FAQs

Created by Josh Miskin, Modified on Wed, 20 Aug at 12:17 PM by Carlen Lelis

Do you have a question or topic that you think should be covered here? Drop us an email at studentgroups@roehamptonsu.com!

Storage

We have a dedicated storage space where you’ll be able to keep some of your items in Monte Hall, which is attached to Froebel Diner. To use this space, please drop into the RSU Reception (located opposite Froebel Diner) to register any items you want us to store.

For any large items (bigger than 2 feet), you'll need to get in touch with us directly to arrange storage. Please do not order or buy any large items before the storage is agreed upon, otherwise, we won't be able to store it.

Safeguarding

From time to time, you may encounter a member of your Society who is in need of support, or who you are concerned about. The best way to provide help and support is to signpost them to the RSU or the University services:

Wellbeing Team: The Wellbeing team are a qualified team that is ready to listen and support you if you’re experiencing difficulties.
The Advice Service: Our Academic Advice Team specializes in supporting students with issues they may have throughout their life at Roehampton.
Bystander Intervention Team: The Bystanders work alongside the RSU Events Team to provide a safe environment for all and are present at Students’ Union events, both on and off-campus, they offer pastoral support, interventions and reporting incidents when they happen.

Saying Goodbye

By the end of your time volunteering with us, we hope you will have had an excellent experience that you can be proud of. We manage the exit of all our Society Leaders, this includes the annual RSU Awards which you can nominate your Society for, the Society Elections process to ensure your Society continues next year, and we often distribute a survey to understand your experience volunteering with us.

We also recommend that you get in touch with Roehampton's Student Futures Team; they can help you brush up on your skills, improve your CV, and browse graduate opportunities.

Alcoholic Events

Societies can host alcoholic events! If you want to host your own alcoholic event, you will be asked to complete a Risk Assessment that thoroughly covers this. Please do note that we do not refund purchases you or your members have spent on alcohol as this is against UK Charity Law.

Activities that peer-pressure students into compulsory drinking, like initiations, are strictly forbidden and disciplinary action will be taken against your Society if you are found to have done this.

Borrowing Equipment

We have speakers you can borrow, gazebos for outdoor socials, and more! The best bet is to get in touch with us directly and ask us what you need. When you borrow equipment, you are responsible for it being safely returned. If equipment is not returned, incorrectly stored, or damaged, we may recoup the costs from your Society funds and take disciplinary action.

To borrow any kind of equipment from us, please complete our Equipment Request Form.

Changes to the Committee

Ultimately, being a Society Leader in the RSU is voluntary and should not have a negative impact on your studies. If you need to discuss a change in circumstance with us that will impact your ability to volunteer, or would like to step down from your role, please let us know as soon as possible. As a volunteer, you are not employed by RSU - and we do not prevent students from stepping down, or punish them for doing so as this is against the ethos of volunteering. We just ask for you to keep us in the loop, and update us on your commitment.

You cannot make appointments to the committee if a student steps down and does not let RSU know. We need to have an up to date and accurate register of all our volunteers so that they can be trained, and supported, in their roles. Although a student may be very excited to get involved, you must let us know in the first instance if you want to make an appointment - we can discuss the steps with you to achieve this.

Products, Tickets & Money

RSU is a cashless Union, and any money you raise has to be via card payments. You can ask us to create event tickets through our Native page and products via your RSU page. We can also provide you with an iZettle card reader and an iPad for in-person sales, like door fees or bakesales. You'll need to get in touch with us directly to arrange this, as well as complete the Equipment Request Form.

You must never ticket an event via a different website to RSU, especially when cash is exchanged. This is so RSU has a record of all participants of an event to respond to any issues. You must not use websites like Eventbrite, Ticketmaster, Google Forms, or Facebook as the sole way to RSVP and you will need to ask us to set up a ticket if spaces are paid/limited at an event.

Catering and Food at Events

From time to time, you may want to supply food at a Society event. This can get expensive but is great for formal dinners, special events, or even just for a regular gathering.

One of our favourite catering options is The Hive Café, as they have a wide variety of options including pastries, sandwiches and other delicious snacks, and the best part is that they are budget-friendly, ethically sourced, and all money is re-directed to services for students! This can be arranged on a case-by-case basis, but please note that we do require at least two weeks' notice to facilitate this for you.

Another option is Elior, who is the University of Roehampton’s in-house catering partner. They can provide buffet-style food, sit-down meals, and teas and coffees. You will need to contact us directly if you would like to arrange this as we can submit an order for you, but please note that we also require at least three week’s notice for this.

Any food that you have cooked yourself needs to be done in line with food hygiene laws. This can mean either preparing the food in an on-campus kitchen (booked via the room bookings form) or providing us with a copy of your up-to-date food hygiene certificate. You will also need to have a copy of each ingredient you used in the cooking to signpost food allergies and provide a written label of key allergens.

Overnight Stays and Trips Away

Going on a trip with your Society can be an incredibly rewarding experience, however it also presents new risks and dangers. We need any Society considering an overnight stay or trip abroad to book a meeting with the Societies Team to discuss all the details regarding location, activities, finances, and necessary steps to take to ensure your trip runs smoothly. This information will help us guide you through a Risk Assessment, so please make sure you come prepared to our meeting.

Resolving Problems and Complaints

Although RSU is a separate organization from the University, you are still expected to abide by the policies and procedures of the University of Roehampton - including any and all agreements you signed upon commencing your studies. This includes the Student Contract, the Dignity and Respect policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and more.

This also applies to the members of your Society. If you have any issues with a student relating to but not limited to bullying, harassment, or discrimination, please go through Report and Support in the first instance. Depending on the severity of an issue, we may ask all Society activities to be paused while the University conducts the necessary investigation into the issue.

If there is an issue with teamwork on the Society Committee, please let us know in the first instance. RSU can mediate the situation and set an action plan in place. It is best to do this in the first instance, and avoid removing people from roles/demanding others step down. This can be very upsetting for everyone involved and isn't in line with the behaviour we expect of Society Leaders, to treat one another with dignity and respect.

If you are unhappy with your experience with Roehampton Students' Union, such as unhappy with the service you have been provided by us, you can complain via the RSU site under 'Your Union'.