Q.Why did we move from Student Union to Student Association?

A. Back in 2014 we were given funding from Scottish Funding Council to help establish ourselves as more of an Organisation.  Before this point it was only the Student Association Co-ordinator (previosuly known as Student Liaison Officer) and a part time paid Student President.  The rest of the team at that point were only on a voluntary basis.  Since been given the funding in summer of 2014 the team became bigger with full time/part time paid officers and we went from an Union to an Assocation.  We re-branded ourselves and have gone from strength to strength each year.  

Our main goal for the years ahead is to become a fully sustainable autonomous organisation.     

 

Q. What support can Student Assocaiton give to students and staff?

A. The SA can try and help with as many campaigns as they possibly can, however  we only have minimal amount of resources available through helping with events organised by staff/students.  We also actively support Volunteers within FVSA but can also sign post them to other opportunities. 

We work with FVC on alot of projects such as Sustainability/Active Travel, Equality and Diversity, Time for Me, Mental Health Partnership, Fitness, Trade Unions, Apprenticeships and so much more... 

We can help signpost to areas such as:

• Funding Assistance 
• Planning Assistance 
• Advice and Guidance 
• Career Advice     

 

Q. Do the Student Association just decide what they are going to be doing as they go along?

A.  No. The officers are elected on their manifesto and have to work towards that.  The students can hold them to account on the work the officers do and have to give a regular updates to the students.  The staff in the SA support them with the work.  We regularly have feedback from students on matters they feel of importance and students can propose policies to FVSA. The students can do this via Student Council and put forward proposals called “Motions”.  This is then voted in at Student Council and the officers need to then work on for the year ahead.  We also influence the College and National Union of Student (NUS) based on the current feedback from students to put forward policies.  Click Here to Access Current Motions

FVSA also follow our Strategic Plan which is set out 2018-22 and from this we set our Operational Plan each year.

 

Q. Who is FVSA run by?

A. FVSA  is for students, run by students.  The Student President and Vice President are elected by students who are on Sabbatical for a year term (can do a max of 2 years if re-elected). 

 

Q. Are elected officers accountable to the College board?

A.  Elected Officers are accountable to the Students via their manifestos the officers are elected on, and they can do this via Student Council.  The Sabbatical Officers are fully fledged Board of Management members who are appointed each year there are in office to represent the views of students. 

 

Q.How can college staff engage and be involved with the Student Association?

A. There are infinite ways college staff can be involved with the Student Association! If your students have projects that need promotion or if they need help arranging events, we have established contacts throughout the Forth Valley area and can help provide introductions. Our clubs and societies are also open to all staff to join - the only difference being that the groups must still be student-led. So if you have a hobby or valuable knowledge that might help one of the student groups, please get in touch! 

 

Q. What is TOTUM and can staff get the same discount rewards from TOTUM?

A.  TOTUM is powered by NUS UK and offers students access to discounts on local and national offers. They range from major brands like the Co-op to local discounts with small business in the Forth Valley area. Staff are more than welcome to download the free app or take part in the paid subscription!  Please click here to access TOTUM

 

Q.  The Student Association is accountable to the student body via our Constitution.  What exactly is that?

A.  FVSA Constitution is a legal document that sets out the activities and procedures of FVSA.  It provides a framework for the operation of FVSA by: 

• Defining what the Association can or cannot do. 
• Indicating how the Executive Committee (Comprised of elected students) can act on behalf of Association members 
• Outlining how Association members can air their concerns 

 

If you have a question which isn't in the list above, or you would like more information on any of the FAQ's within this section, please contact us via email and we will get back to you as soon as we can: student.association@forthvalley.ac.uk