The ‘student voice’ is a phrase that we use a lot here in the Students’ Union, but what does it mean and how are we using it? How does it impact you, and where can you make it heard? We are currently doing a lot of work to make sure that when you shout, we listen, and also to give you opportunities to influence and input to your student experience and life here in Canterbury.

As you have probably seen and heard, your new Sabbatical Team and Union Council for 2016/17 have just been elected, and these people are the main way that you are represented at CCCU. Technically, as you have elected them, these teams are employed by you, and we are currently building a more robust and visible structure for you to be able to hold your Officers to account in a much easier and more regular way.

Your voice doesn’t disappear after the Elections, we want to hear it loud and clear all year round, so make sure you keep a look out for the forums and referendum on the new democratic structure, to ensure that you have your say on how this system looks and what you would like it to look like!

Alongside this, in partnership with the University we are currently reviewing the way that the Student Rep System looks. We have found that there are inconsistencies in the system throughout the University, and so we are working together to find a system that is robust and works for all students!. We have already conducted some initial forums with current Reps, but there will be more to come, and an improved system that we hope will work for all in the near future!

If you have a bright idea that you want to put forward to Union Council then Tell US! Once it gets discussed by Union Council it could become policy meaning you have made a real change at your university and improved the student experience.