Lead a Student Group

In this section

Student Groups are communities built and run by students, that have supported many students throughout the years to connect with others and share their interests, skills, ideals, and causes. The efforts and results these groups have achieved can only be possible with the incredible hard work put in by our extraordinary Student Group Leaders!

Why you should lead a Student Group:

  • Host the events & activities YOU want to see on campus – we'll support you every step of the way.
  • Build your skills & knowledge – your experience as a student group leader would be a nice addition to your CV.
  • Make  friends & build a community – create a supportive community that will help you create unforgettable memories at Roehampton.
  • Pursue your passion – learn new skills and deepen your knowledge in areas you’re passionate about.
  • Try something new – learn new skills, try different activities, and gain new perspectives!

To submit a proposal, please use the form below!

Start or Adopt a Society

Societies are communities that focus on running recreational activities and events throughout the year. Societies have helped thousands of students make unforgettable memories during their time at Roehampton, discover a new hobby, and grow their skills!

 

Sometimes, Societies go inactive due to its Leaders graduating or moving on – we put these Societies up for adoption so keen students like you can restart them and carry on their hard work!

 

If none of our inactive Societies call your name, that’s ok! You can create your own Society, and this can be about almost anything. Think of what you’re passionate about, a common interest or cause you share with your friends, or even just a hobby you want to explore.

 

Each Society must have a minimum of 3 Society Leaders, who are registered students at the University of Roehampton, in order to run, so please keep this in mind before submitting your proposal!

 

If you need more information or guidance on starting or adopting a Society, send us an email at societies@roehampton.ac.uk and we’ll be more than happy to help!

Adopting a Student Network

Student Networks are representative communities led by students, which focus on liberation, campaigning and giving a voice to marginalised communities. They are safe spaces for students to discuss important topics and work in partnership with the RSU to improve the student experience.

 

Our Student Networks range from community-focused Networks who aim to support students living on and off campus, to liberation-focused networks who aim to support students within marginalized communities during their time here at Roehampton.

 

Each Student Network must have 3 Leaders, who are registered students at the University of Roehampton, in order to run, so please keep this in mind before submitting your proposal!

 

If you need more information or guidance on adopting a Student Network, send us an email at studentvoice@roehampton.ac.uk and we’ll be more than happy to help!

Leadership Roles

All Student Groups have 3 key leadership positions called “Core Committee”. This Core Committee ensures that your group is covered in a way that will ensure it thrives throughout the academic year.

 

Leadership within a student group is a voluntary position, and people of all backgrounds and experiences can get involved. All volunteers benefit from:

 

  • A dedicated member of staff at RSU to provide ongoing support, problem solving, and opportunities
  • Training and induction to your new role
  • A clearly defined role profile outlining the tasks and responsibilities of your role
  • Opportunities for recognition of your achievements such as the annual RSU Awards

 

The Core Committee consists of:

 

 

President

The President is the first point of contact for your Student Group, and takes the lead on key responsibilities such as chairing meetings; ensuring Health & Safety tasks, such as risk assessments, are completed appropriately; working and communicating with stakeholders; leading on events, etc.

 

 

Secretary

The Secretary takes the lead on the administrative responsibilities of the Group, such as completing any necessary forms for the correct functioning of your group (e.g. room booking requests; guest speaker requests), as well as leading on your Group’s communication and record keeping duties.

 

 

Treasurer

The Treasurer takes the lead on all the financial responsibilities of the Group, such as signing off on expenses; ensuring students who interact with your Group have purchased their membership; submitting bids for Grant Fundings, etc.

Accessible Volunteering

We believe volunteering as a Society Leader should be accessible to everybody, and a wide range of students get involved each year.

 

In line with our Student Volunteering Policy, if you have any questions about the practical arrangements of volunteering with us, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.

 

A wide range of students volunteer as Society Leaders, with a quarter being mature students and half declaring a known disability (data as of 2023). Volunteering is flexible and reasonable adjustments can often be made. Please reach out to societies@roehampton.ac.uk if you would like to discuss this with our support staff.

International Students’ Volunteering

As an international student, if you do not have the right to live and work in the UK without restriction you may be concerned about taking on a volunteering role at RSU as the Home Office places restrictions on 'voluntary work'.

 

All RSU Society Leadership roles do not constitute 'voluntary work' and therefore do not contribute to your restrictions. This is broken down in further detail here:

 

Society Leadership does not:

  • Require a contract with RSU
  • Entail being provided work by RSU that requires you to attend at particular times to carry out specific tasks
  • Remuneration of any kind (though we do pay back reasonable and agreed expenses)
  • Replace a paid-employee or role