1. www.mynsu.co.uk “ Great Learning, Great Experience, Great Future ” What? & Why? Rachael Brannan (VP Welfare & Equality) Graham Atkinson (Director of Membership Services & HR)

2. www.mynsu.co.uk Great Experience… Extra-Curricular Activities within the University –What are they? –Why are they important?

3. www.mynsu.co.uk What Currently Happens? Outside of the Students’ Union: Student Services –Friends International Scheme –Jobshop / Volunteer Bureaux –One Planet (in conjunction with the Students’ Union) Team Northumbria –Sports Clubs –Sports Coaching Scheme Academic Schools –Mentoring Schemes

4. www.mynsu.co.uk What Currently Happens in the SU? Societies Student Community Action Skills Trainers Course Reps 120+ Student Staff Student Magazine Welcome Team School Reps RAG Volunteers Campaigns Team Charity Trustees Student Council Committees

5. www.mynsu.co.uk Did you Know ?

6. www.mynsu.co.uk How do activities aid Recruitment ? Social life / opportunities does influence prospective students’ choice of institution (=4 th along with league table positions)* Active involvement in Open Days Gives the campus a ‘buzz’ Large presence and feature in the prospectus Huge numbers of school leavers have been involved in societies / volunteering and have an expectation that this will continue at University* *Source = Hobsons’ Syndicated Research of School Leavers

7. www.mynsu.co.uk How do activities aid Retention ? Helps students to ‘make new friends’ Gives students a sense of belonging and community Helps students to have fun at University Can contribute to academic experience (i.e. Law Soc) Helps them to develop the skills to succeed at Northumbria

8. www.mynsu.co.uk How do activities aid Employability ? Graduate Recruiters looking for more than just a qualifications Activities help students develop the skills that recruiters are looking for: –Communication Skills –Leadership –Problem Solving –Decision Making Certification and / or accreditation (Northumbria Plus)

9. www.mynsu.co.uk Employability Continued… A survey by the national volunteering charity, TimeBank, of 200 of the UK's leading businesses found that: 73% of employers would employ candidates with volunteering experience over one who doesn't 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted

10. www.mynsu.co.uk “ Great Learning, Great Experience, Great Future ” What? & Why? Thanks – Any Questions?