̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge - Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� Students Union (CUSU)

̽��ֱ�� welcomes suspension of NSS boycott

ps748 — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:26:45 +0000

Statement on the National Student Survey 2022:

Following discussions between the Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) and sabbatical officers from Cambridge SU, we are announcing actions to be taken by the ̽��ֱ�� to improve student consultation and feedback, and alleviate concerns about the National Student Survey.

In recognition of Cambridge SU’s boycott of the NSS, three commitments have been made;

1. ̽��ֱ�� ̽��ֱ�� will publicly oppose any attempts by the Government or the Office for Students to link undergraduate home student tuition fees to the Teaching Excellence Framework, which is informed by NSS results. This statement, recently affirmed by the General Board’s Education Committee, will be included in the ̽��ֱ��’s response to the Office for Students’ consultation on the Teaching Excellence Framework.

2. ̽��ֱ�� ̽��ֱ�� and Cambridge SU will co-author and implement a student consultation framework to guarantee productive student participation in decision-making in Faculties, Departments, Schools and the wider ̽��ֱ��.

3. Any report from the Reading Week Working Group recommending the introduction of a mid-term break will be considered by the General Board and the ̽��ֱ�� Council by the end of this academic year, following the demonstration of strong support for a mid-term break in the SU referendum.

As a result of these commitments, Cambridge SU has agreed to suspend its boycott of the National Student Survey for 2022.

Professor Graham Virgo, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), said:

“I am pleased to have worked closely with the SU on the important issues of student consultation and feedback. Student participation is valuable, both in our own decision-making processes, and in the National Student Survey. I encourage all final-year students to fill it in: it is quick to complete and gathers valuable information on students’ opinions. What we learn from the survey can be used to make changes that will make a real difference to future students…the survey really does help prospective students make informed decisions on where and what to study.”

Zaynab Ahmed, SU Undergraduate Access, Education and Participation Officer, said:

"We're so pleased to see the ̽��ֱ�� make these commitments after years of student campaigning against the NSS. One of the biggest limitations of the survey is that it fails to provide nuanced and contextualised information about studying at Cambridge, so I'm especially excited to develop a Student Consultation Framework with the ̽��ֱ��, which we hope will give students more opportunity to voice their opinions throughout their time here. We're glad that the ̽��ֱ�� agrees with Cambridge SU that the NSS, which informs the Teaching Excellence Framework, should not, and cannot, be used by the Government to change university tuition fees."

Zak Coleman, SU Undergraduate President, said:

“I’m very pleased to see the ̽��ֱ�� committing to these much-needed measures, in particular acknowledging the benefits of a mid-term break to address chronic issues of poor student mental health and burnout, which recently received strong student backing in an SU-run referendum. We look forward to working with the ̽��ֱ�� to fully implement these commitments.”

̽��ֱ�� ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge has issued a joint statement with Cambridge Students' Union. As a result of commitments being made by the ̽��ֱ�� the SU has agreed to suspend its boycott of the National Student Survey.

Student participation is valuable, both in our own decision-making processes, and in the National Student Survey.

Prof Graham Virgo

Senate House

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̽��ֱ��student working to make education accessible to everyone

cg605 — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 11:50:50 +0000

Final-year chemist Shadab Ahmed reflects on his sabbatical year as CUSU Access and Funding Officer, the importance of role models, and how increasing diversity within universities could be the start of seeing real change in society as a whole.

̽��ֱ�� celebrates LGBT+ History Month

pbh25 — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 09:27:52 +0000

Today is the start of LGBT+ History Month, which will be marked with a series of public events at the ̽��ֱ�� throughout February.

LGBT+ History Month takes place every February, and promotes equality and diversity by increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, their history, lives and experience; as well as raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT+ community.

This year, the ̽��ֱ�� Library will fly the rainbow flag - the internationally-recognised symbol of the LGBT+ community - from its 157ft tall tower for the first time to mark the month, joining the many Colleges across the city who also fly the flag. ̽��ֱ��Library will host a pop-up exhibition called Queering the UL towards the end of the month, featuring a selection of LGBT+ related materials brought together for the first time from the more than eight million items which form the library’s 600-year-old collection. Items on display range from the 11th century to the 21st, including evidence of gay life in medieval Cairo, gender fluidity in 18th century Japan and ephemera from the vibrant LGBT scene in 1970s' Latin America.

Liam Sims, Rare Books Specialist, said: “Since its appearance in San Francisco in 1978 the rainbow flag has symbolised both the diversity of the LGBT+ community and the pride felt by its members, and in flying the flag, the ̽��ֱ�� Library sends a clear message that it is a welcoming, open and tolerant place.”

Dr Jessica Gardner, ̽��ֱ�� Librarian, said: “In joining with other institutions across Cambridge also flying the flag we show that our city and university are places where people can be themselves without fear of discrimination.”

Marking the end of LGBT+ History Month, the exhibition will be held on 28th February (3.00-6.30pm). No booking is required. ̽��ֱ��exhibition will be held in the Milstein Rooms (through the Exhibition Centre). You can use the hashtag #queeringtheul to share your thoughts on what you see.

A number of student-run events are taking place this month, coordinated by the Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� LGBT+ Campaign. A calendar of events is available on their Facebook page.

In addition to ̽��ֱ�� and College events, there are many events taking place around Cambridgeshire to mark LGBT+ History Month. Further details are available on the Encompass website.

Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� Library celebrates LGBT History Month: rainbow flag flies from our iconic tower to show our city and university are places where people can be themselves without fear of discrimination. https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/whats/queering-ul pic.twitter.com/haiJ1fiQKG
— Jessica Gardner (@CamUniLibrarian) February 1, 2018

Veterinary Medicine supporting LGBT @cusulgbt pic.twitter.com/GRCcqkXh7C
— Cambridge Vet School (@CamVetSchool) January 31, 2018

We're flying the flag today for the start of #LGBTHM18! There are a lot of events in Cambridge this month, and we're excited to be hosting a panel on 'Queering Britain's national heritage". Details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/211288399418233/ pic.twitter.com/NqdZ1KOkQL
— Pembroke College (@pembroke1347) February 1, 2018

Flying the flag pic.twitter.com/nbb1Ek3F8K
— Christ's College (@christs_college) February 1, 2018

We are celebrating LGBT+ History Month throughout February with a pop-up ̽��ֱ�� Library exhibition and numerous student-led events.

In flying the flag the ̽��ֱ�� Library sends a clear message that it is a welcoming, open and tolerant place.

Liam Sims, Rare Books Specialist at the UL

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Prospective students share their view of Cambridge

ta385 — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Every year, CUSU’s Shadowing Scheme offers an inspiring taste of life as a Cambridge student. Over three days, prospective applicants (‘shadows’) attend lectures and supervisions as well as getting involved with the ̽��ֱ��’s vibrant social life.

CUSU received dozens of entries for this year’s competition and after much deliberation its judges have selected the best.

Winning the diary competition, Shabnam Tariq from Thomas Rotherham College in Rotherham, described going on a tour around Cambridge with her student mentor:

“ ̽��ֱ��community was vibrant with people from all sorts of social and cultural backgrounds which I was not expecting.”

Shabnam particularly enjoyed dining in Trinity College:

“ ̽��ֱ��architecture was beautiful and the ceiling was just as stunning. Being an A-level historian, I even spotted a portrait of Henry VIII, which helped me to understand Tudor propaganda even more. Who wouldn't want to stare at a portrait of Henry while enjoying a three-course meal?”

Shabnam also described in lively detail the academic components of her Shadowing Scheme weekend, writing:

“I visited the beautiful Fitzwilliam Museum and then went to a ‘Life as a medical student’ introduction at Addenbrookes Hospital. Everything was very practical. I got the chance to test people's blood pressure and do a cardiac examination which was very fun. We then received a talk from a consultant on medical school admissions. This was very useful because it made me realise that you need more than knowledge to become a doctor…”

Shabnam concluded: “I had an amazing time on the Shadowing Scheme and it has made me want to study medicine at Cambridge even more. I learnt that nobody is arrogant, obnoxious and has 20 A-levels. Well, most people are not! It has also made me realise that you do not need to come from a wealthy family or a private school to study there; if you are dedicated and hardworking, then it can be the place for you. It is now my aspiration and goal to study medicine at Cambridge!”

Runner-up, Dominic Crombie from St Aidan’s Catholic Academy in Sunderland, wrote:

“There are certain things a person can’t do in good conscience anymore after having gone to Cambridge. They can’t be a cynic, seeing all the students will quickly dispel that. They can’t question the value of a university; it’s in every conversation on everything from [Nicki] Minaj to Marlowe. They can’t waste time; there are far too many plays to write and music-related debates to be had for that. And they can’t be satisfied with not knowing things, with not being curious …”

In the Photography category, Silas Hope from Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School in Rochester (Kent) took first prize with an atmospheric and brilliantly executed shot of St John’s College taken from the Kitchen Bridge.

̽��ֱ��Runners-up were:

Mohammad Haris Fazal from Loxford School of Science and Technology in Ilford (Essex) whose decision to snap the view through the window of his room at Queens' College resulted in a highly original photograph which captured the sense of becoming a Cambridge student for the weekend;

William Keeley from Cronton Sixth Form in Widnes (Cheshire), who presented two photographs, one of Gonville & Caius College, the other of King’s College, to create a striking collage effect.

̽��ֱ��CUSU Shadowing Scheme will return in early 2017.

Around 350 state school Year 12s and mature learners who took part in Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� Students’ Union’s (CUSU) student-led Shadowing Scheme were invited to enter a photography and diary competition to share their experiences.

If you are dedicated and hardworking, then it can be the place for you. It is now my aspiration and goal to study medicine at Cambridge!

Shabnam Tariq, student at Thomas Rotherham College in Rotherham

Silas Hope

St John's College from the Kitchen Bridge.

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Students share their lives at Cambridge

ta385 — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� Students' Union’s (CUSU) annual Shadowing Scheme gives state school educated Year 12s and mature prospective applicants from across the UK the opportunity to come to Cambridge, stay in one of its Colleges and 'shadow' a current undergraduate for three days.

By giving participants the chance to see what undergraduate life is really like, the Shadowing Scheme shatters the popular myths and misconceptions that might otherwise deter them from applying.

Established in 2000, the Scheme is run over three long weekends in January and February. During this time, each ‘shadow’ accompanies a ‘mentor, a current undergraduate who is studying a subject which they are interested in.

During their stay, ‘shadows’ get a taste of lectures, supervisions and for the scientists, laboratory classes. They also have the opportunity to sample some of the ̽��ֱ��'s student societies and chat to current students from a wide range of backgrounds and courses.

̽��ֱ��CUSU Shadowing Scheme targets academically strong Year 12s and mature learners who have little or no family experience of higher education, and who attend schools and colleges which do not have tradition of progression to leading universities.

Helena Blair, a Cambridge graduate and now CUSU’s Access Officer, says: "Our student mentors are eager to spread the word that this university is for anyone, no matter what their background is, as long as they love their subject and have real academic potential. No one from my school had applied before and the myths convinced me that I’d never get in, or fit in, but meeting so many friendly, accepting and diverse Cambridge students changed my outlook."

This year, Michaela Chan, a Trinity Hall engineering student from Luton, has taken two shadows under her wing – Talent from Welwyn Garden City and Sam from Bradford. Sam hopes to study engineering and got the chance to attend a few second year lectures in the Faculty. Talent kept her options open, attending a maths lecture and joining Cambridge medics at Addenbrookes Hospital.

Meanwhile, Alia Khalid, a Sidney Sussex philosophy student from Harrogate, is mentoring Josh, a Year 12 from Stoke. Josh is trying to work out whether he’s more interested in Philosophy or Psychological and Behavioural Sciences. ̽��ֱ��pair emerge from a morning lecture on Physicalism, the philosophical position that everything which exists is no more extensive than its physical properties.

Unfazed but hungry, they head towards Sidney Sussex College where an informal ‘Meet the Students’ with pizza event has taken over the College bar. Joining them on the stroll along the iconic King’s Parade is Olivia, a philosophy student and her shadow, Adriana, a fellow Londoner.

Olivia applied to Cambridge after taking part in one of the Summer Schools run by the ̽��ֱ�� with the Sutton Trust and is now working hard to give Adriana, who hasn’t decided whether to study English, Philosophy or Law, as much information as possible. At Sidney Sussex, she introduces her to Damian, a first year English student at Christ’s College. “He said some useful things about his course and how to prepare for applying," reports Adriana. "I’ve got some more reading to do ... Is that pizza spicy?”

At the ̽��ֱ��’s Careers Service, shadows from Norwich, Wales, Liverpool and London have gathered to hear from its Director, Gordon Chesterman, about the opportunities which a Cambridge degree can offer. Cambridge graduates are some of the most employable anywhere in the world but Gordon is also keen to emphasise that a Cambridge degree provides flexibility and choice. Luke, a Year 12 from Swansea, would like to study Natural Sciences but he’s worried that if he makes the wrong choice now, he’ll struggle to get the job he wants later on. Gordon immediately reassures him.

“What do you think these people studied?” he asks, “a fraud investigator, an investment banker, a long-haul pilot, a community outreach officer in Iraq?”

“Maths?” someone suggests.

“No, they actually all studied music.”

Everyone is surprised but as Gordon explains, studying Music at Cambridge develops the analytical skills, organisation and self-discipline which all of these careers demand.

At the end of the session, conversation turns to life in Cambridge and Lara Grace, a Year 12 from Streatham admits: “If I got in, I’d have to learn how to ride a bike. I’ve never cycled in London.” Lara Grace wants to apply to study Human, Social, and Political Sciences and then pursue a career in Human Rights. If she’s only anxious about the cycling, the Shadowing Scheme has done its job - busting myths and inspiring confidence.

350 year 12s and mature learners have just experienced life at Cambridge thanks to one of the UK's largest student-led access initiatives.

This university is for anyone, no matter what their background is, as long as they love their subject and have real academic potential

Helena Blair, CUSU Access Officer

Shadows and mentors walking along King's Parade in Cambridge

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CUSU Shadowing Scheme competition winners

ta385 — Tue, 05 May 2015 09:35:52 +0000

Over three days, Shadows attend lectures and supervisions as well as getting involved with the ̽��ֱ��’s vibrant social life, including its societies, clubs and sports teams.

Earlier this year, participants were invited to enter a photography and diary competition based on their experiences and perceptions of life and study at Cambridge. CUSU received dozens of outstanding entries and after much deliberation its judges have spoken…

Winning the diary competition, Harriet Van Houben, from Okehampton College in Devon, described a supervision session at St Catharine’s College.

"I was included within the session – being asked to read sections of a poem and share my thoughts, feelings and personal analysis on it. At one point I was even able to define a term that the other two couldn’t … we all shared a passion for the subject and I found that even if they were talking about more advanced elements it all came back to the basic foundations that it consisted of and that I was familiar with."

Runner-up, Alyssa D'Agostino, from Colston's Girls' School in Bristol, reflected on her experience

" ̽��ֱ��force behind the incredible reputation and beautiful buildings is in fact a tight community of some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you could ever meet. ̽��ֱ��scheme was an invaluable experience and fantastic opportunity that has reignited my ambition."

In the photography category, Anna Moss from Hertfordshire’s John Warner School took first prize with a masterful shot taken as she walked across St John's College’s world-famous Bridge of Sighs.

St John’s also inspired the winning entries for Weeks 1 and 2 of the Shadowing Scheme. Samira Kanwal from Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre impressed by transforming an architectural shot into a personal story with her own shadow.

Meanwhile, Joseph Amoss from John Leggott College in Scunthorpe aimed his camera at the much less photographed Cripps Building, built in the 1960s, and impressed the judges by exploring "its own beauty with particularly effective use of lighting."

Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� Students’ Union’s (CUSU) Shadowing Scheme gives around 400 sixth formers and mature students from schools and backgrounds without a tradition of top university entry an inspiring taste of life as a Cambridge student.

̽��ֱ��scheme was an invaluable experience and fantastic opportunity that has reignited my ambition

Runner-up, Alyssa D'Agostino

Joseph Amoss

̽��ֱ��Cripps Building, St John's College

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Cambridge student honoured for equality and diversity work

bjb42 — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:42:15 +0000

Akilah, President of the CUSU Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Students Campaign, received the prestigious award at the NUS Blacks Students Achievers Awards.

̽��ֱ��award seeks to recognise the achievement of a BME student who has made a significant impact on the lives of BME students at a university and national level.

Akilah’s achievements include establishing Cambridge ̽��ֱ��’s first Diversity Week, Black History Season and a hugely successful Ethnic Minorities Careers Fair.

She has represented BME students within the university at CUSU Council, and at a national level at NUS conferences.

She has described the experience as “challenging at times, but hugely rewarding”.

Akilah added: “ ̽��ֱ�� ̽��ֱ�� has been very supportive throughout, and the help of the Equality and Diversity team has been invaluable.”

Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� undergraduate Akilah Jeffers has been named Black Students Officer of the Year.

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