Find out more about Glasgow Clyde College and their new Students’ Association.
Anniesland, Langside and Cardonald Colleges are looking forward to becoming Glasgow Clyde College on the 1st of August 2013. The new college is proud to be providing learning opportunities to the communities of the south and west of Glasgow. As well as local students they will recruit nationally and internationally – Clyde have sector leading courses that attract students from throughout Scotland, Europe and the international community.
As with most others colleges in Scotland they were asked to respond to the Regionalisation agenda. Having worked closely in the past, staff and students took the opportunity to build on each college’s strengths to ensure that Glasgow Clyde provides the best possible experience for its students.
To help identify these areas of best practice each of the colleges’ students’ association presidents were invited to become full members of the shadow board to ensure the student voice was heard. The colleges also provided financial support to engage with merger work including the recruitment of a Communications and Research Officer that supported the presidents.
With support from their Partnerships for Change Consultant, the three associations also produced a ‘manifesto’ as part of their submission to the formal merger consultation. This was positively received by the colleges and looked at what students wanted from their new college under the headings of physical environment; learning and teaching; development opportunities and guidance and support.
The three presidents also worked very closely with the three principals to develop a plan for what Glasgow Clyde College Students’ Association would look like. The association will be led by a team of three sabbaticals: a President, a VP Welfare, Equality and Diversity and a VP Activities and Development. They will be supported by 1.5 FTE staff and a Development Officer.
Whilst Glasgow Clyde is keen to celebrate their success they are also looking forward to developing the relationship that has delivered over the past year. They will be working on:
- Embedding their class rep structure.
- Evaluating the students’ association structures and developing a 5 year strategic plan for the association.
- Working on setting up an employment service to ensure their students have access to employment both whist studying and after graduation. This is a joint venture between the association and college.Actively developing volunteering opportunities for students.
- Researching and developing a range of clubs and societies in response to student demand.
- Designing an entertainment and events programme.
- Identifying, developing and supporting relevant cross campus campaigns.
