What is Caledonian Student Parliament?

Glasgow Caledonian University Students' Association (GCUSA) is your recognised and legitimate student representative body. GCUSA represents Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) student views to the University through elected student representatives sitting on University committees and through campaigning on student issues within the University and Nationally through the National Union of Students (NUS).

The students' association is led by eight student officers who represent you and run the students' association, aiming to give you the best student experience here at GCU. Caledonian Student Parliament also has its own officers ranging from Disabled Students' Convenor, Mature Students' Convenor to Ethical and Environmental Ceonvenor to give us a more representative view of students studying here.

Does Caledonian Student Parliament make a difference?

Caledonian Student Parliament members tell the student leadership what to be saying at University meetings and what issues to campaign about. Caledonian Student Parliament instructs the student officers in how they want their students' association to be run by deciding Association policy. You can also ask questions of your elected officers to check whether they are doing a good job (or not!).

Previous meetings have decided and your student officers won:

- A new Students' Association Building
- Library opening hours to be extended
- Your student webmail to be kept and developed
- A student radio station

Have your say.

What would I get out of it?

• You will have the opportunity to affect decisions made in the University, through your elected officers, and in the students' association.
• You will be able to develop your inter-personal skills for yourself and prospective employers (eg leadership skills, team working skills, time management and public speaking) and you can sell this on your CV.
• You will also have the opportunity to meet other students from different courses and get involved in the GCU student community. Caledonian Student Parliament members often socialise after a meeting in the Venue Bar.

So what would you do a Caledonian Student Parliament Rep?

As a Caledonian Student Parliament rep you would be aiming to attend all six meetings a year. These meetings are held on a Friday afternoon.

At these meetings (which normally last 1 hr to 1 ½ hr) you comment on what you feel about the University, how the students' association is run and what we should be campaigning for as an Association. Training is provided at the beginning of the year but really all you're doing is having your saying on what GCU students think and feel.

Next Steps?

Return the nomination form to the Students' Association reception (North Hanover Street, 2nd Floor). Class Reps automatically become members of Caledonian Student Parliament.

If you would like to know more about Caledonian Student Parliament then please call your Student President, Jordan Martindale, on 0141 273 1601 or e-mail jordan.martindale@gcal.ac.uk