It's YOUR Guild, so get to know it!

Know Your Guild is a campaign that aims to raise awareness and increase your involvement in the Guild of Students’ services and activities, through a variety of exciting events!

No matter where you are in your University career, take the opportunity to get to know your Students’ Union better this term. Getting to know your Guild can improve your employability, help you meet like-minded new friends, persue your interests and have fun!

The Guild of Students exists to enhance your student experience in a variety of ways. The most important way is by campaigning to defend your rights. For example, we recently organised a ‘flashmob’ of students who gathered on campus against the potential increase in fees, following the Government’s announcement of a review of the tuition fee system. We’ve also previously successfully campaigned on reducing printing credit costs and hall fees. The Guild can campaign on issues related to your student experience, from your course, halls of residence, library, sports facilities, cost of living etc.

We’re also here to support you. Did you know that Student Reps, Student Mentors and Resident’s Associations all originate from the Guild? Through our student groups, societies and taking part in volunteering, we can also help you get together with people that have similar interests, develop your skills and enhance your CV. Our Job Zone can help you find part-time and vacation work, and our Advice & Representation Centre (ARC) is here to support you on issues ranging from academic queries to finance.

We’ve just opened SHAC, a letting agency just for students to help you find that perfect house. And of course, you can enjoy a great night out with our regular events such as Fab ‘n’ Fresh, ‘I Love Risa’ and ‘Loaded’ at Gatecrasher. We even offer a free Nightbus service to get you home safely.

Find out about securing part-time work, CV & Interview workshops, volunteering, joining a student group, getting involved in elections, our photography competition and much more – now is the time to get to Know Your Guild.

For more information, view the website and download our Know Your Guild brochure: www.guildofstudents.com

Or visit the University of Birmingham Guild of Students Facebook group

Here’s a list of events taking place as part of the Know Your Guild campaign:

Get Involved Fair
Monday 25 January, 11am – 4pm, Guild of Students

Your chance to come and find out about societies, student groups and volunteering projects – it’s never too late to join a student group!

Get Involved Taster Sessions (26^th January – 12^th February)
Students groups are running taster sessions and introductory meetings, so you can find out more about what they do.
See events calendar on Guild website for details.

National Student Volunteering Week (22^nd – 28^th February)

A variety of events are taking place over this week to promote over 200 different volunteering opportunities to get involved in, to suit your interests, passions and timetable.

Healthy Living Cooking Showcases
Wednesday 27^th and Thursday 28^th January from 6pm at Shackleton, The Vale.

For a healthy start to 2010, learn how to cook, win prizes and strive for healthy living.

Work Experience Fair
3 February (11am – 3.30pm), Great Hall, Aston Webb

For information on placements, internships, volunteering, part-time work and vacation jobs

CV & Interview workshops:

Where to start with your CV for part-time work
Wednesday 20^th January, 1-2pm, Rosa Parks Room, Guild of Students

Completing application forms for part-time work
Wednesday 27^th January, 1-2pm, Mandela Room, Guild of Students

How to succeed in your interview for part-time work
Tuesday 23^rd February, 12.30 – 2pm, Rosa Parks Room, Guild of Students

Where to start with your CV for part-time work
Wednesday 24^th February – 1-2pm, Rosa Parks Room, Guild of Students

Selly Oak photography competition

Submit any photographs which represent ‘I Love Selly Oak’ to you. E-mail entries to community@guild.bham.ac.uk or via post to Community Warden Scheme, University of Birmingham Guild of Students, Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TU.

S.H.A.G Week
8^th – 13^th February
Sexual Health Awareness & Guidance (S.H.A.G Week) events will raise awareness of sexual health, promote safe sex and ensure that students know how to easily access help and advice.

Guild Awards (date tbc)
An evening to celebrate and recognise the contributions students make to the Guild of Students, University and local community.

Elections
Look out for further details on the Guild Officer Group elections.