Information tab. Further instructions on updating your personal settings are available on Blackboard.

Email Signature

If you would like to add pronouns to your email signature, here are some suggestions of formats to use, inserting your own preferred pronouns:

Your name (pronouns: he/him)
Your name (they/them)
Your name (she/her/hers)
Your name (she/they - they preferred)

Gender Expression Fund (Press Release)

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:47:41 Z

UEA Students’ Union is proud to announce the launch of the Gender Expression Fund, aimed at providing financial support to students who seek to express their gender identity through clothing, accessories, or other items. This initiative demonstrates the Union’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment on campus and empowering students to embrace their true selves.

Understanding that gender expression is a vital aspect of personal identity, the Gender Expression Fund will offer applicants financial assistance to cover costs associated with acquiring items that aid in their expression.

“We believe that every student should be able to express themselves. University is the perfect place to become your true self” said Nathan Wyatt, Welfare, Community, and Diversity Officer at UEA Students’ Union. “This Fund is not just about financial support; it’s about supporting and affirming some of the most vulnerable members of our student community.”

The application process is straightforward and accessible, with a focus on ensuring that quick support is provided to those in need. Interested students can find more information and apply through the UEA Students’ Union website Gender Expression Fund

For further details about the Gender Expression Fund or to arrange an interview, please contact: union.communications@uea.ac.uk

Welfare Times February 2025

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:51:47 Z

Welfare Times December 2024

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:51:09 Z

Welfare Times November 2024

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:50:27 Z

A Guide to Visiting Cambridge for International Students

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:03:20 Z

A Guide to Cambridge

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd write a short blog to give you some tips and tricks when visiting Cambridge as an international student. Cambridge is a lovely city, with rich history and lots of beautiful sights - but it can also cost a lot of money! International students are often the targets of predatory agencies that want to charge you way more than the fair price for activities.

I grew up just outside Cambridge, and I even worked as a punter on the river Cam, pushing tourists back ad forth all day long during the summer! Here's some tips, recommendations and hacks from a local that wants you to get the most out of the city.

1. Punting

Punting is a quintissentially Cambridge experience, and is a practice that has gone on for hundreds of years. For a long time, much of the surrounding area around Cambridge was marshland and bog - you couldn't ride a horse through it and you certainly couldn't steer a boat through it! Punts were shallow and could be controlled by pushing a long stick, perfect for the watery and muddy Fenland. As much of Cambridge is owned by the university, especially the banks of the river Cam, navigating the river was one of the most effective ways to transport goods throughout the city for a long time. Punting is now a great tourist attraction and a great way to see the Colleges without paying exorbitant entry fees.

- Punt yourself: It is much cheaper to rent a punt and give it a go yourself! It is lots of fun, even if it takes a bit of getting used to. If punting yourself, I recommend Trinity Punts, who offer punt hire by the hour for a flat fee. This is unusual on the river as many will gouge ticket prices at peak visitor time.

- Go off season: If you want to go, nows the time! Punt companies will over really good deals in early spring and late winter, and the experience is more or less the same. They will often provide umbrellas, blankets and sometimes hot water bottles!

- Don't buy the drinks!! There is a floating punt just outside of Kings College that sells drinks to tourists on the boats. Often your tour guide will steer you over to see if you would like to buy a drink, usually a glass of Pimms. The punter wil usually get a free drink if you buy something so theres an incentive for them to steer you over!! But be warned, these drinks are EXPENSIVE. I've seen them sell for prices you would not believe. If you want to have the full experience, theres nothing stopping you buying srinks in the nearby Sainsburys and bringing them onboard.

- Touters will overcharge you. DO NOT ACCEPT THE FIRST OFFER THEY GIVE YOU. Go to multiple companies first.

- Scudamores is usually the most expensive on the river, but they are allegedly the only company to verify the facts that they tell you, and they have the fancier docks too.

- Cambridge Punting Company will often do a better deal, but make sure you ask around.

- Book online in the summer or you will get price gouged.

- Avoid buying tickets outside the train station - make sure to shop around!!

2. Cheap Fun Activities

You dont need to spend tonnes of money in Cambridge, and most of the best attractions for free! Here's some recommendations:

- Laundress Green - A lovely open green space, picnic space, fantastic view of the River and right next to the punts and Darwin College - whats not to like? Theres more - Laundress Green is home to some lovely friendly cows!

- Parker's Piece - another fantastic green space that is open to the public. Parker's Piece is in the heart of the city and about ten minutes away from the train station. It is also the location of where the first ever regulation football game took place! You will often see a ferris wheel here, alongside other fun activities like the Christmas Market. A great place to sit and have lunch.

- The Grand Arcade is the shopping center in the middle of the city. It is grand and boast lots of shops, and is worth a walk around even if you don't fancy buying anything!

- Botanical Gardens - these are great to walk around, even if it costs a few pounds. A great place to walk around for an hour or two.

- Kings Parade - this is the main tourist street in Cambridge, as it has a fantastic view of Kings College and the Corpus Clock. There is also a Fudge Kitchen that does demonstrations that you can see for free too!

- Garret Hostel bridge - this is the only bridge on the main stretch of the river open to the public. It boasts some of the best views on the river! It has a funny nickname that I'll let you find out on your own...

- Fitzwilliam Museum - free entry to most of the museum, even if it is a bit boring (in my opinion)

- Scott Polar Research Exhibit. Very cool museum (pardon the pun) and is free entry! The museum is open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.

I hope these tips have been useful! Cambridge is a great city that is well worth a visit, make sure that you go whilse you're here!!

What have I been up to?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:25:27 Z

Hi guys! Just thought I’d write a blog post about what I’ve been getting up to recently, what stuff I’ve been trying to change and how much progress I’ve managed to make on these things. As always, if you are interested in any of the projects mentioned then do feel free to get in touch and I will do my best to get back to you.

Student Safety:

Worked with UEA security to keep the ‘Orwell Gate’ open until 10pm, instead of 6pm. This gate is opposite the Bluebell Road bus stop (the metal one that’s always locked) and is often shut when students are trying to leave campus. This will no longer be the case!
Set up a Violence Against Women and Girls Working Group for members of our student community can raise concerns in a safe environment. (I don’t sit in these meetings, but I get a report on suggested actions, and I will do my best to implement them)
Night Bus launch! Went with Luke on the inaugural service. Have been receiving reports on student usage and am pleasantly surprised! Will now begin phase two of rollout, marketing it to local businesses and community centres to boost the numbers.
Transport Day: Worked with the UEA transport team to host all different types of transportation on our campus – both bus providers came as well as other community partners like UEA Sport and our local community police team.
Norwich Bus Safe Space project – I’m now working with the security team to replicate a scheme in Cambridge between Stagecoach and the Council. The scheme is designed to increase the safety of women, girls and vulnerable people on public transit. Watch this space!
Worked a lot with the security team recently, particularly on their SafeZone app – it is such a great tool to keep students safe. If you don’t have it, get it!!! We had the head of UEA security come and join us at the SU and deliver a presentation to our staff about how to use it and how to keep themselves and students safe.
Raised safety concerns about the lack of stripes on zebra crossing. This has now been fixed!

Community Building:

Black History Month went really well, and we had some great events on campus. Held a BHM Cultural Showcase at the Waterfront, providing a platform for new black artists from our university and our city! The concert caught the attention of BBC introducing and led to the artists’ songs being played on the radio.
Disability History Month is just round the corner, and I’ve got a plan for increasing the accessibility of our campus venues and Union House as a whole. Updates soon…
I’ve been working on a new project with our LGBTQ+ part time officers that is designed to help trans and non-binary students during their time at UEA. Can’t say much more about it at this point! I have been helping to name the LGBTQ+ bar upstairs (only with shortlisting) too.
Community Pantry: Work is well underway on getting the community pantry set up for students – this was a big manifesto commitment of mine, and I am going to make sure that it is completed!
Changing campus culture: Working a lot with UEA on cultural change work – particularly on campus and community safety. This is a huge piece of work with lots of interchanging pieces. We are currently working towards two accreditations – RE:SET (this is the changing the culture one) and the SOS UK Drug and Alcohol Impact Accreditation (We started this a few years back, but we never finished – I am determined to get this done!!). We are planning on revitalising our NEVER OK campaign as it is the 10 year anniversary very soon. I am looking to update it and include more pressing student concerns, such as spiking.
Pharmacy: Been working with Anand, the new pharmacist, on the run up to the pharmacy opening! I’ve been doing my best to help make it as quick of a process as possible (I even offered to paint the pharmacy inside for him hahaha). A few logistical bumps but I am hopeful that we will have it open very very soon.
EastSU’s: Set up a network for sabbatical officers in the East of England to communicate and share projects and knowledge. Planning an officer meetup very soon!
Elected to be our regional representative for the National Union of Students. Very excited to work with the team!
Working with the uni to plan White Ribbon Day in November (it's also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women).

Everything else:

Chaired our trustee board (I am interim chair until we elect a full-time chair)
Attended university council and input the student experience to the board. Wrote a paper with Rebekah highlighting key concerns facing students at UEA at the moment.
Been meeting with university and union stakeholders to build stronger union relationships.
Completed my UEA gold award – highly recommend you take this opportunity up too!
Planning a Bob Ross paint along – get tickets now!
Setting up a volunteer student events team to help run some exciting projects and help students get event planning experience along the way.

This isn't an exhaustive list but just a rough roundup of the past month and a half. Hope you've found it interesting! If there's anything you think I'm not doing that I should be, please reach out to me and I will do my best to incorporate it into my current work.

Thanks!!! Nathan x