Societies FAQs & Resources
There are often so many questions people have about societies, from simply wanting to know how to get involved, to trying to find out how to get hold of a minibus to get somewhere.
This is a quick rundown of some fairly common questions, with answers attached!
Questions that everyone asks:
How do I get involved in a Society?
- Most of our societies have stalls at Serendipity, the freshers’ fair that takes place in both September and January – you can meet them there!
- Alternatively, have a look at the big Societies A–Z list, send the society an email or visit their website or facebook page and they’ll be back in touch quickly!
How can I start a Society?
- Firstly, you’ll need to find some other people who’re up for joining your new society, shouldn’t be too hard, we’re a pretty diverse lot in Bangor!
- Next, you’ll need to think what your society’s aims and objectives are going to be, what’s the society for? What do you want it do? What kind of activities and monkey-business do you want get up to?
- Then… drop in for a cuppa or email your thoughts to the VP Societies & Sustainability and then we can get you set up with a funky constitution and a whole load of other goodies and you’re good to go!
What does the SU do for Societies?
- Lots!
- Have a look at ‘What the Societies Department Does for You’.
Questions that committees in charge of societies often ask:
What membership fee should we charge?
- It’s completely up to you, most societies tend to go for between £3–£5, but it depends on your society’s fundraising needs, how much it costs to run your activities and making the society affordable and attractive to potential members.
How do we hold Elections?
- Read the awesome ‘Rough Guide to Bureaucracy’; honestly, it’s not as boring as it sounds, but it does have all the answers to things like this!
When should we hold Elections?
- Usually around Easter is the best time, to give you the time to iron out any issues and make sure the new committee are sorted before the old committee leaves!
How do we handover to a new committee?
- It might sound a bit boring – but simply, tell them everything!
- Usernames, passwords are often commonly forgotten
- Tell the new committee what worked and what didn’t, good ideas that you had but never got around to implementing, everything you think is important
- And remember to tell them to stay in touch with the Union!
How can we fundraise?
- There are absolutely tons of different ways of fundraising, you’re only limited by your creativity!
- Try and consider the fundraising potential of all activities you do and your society’s subject area – for example running a fair-trade tea & cake stall, charging people to come and see a production, etc.
How do we hold an Annual General Meeting – and what is one!? How do you hold meetings? How do you take minutes?
- Again, for all of these questions, you should have a read of the ‘Rough Guide to Bureaucracy’, it will tell you everything you need to know – but no boring rubbish, just the simple basics you’re after!
How does all the Finance stuff work?
- Have a read of the Financial Procedures for Clubs & Societies!
- It’s got everything you’ll need to know about your societies money & how to buy awesome stuff!
When do we need to do a risk assessment?
- You’ll need a general risk assessment of your societies activities, this should be updated annually in consultation with the Clubs & Societies Administrator.
- You’ll also need to hand in a completed risk assessment form to the Clubs & Societies Administrator at least two full days in advance of any event outside of your normal activities.
- Have a look at the blank Risk Assessment form, it’s fairly easy to fill in!
How do we book a minibus or a coach?
- Bookings are made through the Clubs & Societies Administrator, pop in and see him – you’ll simply need to know the dates, times, and (for minibuses), driver(s).
- You also need to complete a Trip Registration form before you go.
Who can drive the SU minibuses?
- To drive the SU’s minibuses, drivers must have taken and passed a MiDAS test. We do these in the Union (simply ask at reception)
- To be eligible to take a MiDAS test drivers must be at least 21 years of age and have held a full driving licence for at least three years
How much do the Union Minibuses cost to use?
- All vehicles are charged at 60p per mile.
How can we get sponsorship for our Society?
- NUS have written a fantastic guide to getting sponsorship, definitely worth a read.
- Be creative, confident and identify what you can offer potential sponsors.
- Have a look at the draft sponsorship contract – it makes the whole process fairly simple
- Remember to stay in touch with the VP Societies & Sustainability, no contracts can be signed without consultation
What if non-students want to join?
- They’ll need to fill out the Affiliate Membership form.
How can we market our Society?
- Again, NUS have written some fantastic material on the best ways to do this, there’s no point us reinventing the wheel, so take a look at what they say!
- Marketing Student Activities
- Marketing Involvement
- Marketing Your Training
Can we use our own cars?
- The driver must complete the Use of ‘Own Vehicle’ form before travelling.
How do we book a room?
- Get in touch with timetable@bangor.ac.uk (for bookings during the day) or reservations@bangor.ac.uk (for bookings in the evening) and tell them what Society you are, which room you want to use, and the time and date!
Can we show films?
- Sure – just make sure it’s all in line with the policy on showing films – take a look, it explains how it all works!
How do we get things translated?
- Easy – just email the text to the SU Translator.
How do we use the SU Computers?
- You can log on to any of the PC’s in the SU’s media room, just type in your society username and password – if you don’t know these, check with our friendly IT Manager.
Printing
- To print stuff in the SU’s media room, you’ll need your society’s print code (see the IT Manager or Finance Office for this)
- Print charges will be debited directly from your grant account:
– Black & white (A3 or A4) – 4p per side
– Colour (A3 or A4) – 12p per side
Where can we access our Society Email account?
- You can check your Society Email account at www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/exchange.
- It’s important to check it regularly for communications from potential members and important messages from the SU!
- If you don’t know your username or password, get in touch with our IT Manager.
What’s our address?
- If you want to get something posted to you, then the address is:
Your Society Name
Bangor University Students’ Union
Bryn Haul
Victoria Drive
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 2EN