The Student Union- What is it?

Created by Eleanor Addison, Modified on Tue, 12 Dec, 2023 at 2:12 PM by Eleanor Addison

As Swansea University students, you are all now automatically members of the Students Union. So, let us explain a little bit about us…

As your Students’ Union (SU) we are here to ensure your time at university is as enjoyable as possible. Through work across Bay and Singleton campuses we strive to ensure all our students feel heard and are involved in all aspects of university life.

The SU is the official representative body for students at Swansea University, we serve as a hub for student activities, advocacy, support, and engagement, aiming to enhance the overall student experience.

The primary roles and functions of the Swansea University SU include:

Representation: The SU represents the voice and interests of the student body to the university administration and external organizations. It ensures that student concerns, feedback, and opinions are heard and considered when decisions affecting student life are made.
Support and Welfare: The SU provides a range of support services to help students navigate various aspects of university life. Through the Advice and Support Centre and the website; students can access support around academic issues, mental health and well-being support, housing advice, and more. The SU aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Student Groups: One of the most vibrant aspects of any student union is the diverse range of clubs and societies it supports. Swansea University SU offers 56 sports clubs and over 100 societies catering to various interests, hobbies, and passions. These groups provide opportunities for socializing, skill development, and pursuing shared interests.
Events and Activities: The SU organises a variety of events and activities throughout the year, ranging from things like Varsity, GWA Wednesday, Oktoberfest and Green Collar Boxing. These events help foster a sense of community and provide a really enjoyable experience for all our students.
Campaigns and Advocacy: The SU takes an active role in advocating for student rights and important causes. It may run campaigns on issues such as mental health awareness, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and more, aiming to create positive change on campus and beyond.
Facilities and Services: The SU manages facilities and student spaces such as JCs (Bar and Coffee Shop), Costcutter (supermarket), Fulton Outfitters (student merchandise), Root (zero-waste store) and Y Stiwdio (print shop).

The SU is strategically run by trustees who include the 6 elected full-time officers:

President: Pablo
Education: Michelle
Societies and Services: Ronnie
Sports Officer: Megan
Welfare Officer: Abigail
Welsh Affairs Officer: Macsen

as well as three external trustees. They work closely with our Senior Management Team which includes our Chief Executive Officer (Minkesh Sood), Head of Finance and Operations (Martin Caldwell) and the Events and Licensed Trade Manager (Russell Wade), to ensure that the SU is at the best it can be every day.