Hello and welcome back!

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for a great first semester! It has truly been a good one.  

Last semester we saw the success of events such as the QMU S&S Welcome Night hosted by the Dance Society and Take Me Out by Men’s Basketball. We saw a number of great performances by societies such at Musical Theatre, QMU ComSoc and Drama. We hosted events to highlight issues around Brexit, we showed the US Presidential election in a lockdown in Maggie’s and much much more!

We worked with the University to improve the WiFi, the timetable and to ensure that when possible Wednesday afternoons are kept free from classes.

What a semester it was! What do you say we make semester 2 even better?

In the year 2016/17 we have been so lucky to have an amazing group of officers. Just in case you aren’t sure who they are here is a beautiful picture from our recent training away in Gullane.

 

From left to right; Callum, Environment and Ethics – Heidi, Student President – Jill, Welfare – Megan, Vice-President – Ferdi, Equality and Diversity – Jenny, Marketing and Communications – Aisling, Sports and Societies – Stewart, Events.
 

The officers are vital in the decision making of the Students’ Union. They ensure that the union is truly student led and works in the best interest of students. If you ever have any suggestions or concerns they are your people! Make sure you know who they are.

When we were away in Gullane on our officers trip we spoke about all of the great things planned in the coming semester.
For example, your Welfare officer, Jill, is planning Eating Disorder Week in February and has some really good things coming up, including a talk by Tina McGuff. This is something never done before at QMU!

Additionally your Events officer, Stewart has been working really closely with Megan your Vice-President to finalize events for the upcoming QMU Round 2.

Stay Classy QMU

The events listed above are open to all QMU students, new and returning. We really hope you’ll come along and kick in the new semester with us!
 

I am especially excited for the Ceilidh and the pub march. Who doesn’t love a bit of Ceilidh dancing? I’m pretty shit, but I look forward to learning from the experts. Remember to get your tickets for this if you haven’t yet.

On the Saturday we round off QMU Round 2 with our classic Pub March in Edinburgh, which looks to be amazing! Remember at QMU we don’t crawl, we march!

Now.  QMU Round 2 isn’t all that’s happening this semester. We have much more for you. We treat you real good right? Unbelievable.

It is the time of year for the annual students’ union elections. Remember those beautiful officers above? They are all elected by students like you. They put in their nomination for their specific positions, created an election campaign with a manifesto and goals. They then campaigned and spoke to loads of you lot and were then elected by receiving the most votes during the election process. It’s basically like a mini general election, right here at QMU. Cool eh?

Best thing is… This could be you! Part time officers are elected in March and take office in June. They are then officers for a year alongside their studies. Anybody (and I’m serious, anybody) can stand in the election.
Sadly, I’m in my last year of being President. I will be moving on to something else in June, so that means that my job is up for grabs. In the same way we will be electing part time officers, the full time officers – President and Vice-President – will also be elected. Guess what, anyone can become President or Vice-President. It’s all about the courage and the passion to stand. It would mean you either take a year out of your studies or that you stand for election in your final year.

I know! That was a long stint to read through, however I hope it sparked a bit of interest. If you think you could write a better blog than this (it wouldn’t be hard), give it a go! Stand for an election, get involved with your Students’ Union.

I’ll stop talking election now, promise.

There are many more exciting things coming up other than just the elections. For example, in March, Megan is planning the second Varsity between QMU and Napier, stay tuned for more on that and how to get involved.
We will be hosting the Grand Ball on April 12th so get that date in your diaries. And importantly the Big Bang is set for 5th of May!

The semester is going to fly by. If you are a final year student, enjoy it while it lasts. Make sure to have fun. Go to that party or attend that performance. It is never too late to join a sport or a society or to become involved with your Students’ Union.

We are looking forward to many more fun and exciting times with you. But in the mean time …

 

Stay Classy QMU