In addition to our main feature on the results of our All-Student Survey on UEA Students’ Union, here, we have compiled extended results into a clear and comprehensive overview. You can also view our Committee Member Survey results here. Thank you to all who particpated in either of these surveys.

A special thanks to our Science Editor, Daisy Lester who processed and visualised this data.

1. Top words used to describe UEA(SU):

2.

3. Do you believe UEA(SU) fulfills the purposes you have selected?

Here’s a selection of the many anonymous comments we received:

“I feel it does do a good job on the whole at putting on a wide variety of events and informing students what is going on on campus but I feel they could do better at representing issues of students”

“They are alienated from the student base, lack transparency, make no effort to make their workings known to the students. if the SU truly represented the students, there would be no confusion as to how it is run. nobody understands how the layers of bureaucracy function and how decisions are actually made, how power is delegated. most are unaware that the SU is run by a board of trustees.”

“I think so. They got the pharmacy back and the night bus, I guess that counts”

“No, it focuses too much on political issues, issues that aren’t that relevant and so many areas it should focus on/oversee are so inefficient. Like room bookings which take up to 2-3 weeks.”

“Mostly, but I am unsure if I know enough to judge.”

“No I don’t. Especially recently, the SU seems to be making decisions without proper consultation of the student body. As example of this would be the removal of scholars bar, which was only really discussed after the decision had already been made…UEASU needs to be far more responsible, honest and transparent about decisions since currently it seems they only serve themselves, not students.”

“Sometimes, but solutions seem to take a while to come out, communication of what is happening to solve an issue is sometimes not clear.”

4.

5.

6.

7. Do you believe the SU treats every student equally and fairly?

Here’s a selection of the many anonymous comments we received:

“In my personal experience they’ve always been helpful and supportive.”

“No. Scholars’ Bar was a place where postgrads, staff and mature students came together to form a welcoming community. Since the removal of the dedicated has destroyed the sense of community. I feel the lack of transparency and reasons for the change hasn’t only annoyed the mature student’s community but has also caused uncertainty over who can or can’t use the spaces”

“Yes – There’s such a wide variety of events catering towards so many different types of people”

“No. It’s too political and will prioritize left wing political groups over any other. I am ashamed to be a part of the Students’ Union”

“Yes I believe so, because if the SU I’ve been able to explore my faith more in a safe environment.”

8. Overall, do you trust UEA(SU) as a representative body? (Participants could select one of the following options: ‘Yes’, ‘Somewhat’, ‘I’m not sure’ or ‘No’.)

Other comments:

Here’s a selection of the many anonymous further comments we received:

“The SU is moving towards being more representative, however, it needs to be held accountable for the lack of transparency and representation of student voices”

“The SU needs to address UEA students problems first then focus on fighting political battles even if important. They incite partisan politics on campus when that is unnecessary.”

“The UEA SU do a great job with hosting events especially advertising them on the SU Instagram I always know what’s on and when, each day of the week! – keep up the great work guys :)”

“I think the concept and operation of Students’ Unions, in general, need a complete rethink. The national university system is changing, and students’ needs, demands, and lived experiences are changing. It’s critical that SUs keep up with this if they are to continue to exist and be a force for good that can make a genuine difference to students’ lives. “

“Trying to set up or run projects with the SU is a NIGHTMARE. They say they want projects to happen and for students to be engaging in that type of work but there’s so much red tape, nobody responds to your emails and they’re so stubborn”

“I just wanted to say that, even though I work pretty closely with the SU- I’m still very much in the dark in regards to what they actually do! I think that they need to advertise this better and I think people might be more appreciative as a result.”

UEA (SU): Calls for ‘Greater Transparency’ as  Students back a more ‘Purpose-driven’ Union

Concrete’s Committee Member Survey on UEA(SU) – the results

*Data based on 128 UEA Students surveyed between the 28th of October and 14th of November 2024. Any views, concerns or comments made are that of the individual participant and do not represent Concrete. Concrete is UEA’s official and proudly independent (from UEA(SU), UEA and any political/partisan institutions) student newspaper.

Image Credit: Jamie Bryson/Concrete