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4 Welcome 5 Your Cambridge SU 6 Your Sabbatical Team 10 Find us 11 Services 12 Checklist 13 Michaelmas Term Card 14 Advice Service 15 Guide to Cambridge 16 Getting around 17 Getting the most from your degree 19 Access 21 Portfolio Officers 22 Student Democracy 24 Sources of Support 26 COVID-19 Guidance 27 What we are working on this year 28 Get Involved 30 Cambridge SU Campaigns 35 JCR’s/MCR’s 36 Sports Clubs and Societies 38 Jargon Buster WELCOME!

Hello,

We hope you are excited to begin your undergraduate or postgraduate journey at Cambridge! Our Presidents: Ben and Aastha

The SU is here to support you entirely remotely. We are here to make the most of your time to support and represent all here. of you, and we will endeavour to make everyone feel a part With a global pandemic of the Cambridge community affecting many aspects of wherever you are in the world. our lives, we know that the nervousness that might come This guide will give you all the anyway with moving to a new information you need to know city is mixed in with questions as a new student, from what the and concerns about university SU does, to clubs and societies, life. We are here to listen to to places to go, to a guide to all you, represent your voices to the jargon you might hear. We the university and advocate for hope this will help you get the your best interests. most out of your new university.

This academic year is set We wish you a rewarding year apart as one where people ahead and look forward to will experience Cambridge in representing you. different ways; some learning in person, some learning online in the city, and some studying & your cambridge su

Cambridge SU is the representative body for all students at the university, which you are automatically made a member of when you join the university. We are a new organisation, resulting from the merging of the old SU and Graduate Union, so now represent all undergraduate and postgraduate students under one banner.

Officers are elected from within the student body in Lent Termof every year and begin working full-time in July. We are committed to representing student interests, whether that be on university committees, through our campaigns representing different constituencies, or through our Advice Service.

Getting involved in the SU is easy, and this guide contains information about what we do, the events we run, and how our democracy works.

YOUR SABBATICAL OFFICERS your sabbatical Team

siyang (they/them) access, education & participation officer (PG) My job is to represent and organise students on the issues of access to postgraduate study at the University, postgraduates' educational experiences here, and their ability to participate fully in student life. My top priorities for the year are increasing targeted funding for disadvantaged postgraduates, improving postgraduate supervision and pastoral support, and building networks of postgraduate student power through the academic representative and other systems.

/SUAEPPG @SU_AEPPG

esme (she/her) access, education & participation officer (UG) My role is to tackle barriers to representation and participation at Cambridge, whilst also working to reflect on and improve students’ educational experience here. My interactions are generally triangulated between the university (management & staff), prospective and current students. My top priority this year will be protecting both current and prospective students against the uncertainty created by the pandemic, democratising the university’s outreach, and investigating/addressing pre- existing inequalities such as attainment gaps. /AEPUGSU @SU_AEPUG 6 Howard (he/him) black & minority ethnic officer My job is to advocate for BME students on university committees and build a welcoming community for BME students through the BME Campaign. The campaign meets in fortnightly Forums to democratically make decisions about anti-racist organising and is open to anyone who self-identifies as BME. My main priorities for this year are to strengthen the BME student voice by supporting J/ MCR BME reps & community-wide groups that campaign for racial justice and improve support services & reporting procedures for students who experience racist harassment.

/CAMBRIDGESUBME @ SU_BME

rensa (she/they) disabled students’ officer There are two parts to my role: working with disabled students to build a welcoming community within the Disabled Students' Campaign on an individual level, and also representing disabled students at university meetings, to secure long-term change as decided democratically by our members. I'll be pushing for a more disability-friendly education such as introducing coursework and recording lectures by default, training individual officers and interested students on disability rights so we all know what we're entitled to, and making sure that the support needed is properly funded by the university.

/SUDISABLED @SU_DISABLED 7 Aastha (she/her) president (PG) My role is to represent and lobby for student interests at the University level decision making bodies. This year my priorities are ensuring fair treatment for students as University research teaching and learning are re-imagined amidst the COVID pandemic. I will work to strengthen the SU’s relationship with J/MCRs, Department and Faculty Representatives to achieve better support for student mental health which is affected by structural factors such as: relationships with supervisors and college tutors, access to mental health services and funding. /SUPRESIDENTPG @SU_PRESIDENTPG

ben (he/him) president (UG) My job is to represent students on university committees, provide support to student campaigns, and liaise with college representatives on their projects. I also chair the SU Exec, which is made up of representatives from different constituencies. My top priorities for this year are making sure the university puts student and staff safety first during the pandemic, making workloads more sustainable, and ensuring that the university interacts ethically with the world around it.

/SUPRESIDENTUG @SU_PRESIDENTUG

8 alice (she/her) welfare & community officer My role is to support the work of all students campaigning for social justice and welfare rights in Cambridge. As this role newly draws in the work of different communities, I’m hoping to link up more with local community campaigns as well as workers’ unions across the University such as UCU, Unite and UNISON. I hope my work will join up student and staff issues, such as rents and housing justice, working and learning conditions, and of course full provision for staff and students during the pandemic.

/ALICE.SU.WELFARE @ALICE_WELFARE

chloe (she/they) women’s officer My job is to represent and advocate for the needs of women and non-binary students at a University level through the work of the Women’s Campaign. The campaign acts as a space for feminist political organising through our weekly forums but more importantly as a community space for students at the University. This year I aim to make the campaign an engaging and inclusive space that can establish meaningful networks of solidarity amongst all women and non-binary students.

/SUWOMENS @ SU_WOMENS

9 find us

Due to the pandemic, our offices are unlikey to Our address is: be open to students for at least Michaelmas Term. Once our building reopens, you can find our reception, where you can access our services, and The Students’ Advice Service, on the first floor.

The SU Offices, where your Sabbatical Officers work, can be found on the lower ground floor. This 17 Mill Lane is also where you’ll find RAG (Raising & Giving), Cambridge TCS (The Cambridge Student Publication), and CB2 1RX SCA (Student Community Action). There is step, lift, and ramp access to the building and gender neutral toilets. Follow us We will be moving Facebook pages, for now you can find us here: /cambridgesuonline

But soon we will be here: /yourcambridgesu

@yourcambsu @yourcambridgesu

www. www.cambridgesu.co.uk services The SU lounge on 17 Mill Lane is also home to a wealth of services to support you in your studies.

SU Print shop The SU Print Shop provides low cost, quality printing for thesis, dissertations, posters, flyers and zines. Our one stop shop offers printing, binding, laminating, scanning and copying and our friendly team are here to assist and advise on University standards and submission processes. The Print Shop is located just off the SU Lounge and is open 9:30-5:30 every weekday.

Gown Hire & sales A competitively priced range of BA & MA gowns are available for hire or purchase from the SU. All of our gowns are made from recycled plastic bottles making them the perfect sustainable alternative to traditional robes whilst still meeting University standards for those all important occassions!

Room and Equipment hire The SU lounge and meeting rooms are available to societies for hire. Whether you are looking for a comfortable space to host committee meetings, interviews or even a party, get in touch for more info!

E-shop To keep our services accessible during the pandemic, the SU will be launching an online shop to help minimise waiting times. Your SU e-shop will provide a range of essential products to students including stationery, bike accessories, merch and more - all with click and collect for contactless sales.

For more information on the range of services your SU provides, and when we’re back open, visit www.cambridgesu.co.uk/yourunion/ services/ checklist

SU THINGS TO DO

Download the StudentLink App from the App store Follow us on socials Visit the Virtual Freshers Fair on the 6th & 7th October at: www.cambridgesufreshersfair.co.uk

Add the sabbatical Officers on Facebook

Sign up to the mailing list of a society at the Fresher’s Fair Sign the Demand Safe Cambridge open letter

GET TO KNOW CAMBRIDGE

Visit the University Botanic Gardens (students can go for free!)

Go punting

Spend time outdoors at one of Cambridge’s lovely green spaces all with plenty of room for social distancing; Jesus Green, Parkers Piece and Christ's Pieces

Visit the Museums: Kettles Yard, Fitzwilliam and the Heong Gallery

Take a trip to Granchester meadows for the day Michaelmas term card

Be sure to visit our events page on www.cambridgesu.co.uk/whatson for information about dates, times, & locations.

Disabled students’ BME SPeed friending DISABLED STUDENTS’ campaign SOcial BME 5th October CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN 3rd October

Virtual Freshers’ Fair WOMCAM Freshers’ Social WOMEN’S 6th & 7th October CAMPAIGN 9th October

CLASS ACT Solidarity and political freshers’ week CLASS ACT Welfare Drop-in Call 12th October CAMPAIGN 11th Ocober

student council LGBT+ Virtual Freshers’ 12th october LGBT+ Social CAMPAIGN 13th October

Essential Skills for ETHICAL AFFAIRS Student/ Supporting Students ETHICAL AFFAIRS Staff Solidarity CAMPAIGN 14th October 16th October

Bridgemas International michaelmas elections INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ Food Exchange Late November CAMPAIGN 27th November (tbc) Struggling to settle in? Feeling homesick?

THE STUDENT ADVICE SERVICE OFFERS FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, AND INDEPENDENT ADVICE, INFO, SUPPORT, AND REPRESENTATION TO ALL CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

Our friendly, professionally trained team of advisors is here to chat about any concerns you might have during your time at Cambridge - from academic issues and taking time out of your studies, to personal issues and resolving disputes, and everything in between! They’ll help you explore your options, support you in resolving problems, and can also represent you within your College or the University. They can advise you by email, phone, or video call appointment. The Student Advice Service is open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, year round.

www.cambridgesu.co.uk [email protected] 01223 746999 STUDENT ADVICE SERVICE guide to cambridge Cambridge can be a confusing town to navigate. Here are some tips and tricks from students to help you make the most out of your time here!

TIP 1 Green spaces are excellent places to socialise - safely and for free! Make sure to check out Jesus Green, Christs’ Pieces, Midsummer Common, Fen Ditton, Logan’s Meadow, Parker’s Piece, Mill Pond & Granchester Meadows.

TIP 2 Sainsbury’s isn’t the only place in town where you can do your shopping - check out these other spots that are less frequented by students but offer greater selections at a better price: ASDA superstore - beehive centre, Tesco superstore - Newmarket Road, ALDI - histon road and the Grafton Centre.

TIP 3 The big supermarkets have growing ‘international food’ aisles but the selection can still be a bit patchy. If you’re looking for a taste of home, here are some grocers and shops you can check out: Jia Mart, Seoul Plaza, Al-Amin, Cho Mee Supermarket and Nasreen Dar.

TIP 4 With colleges likely to restrict public access to their facilities in the year ahead, you might find yourself in town without a bathroom to go to - luckily for you, there are a few bathrooms that are open to the public: Lion Yard, Grand Arcade and Drummer Street. 15 getting around

cycling Cambridge is quite small, and so most places can be walked to if you’re able to or feel up to it. Because of its size, Cambridge has fostered a bit of a cycling culture, and using a bike is incredibly common here, even for relatively short distances. There are many bike shops to choose from, and some do rentals if you want to try out cycling, but the best deal will be getting a bike second hand - have a look on second hand websites, or see if anyone is selling a bike via your J/MCR networks. Bike and wheel theft is common, so be sure to lock both wheels and use a strong lock. buses Buses in Cambridge are fairly regular, and are great for getting to further away places like the West Cambridge site where there are lectures, labs, and the University Sports Centre, or if you need to go to Cambridge’s hospital, Addenbrookes. Buses can be quite pricey, even for short journeys, so it’s often worth getting a day ticket, which is around £5 for Stagecoach buses or £3 for the Universal bus. Your SU is currently campaigning to improve the Universal service so that it better serves colleges like Homerton and Girton! Information on Cambridge’s various bus services can be found here: www.cambridgeshire. gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/buses/bus- timetables/ taxi’s While not cheap, taxis can be a lifesaver. Cambridge has multiple taxi companies, and it’s always good to have the number of at least one saved in your phone for emergencies. Here are the numbers for a couple of companies: Panther cabs: 01223 715 715 and via their app Camcab: 01223 704 704 and via their app A1 Cabs: 01223 313 131 If you need taxis for health reasons (e.g. to get to lectures safely), speak to your tutor as colleges can normally pay for these for you. getting the most from your degree

Academic Representatives are the voice of students in faculties, departments and schools. They run on unique manifestos and are then academic elected by their subject peers to fulfil this role, reps which is an exciting opportunity to actively shape the educational experience that Cambridge offers its students! Their responsibilities broadly consist of taking students’ ideas and concerns to faculty and department boards, relaying important information from those boards back to students, and organising with their peers to foster a subject community. Often individual reps will also engage with the broader network of academic reps across the university, as well as with the Students’ Union, to share knowledge and work collaboratively for change.

other academic reps & the SU

student subject faculty, department ACADEMIC REP body & school boards

To get the most out of their education, students should have

an active say in what their course looks like. That’s where “ “ reps come in! We find out what students like/don’t like about their subject and work with staff and student organisations (e.g. the SU) and find solutions to issues students raise. ALFIE VAUGHAN Undergraduate Rep for MMLL (2018-19) The academic rep role will be more important this year than ever, as the pandemic has resulted in significant alterations to teaching and learning. The challenges of remote learning will mean that communicating students’ concerns and building community within subjects is crucial. Make sure to contact your academic rep with any subject-related queries and concerns that arise throughout the year! You can identify them easily by logging into the Cambridge SU website.

Interested in becoming an academic rep yourself? The next elections will take place in November 2020 for this academic year and we’d love to see lots of people run for these instrumental representative roles! Once elected, you’ll receive training from the SU and continued support from the Access, Education and Participation Officers through regular academic forums.

You can find more information on our website: www.cambridgesu.co.uk/yourvoice/academicreps

Feel free to email Kate, the Student Rep Coordinator for the SU, with any further thoughts or questions: [email protected]

Or you can email your Access, Education & Participation Officers at [email protected] & siyang.wei@cambridgesu. co.uk

Being a representative puts you in a unique position to

create relationships with staff and students alike; you can “not only start conversations about people’s experiences “ and how to improve them, but also tangibly change how the year takes shape for your cohort and future ones.

MICHELLE CHERIPKA Sociology MPhil Rep (2019-20) access

'Access' (aka widening participation) is a political term, because it's about justice. When we ask why certain social groups are underrepresented at Cambridge, we point to the structural conditions of the University, the education system, and society as a whole that produce unequal outcomes for working class and other marginalised people. Access work means identifying these structures and working together to dismantle them. And although admissions are a key focus, access also means ensuring that disadvantaged students have the necessary financial, pastoral, and educational support while at Cambridge.

As current students, we are able to use our positions to make change; Cambridge is home to a variety of student-led widening participation schemes, aimed at emboldening and informing disadvantaged potential applications. You can also get involved in campaigning for lower rent, better postgraduate funding, or to bring attention to any number of local and national issues that impact access to higher education.

Shadowing scheme

The Shadowing Scheme offers an immersive insight into student life at Cambridge University for Year 12 students who might be less likely to apply as a result of their background. The scheme is normally residential but will be taking place virtually this year due to the pandemic and we need YOU to help us with this by signing up to be a mentor! Being a mentor is an amazing way to encourage underrepresented students to apply here, as you have the opportunity to facilitate their experience of contact hours and social activities. You can also offer invaluable support which extends beyond the week of the scheme which will run in Lent term 2021. Sign up to be a mentor here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/beashadowingschemementor 19 The Cambridge Access Movement Originating as CambTweet, a scheme where student reps for different subjects tweeted about their daily life, this project has expanded into a movement across various social media platforms. The aim is to provide a comprehensive insight into the Cambridge student experience and so encourage applications from a range of backgrounds. If you’re keen to get involved in The Cambridge Access Movement, you can register an interest at forms.gle/1YihUTAemzANvVUT9 or you can message the social media pages or email Alex ([email protected]). Follow their social media:

/cambridgeaccessmovement #Cambtweet

@cambridgeaccessmovement /TheCambridgeAccessMovement

CAMbassadors CAMbassadors are student volunteers who collaborate with the Cambridge Admissions Office to run events designed for prospective students. As a volunteer you receive training and will then be called upon to participate in access events, from panel discussions to tours, which you can get involved in on a flexible basis.

InsideUni This project is designed to demystify the Oxbridge application process by providing extensive and widely accessible information online - everything from interview testimonials to webinars. You can check out their website at insideuni.org and join their team of dedicated volunteers if you’re keen to get involved! 20 portfolio officers

Alongside your full-time sabbatical officer team and the SU campaigns, the SU Exec also has four “portfolio officers”, who are elected to represent specific groups of students to the SU and University, and lead campaigns on issues affecting those students.

Part-Time Students’ Officer Double-Time Officer Jill Damatac-Futter Anna Ward

The part-time students’ officer Double-time is where students represents students who study an undergraduate course are studying courses at the over an extended period of University part-time. time for health reasons.

Mature Students Officer Student Families Officer Debbie Aitken Vacant

Mature students at Cambridge This role represents students are undergraduates who were who are responsible for 22 or older at the beginning of children as a parent or their course, or postgraduates guardian. Could this be you? who started at the university We’ll be running elections for when they were 25 or older. a Student Families Officer later this Term. student democracy

Cambridge SU along with every other Students’ Union in the country is run by you, its members! Our role is to protect the interests of students at Cambridge, by representing students on university committees and campaigning for changes to be made to make Cambridge a better place for all of us. We play an important role in shaping how the University looks and ensuring that it works in the interests of students. To help us do this we rely massively on student input. We want to make sure that students are right at the heart of Cambridge SU’s work. As such, there are a variety of different channels through which you are represented at Cambridge SU, from the college to faculty to university level.

You have the opportunity to get involved with the SU in a range of ways, whether through the SU Campaigns, your JCR/MCR or running for an SU position. If you have any thoughts on University or SU policy you can get in touch with one of your elected representatives or come along to SU Council.

SU policy

Policy sets out the principles by which Cambridge SU conducts itself and its campaigns, and mandates the Executive to carry out specific actions. The sabbatical and part-time officers are bound by policy, and held to account for its delivery by Student Council. Student council

Every two weeks during term, Student Council offers students the opportunity to hold their officers to account on their manifesto promises and to vote on new policy. Voting members include the SU exec, an undergraduate and postgraduate representative from each college, and school academic representatives. Any student can attend Student Council, join discussions and propose motions.

SU executive committee The elected SU executive committee oversees the work of the SU and delegates who will carry out policy. Members include the sabbatical officers, representatives from all SU campaigns, and elected portfolio officers.

SU elections The SU holds elections every term for different representative positions, ranging from academic representatives to NUS delegates to full-time sabbatical officers. These positions allow you to make your mark on student life and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university! sources of support

Life as a student at Cambridge is full of new exciting, rewarding and fulfilling opportunities. However, while you may be here to study, it is important to make sure you look after your mental health, take breaks from work, find time to socialise and time for yourself amidst all the business of a Cambridge term.

There are many places where you can find support if you are struggling at all, on both a college and university level. Your College pastoral team, college nurse and J/MCR welfare officers are all there to support you from your college, and there is a huge network of support for students at a University level and provided by the SU. In particular, the Students’ Union runs the Student Advice Service, which provides incredible support and advice for all students across the University. If you are a postgraduate student, we’d suggest you join the UCU, the Union which represents academic and academic- related staff working in Further and Higher Education in the UK (masters students join free!).

The University Counselling Service The University Counselling Service (UCS) provides students with free counselling, workshops, and group sessions. There is also a specialist Sexual Assault and Harassment Advisor (Amy Thompson - www. counselling.cam.ac.uk/sexual-assault-and-harassment-advisor) based within the service who provides support for survivors of sexual violence.

nightline If you need to talk to someone at night, Nightline (01223 744444) is a student-run anonymous listening line that runs from 7 pm to 7 am during full term. You can find their website here: www.cambridge. nightline.ac.uk/ 24 The disability resource centre The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is a great source of support, and can help you get a diagnosis or disclose a condition if you haven't already. They provide everything from guidance on assessments and reasonable adjustments to study skills, mentors and much more.

The childcare office The Childcare [email protected] ( ) provides support for students and staff with children, and we run a Parent and Toddler Group every Friday, 10am-12 noon (in and out of term time) at the University Centre, Mill Lane.

su free sexual health products Cambridge SU provides free sexual health products (from condoms and femidoms to pregnancy tests) that you can access anonymously via your college Welfare Officer or directly from our E-shop.

CAmbridge university accomodation service The Cambridge University Accommodation Service provides free accommodation advice for anyone coming to the University as visiting scholars, members of staff, and anyone studying full time here. covid-19 guidance This is an unprecedented year with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but your SU is here to help you get the best out of your experience here. The SU and its campaigns will be running online events throughout the term to get involved with, so keep an eye out on our social media and the weekly bulletin to find out more. Aside from that, here is what you need to know about COVID-19 in the university. GuidelinesGuidelines

In the university, as with elsewhere in the country, the minimum guidelines you have to follow are those issued by Public Health England.

The university has issued a set of general guidelines, which should be followed by all members of the university. The information is compiled on the Stay Safe Cambridge University, which is linked here. On top of this, all colleges have their own sets of guidelines in place, which you should have received prior to coming to Cambridge. If you do not have access to this, you should get in touch with a member of your J/MCR or tutor as a first port of call. here are some places providing specific COVID-19 support: • Cambridgeshire Coronavirus Mutual Aid: for anyone able to help or requiring help and support • Cambridge Shielders Community: for students shielding during the pandemic • Cambridge City Foodbank: Food/item/monetary donations very much needed! Donate here • Samaritans have advice and support for those worried about their mental health during the pandemic • Self-care share pod: support and ideas in time of isolation • The University Counselling Service have compiled a page of sources of support • When Ladies Can't Lunch: fun ideas and support group for 25 women and non-binary people what we are working on this year Your sabbatical officers with specific roles each have individual goals that they intend to work towards this year, but as a team they will be working collectively on various projects. This year these include:

Ensuring that the University is a safe environment for its community. Our #DemandSafeCambridge campaign aims to secure greater consistency on health and safety measures across the University and its Colleges, as well as greater transparency and student-staff involvement in decision- making. You can find more information about the campaign and how to get involved on our website: www.cambridgesu.co.uk/yourvoice/ projects/demandsafecambridge Tackling student loneliness, particularly in the context of the pandemic and remote learning.

Improving student democracy and supporting student efforts to shape the university that they want to see, whether this is through academic representation, elected student bodies, groups, or campaigns. Strengthening student safeguarding through training for student- facing staff and better support services and reporting procedures for students who experience harassment

Fighting for social justice, workers' justice and climate justice in coalition with student and local campaigners across the University and colleges.

If you're feeling inspired to get involved or have a campaign idea of your own, get in touch with any of the officers on Facebook or by email! get involved!

Students and students’ unions have historically been at the forefront of many movements for social and political change. At Cambridge, we have a rich history of organising collectively for justice, whether on local and University issues or on national and international scales. Looking back, we can learn from what students have achieved in the past and be inspired to further their radical legacy. There’s so much we couldn’t include, but check out the timeline below for a (potted) history!

1969 - Students occupy a Mill Lane Lecture Room and the University 1972/73 - Rejection of proposed reforms Centre, then march to and occupy the to the Economics tripos leads to a year Old Schools. They demand changes of action demanding democratic student such as ‘gate hour’ reform, an end input in Uni decisions, culminating in a to University representation on the 1,500-student march to Senate House to City Council, and democratisation of deliver a petition for reform. CSU wins the existing Student Representative representation on Uni committees. Council. timeline of

1955 - Graduate Union founded

1975 - CSU Women’s Campaign and Nursery Action Group lead a 1600-student occupation of Senate House over the lack of nursery care for full-time 1971 - Cambridge Students’ students. The University agrees Union is formed as a ‘central, to fund student nursery places open union’ to represent all the following year. higher education students in Cambridge. 2010/11 - Students occupy 1999 - CUSU leads a Senate House and disrupt university-wide rent Universities Minister David strike, preventing rent Willets’ speech at Lady increases and forcing Mitchell Hall, in opposition colleges to include to tuition fee increases 2020 - Cambridge SU JCRs and MCRs in and cuts to the Education replaces CUSU and rent negotiations. Maintenance Allowance. the GU, combining undergrad and postgrad representation and introducing a full-time BME Officer role. activism

2007 - WomCam leads a campaign to prevent the closure of Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre, recruiting 50 student volunteers and 2018 - Over 50 students occupy Old Schools securing help from the City in support of the UCU strike against pension Council. cuts. They secure an open meeting with Vice- Chancellor Stephen Toope, attended by 550 staff and students.

If you want to support our campaigns this year or have a campaign idea of your own, get in touch with any of the officers on Facebook or by email! You can also get involved with Cambridge SU’s autonomous campaigns - turn over to find out more... campaigns

Cambridge SU Campaigns represent and campaign for students’ rights on issues that affect their education and welfare. The campaigns organise their own events throughout the year, ranging from issues such as ‘Decolonising the Curriculum’ to panels on gender equality and feminism. They are a great way to get involved in political organising, meet others from marginalised backgrounds, and get involved in student activism. The seven campaigns are:

• Black and Minority Ethnic Students Campaign (BME) • Class Act Campaign, Disabled Students’ Campaign (DSC) • Ethical Affairs Campaign • International Students Campaign (ISC) • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students + Campaign (LGBT+) • Women’s Campaign (WomCam)

black & minority ethnic CAMPAIGN BME CAMPAIGN

So, you may be wondering who is the BME Campaign? Can I be involved? The BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) Campaign is a liberation campaign within the Cambridge Student’s Union that lobbies the University on issues regarding race and racism at Cambridge. Our work spans from community building right through to fighting institutional racism. To name a few highlights we have held forums on BME mental health and we also created an Open Letter in support of the Black Lives Matter movement with over 4,500 signatures. The BME Campaign is a place of life, a space for celebration, and a team ready to bring change. If you identify as BME, then you can shape the work we do, and be involved in creating it: find us on Facebook or the SU Website. See you then!

/CambridgeBME @CambridgeBME @cambridgebme CLASS ACT CAMPAIGN CLASS ACT CAMPAIGN

Cambridge SU Class Act represents and campaigns for any students at the University of Cambridge who self identify as having experienced social, educational, cultural or economic disadvantage. This could mean lots of different things, like being working-class, low income, first generation, care experienced, estranged and much more. We also act as a network for students with similar experiences who often feel out of place in the wider University. We have lots of Facebook group chats, host lots of events, and have a super welcoming and friendly community! Join our Freshers Group here: www.facebook.com/groups/595595151382483 Sign up to our Buddy Scheme: https://forms.gle/XrYVjze1Yvo3VeLV9

/CambridgeClassAct @classactcamb

DISABLED disabled students’ CAMPAIGN STUDENTS’ CAMPAIGN

The Cambridge SU Disabled Students’ Campaign is a community of hundreds of students, both undergrad and postgrad, who have or have had a range of conditions such as physical disabilities, chronic illness, mental health issues, learning difficulties, neurodivergence, mobility impairments and lots more. No diagnosis required - if you think you might be a disabled student we would love to have you! We run socials, online peer support groups and chats, and also work with our full time Disabled Students’ Officer to push for reform within the university on issues like reducing rent for accessible rooms, making coursework a real option and letting students know about Double Time (part time for health reasons). Find us on social media and get involved!

/CambridgeDSC @CambridgeDSC @CambridgeDSC ETHICAL ethical affairs CAMPAIGN AFFAIRS CAMPAIGN

We campaign on issues relating to environmental and social justice, with the key points being: climate justice, workers’ rights, migrant justice and ending ties with the Arms industry. It’s our responsibility to hold the University and colleges to account for their role in the wider world. This year we will be putting a lot of our effort towards the University’s upcoming vote about Divesting from fossil fuels in what could be a monumental turning point in a long-running student campaign. We will also continue to support the Justice 4 Workers Campaign, pushing for increased worker protection in light of COVID-19 and ensuring low- paid staff are not the ones impacted most by financial cuts. We will be holding central Ethical Affairs open meetings. We are always keen for new involvement from anyone passionate about making change in the University!

/EthicalAffairs @ethicalaffairs @ethicalaffairs

INTERNATIONAL international students’ CAMPAIGN STUDENTS’ CAMPAIGN

The International Students’ Campaign (ISC) represents, campaigns for and runs events for the international community in the University of Cambridge, advocating for the interests of international students and serving as a central body for all international societies and affairs. Our events, such as International Freshers Week, International Food Festival and regular social events are designed to help you meet students from across the globe. ISC campaigns for international students on access, anti-discrimination and health issues at Cambridge, with an emphasis on accountable, fair treatment of international students in terms of accommodation, safety, travel and health concerns. Please contact us via the email below or through our Facebook page. /internationalstudentcampaign @i_sc_2020 lgbt+ CAMPAIGN CLASS ACT CAMPAIGN

We are the Cambridge SU LGBT+ campaign. We work to represent and campaign for LGBT+ students within the students’ union and university. We also run events and provide welfare services. The campaign is overseen by an elected committee that has roles that deal with managing the campaign and representing all parts of the LGBT+ community. Throughout term we will be running events, from casual catch-ups; to workshops that help plan our campaigning work; to welfare drop in sessions. We also have events that cater to specific parts of the community such as ace/aro, trans/NB and bi/pan. If you want to get involved please sign up for our newsletter, follow our social medias, and check out our term card. We are always open and welcome and have a no identity-policing policy. Feel free also to get in touch with any of the committee if you have any questions or queries.

/lgbtcusu @cusulgbtplus @cusulgbtplusofficial

women’s CAMPAIGN WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN

The Women’s Campaign is an autonomous campaigning space for all women and non-binary students at Cambridge. More than that, we act as community that will welcome, support and celebrate you during your time at Cambridge and beyond. We work through our weekly forums to advocate for your interests at an institutional, social and cultural level. Forum and campaign activities are led by our full time Women’s Officer and an elected committee of undergraduate and postgraduate students. If you are interested in feminist organising then make sure you come to our Fresher’s events and consider running for committee roles this term. We always welcome new faces and ideas.

/CUSUWomen @cambridgewomcam Getting involved in the BME Campaign is one “ of the best things I’ve done since starting at Cambridge. It allows you to advocate for the rights and welfare of other BME students, helping to leave a legacy for those who will come after us. As Women’s and Non-Binary officer, I get to work on my own community building projects whilst working with other committee members on various events

and tasks. I’ve gained so much confidence through

this role and can now clearly express my ideas and views on issues I care “ about. It was also a great way to make friends and forge connections with like-minded people.

MAYA MCFARLANE BME Campaign’s Women’s and Non-Binary Officer (2020-2021)

political freshers’ week Political Freshers’ Week is an event run collaboratively by different campaigns from Cambridge SU. It will be two weeks of talks, workshops and skillshares about how to make a difference in issues of Social Justice in Cambridge. It’s also a great way to see the different campaigns in action and learn more about how to get involved. The whole event will be two weeks From Monday October 12th or Sunday October 18th. All the workshops will happen at 6pm and will be online (closed captioning will be available at every event). Find out more information at cambridgesu.co.uk/whatson

ETHICAL hosted by: AFFAIRS BME WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN

34 jcr’s/ mcr’s

Your JCR/MCR is the representative body for students in your college. They come under different names depending on the college, but you should have met them or been in contact with them during college induction events!

They are elected student committees who represent the students of your college and organise events. JCR stands for Junior Combination Room and represents undergraduates, while MCR stands for Middle Combination room and represents postgradutes.

The SU works closely with JCRs and MCRs, helping them share good strategies for making changes across colleges colleges, providing them with resources, and training elected representatives.

At least twice a term we host College Forum, where the co-Presidents of the SU bring together JCR and MCR representatives to discuss common issues and strategies for solving them. JCR and MCR committees vary, but will normally have an elected president, welfare officers, liberation officers and ‘ents’ officers.

Elections take place every year and being on a committee is a great way to make changes in your college while supporting fellow students. Every JCR and MCR has the right to send a member to SU Council and vote on behalf of their students. sports clubs & societies

Cambridge has close to 1,000 student-run clubs and societies, both university-wide and within colleges. This means that there is a chance for you to get involved at whatever level suits you.

Cambridge SU runs a directory where clubs and societies can have a page advertising what they do and publish their events. You can find all of this via the directory on our website: www.cambridgesu.co.uk/opportunities/societies

Students often say that it was being a part of a club or society that really made their time at university. There are groups to suit all interests. If you think something is missing, you can start your own!

This year, the SU has added new support for clubs and societies, with dedicated staff support and a new website that allows clubs and societies to add videos, photo galleries, news and events calendars to their directory listing.

Getting involved in University level sports was an

“amazing opportunity to meet people from outside of my college and course. The chance to engage in social events, team“ training and inter-University competitions allowed me to cultivate a space separate from my academics and keep a healthy work-life balance! CHLOE NEWBOLD Cambridge SU Women’s Officer Member of Cambridge Uni Taekwondo

36 Classics society was a great way to make friends, “both with people in my year and course, and people in other years that I otherwise wouldn’t have met. The social events were a great way to relax and chat in a chill environment, while the more academic society events, such as panels on

disability and classics and decolonising classics,

really pushed the boundaries of the discipline and gave me a chance to talk with academics from outside Cambridge, some“ of whom I’ve kept in contact with. The events really reminded me why I love my subject, which tripos can sometimes make difficult!

CECILY BATEMAN MPhil in Classics Classics society

CU CHEERLEADING SOCIETY jargon buster

Blue Boatie Bop A sporting award given A nickname used to Short for ‘big organised to students who compete refer to students party’ usually put on by against Oxford at involved in Cambridge’s college entertainment University-level sports. large rowing community. officers.

Cindies Cuppers DoS A club called Ballare, Intercollegiate sports (Director of Studies) which is infamously tournaments which occur Usually a Fellow who popular amongst at least once a year oversees your students, particularly academic studies. on a Wednesday.

Fellow Formal/Formal Hall Intermission An academic affiliated A traditional dinner held Pause academic studies to a college. in your college’s dining for a period of time for hall - you might be personal reasons. expected to wear a gown and formal clothing.

JCR May Week MCR (Mature Combination Room) (Junior Combination Room) A week of parties and College-level student balls to celebrate the College-level student union representing the end of exams. May Week union representing the undergrad student body. used to be in May, now postgrad student body. it’s in June.

Pidge Plodge Stash Your college pigeon Your college Porters’ Clothing associated hole. Lodge. with a club or society.

The Union Debating society which charges expensive membership fees, not to be confused with the Students’ Union (Cambridge SU), which is free! download our APP!

Download our App from the App Store for easy access to events, news and the Society Directory!

Downlaod the StudentLink 1 App from the App store

Select Cambridge SU from 2 the list of Student Unions

Enter your CRSid or university email address to 3 register

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