To discuss the issues facing an incoming activities officer, whether York SU offers enough support to its societies, and the suitability of On-Campus venues, York Vision spoke to the Band Soc co-president Sam Roddis and another society who chose to remain anonymous.
With over 300 societies at the University, the role of the Activities Officer is particularly significant, acting as a liaison between the York SU and student media groups, societies, and York Students Union events. York is famed for its wide range of extra-curricular societies, offering everything from Roller Disco Society to Mahjong Society, making societies a crucial part of student life at the University of York.
Being the largest non-sport society at the University, Band Soc is a particularly important society, regularly holding packed out and electric events such as Battle of the Bands. When asked if York SU has gone far enough to support the society in the last year, Roddis contested that they hadn’t, stating:
“I think some societies…do get more support [than others] (i.e media societies, sport societies etc) but in Band Soc’s case, it feels like we’re fighting an uphill battle sometimes with York SU in terms of venue booking, promotion, and recognition.”
Roddis did however go on to discuss the positives in this, contesting that, although “I do want more support”, it allows Bandsoc “a little bit more autonomy from York SU.”
In the last few years, Bandsoc’s premier event ‘Battle of the Bands’ has taken place in the Lounge in James College. With the conversion of the venue to a gaming bar, Band soc felt it was left scrambling for a venue for their most important event of the year. In response to this, Roddis discussed how:
“The Lounge was the perfect venue for live music over the last three years. However, its ‘renovation’ (which turned it into a games bar, effectively putting it off limits for Band Soc events), I feel, has hindered its successes this year.”
The dramatic changes made to the Lounge over summer have drastically impacted BandSoc’s operation of events, being a society which required unique spaces suitable for live performances. Roddis discussed the impact of this on the society, stating that:
“As President of a society who’s had to look for new venues to host events this year, after our long-standing traditional venue was changed without YorkSU consulting us, I’ve experienced how difficult it is to find a campus venue suitable for our social events.”
When discussing the suitability of on-campus venues for Social Events, Roddis stated that:
“Courtyard is good for what it is… [whilst] D-Bar is a good place for social events, however societies have to keep in mind the dining situation…V-Bar, again, is good for events like Jazz Night and more chilled socials. The bars aren’t bad; however, they are overpriced for what they are (Students’ Union bars), especially compared to York St John.”
The issue facing societies such as Band Soc is the feeling of being underrepresented by York SU’s policies and actions. As one of the largest societies on campus, hosting one of the biggest annual events on campus, being left to scramble to find suitable venues has caused a great deal of confusion and frustration for the society.
When speaking to another society at the University (who chose to keep its name and members anonymous) “promising” changes from the Students’ Union were noted, including the introduction of weekly check-in meetings to voice concerns. This society further noted that campus bars have been very popular for their societies, only noting that York SU could go further in promoting the range of its societies.
The incoming Activities Officer should thus develop upon the strengths of the current officer, Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb, to reflect on society’s needs. They should make their voices heard and allow them to raise concerns for societies close to their heart, with weekly meetings clearly allowing for these changes.
When asked whether elections are important, Band Soc president Sam Roddis stated that: “It depends who’s voted in – if people are going in to it with good intentions and not to stroke their own ego, then yes.” going on to discuss how Band Soc would encourage its members to vote by adding a “story up on the Instagram telling people to vote, and if they want to vote they can do.”
In response to BandSoc’s statements the, current Activities Officer Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb stated: “With over 300 societies in York SU, I am always excited to talk with and hear from the wide variety of groups we have on offer. I love hearing about the distinct experiences behind our vibrant student life, and deeply enjoy learning about the different ways that students run their groups. As such, I have created a number of new ways for student leaders to get in touch. From 7 new drop-in sessions last semester where over 80 committee members came along to share their views over a cup of tea, to my fortnightly newsletter, and my rebranded Instagram, I have tried to provide a wide range of ways for students to contact me. I have deeply enjoyed coming up with unique promotional options for groups, where societies can be featured in weekly calendars and society spotlights.
“I am most proud of our openness and transparency to questions and concerns. Student groups can contact me directly via Instagram (@activitiesyorksu), email (activitiesofficer@yorksu.org), and via the suggestions form in my fortnightly emails. I always look forward to student feedback and often meet with societies to talk through their concerns and find solutions.
“I look forward to hearing from BandSoc about their queries, and can’t wait to meet with them to discuss future events, to ensure access to their electric performances are guaranteed.”