Lee Bowles

How did you first get involved with the Newcastle College Students' Union?

Last year, I was invited by the former Students’ Union Coordinator, Meg, to be a part of the Students’ Union, since I’d been involved in helping out with a few other activities before I formally joined the team so Meg suggested I’d be a good fit for my current role.

What role do you play in the Students’ Union, and what are your duties?

I'm the Clubs and Societies Officer! That means my responsibilities include speaking to students all over the College to see what clubs and activities they enjoy and if there are any that they’d like us to run. I also get to oversee the different clubs while they’re running and make sure they don’t go over any budgets.

How have your interactions with staff and students at Newcastle College changed through your work with the Students’ Union?

Not that much, to be honest! Ever since I first started my degree course at the University Centre, I’ve been a Student and Curriculum Representative for the Computing department, so I’ve always been pretty involved in representing other students and working closely with staff. Although I’m no longer in either of those roles, I gained a lot of transferable skills through the work I did there which have really helped me so far in my current position as an SU Officer.

What kinds of projects have you worked on as part of the Students’ Union?

I’m currently working on helping my team to set up their own extracurricular clubs throughout the College. My main project, though, is that I’m planning to set up a ‘Clubs Week’ for students, which would be a promotional week for all clubs in and around Newcastle College and the wider city.

What Students’ Union achievement has made you proudest during your time working for them?

So far, there isn’t a particular project or activity from my time on the SU which stands out, but overall, I’m really proud that I’m part of a team that helps out the College and the student community here as much as the SU Executive Team does!

Do you feel that you have developed additional skills or grown as a person thanks to the work you’ve done with the Students’ Union?

Yes – thanks to my time working as an SU Officer, I definitely feel more confident in my ability to help my peers and my team to do their best work, and to give other people here the opportunity to make new friends or hobbies.

What advice would you give to any current or future students considering getting involved with the Students’ Union?

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. The SU Team is always here to help, and every staff member on campus is here to offer support, so don’t be shy!