Student Leadership opportunities at Southlands
There are many ways that Southlands students and staff can get involved with the life of the college. Some of these are informal, where you can volunteer for the college or perhaps run a project idea that you are passionate about. There are also more formal, paid opportunities to get involved in the life of the College, see below for further information.
College Officers
A team with responsibilities for looking after a range of areas of college life, including student activities and events. Our College President and Deputy President positions are elected by students, and the Roehampton Student Union will be running elections in Spring 2024 for the academic year 2024-2025, both of these roles are a great opportunity to support your fellow students and improve your leadership skills.
College Officers must live on campus and they receive a generous stipend/discount on accommodation. If you are interested in running for one of these positions then please email southlands.college@roehampton.ac.uk.
College Community Leaders (CCL)
College Community Leaders are peer student leaders in the college who are here to help foster the Southlands Spirit: that wonderful sense of belonging that makes being part of the college special! You’ll see the CCL team facilitating events and activities of all kinds to enhance your university experience, as they work with our partners across the university! Your ideas are always welcome and they’re happy to chat with you about how we can improve the student experience.
The CCL team is made up of individuals who represent home and international students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, whether resident in college or commuting from home. They’re a friendly bunch, and are here to support you, so please do have a chat with them.
Contact southlands.college@roehampton.ac.uk or visit College Community Hub at QB010 to contact the CCL team or to find out how to become a CCL.
College Community Leaders training day – CCLs can take part in a variety of training and CPD
Southlands College Community Leaders organise a variety of activities for students. They led an Outdoor Movie Night in September 2022
Becoming a Residential Community Leader (RCL):
RCLs are usually second or third year students who live with our new residents to help provide a friendly and supportive welcome at the start of term and to offer advice and guidance throughout the year. If you are living in college and have any questions about how to seek help, advice or support at the university, start with your RCL. They will often be able to provide you with some initial advice and let you know which members of staff can help you further.
RCLs aren’t appointed to police our residences but we do ask them to take a leadership role in building a happy and friendly residential environment. They receive training throughout the year as part of the Student Leadership Certificate which provides them with the resources and skills to make your experience of university life a happy and positive one. Residents of our college flats should feel welcome to talk to their RCL about the community environment and should expect a positive, helpful and supportive response.
Being an RCL provides lots of opportunities to become a leader in the Southlands community, to develop your skills, knowledge and experience. RCLs receive formal training and professional development, all of which is fantastic for building up an impressive CV.
If you think you have what it takes to become an RCL in next academic year (2024–2025), you are welcome to apply. Applications are open to all students, whether or not you currently live at Southlands. The application process begins in early 2024, and details will be posted on the college social media platforms and the Nest. If you have any questions about being an RCL please email southlands.college@roehampton.ac.uk
Student Leadership Certificate
All student leaders at Southlands College are automatically enrolled onto the Student Leadership Certificate, a university short course, which provides monthly training and comprehensive evaluation that allows CCLs and RCLs to develop, grow and consider how their skills and values might influence their future career and life.
Our RCL team at the College Cup Launch
RCLs working at the Freshers’ Fair
Our student leaders getting to know our early arrivals in September
And some more showing their Shark Spirit!
Southlands Venture:
An exciting initiative that helps you to help others. Southlands Venture aims to empower students to deliver a community–based project of their choice. Whether you organise an event, coordinate a campaign, or manage an ongoing project, Southlands Venture is here to help you enhance your skills and experience by planning and delivering a project you are passionate about!
With help and mentoring from the Southlands Venture team you can bring your idea to life.
Past projects have included:
- Building a roof for the chicken house on campus
- Collecting food for a local foodbank
- ‘Water is Free’ campaign
- Making Christmas Hampers for a homeless shelter
- Taking the virtual reality experience to care homes
- Accompaniment of the elderly to grow vegetables in a community allotment
- Organising an auction event to raise money for a charity supporting orphans
If you have a community-project or campaign idea we want to hear about it and help you to make it a successful venture! We will offer support and guidance and link you up with an experienced mentor who will help you plan and deliver your venture. Small grants to help with expenses are also available.
Your venture project has to meet three simple criteria:
- Have an element involving the community (university or local area), volunteering, or
campaigns.
- Involve other people beyond the project organiser
- Be completed within a 12 week time frame
How to get started
If you have an idea for a project, please get in touch with the Southlands Venture team by emailing us on SouthlandsVenture@roehampton.ac.uk
The chickens on campus have become part of the University family, through the Southlands Venture, their house was given a new roof!