Loughborough Students' Union

Loughborough Students' Union is a students' union that represents the interests of students at Loughborough University, which is located in Leicestershire, near the towns of Loughborough and Shepshed. The union is affiliated with the National Union of Students and works closely with other students' unions, such as the University of Leicester Students' Union and the De Montfort Students' Union. The union's activities are overseen by the Loughborough University Council, which includes representatives from the University of Nottingham, University of Warwick, and University of Birmingham. The union also collaborates with local organizations, including the Loughborough Chamber of Commerce and the Leicestershire County Council.

● History

The history of the students' union dates back to the early 20th century, when Loughborough University was still a small college, known as Loughborough College. During this time, the union was closely tied to the Loughborough College Students' Association, which was established in the 1920s. The union has undergone significant changes over the years, with notable events including the Aldermaston Marches in the 1950s and 1960s, which were supported by students from Loughborough University, as well as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. The union has also been involved in various National Union of Students campaigns, including the Aldwych Declaration and the Broadway Manifesto, which were signed by representatives from University of Manchester, University of Leeds, and University of Sheffield.

● Governance

The governance structure of the students' union is composed of a Trustee Board, which includes representatives from Loughborough University, as well as external organizations, such as the Charity Commission and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. The union is also advised by the National Union of Students and works closely with other students' unions, including the University of Edinburgh Students' Association and the University of Glasgow Students' Representative Council. The union's governance is overseen by the Loughborough University Council, which includes representatives from the University of Nottingham, University of Warwick, and University of Birmingham, as well as external organizations, such as the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

● Services

The students' union provides a range of services to students, including advice and support from the Citizens Advice Bureau and the National Health Service. The union also offers financial support, including Student Finance England and Loughborough University Scholarships, as well as careers advice from the Loughborough University Careers Service and the Institute of Career Guidance. The union works closely with local organizations, including the Loughborough Chamber of Commerce and the Leicestershire County Council, to provide students with opportunities for work experience and volunteering, such as the Volunteer Centre Leicester and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

● Facilities

The students' union is based in the Loughborough University Campus, which includes a range of facilities, such as the Loughborough University Library and the Loughborough University Sports Centre. The union also has its own facilities, including the Loughborough Students' Union Building, which includes a bar, club, and live music venue. The union works closely with other organizations on campus, including the Loughborough University Student Accommodation and the Loughborough University Catering Service, to provide students with a range of amenities, such as the Loughborough University Shop and the Loughborough University Post Office.

● Student Activities

The students' union supports a range of student activities, including sports clubs, such as the Loughborough University Football Club and the Loughborough University Rugby Club, as well as societies, such as the Loughborough University Drama Society and the Loughborough University Music Society. The union also supports student media, including the Loughborough University Student Newspaper and the Loughborough University Student Radio Station, which are affiliated with the National Student Media Association and the Student Radio Association. The union works closely with other organizations, including the National Union of Students and the British Universities and Colleges Sport, to provide students with opportunities for competition and development, such as the British University Championships and the European University Championships.

● Notable Initiatives

The students' union has been involved in a range of notable initiatives, including the National Union of Students Liberation Campaigns, which aim to promote equality and diversity on campus, and the Loughborough University Sustainability Initiative, which aims to reduce the university's environmental impact. The union has also worked with local organizations, including the Loughborough Chamber of Commerce and the Leicestershire County Council, to promote community engagement and volunteering opportunities, such as the Loughborough University Community Donations Scheme and the Leicestershire and Rutland Volunteer Awards. The union has received recognition for its initiatives, including the National Union of Students Gold Award and the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Student Union, which is sponsored by the Times Higher Education and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.