Winchester Student Union is the Students' Union for the University of Winchester.
The union was formed in the 1960s and has been known as both King Alfred's College Students' Union and King Alfred's Student Union ("KASU"). The not for profit organisation, which is funded by a University grant and commercial services revenues became known as Winchester Student Union in June 2004, and continues as the main representational body for all students of the parent institution - now The University of Winchester [1] (formerly - King Alfred's College and University College Winchester). (The University gained full University title in summer 2005 and taught degree awarding powers shortly afterwards.
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There are a number of sports teams at the University of Winchester supported by their members and the Students Union, the majority of these teams take part in BUSA leagues. The teams at the University include 4 Football teams, 3 Netball teams, 3 Hockey teams, a Rugby Union team, 2 Rugby Sevens Teams, a Tennis team, 2 Basketball teams as well as a variety of other sports including an athletics team with new international coaching additions.
Every year the Students Union organises a sports tour for the aforementioned teams, a chance to play other universities abroad, during the Easter break. Previous tour locations include:
As well as the numerous sports teams, Winchester Student Union is also home to many student societies for students of The University of Winchster, such as "Performing Arts Winchester" (the amateur dramatics society that arranges and performs shows for students and staff, as well public performances), and "RockSoc" (a society formed through like-minded fans of rock and metal music), "WAMS" (Winchester Anime and Manga Society) and "WARGS" (Winchester Association of Roleplays and Gamers).
As well as providing shops, bars and entertainment, the Union is a democratically run organisation. All students of The University of Winchester [2] are automatically members of The Union. The President and Vice President Participation & Development are full-time sabbatical officers who are elected from amongst the students to oversee the smooth running of the Union and its services and to ensure that it responds to student demand. They are aided by an Executive Committee and Union Council all of whom are elected from, and are accountable to the student body. Continuity and professional expertise are provided by permanent staff, and there are opportunities for students to work in the bars, shops, offices, and as security stewards. The Union provides welfare, academic advice, and representation to students, and the President, along with part-time officers responsible for specific areas, has responsibility for co-ordinating this work. The President is also a Governor of the University and through the Union, students are represented on University Committees. The Union can also support student appeals to the University. The Union runs campaigns each year, promoting student health and welfare issues.
The Elected officers for 2011/2012 are:
Winchester Student Union is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS) [3] and through the National Union is committed to giving students everywhere representation at the highest level and co-ordinating national campaigns on student issues. Students are given the opportunity to attend national demonstrations and conferences on student issues and the right to be elected into national positions.
Winchester Student Union is currently ranked as the 2nd greenest student union within Britain, as for the year 2009/2010 the Union won the Gold Award in the NUS award system entitled: the Sound Impact awards