Campaign 1 - Careers and Placement Development
Aim
To increase the opportunities and representation of the animal students within the careers and placement fair.
Context
Students within the Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare Department feel as though they have been underrepresented, especially during the careers and placement fairs. In 2024, only 2 companies turned up that represented the non-agric animal students. These students felt as if the university didn’t care about them and that it was pointless for them to attend these events if they “weren’t agrics or food/business students”.
Campaign 2 - Digital Detox
Aim
To create a week-long event that promotes more mindful, and intentional use of social media. This would aim to improve students’ wellbeing by increasing awareness and intentionality of social media use.
Context
UK adults aged between 18-24 now spend an average of over six hour online a day (OFCOM, 2024). It's easy to fall into the "doomscroll" trap - losing hours without realising, while assignments, dishes, and even downtime still wait for us.
The week will provide students with alternatives to being on their phones as well as practical tips to improve wellbeing whilst reducing mindless scrolling and making social media work for you, not against you.
Campaign 3 - Quiet Space in HASU Venues
Aim
To make HASU events (eg FLOCK) more inclusive and supportive by introducing a designated quiet space, allowing students to step away from the noise and crowds without leaving the venue.
Context
Comments made by students, both verbally and via the student voice survey, suggest there is a need for this. Students have mentioned that they would like more seating within the Barn, however more importantly they have also mentioned that they feel as though they miss out at times, due to being unable to re-enter the venue if they leave.
These students had mentioned that at times they have had to leave the venue due to feeling overwhelmed, or just generally wanting a break from the crowds, noise, lighting etc. They believe that if given the opportunity to take a small break, they would have been able to rejoin the event. On further discussion, these students agreed that if provided a "quiet space" within the venue, it would allow for the break they needed, without having to leave the venue and miss out of the remainder of the night.