Elections have been taking place to choose those who will lead the University of Cumbria Students’ Union (UCSU) into 2022. All students of the university are eligible to vote and each year the UCSU polls its members so they can elect those who they want to work on the ideas, challenges and needs that they have. This month over 900 current students at the university cast a vote. With the results in and counted, the Executive Team has been re-elected and will continue to serve for the 2021/22 academic year. West Cumbrian Lucy Haddath retains the role of Academic Officer, a position that is concerned with course matters; whilst Charlotte Wheele will continue as Activities Officer and lead the efforts of the student-led groups and societies across the university.
During lockdown students and staff at the University of Cumbria were invited to get in touch with their creative sides in a virtual arts and craft fair to boost mental health and wellbeing. The creative challenge was organised by final year BSc (Hons) Sport Rehabilitation student Sara Shaikh, and comprised six categories including photography; pens, crayons and pencil art; sculptures; embroidery; paintings; and miscellaneous. In total, 27 entries were received and were judged by vice chancellor Professor Julie Mennell, along with principal photography lecturer Sarah Bonner, and student union representative Amber McGhee. The winners in each category were: photography - Mel McCall; pens and pencils - Shirley Johnson; paintings - Rhiannon Fisher; miscellaneous - Sian Peters; embroidery - Bridget Cook; and sculpture - Katie Walker-Small.