Q: I have safety concerns regarding the High Wycombe campus. Under the bridge/bypass, there is an increased number of homeless people who often provoke [passers-by]. It makes me nervous to come in.
A [Amy/Bethany]: The way these individuals can be moved on is by reporting these incidents. You can report this in a few ways, some of these are listed below. You can use the university’s report and support system and you can also report to the on-campus security team. Alternatively, you can report by calling the non-emergency contact to share information on 101.
Q: Any plans to extend routes for the sshh bus (i.e. Totteridge/London Road area), especially since a lot of students live slightly further from campus than others?
Why can't students be paid for driving the minibuses?
Why is the shhh bus never working? We were promised it for our safety, but it hardly works… I’ve been forking out my hard-earned money for Ubers when we should have the shh bus taking to accom
A [Bethany]: Unfortunately, it is currently a struggle getting drivers to drive the SSHH bus. This is a voluntary opportunity, as this role cannot be paid due to charitable status, insurance, and licensing. However, if you or you know someone interested in being a driver, please get in contact with us. There are no current plans to extend the route, however, please get in contact with us to discuss this further.
Q: Could we add 'Frequently Asked Questions' to the students’ union website where we keep some of the repeating question answers?
A [Bethany]: I think this is a great idea. We can gather and put together a list of FAQs and speak to Comms to set this up. This could take some time, but we can announce when this page is up and running.
Are there any particular questions you’d like answering?
We can also look into having an area at the bottom of the page where you leave us your Questions too.
Q: How will SU support potential sabbatical officers who are finished with their courses in January and have to wait until July before they start their role?
A [Amy and Harry]: This is a decision made by you, the student, to run in the election. We can offer to support looking for part-time work such as using the Job shop and we can signpost if you need financial advice. On the flip side, you are also welcome to shadow any of the current officers and speak to any SU staff (in particular the representation team) about the roles.
Q: Will the campus link be running at other times like before such as mid-day so you’re not waiting until the evening after morning lectures
A [Bethany]: This is currently in discussion with the Pro-Vice Chancellors. There are talks about the current timetable and how this could be revised to support the student experience. At current there is not a further update about a change. If you are unsatisfied with the current timetable. Please email me with your student ID and if possible, a small reflection about how this impacts your experience.
Q: How do you get in contact with the student voice officers not sure which officer to reach out to?
A [Harry]: You can reach out to any of the Student Voice Officers (SVO). They work as a collective to represent and support students. The SVOs can also direct you to other SVOs. You can also find the Student Voice Officer section on the website. You can learn a bit more about them in The Bucks Student Newspaper (November 2024 – edition 118 )
Q: If you had to decide how the student union looked in a year, what would it look like?
A [All Officers]: Functioning and looking at the finance side of things, having a steady income and providing an income to students. We’d like to still be in the top 3. Scratch that Number 1! The SU would still be delivering and holding to plans (including the strategy), and making sure students feel part of the community. All in all, making life better for students at Bucks!
Q: What are some things you want to change or improve for students by the end of the year?
A [All Officers]: There are many things, but to name a few between us there is:
- the campus link. Wanting to make sure that students are satisfied with the service; Chairs, ensuring that students can sit when they are on campus and it meets their needs (sitting in lectures, during breaks etc.)
- managing expectations, making sure that there is communication when receiving and actioning feedback, making that there is understanding of instant and needing approval)
- Access and Participation Plan, working with the university to support the implementation of the plan to better support the students and their experience; preferred names, making sure that preferred names for students are being used (particularly around the end of the year in regards to graduation when names are displayed on a board)
- Organising more events for care leavers and international students during the winter break, having a space for students who may remain in accommodation or local to the campuses can have a space to be with others. (Still in the process of discussing).
Q: Is there anything that you’re looking forward to for the uni during the Christmas period?
A [Harry, Amy, Wren]: In the works. This includes planning activities for a few hours (like cake, drinks and chats) The lounge is offering food until 20th December. Activities are still in the process of being discussed, please let us know what you are looking for and if you have any ideas. You can contact us
Q: To all the officers, do you have any plans or ideas to assist/financially support students commuting into campus?
A [Amy]: There are talks, meetings and discussions happening about this with the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Paul Morgan, to develop a working group.
Q: Is your job different from what you expected it to be?
A [Harry]: I think I am unsure what to expect as I never heard of the type of role in general, I didn't know it existed. I thought it was a lot of admins, but it turned out to be so much more. From running campaigns to collaborating with different people. It’s a lot. I tried not to have expectations, but I just knew it was important. I find myself thinking has the role kicked in yet? And I keep expecting something to come up and the role will transform somehow.
[Amy] It’s human nature to have a judgement before you step into a role, I don't think any role you go into is ever what you expect it to be as there will always be some challenges and it's how you adapt. There will always be times in which you excel and use your strengths. It's how you grow as a person in a role. It's having time to do campaigns and things too.
[Wren] Almost exactly as expected, told how I thought it would be. The only thing is that there are more meetings than I thought there would be. I’ve also been way busier than I thought would be. There is a lot more to do than I thought there would be too, which is nice as there's always something to do. The nature of the role is, clubs and socs, prep for campaigns, varsity, sustainability, and EDI committee. It’s busier than anticipated.
[Bethany] I think it's almost as expected, every day is different. But I think I expected too many meetings and feel like I have missed some. It all feels a bit surreal due to changes within the university and it feels like I’m waiting for something to happen. It's great working with everyone and it can sometimes feel like you are working as individuals and a team all at the same time.
Q: What’s your favourite part of the job?
A [Harry]: Interacting with different walks of life, talking to people, knowing their experiences, and getting to know their stories. It’s like being a positive figurehead, which I find rewarding and being able to see the impact. It’s about making life better for students at Bucks. Making everyone hydrated, ramping up collabs (shout-outs, clubs) and smiling every time.
[Bethany] Chatting with people (staff and students) and being able to understand what they want, what they are looking for, and what I can do to help. I like being able to help where I can and support students however I can. It’s incredibly rewarding.
[Amy] I like it when you hear something positive (whatever that might be from/to staff, students etc.). I like making sure everyone is okay, it’s what we are here for.
[Wren] Talking to people. Meeting people, becoming friends and knowing by name (and vice/versa). It’s seeing the change. The interaction with leaders, clubs/socs, Student Voice Officers, and seeing the students who are leading grow is probably the most rewarding thing ever. Seeing them at training and seeing them now. It’s like seeing them become a better version of themselves.
Q: Could you tell us about the bike hire scheme?
A [Wren]: Bikes are not currently being given out at the moment but when this is up and running, a deposit (£40) is paid. The bike is yours to borrow, you are asked to bring it back every week just to make sure the bike is working, and it rolls on. The checks will lessen as time progresses and you show you are taking care of the bike.