The University of Cumbria Students' Union

2012-01-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

Employabilityconference

January 10^th 2012 saw CDEPP(Centre for the Development and Enhancement of Professional Practice)but on their yearly conference. This year it focussed on integratingemployability and came from the employability task and finish groupwho have been looking at creating an employability award pilot for2012-2013. The day had a variety of sessions run by senior staff,faculty members and external companies and was extremely useful. Thebest session was obviously the SU session which I presented, havingbeen part of the employability task and finish group and having beenasked by Terry Wareham to conduct a session. I went through what wedo in the Students’ Union which enhances students’ employability,showed some interviews with students who aired their views and madeeveryone sea sick with my Prezi presentation (lots of rotating andzooming in and out). We got lots of positive feedback and some greatbig ups from different members of staff so after a massive freak outin the morning when my prezi wouldn’t download and major nerves itall went extremely well and I finally got the chance to relax. Thereis still work to do with regards to implementing the award but we atthe Students’ Union welcome this award as it allows students toreflect and articulate the skills they gain being involved with theStudents’ Union and local community organisations.

Serious criminals making mules out of students

2011-11-25T07:20:00.001-08:00

Since 2008 there has been an increaseof 45% of criminals using students as money mules.

Students are being targeted byorganised criminals to act as ‘money mules’ to receive illegalfunds into their bank accounts, which they then withdraw or transferoverseas on behalf of the criminals.

Students are often recruited throughnewspaper and internet advertisements with the role offering anapparent easy way to make some extra cash. These jobs are oftenadvertised as a ‘financial manager’, ‘UK representative’,‘shipping manager’ or ‘sales manager’ position. No particularskills or experiences needed except access to a UK bank account andthe ability to swiftly transfer funds abroad will be required.Criminals will go to great lengths to make the job look legitimatee.g. creating a company website/employment contract.

Even if you haven’thad anything to do with the actual theft of funds by enabling yourbank account to be used you are acting illegally and may be subjectto criminal investigation and if found guilty given a criminal recordas well as damaging your credit rating, potentially being blacklisted by banks, having your bank frozen and liable to pay back allthe money.

SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency)has put together 5 key tips to protect you:

Be particularly wary of job offers from companies or people who are based overseas, as it will be extremely difficult for you to verify who they are.
Beware of any job offers based purely on an application or limited telephone interview. Check the company’s details and make sure they are registered.
If in doubt ask someone you trust.
Check the adverts – many bogus jobs are written in poor English and contain mistakes.
And remember be cautious of job advertisements claiming to offer you money with little or no specialist skills or previous work experience required.

For more information or general help goto www.banksafeonline.org.ukor www.getsafeonline.org.

Student Safety Advice

2011-10-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

Following the incidents happening in Carlisle recently the Students’ Union have been working closely with the Police to make sure student’s feel safe and have peace of mind. We had the first of our safety talks at

Brampton Road last week and the police had some top tips for when you’re out on the town. These were:

Plan your night out beforehand; let someone know where you are going and when you are likely to be home.
Get money out before you head out and before it gets dark.
Always carry a charged mobile phone that has credit and put a trusted, reputable taxi number into your contacts.
Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know or trust. If someone offers to buy you a drink and you accept, make sure you go to the bar with them so you know what you are getting.
Keep your drink with you at all times, if it looks or tastes suspicious don’t drink it.
Watch out for your friends and make sure they get home safely.
If you loose your friends during the night, make a plan to meet somewhere well lit at a certain time.
Don’t walk home alone after dark – plan ahead. If you are walking home in a group make sure no one is left alone at the end of the drop off.
Avoid taking short cuts, keep to well-lit main streets/areas.
Never accept lifts from strangers or unregistered taxis.
Drink responsibly; binge drinking makes you more vulnerable.

For more information go to http://bit.ly/UCSU02

If you would like more advice or support please feel free to contact the SU advice centre - Suadvice@cumbria.ac.uk or Student.union@cumbra.ac.uk

The next talks will be at

Fusehill Street

on Wednesday 12^th October at 3pm and at the Brewery also on Wednesday 12^th October at 6pm.

Welcome - SU Summer Round up:

2011-09-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

We believe through you we can make the most out of your university experience.
We do this through improving your academic and non-academic experience.

SU Summer Round up:

During the summer we have been working hard on a number of projects. Planning for this academic year and for future years. Including your elections process, the ways in which you can have your say on how things should be run at the University and at the Union, whilst not forgetting the Student Led awards to highlight the good work of the University and students such as yourself.

The SU officers have all been attending training events to share with other Student Unions and ourselves, ways in which to reach out to you in new and diverse ways. We have also been working on aspects in which we can work with our local communities.

We have also been working to improve Sports and Societies and speaking to the University to improve your academic experience. Over the coming year, you will see a very active student union. We will be letting you know more about what we do as we campaign and act on issues important to you.

If you have questions,ideas or just want to chat, get in touch!

Your SU is run by students for students, your ideas do make an important difference.

Finally, We have moved. We now have a new office in Lancaster and at Brampton Road. In Lancaster our office is now by the reception of the Gateway Building; however, the shop is in the same place it has always been.

At in Carlisle at Brampton Road, we are now based near the LISS office where the estate's office use to be.

Regards
The Student Union