University of Sussex Students' Union
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About us > Full-time Officers > Welfare Officer  

About us

The University of Sussex Students' Union aims to make the lives of its members better by providing opportunities such as sports clubs and societies, advice and support services on issues such as housing and coursework and student-friendly shops and bars on campus.

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► Welfare Officer

Six students are elected every year to work as full-time elected officers. Their complete job descriptions can be found in the Students' Union Constitution and you can find out more about the other elected positions in the Students' Union and how we make decisions using the menu to the right.

The Welfare Officer 2011/12 is Indi Hicks

About Indi

I studied Anthropology at Sussex.

I got involved in the Students' Union in my first year by working in a Union shop and getting involved with different societies like Sussex Roots. Later I was a student rep, co-president of the Environmental society, involved with the Woman's liberation group and also volunteered in the Advice and Representation Centre.

I got involved because there were so many interesting societies to join where I met many new and like-minded people. I also wanted to play an active part in the Union’s democratic processes, helping to shape Union policy and engaging other students.

I decided to run for election because during my time at Sussex I had become more and more aware of issues affecting student's welfare which made me passionate about making positive changes and supporting students throughout their time at university.

My favourite thing about Brighton is having the combination of a quirky city full of interesting people and having easy access to the beautiful Sussex downs and the beach!

The Welfare Officer's role

The Welfare Officer is responsible for any non-academic concerns students have. These range from issues with campus accommodation, safety (e.g. I have free personal alarms to give out) to problems paying fees or complaints.

I assist individual students with their issues which might involve supporting them through the University's complaints procedure, or representing them at University disciplinary hearings. I also work closely with the Education Officer and Advice and Representation Centre staff to look at issues which affect larger numbers of students.

I work to ensure that equality and diversity issues are given precedence both at the Union and University level so all students can participate in student life. I also take the lead with events such as Black History Month, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Activities & updates

22nd April 2012

I have been...

Planning and organising this year's Well Fair that is taking place on May 1st. Making sure all workshops remain free for students and getting more student groups involved with hosting the event. Alongside the Well Fair we are also launching a student recipe competition which will be judged by Bill of Bill's! The winner of the competition will win 4 free meals of their choice at Bill's Restaurant!

Planning a working day with the PVC Teaching and Learning to look at all of the institutional issues that have arisen from the periodic reviews that have been taking place in each academic school. These are issues such as join-honor students, contact time and academic advisers. The six Full-time Elected Officers and Students Reps will be asked to take part. Students can also fill out Poppy's academic experience survey to help feed into these discussions

Preparing a structured proposal for the new Union-run volunteer Buddy Scheme for new students! 

>> Read all my updates

Indi Hicks

welfare@ussu.sussex.ac.uk

Phone: 01273 87 3354

Office: Advice & Representation Centre, Falmer House

Facebook: Indi Hicks Welfare-Officer

Twitter: @WelfareUSSU

Latest Twitter updates

Plans for the year

My key plans are;

  • To work closely with the other Full Time Elected Officers in improving the democratic structures of the Union and increasing student representation.
  • To work alongside the Union’s Liberation groups and give them my support through campaigns they may like to run. In relation to this I want to raise the profile of the Students Against Sexual Harassment Campaign (SASH) and continue to lobby the University for the provision of some gender neutral toilets.
  • To set up a ‘buddy scheme’ between new international students and students already at Sussex University. This aims to act as a two-way supportive and learning partnership. In relation to this I want to look at a student language and skill swap system.
  • I also want to work closely with Student Parents and to strengthen their channels of representation.
     

Manifesto

Equality:
• Greater Union representation through collaboration with liberation-officers and minority groups.
• Support the ‘Students Against Sexual Harassment’ campaign, with training for Residential Advisors.
• Provide gender neutral toilets.

Interaction:
• Create a unifying and varied fresher’s week for all.
• Volunteer ‘buddy’ scheme for peer-led support to international students.
• Stronger support networks for students with children.

Well-Being:
• More food variety on campus including religious requirements.
• Increase access to free condoms.
• Campaign for cheaper University accommodation.
• Student Beans’ style forum showcasing student deals in Brighton.

Transparency:
• Regular, well-publicised open meetings. This is YOUR union.
• Open-door policy, regular office hours and home visits if needed.