What is UPSU?
UPSU is the Students' Union for all University of Portsmouth students - including everyone studying at our London campus. We're also a registered charity, committed to supporting Portsmouth students.
Our work focuses on three areas:
- Representation: liaising with the University on your behalf
- Welfare: informing, supporting and advising you throughout your studies
- Development: providing social, cultural and sporting activities for our students
How we support students
First, we gather what students think in a number of ways like surveys, social media, our Have Your say platform and our StART tool, as well as through our elected representatives. We look at what matters now and in the future, both on a local and global level.
We bring this information together to identify themes and priorities so we know what needs to happen.
Then, we act. From campaigning to facilitating activities and sharing information, we create opportunities to meet students' rights, needs and wants.
What are our priorities for this academic year?
1. Student experience
We'll offer opportunities for all Portsmouth students that will enable them to enable them to develop the confidence, connections, direction, knowledge and skills to maximise their time at university and in the their future careers. For this, we'll focus on three strands: employment, social capital and academic success.
2. Parity of Academic Excellence
We plan to embed our student leaders and staff teams in UoP academic review and co-creation practice. This action will support teaching best practice and developing courses that support collaborative solutions to identified challenges.
3. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We're focusing on anti-racism, as well developing our wider inclusion work to become a consciously inclusive students’ union for everyone.
4. Mental health and welfare
We want to establish the ability of students to fully exercise their cognitive, emotional, physical, and social powers so that each and every one of us can flourish. We'll work with the University to integrate wellbeing practice into the learning space.
What are our plans for Portsmouth London?
To begin with, we'll be working with the University to deliver an enhanced Course Representative scheme, so that you can influence your learning and the University's practices. UPSU will work with these representatives in London to make sure they have appropriate support and training.
We'll be working with our societies to offer digital memberships where possible, so you can experience the amazing community at UPSU. And, if you want to start your own society in London, we can provide help and guidance throughout the process.
We plan to bring more UPSU experience in the future, and we'd love to hear your thoughts. Get in touch at hello@upsu.net.
