STARS Studded Impact By Andy O Hara

Introducing STARS. What is it? The concept originated from an idea in its infancy at Reading SU. Our version has since been ‘borrowed’ by many other unions. Why did we pursue this? What need does it fulfil? Bronze, Silver, Gold – the differences of what needs to be achieved by a student group What are the perks of Gold status? Who actions all this?

How has it been successful?

How is it impacting students? How is it impacting colleagues? Current stats….. 233 Bronze Societies (16/17 so far) 31 Silver Societies (15/16) 49 Gold Societies (15/16) How is it impacting students? How is it impacting colleagues? Training & Handovers Engagement with members Engagement with non members Innovation Admin Membership figures Sense of pride amongst our more influential students (segment 7 – work hard, play hard) Cross department impact Events team Sponsors Welfare Volunteering Safety Training attendance KPI contribution Data gathering New approaches to marketing Proud students sharing their successes (SU perception improved and shared by word of mouth / peer influence)

What challenges did you experience? How did you overcome the challenges? Gaining buy in amongst staff Gaining buy in amongst students Logistics – website not playing ball Building gradually Fitting in with student needs Motivating student groups Perseverance! Rome wasn’t built in a day! Explaining the logistics and admin requirements associated with the platform. Still sits with Andy, due to the complexity of legacy plan, and the need for continuity (i.e. student staff turnover doesn’t allow for this) Highlighting the fairness of approach – objective, working with advocates first – UP groups more keen Jotforms, self-taught, patience, learnt excel formula with help of colleagues Using different tactics and approaches for different campuses and associations. SB on side now (allowing for different timings of Vet students), next is healthcare. Broadening points window to fit with exams, asking for feedback and taking on board points – remain flexible. Or introducing new leagues for smaller societies Incentives have to be suitable (e.g. 10% off stash), yet it’s hard to offer what the students want (travel discount, more society money) – so spent time internalising the incentive instead – a culture that the incentive is now prestige, or being able to ‘beat’ the last committee.

Take home messages

Look outside the box for solutions – it may be something that our current systems don’t cover Think about the side-benefits of your project – will other departments benefit from what you’re doing? It’s a great way to build some goodwill! Remember that one size doesn’t fit all and need to be flexible – build in time for this. Student incentives don’t have to be material. You just need a few ‘advocates’ or groups who will champion what you’re doing to build it into a prestige thing. A simple balloon can still go a long way!