York St John Students’ Union shortlisted for national award

York St John University’s Students’ Union (YSJSU) has been shortlisted for an NUS Award, in the Small and Specialist Union of the Year category.

York St John has been shortlisted alongside four other institutions: Falmouth & Exeter, Ravensbourne, The Royal Northern College of Music and UCS.

Achievements from the past year include doubling the number of programme representatives, establishing postgraduate research reps for the first time, and doubling the number of both societies and society members.

Other successes that were highlighted in their award submission included the passing of a Union paper which means students are now involved in course validation programmes, allowing student views to have an influence on how courses are put together.  

The welfare and student engagement role of YSJSU was also stressed with ‘Flat Fridays’, which involves the team heading to various accommodation sites with a box of teabags aiming to chat to residents, mentioned along with the publishing of housing advice and ongoing collaboration on a landlord accreditation scheme.

Laura Jackson, current Vice President Education (who becomes President on 1 July), said: “It’s such an honour to be shortlisted and see that we are being recognised nationally. The shortlisting reaffirms all the hard work we’ve put in at YSJSU this year and I’m incredibly proud of everyone we have working for the Students’ Union to make this possible.”

The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony on 3 July.