It is hoped that this event will be the first of an annual celebration which recognises the continued dedication and enthusiasm of students.
College celebrates the continued dedication and enthusiasm of our students
On Monday 2 June, The College of Social Sciences and International Studies held its first ever “Student Engagement Celebration.” Undergraduate and postgraduate students from across all disciplines gathered together with College staff to recognise and reward the hard work of academic reps and volunteers this year. The event took place in Kitchen Café in Devonshire house which provided a fitting atmosphere for students and staff to enjoy a social evening together over drinks and canapés after all their efforts.
Professor Wendy Robinson opened the evening with a speech emphasising the highlights of student engagement initiatives this year, including: 11 Students as Change Agents Projects, 393 nominations submitted for the Teaching Awards, a Politics Dissertation poster afternoon to provide extra support for final year students and a Career’s Day co-organised by the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies Subject Chairs. A short awards ceremony then followed in which College and Guild staff members presented trophies and certificates for outstanding student achievements that have taken place this year.
The shortlist was as follows:
1. Outstanding Contribution to Improving the Student Learning Experience
Nominees:
The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies SSLC
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology SSLC
Secondary PGCE SSLC
Winner:
The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies SSLC
2. Most Inspiring Representative
Nominees:
Jason Chang (Sociology Year 1 Rep)
Shelley Moss (PGCE Secondary Subject Chair)
Joy Lee and Linda Mbugua-Nwosu (Joint UG Law Subject Chairs)
Winner:
Jason Chang (Sociology Year 1 Rep)
3. Outstanding Representation
Nominees:
Emily Hoble (Politics/IR Subject Chair Streatham)
Pavel Kondov (IR 1st year Rep Streatham)
Hebatullah Issa (PGT Rep from IAIS)
Winner:
Pavel Kondov (IR 1st year Rep Streatham)
4.Outstanding Undergraduate Chair
Nominees:
Sarah Davis and Olivia Hardacre (IAIS Joint Chairs)
Holly Collenette (SPA Chair)
Emily Hoble (Politics/IR Chair Streatham)
Joy Lee and Linda Mbugua-Nwosu (Law Joint Chairs)
Winner:
Joy Lee and Linda Mbugua-Nwosu (Law Joint Chairs)
5. Outstanding Postgraduate Chair
Nominees:
May Kyaw-Oo and Iliana Kapragou (GSE PGT)
Eyan Sham (PGT Streatham)
Sharon Dolan, Victoria Aldrich, Colin Dunn, Duncan Henderson and Lydia Morrison (PGCE Primary)
Shelley Moss (PGCE Secondary)
Winner:
Shelley Moss (PGCE Secondary)
6. Best Students as Change Agents Project
Nominees:
Joy Lee and Linda Mbugua-Nwosu (Law Chairs)
May Kyaw-Oo (GSE PGT Chair)
Alexandra Mochalova (PGT SSLC rep)
Winner:
May Kyaw-Oo (GSE PGT Chair)
7. SSLC of the Year 2013/14
Nominees: All 9 CSSIS SSLCs were considered for this award:
Politics Streatham SSLC
The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies SSLC
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology SSLC
Law SSLC
Graduate School of Education Postgraduate SSLC
PGCE Primary SSLC
PGCE Secondary SSLC
Politics Penryn SSLC
Postgraduate Streatham SSLC
Winner:
Law SSLC
Pavel Kondov, a first year IR student said, “It was fantastic that the College organised an event like this - it was great to get recognition for our work. Furthermore, by getting all departments together we could talk about issues we've come up against and exchange ideas about best practice.”
It is hoped that this event will be the first of an annual celebration which recognises the continued dedication and enthusiasm of students. This is hugely important as, “This kind of event really helps to build momentum behind student volunteering and acts as a great tool to motivate volunteers” says Will Page, the University’s Student Engagement Officer. Elaine Davies (Assistant College Manager, Education) commented that the event was just, “One way for the College to thank all student reps for their many exciting initiatives during the year which have helped enhance even further the student experience in CSSIS.”
The evening was closed by the College Manager, Simon Wright, who re-iterated the successes and steps that the College has made this year. Jason Chang, a first year Sociology student, summed up well that, “It was inspiring and really refreshing to see everyone making a difference in academia and the overall student experience.”
Congratulations to all nominees and winners and a big thank you to all student academic reps and volunteers for their continued efforts during this academic year. Thanks should also go to College and Guild staff who dedicate time and effort to improving the student experience. Dr James Smith from the Students’ Guild said, “It appears to have been a really good year for the College and we look forward to continuing to work together in the next academic year".
Date: 16 June 2014