As one of your elected Officer Trustees I'm always happy to talk to students and help out where I can.
You can get hold of me through the following ways:
Hi, I’m Gabby, the new VP (Activities). I have recently graduated from Sport and Exercise Science here at the University. I am originally from London, so moving to Derby has been a massive change. I love travelling, learning about new cultures and traditions but most of all I love animals, especially dogs. This year as your VP, I want to create a sense of belonging and community for everyone here at the University. I want everyone to have a fun and engaging experience from participating in some of our exciting extra-curricular activities. If you have a question, feel free to catch me around the campuses and speak to me. We are a union of you and need your voice to make a change.
Over teh next year I aspire to; Provide greater support and opportunities for societies, increase accessibility and inclusivity of the activities offer, and increase social media presence and improve support to all societies, sports and student led services.
Thu 19 Dec 2024
As Vice President (Education), my focus is on enhancing student representation, increasing the visibility of academic support services, and amplifying the voices of our student body to ensure their needs are met.
As the first term of the academic year draws to a close, I am proud to reflect on the initiatives and achievements I have been working on. Here’s an overview of everything I have been working on so far, from creating new possibilities to promoting diversity and inclusion.
As the first term comes to a close, it’s a great opportunity to share some of the work I’ve been doing across my manifesto and the wider VP (Welfare) remit.
As I moved on from Vice President Education to President, this first term has been both bittersweet and exciting. I’m grateful for the experiences that prepared me for this role and thrilled to lead with a fantastic team dedicated to supporting and empowering our students.
Tue 10 Dec 2024
International students if you don’t know the BRP is switching to eVisa, please read the below information.
Thu 05 Dec 2024
By supporting BSL during Disability History Month, we can acknowledge the struggles of the past while building a more inclusive future for everyone.
Wed 04 Dec 2024
You said, ‘We feel there aren’t many events tailored to our student group’, we ‘set up a Let’s Be Friends campaign, targeting specific groups of students’.
Wed 20 Nov 2024
Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, your Vice President (Welfare). Disability History Month is the time to understand the lived experiences of those who have disabilities. Although many are physical, some are hidden disabilities that are not initially apparent, making it hard to understand the experiences people with them have.
Mon 21 Oct 2024
As part of Black History Month (BHM) celebration, the Union of Students offered the students an opportunity to participate in an African drumming session at the National Justice Museum in Nottingham.
Wed 16 Oct 2024
Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, the Vice President (Welfare). Black History Month is important to understand the past, as I’ve done in another article. But, especially from a sector revolving on success of education, it’s important to celebrate people as well. Below are just some examples of the University of Derby students who have received awards, become elected representatives, and been promoted to senior positions.
Wed 09 Oct 2024
Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, the Vice President (Welfare) here at the University of Derby Union of Students. September is the start to the new academic year and it’s great to see students back on site and interacting with everything we have to offer.
Mon 07 Oct 2024
Black history in the UK is rich with significant events and contributions that have shaped the nation’s cultural, social, and political landscape.
Fri 09 Aug 2024
Some information on post graduation and the support the University provides to students.
Thu 18 Jul 2024
VP (Welfare) here to give some tips for mental health.
Fri 05 Jul 2024
Reflecting on the past year, my efforts have been many-sided, aiming to provide better facilities, improve the experience for students, create more quiet spaces, offer more cost-of-living support, increase accessibility and inclusion, and strengthen Union presence across campuses.
Thu 04 Jul 2024
This year as Vice President (Activities) I focused on three manifesto points, providing greater support and opportunities, to increase accessibility and inclusivity of the activities offer and to increase social media presence to all sports, societies and student led services.
Wed 03 Jul 2024
I am excited to announce that the University of Derby Academic Board has unanimously approved our new regulations amendment to address student financial hardship.
VP (Welfare) here to give some tips for calming techniques for the 2024 Euros.
It’s been a phenomenal year working to represent and improve your student experience. And after being re-elected, I’m looking forward to continuing the work I’ve been doing.
Tue 02 Jul 2024
Check out all of the amazing things I achieved last academic year...
Thu 13 Jun 2024
As Union President, I am very proud and excited to announce that the University Regulatory Framework Committee has approved my regulations amendment to address student financial hardship, with changes set to take effect from the 2024/25 academic year.
Thu 06 Jun 2024
Voting is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for shaping our future. Yet, many of us, particularly students, often exhibit lower voter turnout compared to other age groups.
Tue 30 Apr 2024
VP (Welfare) here to talk about responsible futures, sustainability and the actions we have taken to better incentivise sustainability.
Wed 24 Apr 2024
A statement outlining the event being held by AFAF, why the University are allowing it to go ahead, and the support the Union and University provides.
Thu 21 Mar 2024
Hi everyone! Jack McGuinness, your Vice President (Welfare), here to give some updates on the work I’ve been doing around student safety and the plans I'm putting in place to improve student safety here in Derby.
Fri 15 Mar 2024
An update from the Vice President (Welfare), Jack McGuinness, on student safety, the community pantry and more.
Mon 04 Mar 2024
VP (Welfare) Jack McGuinness here to give you some updates on the work that's been going on!
Wed 14 Feb 2024
The history of LGBT+ rights in the UK, shown through significant milestones and progress points.
Mon 12 Feb 2024
The Union elections are an amazing opportunity to use your voice and enact change within the Union and the University, so I wanted to share my top 5 reasons for why YOU should nominate yourself in the current Union elections.
Fri 09 Feb 2024
Jack McGuinness, Vice President (Welfare), is on a roadshow for student safety.
Tue 30 Jan 2024
Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you this great opportunity that all students can get involved with. The Derby Book Festival are looking for inspiring entries for their Flash Fiction Writing Competition - could you be the winner? Check out the press release below for more details on how to get involved!
Tue 19 Dec 2023
With the year coming to an end, we wanted to leave you with one final message.
Mon 18 Dec 2023
As we bid farewell to another year, I find myself reflecting on the multitude of successes and shared experiences that have defined our journey together thus far. Serving as your Union President has been both an honour and an immense responsibility, and I am extremely proud of the progress the Union has made so far since taking office as Union President.
Tue 12 Dec 2023
In a world that often strives for inclusivity and diversity, it is important to shed light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Disability History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the journey towards equality and understanding.
Fri 01 Dec 2023
Your VP (Welfare) here to give you an update on some of the work that myself and the rest of the Executive Officer team have been up to during November 2023.
Tue 14 Nov 2023
Find out what happens at our All Student Meeting, and how you can get involved!
Mon 06 Nov 2023
I understand that running for the Elected officer roles can be a daunting experience.
Mon 30 Oct 2023
The Vice President (Welfare), Jack McGuinness, here to give you an update on what I've been working on.
Fri 27 Oct 2023
An overview of all the liberation months we will be focusing on this year and why they are important.
Wed 18 Oct 2023
A new term of BUCS Sport has started for our Derby teams!
Fri 18 Aug 2023
Hey there Freshers! I am Gabby and I am the VP (Activities) for the academic year ahead. I was part of Women’s Rugby during my time at university and here are my reasons for why joining sports clubs or societies can be an absolute game changer for your university experience.
I understand that coming to university can be a very daunting time. But it doesn't have to be, I've put together my top 15 tips and tricks to ease your transition into Derby University.
Mon 03 Apr 2023
Consider nominating yourself for one of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Student Officer positions.
Fri 31 Mar 2023
As the Women History Month comes to an end, I felt like there was the need to talk about a group of women who don’t always get the credit they deserve: those are the women in STEM.
Thu 23 Mar 2023
And so the time has come for me to step down from this position, it has truly been an incredible experience.
Mon 06 Mar 2023
In the last few months, there has been an increase in staff strikes from different industries across the country, including the educational industry.
Thu 23 Feb 2023
Over this last year I’ve been able to meet lots of students and I'm often asked 'why is your skin RED some days and not the next?'
Tue 15 Nov 2022
Creating a new sport offering, focusing upon the social aspect and in turn improving our halls of residence offering, we are slowly but surely widening access to sport for all.
Fri 04 Nov 2022
Are you considering doing an industrial year and need help with the process? The careers service has just the right thing for you.
Fri 14 Oct 2022
Your Union President on Student Safety
Wed 28 Sep 2022
UDo is your University of Derby student portal, hosting a range of information, advice and services to support you during your time at Derby and we'd like to know what you think.
During my time in office I pledge to:
Some of the campaigns I have been/will be working on this year.
My reports from Scrutiny Panel and AGMs.