Landmark Issue 19 2021 SINGLE PAGES

17 TEACHING & LEARNING ISSUE 19 | 2021 chair whenever they used the Bubble Village to help keep touchpoints to a minimum. Events started onMonday evening with a DJ streamed via a live internet link – from the SUOffice. The induction programme included an online session on ‘Getting to know your SU’; a pre-recorded video from the Police about road and personal safety; a welfare presentation via Zoom, and a Cirencester orientation film presented by the SU President. Tuesday night was a fancy dress 175 ‘Royal Garden Party’ to celebrate the RAU’s birthday - and all the students were provided with a picnic box of food sourced from our alumni and local suppliers. This was followed by another DJ session, this time streamed live from the DJ’s garden in Purton, about six miles up the road, complete with dancing girls! There was a Quiz Night on Wednesday which included an RAU themed round, which generated some great answers to the question ‘What was the Vice-Chancellor’s first job?’ Thursday evening provided some more music and Friday night’s entertainment was a comedian, streaming from his lounge in Hull. The finale to the week on Saturday was an open-air movie night, with popcorn laid on. As Welcome Week came to a close for another year, and learning and teaching began in earnest, the Student Services team started to work a rota to ensure support was available at any time and that those students having to self-isolate felt well looked after. Student peer supporters known as STARs (Support TeamAdvisor Representatives) made regular ‘check-in and chat’ calls to make sure they had all they needed. Students isolating off campus even had their shopping delivered. There was also access to a 24-hour Assistance Service, and the STARS led virtual drop-ins and physical drop-ins in halls of residence. The SU continued to offer a great, Covid-safe student experience throughout the term. Keeping the offering adaptable to the many Government changes, and interactive and relevant enough to keep students interested. Fromweekly quiz nights, to live fitness sessions, to ‘cocktail masterclasses’, all online, the RAUSU has relished the new student experience challenge, while listening to student feedback and trying to keep that RAU spirit running high through all the activities. Everyone is very much looking forward to times ahead and being able to hold parties again, but at the time of writing with a vaccine on the horizon, Student Services, the RAUSU, and the students themselves, are embracing the storm and staying safe.