Dear Friends,

UPSU is currently in the process of identifying an appropriate replacement for Daniel Palmer as the next Chief Executive of UPSU.

It would be perfectly understandable that during a time of huge change for UPSU (new CEO, new President/Vice Presidents and new Vice Chancellor) you may be nervous about the stability of the organisation. I wanted first of all to reassure you that we are taking every step we can to ensure a smooth transition and reduce disruptions, be that in our campaigning, charitable or commercial operations.

Of course part of ensuring such stability is getting the right person to take over as Chief Executive and as a membership-led organisation we believe it’s important that you are able to contribute to this process. As such, we have a email address so that you can contribute your thoughts on:

> The qualities and attributes which you believe are important for the next Chief Executive of UPSU to possess;

> What challenges and opportunities the new CEO and UPSU may have to deal with.

Please email – president@upsu.net

We will ensure that your suggestions are fed in to what we are confident will be a thorough, robust, and considered recruitment process. Please note we can’t guarantee a personal response to all suggestions and emails to this address cannot be used to arrange meetings or to ask questions to the new Chief Executive once they are in post.

But it will feed into both the search to ensure we have the right candidates and in informing the recruitment panel itself.

Please do forward this to all students

Thanks, and all the best

Godfrey Atuahene Junior
Students’ Union President

_Solidarity!

more info: http://www.sussexstu...&news_id=272353

Just in case anyone needed a final push in the right direction, there's only one week to go until nominations for this year's full-time Sabbatical Officer elections close. As the outgoing President, I'd like to ask you all one final time, to stand up and take this opportunity. This job changes on a day to day basis, and anyone who is willing to stand up, extend and defend the rights of Portsmouth students is deserving of this office.

I was never really involved with the Union before I ran for office, so don’t let this be a barrier for you.

If you have already nominated yourself, I wish you the best of luck. If you know someone who needs one final push of encouragement, give it to them. The decisions you make in the next week could change you as a person, your Students’ Union and the University.

Everything you need - http://www.upsu.net/elections

and if you are in your final year don’t forget to complete the (National Student Survey) –http://www.thestudentsurvey.com/

In Unity,

Godfrey Atuahene Junior
Union President 2012-13

P.S…call me on 02392 843 627 or email me on godfrey@upsu.net if you have any questions.

Applications for postal votes must be received by 5pm Wednesday 6th March

• Download Postal Vote Application Form

• Download copy of Postal Vote Procedure

• Find out more at www.upsu.net/elections

UPSU Postal Vote Procedure

Postal ballots shall be allowed in these elections and shall be granted to any ordinary member of the Students’ Union who is unable to exercise their right to vote in person for the following reasons:

• Course commitment requiring them to be outside the University during the period of voting.
• Due to illness.
• Due to extended leave but still maintaining student status.
• Being away from University on recognised union business.
• Students on franchise courses who have membership of the Students’ Union.

To be eligible to cast a postal vote, the member must abide by the following procedures: The member must inform the Returning Officer in writing, at least 3 working days before the beginning of voting, that they wish to vote by post.

The voter should include in their letter to the Returning Officer, the following information:
• Reason for the postal vote.
• Name, Hemis card number, course being studied.
• Signature of the voter requesting a postal vote.
• Address where the postal vote will be sent to.

The Returning Officer, after satisfying themselves on the validity of the request, will despatch to the address indicated an authorised ballot paper, copies of each candidates manifesto, these regulations and the final date when the ballot should be returned. The voter should return the completed ballot paper in the envelope provided, marking it ‘PV’ and signing it across the seal.

If the voter has not received a ballot paper or any other correspondence from the Returning Officer at least 36 hours before the close of voting, they should contact the Returning Officer.
No appeal, for whatever reason, will be recognised after this period of time.l ballots.

The Returning Officer will compile a list of the valid requests made for postal votes, and the Hemis number of those making the request. This list will be circulated to all tellers.

Postal votes will be accepted up until the close of ballot boxes, at the end of the voting period.

The time of receipt of incoming postal votes will be recorded by the Returning Officer or her/his nominee. Postal votes will be counted in the usual way in accordance with the election regulations. The Returning Officer should open the envelopes and mix the ballot papers with the other ballot papers from the other ballot boxes.

Application Forms should be sent to:

Deputy Returning Officer
UPSU Elections 2013
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union
The Student Centre
Cambridge Road
Portsmouth
PO1 2EF

The nominations period for the Sabbatical Officer Elections 2013 is now open. Could you lead the Union and represent the views of over 22,000 students? The deadline for submissions is 12pm Monday 18th February.

Visit www.upsu.net/elections to find out more

Are you an amazing person who can do an amazing job? We are looking to elect 5 students in to full-time paid positions at the Union, each with a salary of £18,361 a year.

All you have to do is nominate yourself, get some students to sign your form and campaign to get loads of people to vote for you!

Any student can nominate themselves to stand for any of these positions – even International students and postgrad students!! You don’t have to be graduating this year – you can take a break from your studies and still do the job.

We will know who the next 5 Amazing people for our Amazing jobs are on 15th March 2013.

Other info:

- If successful you will be employed from 18th June 2013 to 30th June 2014Your term of office runs office from 1st
July 2013 to 30th June 2014

- Hours of work are 35 per week with core hours of 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

- Dress Code - None – you can even wear flip flops!!

- You even get a minimum of 30 days holiday to take during the year.

The date for the Students' Union  Annual Members Meeting has just been announced!

Click here to RSVP!

Click here for the official notice.

This festive celebration will be held on Thursday 6th December at 5pm in Nuffield Hall, 1st floor of the Nuffield Building.

Come and join  all your elected representatives to hear about the Unions' performance last year and the plans for the future. Festive refreshments will be available at the meeting followed by Christmas themed Karaoke in the waterhole. Look out for your personal invitation coming via email soon!

All University of Portsmouth students are welcome to come along and join in this important event.

When I ran to be President I said I would lead a student led Union (Run by Students - For Students) I want you to blog and vlog about the real issues that affect you and your peers now and in the near future.

Firstly we have Hugh talking about why he is going to the demo on Wednesday next week -

I have noticed with my fellow students, there is an unfortunate level of apathy when it comes to political subjects. This seems to be either due to the belief that nothing will change no matter what you do, or issues such as the rise in tuition fees don't directly affect students in my year group. There is also a number who feel disenfranchised after the 2010 protests against the axing of EMA failed to produce significant results. Others still find their lack of political knowledge gives them little confidence when dealing with political issues.

However I urge anyone who relates to any of the above to rethink. There has never been a more important or justified case for a demonstration and it really is strength in numbers.

In the following list of issues everybody can relate to at least one and must know of somebody else they directly affect:

• A raise in tuition fees to £9000 per year for undergraduates
  
• Increasing fees for post graduate and international students
  
• No more EMA
  
• The Housing of Multiple Occupancy bill
  
• Welfare support being severely cut
  
• Record highs of youth unemployment
  
• 79% cut in the teaching budget

Whether a prospective undergraduate who is unsure if they want £27,000 of debt or a prospective postgraduate whose educational development is being hindered by higher fees you have the perfect opportunity to voice your discontent.

Participation in the 21/11/12 demo shows that these issues are not ok and won't go unnoticed. A poor turnout will only reinforce the point to the government that these issues aren't strongly contested.

So I urge all of you, whether you were involved in previous demonstrations or a newcomer, to get involved in and attend the demonstration so the point can be proven that we won't lie low and let it happen, educate, employ, empower.

I personally aim to go on to graduate study and the increase in fees could make this impossible for me. I also have many friends who were affected by the rise in undergraduate tuition fees, resulting in some gifted students choosing an alternative path to university. I personally don't believe this is right and as there's an opportunity for me to voice this I'd be stupid to miss it.

for more info or to get your ticket to attend the demo - http://www.upsu.net/demo2012



if you would like to write a blog about anything at all please do get in contact - godfrey@upsu.net

On Thursday 15th November Portsmouth will be voting for a new head of police – the Police and Crime Commissioner.

This is someone who will be accountable for the way police work in Hampshire, including how money is spent and getting feedback from local people. For more information on the role check the home office website http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners/public/

In order to vote in these elections you need to register by Wednesday 31st

Remember:

• If you live in University Halls of Residence you may already have been registered.
• If you are in private accommodation you will need to register yourself.
• If you are not a British citizen you still may be eligible to vote find details here: http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/who_can_register_to_vote.aspx

For more info - http://www.portsmout...ions_27461.html

It’s extremely important that you vote in these elections, so you can have your say on the services keeping you safe.

Godfrey

...see you at the polling station

The candidates for the Student Elections have just been announced and we have an incredible 19 nominees for the 10 Student Office positions, with every position having at least 1 candidate standing and an incredible 5 candidates competing for the International Students' Officer position.

Visit www.upsu.net/elections to see the candidates in full and read their manifestos.

Your nominees for Student Officers are:

BAME Students' Officer:
Afsana Nila
Mohammad Hassan Ghafor   

Disabled Students' Officer:
Thomas Dryland      

Ethics and Environment Students' Officer:
Jay Murphy   

EU Students' Officer:
Andrea Nastase   
Povilas Lengvinas   

International Students' Officer
Ziming Guo   
Ateh Dieudonne Nkemotoh   
Yuzuru Kamei   
Karen Kristiane Henriksen   
Lauren Ashley Lotter

LGBT Students' Officer:
Clare Dussek

Mature Students' Officer:
Paul Hazelby      
Mariano Ospina   
Gareth Russell      

Part Time Students' Officer:
Dan Black   

Postgraduate Students' Officer:
Konstantina Karra   

Women’s Officer:
Gemma Kilby   
Rebecca Manson

Other positions

We have 2 nominees for the Course rep exec chair positions:

Thomas Pearce
Stephen Vallance

and Nominees for both the Business and Humanities Faculty Rep positions

Business Faculty Rep:
Donia Weli

Humanities Faculty Rep:
Gregor Engelmann

CCI Rep:
Daniel Thomson

There are still vacant positions for the Science and Technology Faculty rep so if you are interested please get in touch with Enzo Rossi VP Education and Democracy enzo@upsu.net.

The candidates will be attending the Question Time on Wednesday 3rd October at 5pm in 3rd Space - an opportunity for you all to meet them, find out about what they hope to achieve if elected and ask any questions you may have to help you decide who will get your vote.

Voting opens at 10am on Friday 5th October and will run online only until 1pm on Friday 12th October. Results will be announced at 4pm.

For more information and to read all the officers manifestos go to www.upsu.net/elections

From YOUR Students’ Union – The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union. You’re about to join a community of over 20,000 students from all over the world!

My name is Godfrey and I am your elected President - essentially I work for you to ensure your Student Experience is the best and you enjoy your time at Portsmouth.

The University of Portsmouth Students' Union exists to provide support, representation, facilities, services, entertainment and activities to you while you study at the University of Portsmouth. We offer a range of services for you; Sports, Societies, Media, Volunteering, Raising and Giving, Democratic events, Course Representation, Student Support (Academic and Welfare) – make sure you get involved.

The organisation is a democratic, autonomous, political charity and it is run by students, for students, with five Sabbatical officers, elected to represent you in different areas.

Perry, VP Welfare & Community, Cat, VP Sport, me, Enzo, VP Education & Democracy, Grant, VP Activities

Sabbatical officers (sabbatical meaning “year out”) are individuals elected every year by students to work full time in your Students' Union and represent its students. Each Sabb is responsible for representing you to the university, in the local community and nationally.

The Students' Union also offers the opportunity for students to get involved and make their issues and suggestions heard – a collective voice of 20,000+ people.

We have a really exciting welcome to all new and returning students, which is called Fresher’s Fayre on the 19^th and 20^th September in Ravelin Park, just behind the University Library.

If you have any worries please just send us an email – hello@upsu.net or give us a ring 02392 84 3859 or tweet us @portsmouthsu or facebook us https://www.facebook.com/portsmouthsu

Dates for your dairy –

Fresher’s Fayre – 19-20^th September - Ravelin Park

The Jack Segust Memorial Cup – UoP Rugby club vs Solent Barbarians XV @ 5.30pm 19th September - United Services RFC Burnaby Road

General Meeting #Demo2012 - Set the priority of your union @ 4pm 20^th September - Fresher’s Fayre - Gun House

FAQ Barbecue – Come and find out about the various services available to you whilst at University @ 11.30am 21^st September – Students’ Union

Student Officer Elections – Lead your Students’ Union – for more info -http://www.upsu.net/representation/elections

I wish you the best of luck during your time and I hope you enjoy Portsmouth as much as I have. I look forward to meeting you!

And remember your union is here for you through the highs and the lows.

See you at Fresher’s Fair and the General Meeting!

http://prezi.com/8q4...gkb/your-union/

Godfrey Atuahene Junior
President


Godfrey@upsu.net
02392843627
https://www.facebook.com/PresidentUPSU

VP Activities – Grant Clarke
Grant@upsu.net

VP Sport – Cat Redding
Cat@upsu.net

VP Education & Democracy – Enzo Rossi
Enzo@upsu.net

VP Welfare & Community – Perry Taylor
Perry@upsu.net

“United we stand, divided we fall”