Dear {firstname},

I hope you’re settling into the new academic term nicely. Campus feels busy, vibrant, and full of energy at the moment, and it’s fantastic to see so many of you around. I hope the term is going well for you so far.

I’m writing to let you know about a few things the Students’ Union has coming up.

Your Say 

We are excited to announce the launch of Your Say, our new feedback platform on the Students' Union website. This will be your opportunity to share your thoughts on different aspects of your university experience.

If your feedback relates to something academic, your course reps will be notified so they can begin supporting you right away.

If you want to comment on or praise anything else, campus, food, parking, facilities, services, or anything impacting your experience positively or negatively you’ll also be able to submit that through Your Say.

Our SU team will then work to get answers, address concerns, and share updates with you. Your honest feedback really does help shape change, so please make use of this tool once it goes live.

To leave your feedback click here.

SU Elections 2026

The SU Elections 2025 are upon us. This is your chance to make a mark on your community at Newman and make a real difference to the lives of your fellow students, develop new skills and have something to really boast about on your CV.

There are 12 positions available, including the two full-time, paid Officer Trustee Positions (President & Vice-President).

Officer Trustees, take up their role either at the end of their studies or take a year out to lead the Students' Union at Newman. These roles are paid £24,454 for the year. 

Our Part-Time Officers are elected to represent a certain conhort of students and range from Academic Affiars to Envornment & Sustainability. These Officers sit on Student Council and have the opportunity to influence policy and initiatives that improve the student experience at University. 

If you would like to to find out more about what the SU Elections are all about, click here

National Student Survey (NSS) – For Final-Year Students

If you’re a third-year student, you may already know that the National Student Survey (NSS) is now open. This is another key opportunity for you to reflect on and share your experience as a Birmingham Newman University student.

I strongly encourage you to take part. Your responses help the university understand what’s working well and what can be improved, ultimately helping shape a better experience for future students. Click here to complete the survey.

Delegates Assembly

Over the past year, your Vice President and I have been working closely with Birmingham Citizens on two major campaigns: Housing and Paid Work Opportunities. As we approach the upcoming Birmingham City Council elections, these actions are more important than ever. Together, we aim to influence priorities for the next four years and improve the lives of residents across the city.

We know that not everyone feels connected to local politics. However, many of us—and the people we care about—are affected by real issues such as housing conditions, the cost of living, work opportunities, and community safety. By coming together and using our collective voice, we can help shape meaningful and lasting change for our communities.

With city council election ahead, Birmingham Citizens has a real opportunity to shape the agenda around these priorities. The upcoming Delegates Assembly is a key moment in our alliance’s internal decision‑making. At this gathering, we will decide how to use our shared power in the run‑up to the Accountability Assembly and beyond.

What to expect:

• Testimony from leaders across Birmingham, grounding our priorities in lived experience
• Youth leaders setting out their demands and vision for the future of the city
• Clear, collective decisions on the actions we will take to win change from those seeking power

As a member of the Birmingham Citizens chapter, Birmingham Newman University students are invited to attend this Delegates Assembly. This is not a public event, but Newman students are welcome to participate, contribute ideas, and help shape the priorities that will be presented to local leaders.

If you are interested in influencing the future of Birmingham particularly around housing, employment, or safety we would love to have you join us Sign up here

As always, Your Students’ Union is here to support you throughout your academic experience. We have a free Academic Advice Centre, as well as a full list of Societies for you to join, meet new people, and get involved in campus life. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Best wishes

Gemma - Union President