Student Activities » Frequently Asked Questions
The Student Activities Department would like to welcome you to the wonderful (and sometimes weird) world of Student Activities. The following information is a rough guide to Clubs and Societies and we have highlighted the most common questions that people ask us.
If you have any queries, at any time, about sports clubs or student societies then please pop in to the UDSU office in the Dome or give us a call.
How do UDSU Student Activities work?
All UDSU Clubs and Societies are run by students for students, and have to meet UDSU criteria before they can set up.
The Committee that runs the Club or Society is elected at an Annual General Meeting by the members of the group. Any member is entitled to stand for election for a Committee position. Each Committee must have a minimum of a President, Secretary and Treasurer, although your group may have extra positions.
What is my commitment once I’ve joined?
It is entirely up to you! Some groups need more commitment than others; likewise some are more expensive to be involved in than others.
What will I get out of it?
The list is endless, and it quite often depends on which Club or Society you have joined. It is an opportunity to meet new people who have the same interests as you, or possibly have a go at something you’ve never tried before. No matter what level of your involvement, being a member of a Club or Society always looks good on your C.V. Its even better if you have been on a Committee and can show experience of skills like time management.
What happens to the membership fees I pay?
Affiliated Clubs and Activities have two bank accounts with UDSU. The social account where your membership money is paid into is solely for money raised by the Club or Society. The grant accounts are where subsidy from UDSU, in the form of a grant is paid into.
All Clubs and Societies have to raise their own funds and pay a percentage of the running costs themselves. Each member of a group is entitled to know what money is being spent by the Committee, so you are quite within your rights to ask the Treasurer about the accounts.
What if the Club/Society is not very active?
It’s up to the members of the group to decide how much or little to be involved in. If you feel you could be doing a lot more, speak to the members of the Committee – they are elected to represent the membership as well as to run the group
Who do I contact if I am unhappy with the Club / Society I joined?
The first people to speak to are the members of the Committee. They are elected to represent you and should listen to your ideas or criticisms. If you feel you cannot speak to the Committee members then contact the Student Activities elected officers or staff, who will be pleased to help you.
Safety
Everyone has some kind of responsibility for someone else, whether whilst playing sport, driving a minibus or enjoying your chosen activity. UDSU is committed to improving safety in Union activities (see the back of your membership form), so if you have any worries, concerns or just want a bit more information, please contact the Student Activities Department in the offices at Kedleston Road.
Important information regarding insurance is contained in the Safety in Student Activities leaflet available from UDSU. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately covered for your personal circumstances.
Sports and Societies Ball
The Sports and Societies Ball is held in March each year, and includes the awards presentation ceremony for all Student Activities. This is the event of the year for Sports and Societies. Tickets are on sale in January and the night includes a meal, guest speaker and entertainment.