Why the Union is more than a bar

I have been at university now for four years. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2007, and I am currently studying for my postgraduate qualification. I chose to stay at the same university to do this because, like many other students, I became involved with the Student Union. I have now been employed at the Union for three years and in this time I have noticed students becoming much less interested in the running of the organisation. Since it’s only there to make life better for students, devoted to the social and organisational pursuits of the student population, why do the majority of students care about it so little?

I asked the president of Southampton Solent University Student Union, Nicole Benford, about the relationship between the Union and students.

Nicole Benford: I would say that many students do not take part in elections as they have preconceived ideas that it is either far too political for them to show an interest or that it does not affect them as they are not part of a sports or social group.

Chris Bath: I agree that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Since I have been employed here it seems that the majority of candidates have been part of a sports team or union society. This will put non-members at a disadvantage as, let’s face it, most of the people that vote in the elections belong to the societies.

NB: More attention needs to be given to those non- society types as there is a hell of a lot more of them then there are sports and societies. The Union is working to do this through such schemes as the Student Union Evaluation Initiative. This is not a problem that can be solved overnight; it’s a continuous process that can change on a yearly basis with the new intake of students. Without the right policies, procedures and strategies set in place the Union is never going truly develop into a Union for all the students by all the students.

CB: You have travelled to other Student Unions around the country. Have you seen the same apathy towards the politics of the organisation?

NB: Apathy these days is the latest buzz word used around many unions as well as at a higher level within the NUS. There does not seem to be one model which fits all when it comes to unions, larger unions are affected just as much as smaller ones, the biggest difference is the type of university. Post-1992 unis are more likely to have less academic and more vocational courses, and have a different set of students to Russell Group institutions such as Oxbridge, which offer more courses in politics, and the students tend to be more interested and want to get involved.

CB: One reason that comes up regularly when I speak to students about why they have no interest in student politics is that they feel that the Student Union doesn’t do anything for them. Why do you think this is?

NB: There are many reasons, but the main one that springs to mind is the lack of understanding or knowledge as to what has been done for these students. This is partially due to lack of publicity. But it’s also down to the fact that they are blind to the publicity due to all that they already receive. A typical day in the life of a student goes from leaving the house with at least three flyers on the doormat to posters on students' windows whilst walking to University, then more posters all around campud, promoters hanging around, then on opening their email accounts their inboxes are full of upcoming events. So by the end of the day, they’re unlikely to remember something the Union has done over messages about pubs where they are likely to spend their evening. This does not mean, however, that students don't receive these messages at all, because people still vote and use Union facilities.

CB: You have been the president now for nearly a year. What would you say to a student who was considering becoming involved?

NB: Students shouldn't feel forced to get involved in SU politics but want to take an interest in it. It is a great opportunity for students to get an understanding of what politics really is rather than running a mile from the mention of the word. It can help improve their way of life whilst at Uni as well as those of others for a minimal amount of effort.

But the outlook does not seem positive. Students are largely unaware what the Union does, and even what it’s for. Added to this is the face they’re working harder than ever, often holding down jobs while being overwhelmed with coursework. How can they be expected to balance all of this as well as get involved with Student politics?

History shows that it is possible to commit to all of these activities, but history also shows that it takes a certain type of person to be able to do it.