Lockdown Measures 5^th January 2021- Chester SU Update

Following recent government guidelines and further restrictions in place across England, Chester Students’ Union is now a remote organisation.

Access to departments or speaking with Elected Officers will be operated via email. Office hours will remain the same virtually which are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

If you have any queries or to book a virtual appointment please see contact details below:

Elected Officers

CSU President – Eleanor Lewis – SUPresident@chester.ac.uk

VP Activities – Daniel Forrester – SUActivities@chester.ac.uk

VP Education – Jack Rankin – VPEducation@chester.ac.uk

VP Shrewsbury – Adam Kerr – SUShrewsbury@chester.ac.uk

VP Warrington – Sam Derbyshire – SUWarrington@chester.ac.uk

Union Departments

To book an Advice appointment email – csuadvice@chester.ac.uk

To book a Societies appointment email – csuactivities@chester.ac.uk

To book a Student Experience Rep appointment email – studentreps@chester.ac.uk

If you are unsure who to book with, contact csu@chester.ac.uk

For all latest COVID-19 information, please visit University of Chester portal page & website. We encourage you to check your emails regularly for updates and announcements.

We’re receiving a high volume of questions and queries about the learning experience. Please be assured we’re doing everything we can to seek answers for students and will update when we are able to do so. Read what Students’ Union President, Eleanor Lewis and the other Elected Officers are discussing with the University here.

We know how difficult this lockdown will be for everyone. We want you to know that you are never alone. If you need support:

• The charity MIND have information and support during the coronavirus outbreak available here: https://www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus-we-are-here-for-you/
• The University have linked with TogetherAll which is an online platform for reaching out for support which can be accessed here: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/
• Samaritans are also available all day, every day to talk to and listen when you dial 116 123.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Chester Students’ Union – Winter Break Closure Information – Posted 11^th December 2020.

Chester Students’ Union will close at all sites from 4pm on 18^th December 2020 until 9am Monday 4^th January 2021. Email accounts and telephones will not be monitored during this time.

For all latest COVID-19 information, please visit University of Chester portal page & website. We encourage you to check your emails throughout the break to keep informed about returning in January.  As a reminder - the Uni is bringing students back after the break in a staggered return. You need to keep an eye on your emails to know when you need to travel back.

We also want to remind you to check/update your contact details with the University should they be incorrect or missing.

We know the time of year can be a real challenge for some of our students so we want you to know you are not alone. There is urgent help available within the local community and some amazing resources online if you are struggling with your wellbeing:

• The charity, MIND have put together a list of services you can reach out to over the Christmas period if you’re struggling. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/useful-contacts/ 
• The University have linked with TogetherAll which is an online platform for reaching out for support which can be accessed here: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/  
• Samaritans are also available all day every day to talk to, by calling 116 123. 
• If you have immediate concerns regarding the coronavirus please contact NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 Coronavirus Service online (http://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 ). 

 

We may be recharging our batteries during the festive break but we are so excited about 2021 and have a whole month of activities and opportunities planned in January for you get involved with. Head to Reunion page to see what’s on and how you can get involved with the Students’ Union in 2021!

In the meantime, we want to wish you all a safe, healthy and restful winter break. Term 1 has been an unusual term by all accounts but congratulations for making it through and we can’t wait to see you all in the New Year!

CSU

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

We know that there is uncertainty amongst students about how the academic year will unfold. We know the University experience will be different, however, our primary concern is that your experience as a University of Chester student is safe, positive and engaging and if you feel it isn’t – you can feedback to your Union about how your Chester journey can be improved.

The Students’ Union will continue to deliver services and opportunities for students for 2020/21. Adjustments have been made to ensure we can support you safely throughout the year, with the main differences being:

• The Union at Parkgate will be ran on an appointment basis only. This means to have a face-to-face meeting with your Elected Officers, speak with our Representation team to find out how to become a Student Experience Rep or what amazing societies we have on offer – you have to book. Fear not, this is a simple process that can be done by emailing our departments:

 

Meet with your Elected Officers by emailing:

CSU President – Eleanor Lewis – SUPresident@chester.ac.uk

VP Activities – Daniel Forrester – SUActivities@chester.ac.uk

VP Education – Jack Rankin – VPEducation@chester.ac.uk 

 

Or, to book an appointment with a Union service or department:

To book an Advice appointment email – csuadvice@chester.ac.uk

To book a Societies appointment email – csuactivities@chester.ac.uk

To book a Student Experience Rep appointment email – studentreps@chester.ac.uk

If you are unsure who to book with, contact csu@chester.ac.uk

 

• Virtual appointments across the Union are also available and bookable via the email addresses above. For example, our Advice service can offer you confidential and impartial advice all from the comfort of your own accommodation should you wish. Our team of Advisors have been working remotely since the start of the pandemic and many students have found the experience to be a streamlined process.
• The student space and kitchen facilities at Parkgate Road will be unavailable to students until further notice. This is to be reviewed regularly and will return as soon as it is safe to do so
• Student groups are still running and are looking for new members! Society committee members have been trained to deliver sessions for students safely. Some of these sessions may be virtual, but it’s a great time to meet like-minded people to broaden your circle. 
• Student representation is at the heart of CSU – and that remains at the core of the Union regardless of a pandemic. Student Experience Reps will continue to be recruited, trained and feeding back to the University throughout the course of the year. This will primarily be virtual meetings via MS Teams. Your Elected Officers will still be endeavouring for student feedback through virtual Union on Tour to make sure any blended learning feedback is being passed on and improvement as soon as possible.
• The Union at Warrington will be open on an appointment basis too. Contact your VP Warrington, Sam Derbyshire (suwarrington@chester.ac.uk) to make an appointment.
• The Union at Shrewsbury has been relocated to the ground floor (previous Reception area) and is open to students on an appointment basis. Contact your VP Shrewsbury, Adam Kerr (sushrewsbury@chester.ac.uk) to make an appointment.