All students are welcome!

We will also be looking for a few volunteers who might be interested in prayer reading. If this is something you might like to do please get in touch with our Community Engagement, Spiritual Care and Care Leaver Co-ordinator; Jane O’Rorke ( jane.ororke@uws.ac.uk ) for arrangements.

Dear CUCSA members,

I’m briefly writing to you in my role as UCU Rep for the University of Glasgow’s Dumfries Campus. As I’m sure you already know, members of UCU and other unions (UNITE, UNISON and EIS) across the UK will be taking part in strike action tomorrow. All Union members take strike action with a heavy heart and we regret any inconvenience this may cause students. UCU members are nevertheless resolved to fight for the cause of equitable pay in higher education as there has been a continual and substantial decline in real-terms pay in the sector over years. A large number of junior research, administrative and support staff are on poorly-paid contracts and have suffered at the same time as senior staff have secured very large pay rises. Most people don’t go into academia to get rich but it is important that staff across the country are treated fairly and honestly. Ultimately low pay and low morale lead to higher staff turn-overs, reduced morale and this is likely to impact teaching and research quality. This issue is just one of many facing higher education in this country. There is an urgent need for those of us who believe in a fair, open, equitable and well-funded education system to stand up and be counted. We very much hope CUCSA will be willing to support this campaign for greater investment in higher education.

Here in Dumfries your lecturers all work incredibly hard to help you meet your academic goals. We will do our utmost to ensure our action doesn’t disadvantage you and you may rest assured that our action will not affect your course grades. Union members should have cancelled classes tomorrow. We have asked that any Union members with in-class assessments scheduled for tomorrow (e.g. presentations) cancel them. Missing marks will not be counted in your final grade.

You can support our campaign by:

1)      Checking with your course conveners to find out what action they are taking. If any assessments/classes tomorrow have not been cancelled, politely request that they are and that they show solidarity with their colleagues across the UK

2)      Joining our picket line outside Rutherford/McCowan tomorrow (8.30 am – 11.30 am)

3)      Not crossing the picket line (i.e. entering Rutherford/McCowan) and staying away from the Campus tomorrow (please note that buildings operated by UWS will be closed)

If you wish to discuss the current action further please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

All the best,

Matt

Dr. G. Matt Davies
Lecturer in Environmental Stewardship
University of Glasgow

School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Rutherford/McCowan Building
Crichton University Campus
Dumfies
DG1 4ZL

A massive thanks to all who helped us raised a grand total of £331.54! Your cakes and contributions are greatly appreciated.

We have chosen to donate our sum through the British Red Cross to help in the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.  You can find out more how they are helping out in the Philippines at the Red Cross online.

Attendees include Citizens Advice (Dumfries), Royal Voluntary Service Good Neighbours (Befriending services) and the local volunteer development service.

This “mini volunteer fair” really has something for everyone, with a huge range of opportunities on offer covering aspects that relate closely to all academic areas covered on campus. This could be a chance to add to your existing experience, try a work area you might be considering or actually gain experience that could help you get a job in future.

For any further information contact the careers service at the Student LINK on campus

On the 8th of November Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines and was one of the most intense tropical storms to ever make landfall anywhere in the world affecting millions of people throughout the region.

CUCSA would like to help raise funds and will therefore be holding a bake sale in aid of the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

Please feel free to donate your baking to our stall or simply come along the Rutherford McCowan on Friday (22nd) any time between 9am and 4pm and purchase some tasty home baked goods to help us fund raise for this cause.

If you want to find out more about the DEC Disaster Appeal or where your donations are going you can find more information here: http://www.dec.org.uk/appeals/philippines-typhoon-appeal

Any badminton player on campus? There is an Badminton Scotland tournament open for both singles and doubles players for students from all universities and college on the 3rd of November at Stirling University Sports Centre.

Have a read at he attached info sheet and form but make sure you get in quick as forms must be in by Friday. 

DOWNLOAD THE INFO & FORM HERE:
2013 University and Colleges Badminton Tournament

CUCSA:

The team are having an open meeting on Friday 25th October, everyone is welcome to come along and get involved. It’s a great opportunity to have your say about freshers or find out how to become a member of the exec! They’re a really friendly bunch so come down to the Queensberry at 6pm and share some (free) food with them!

Halloween:

Wh? Not are hosting this year’s Halloween party, lots of surprises in store and prize for best fancy dress. Get yourself down from 8pm on Thursday October 31st

Netball:

The netball team have started up again this term and are currently training on Monday nights from 6-8pm in the David Keswick centre. From 28th October they will be moving up to the College Sports Hall from 5pm-7pm so you’re if you’re interested in playing come along!

International Society:

Our brand new international society have been hosting socials with an international twist and welcome all new members. They are having a big event this Thursday (17th) in Rutherford McCowan at 6pm so please get yourself along to check them out! Find them on facebook here: Crichton International Society

Horse Riding Club:

The riding club are on track to start organising lessons and treks in November, if you would like to be involved please come along to the club’s very first social event this Friday (18th) at Wh? not from 7pm. Come along and talk horses! Also find the facebook group here: Crichton Campus Riding Club

Sailing and Rowing:

The sailing club have been out on the water a couple of times already, and the rowing team have started their winter training. If you signed up at the freshers fair keep you eyes on your email for more updates from these teams.

The Crichton Ink Monsters:

Is a brand new writing initiative who will be setting regular writing challenges and are keenly looking for writers and creative types! To keep up to date with them join their facebook group: The Crichton Ink Monsters

Girls Football:

We are in the process of starting up a girls football team so if you’d like to be part of that team please email girlsfootball@cucsa.org.uk to get yourself on the mailing list.

The Education Society:

Is looking for new executive members. If you are interesting in getting involved with running the Education Society then please email dumfriesteachers@gmail.com

And as always keep an eye on our website cucsa.org.uk and our facebook we will try and keep you up to date with what is happening on campus and for the students in town. If you would like us to help you set up a new club or running an event that you would like us to promote please get in touch with mail@cucsa.org.uk

See you soon

CUCSA Team

Our new International Society is now in full swing and would like to invite you to their International Evening on Thursday 17th of October.

Kicking off at 6pm in the Rutherford McCowan building (room 127) there will be lots on offer to celebrate the different cultures and nationalities of all our students on campus. With music and food from around the globe and an intentional themed quiz as well there will be something for everyone. All welcome.

Keep an eye out for all the country themed posters around campus as well. 

Whether you are an international student yourself, on an exchange year or even one of our home students the society is open to all who are interested in sharing and celebrating their own and other’s culture. If you would like to get involved in the International Society you can join the facebook group – Crichton International Society, send a wee email to international@cucsa.org.uk or come along to any of the meet ups.

The event was a joint effort from both the University of Glasgow and UWS . Together we raised £166.67 from our teas, coffees and cake and a further £36.00 from the sale of raffle tickets for the Christmas cake provided by UWS

So a big thanks to all involved!. 

So if you feel like coming along and giving it a try here are a few detail for you:

Time: 10am
Location: Loch Ken, Castle Douglas
Cost: Transport and Lunch

Unike our other clubs, the Student Sailor need to travel slightly further out to Loch Ken but generally car share to get there so please join the “Dumfries Student Sailors” group on facebook for help organising transport.

If you’re heading along on the day make sure you bring spare clothes and a towel and some lunch if you desire. If you decide sailing is for you then you can bring along the years membership(£80) at the training session the following week.