UDSU

University of Derby Students' Union

Motto	"Defending and extending the rights of our students by proactively creating and maximising opportunities"
Location	Derby and Buxton , England, UK 52°56′20″N 1°29′47″W
Campus	Urban
Website	http://www.udsu.co.uk

The University of Derby Students' Union is here to defend and extend the rights of the University of Derby's students by proactively creating and maximising opportunities.

An Introduction

The University of Derby Students' Union (UDSU) is not part of the University of Derby and it is this independence that is key to our role. We are both student led and student focused and as such we are passionate about ensuring that our members (the students) time at University is the best it could possibly be. Like any union we are here to represent our members, offer advice and support, and to offer unique opportunities. Our mission is "to defend and extend the rights of our students by proactively creating and maximising opportunities." And this is not just something we say it is integral to everything we do.

What do our members get out of it?

When students enrol on their course they automatically become a member of your Students' Union, which means they get access to all our facilities. These include 'The Source' a fantastic, nationally recognised support service. They will have the use of our sports facilities including our fitness suite 'Fizeek'; the opportunity to join any of our many clubs or societies; and spend your evenings in our new student bar which has put on some great events including 'We Are Scientists', 'Scouting for Girls' and 'Fightstar'. In addition to this we will make sure the opportunity to input into their learning experience via the Students' Union led Programme Rep scheme. We will run campaigns that address national questions as well as local concerns. We will fight on a range of issues and with a diverse group of students. Put bluntly we will do whatever we can to represent our members and their needs, provide them with the reliable support and advice and make sure they always have an amazing time here at Derby.

How is it run?

Day to day there are five full-time Executive Officers of the Students' Union, which have been empowered to run the Students' Union on behalf of the students. Our Students' Union is a dynamic example of democracy in action and we actively encourage students to have their say, debating the issues which will have a direct impact on their time at University. This enables students to shape their own experience, give direction to the Students' Union and voice their opinions.

Who are the Executive Officers of 2009/10?

Position	Name	Job role
President	Caleb Jackson	Pres info
AU President	Kelvin Browne	au info
VP Academic Affairs	Jack Clemson	ac info
VP Welfare & Student Rights	Heather Morgan	wel info
VP Student Development	Laurence 'Barney' Barnard	dev info

The Facilities

The UDSU has many facilities available to its members including:

The Academy bar

The Academy bar is a modern £0.5million bar which was designed and named by students. Formally known as SUB, the bar recently won the award for Derby's Best Bar in the 'Best Bar None' awards which took place in January 2009. [1]

The Academy Bar is located at the Kedleston Road site at the heart of the Students' Union Quarter. It has two levels and a fantastic decking outside overlooking Markeaton Park and the all new multi purpose pitches - perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun or the furious cheering of your sports team.

This year we'll be putting more events on than ever including Fun Time Frankies every Wednesday. Past events have included We Are Scientists, Scouting for Girls, Charity Boxing, Dance Showcases, Hed Kandi, Freshers' Ball, Battle of the Bands, Fightstar, Hadouken and many many more!

The Academy isn't just about fun and games, we do offer a great range of food and soft drinks as well as Wi-Fi access, simply the best way to study with your mates!

The Source

The Source is our independent advice centre which runs inside the Students' Union's Education and Welfare services department. It's here to offer all its students impartial support, advice and guidance independently from the University no matter what the issue may be.

Fizeek

The UDSU has its very own fitness suite located at the Kedleston Road site. It offers an extensive range of top level equipment and a frienly training environment, at a price unrivalled by the 'traditional' high street fitness clubs. It's specifically tailored for students and staff at the University but with the usual quality equipment and service available from a big-mane gym. [2]

The shops

The UDSU has four shops spread over its four sites:

Keddies

Based at the Kedleston Road site, Derby

Artique

Based at the Markeaton Road site, Derby

Rotunda

Based at the Britannia Mill site, Derby

The Dome

Based at the Buxton Campus

The shops sell a range of stationary, drinks, snacks, sandwiches, magazines, newspapers and gifts along with offering meal deals, halal, Fairtrade products. Some shops also offer a dry cleaning service and phone top ups.