President

President

Carys Dukes

The role of the President within the Students' Union encompasses various responsibilities. Primarily, the SU President takes the lead in democratic procedures, acts as the main point of contact for university-related matters, and serves as the primary liaison between the SU and the University. They are the face of the student body throughout the University and ensure the fair representation of all students.

The President role also oversees both full-time and part-time officer teams and chairs the SU's Executive Committee, which holds significant decision-making authority within the Union. Additionally, they also chair the Trustee Board consisting of 9 Trustees, who possess the ultimate decision-making powers within the SU.

Carys previously was the Welsh Affairs Officer for 24/25!

When Carys is not at the SU, you can find her on the dance floor in town or chilling at the beach with her friends. She's also part of Gym Gym ( The Welsh society) and can be found with them on a Wednesday.

From Your Officer

Carys Dukes

Shwmae Carys dw i! Hiya I'm Carys!

Eich llywydd am 25/26! Your President for 25/26!

I'm so excited to be your President 25/26! I had the best time being the Welsh Affair's officer last year too! I previously studied Public Relations and Media as my undergrad. During my 4 years here at Swansea I had been a part of the media society but later joined the Gym Gym ( Welsh Society ) which pushed me to become the Welsh Affairs. I love student voice, marketing and events.

I am very honoured to be a Welsh speaking president and believe I've got a great attitude to improve and change things here at the union.

I've got big things planned for the year ahead, so be sure to keep an eye on my Instagram @susupresident and of course, the SU page @swanseaunisu.

To get in contact use the link Support : Help Desk and submit a ticket !

Roles and Responsibilities

Roles & Responsibilities

I amplify student voices, advocating their concerns to the university. Collaborating with peers and staff, I enhance campus life through events, campaigns, and diversity initiatives. As a bridge between students and the university, I influence policies for academic excellence and well-being. My leadership ensures students' needs are heard and acted upon, fostering a vibrant, supportive, and successful student community.

What I'm Working On

Fulton Outfitters

Fulton Outfitters is the on campus merchandise shop, which produce top quality clothing and accessories. Next term, I'm hoping to increase sales through introducing new clothing and accessories designs, which is student focuses and trending styles.

Planned Action:

A project plan will be created, after gathering feedback from the Fulton Outfitters proposal.

Measures of Success:

Increase of sales and footfall within the shop.
Increase of clicks for the website.

Progress So Far:

Introduced into the monthly Fulton Outfitters meeting with commercial and marketing staff.
Presented a proposal of new ideas to improve sales through the shop and online.
The proposal is currently under review.

SU Explained : What is the SU?

To boost awareness and visibility of the Student Union so that every student benefits from the full SU experience.

Planned Actions:

Continue the Medr projects from last year to enhance the visibility and branding of the Students’ Union. This will involve close collaboration with our Graphic Design and Marketing teams to create a refreshed and more impactful SU presence.

Increase engagement and attendance at the SU Forum and Annual General Meeting by developing more interactive, inclusive, and engaging formats that encourage student participation.

Launch a year-long awareness campaign, starting with Freshers Week, focused on promoting the Union’s services, support systems, and opportunities to ensure students understand and access what’s available to them.

Develop a “You Said, We Did” campaign process to showcase how student feedback directly influences change within the Union, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and student voice.

Measures of Success:

Sustained student engagement with the Students’ Union throughout their university journey.

Increased participation and interaction with officer-led campaigns and initiatives.

Improved response rate and positive feedback in the Students’ Union section of the National Student Survey (NSS).

Growth in Help Desk ticket submissions, indicating greater awareness and use of Union services.

Progress So Far:

Actively collaborating across Union departments to enhance communication and streamline teamwork.

Establishing a forward-facing office space that brings together Events, Student Voice teams, and Full-Time Officers to foster closer collaboration and improve student engagement.

Developing a plan to increase the visibility of Stan the Swan as a memorable figure, using him as a key activation tool across Union campaigns and events to boost student engagement and recognition.

Student Feedback - Speak Up

The objective of Speak uP is to increase the volume and quality of student feedback collected by the Students’ Union, while clearly demonstrating how that feedback is used to inform decision-making, enhance student services, and influence institutional change. The campaign aims to strengthen the feedback across our campuses by ensuring students understand the importance of their voice and feel confident that their voices are heard and acted upon.

Planned Action:

The Students’ Union will deliver a year-long campaign focused on enhancing the use of student feedback across all areas of Union activity. The campaign will aim to increase awareness, accessibility, and impact of feedback mechanisms, ensuring that students feel heard and see tangible outcomes from their input.

Student feedback will be used proactively to inform and shape campaigns, services, and strategic priorities—ensuring our activity is relevant and student-led. This will include expanding on the existing You Said, We Did framework to highlight real outcomes and build trust in our processes.

I will also work to improve the effectiveness of our student forums and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), making them more interactive and engaging to encourage wider participation and open discussion.

Measures of Success:

Event attendance figures, including pop-ups, feedback stalls, forums, and AGM sessions.

Increased student awareness of how their feedback is used, measured through post-event or end-of-year surveys.

Number of key themes or actionable issues identified through student submissions and ongoing engagement.

Reach and engagement with communications, tracked via social media analytics and campaign performance metrics.

Demonstrable use of feedback in university-level decision-making, supported by documented examples and outcomes.

Progress So Far:

Collaborating with the Communications Team to develop a rolling survey with varied questions aligned to different campaigns and events throughout the academic year.

Dates confirmed for key activities such as student forums, and the Annual General Meeting.

Early-stage planning of Speak Week campaign activations is currently underway, with a focus on increasing visibility and accessibility of feedback opportunities.
Growing Speak Up, for visual and branding development to be used across departments within the union.
Bettering the feedback mechanisms through marketing and student voice departments.

Motion : Trans and Non - Binary Representation

Objective : To complete the motion in full.

Identified Planned Actions:

Definition of transphobia included in their student code of conduct and Union Policy.
A quick and simple way students can correct their gender on the University systems.
Gender inclusivity training for all Union staff.
Actual repercussions for staff and students who are found to be transphobic.
Encouragement of more inclusive materials in lectures.
Support network in place for trans and non-binary students.
Must increase gender-neutral facilities on both campuses.
Lobby the university to adopt a policy that makes clear what types of anti-trans speech from internal or external groups will be tolerated on Campus; and agree that where the Union concern about the impact of externally booked events on students that the University believes it is obliged to fulfil, they will book it outside of term-time where possible.
Work with Wellbeing and campus life to improve provisions of support for trans students such as offering specialised gender counselling.
Ensure university sports have opportunities for trans students to participate in as their correct gender wherever possible.

Progress So Far:

Early discussions with Hero, Trans and Non-Conforming Officer to see how we can support students withing our instiution.
Societies and Services Officer ( Maddy ) and Hero, Trans and Non-Conforming Officer responded with university consultation on changes to toilet and facilities across campus - in response to EHRC guidelines.
Sports Officer ( Robbie ) and Trans and Non-Conforming Officer organising a inclusive sports day.

Union Welsh Language Policy

In my year as Welsh Affairs Officer the Union revised the Welsh Language Policy, this policy was implemented to promote and raise awareness in the Union of the language. In the policy it aims:

Objectives

The Welsh Language Policy of the Students’ Union is designed to ensure that the Union reflects and promotes the bilingual nature of Wales. Its aims are to:

Increase the visibility and accessibility of Welsh across Union activities, services, and communications.

Support and encourage students to engage with the Union in both Welsh and English.

Comply with relevant Welsh language legislation and commitments, ensuring inclusivity and equality for Welsh speakers.

Promote and celebrate Welsh culture, heritage, and identity within the student community.

Progress So Far

Policy revised to reflect updated commitments to bilingualism and inclusivity.

Initial training opportunities identified for staff to improve awareness and confidence in using Welsh.

Core Union communications reviewed to ensure bilingual provision is being consistently delivered.

Engagement with Welsh-speaking student groups to gather feedback on key priorities.

Planned Actions

Implementation of Bilingual Communications: Ensure key digital and print communications are made available in both Welsh and English, with consistent quality and visibility.

Staff Development: Deliver Welsh language awareness training for staff and explore opportunities for Welsh learning support.

Student Engagement: Work with Welsh-speaking societies and cultural groups to promote events, campaigns, and initiatives that celebrate Welsh language and culture.

Monitoring & Review: Establish clear reporting structures to monitor compliance with the policy and adjust based on student/staff feedback.

Measures of Success

Increased availability and visibility of bilingual materials across Union channels.

Uptake of Welsh language training by Union staff.

Improving Planning and Efficiency at the SU

To review, streamline, and enhance the Students’ Union’s internal planning and operational processes to improve efficiency, reduce duplication of work, and support a coordinated and productive working environment. This project aims to establish clear procedures, timelines, and responsibilities that enable staff and officers to work collaboratively, deliver campaigns more effectively, and align efforts with the Union’s strategic priorities.

Planned Actions:

Develop and implement a clear planning framework for all Union-led activity, including campaigns, events, and engagement initiatives.

Create and roll out standardised templates and timelines to support consistent planning and delivery across departments.

Facilitate regular cross-departmental planning sessions involving Full-Time Officers, the Events Team, and the Student Voice Team to promote collaboration and alignment.

Establish clearer communication protocols to ensure information is shared in a timely and structured manner.

Measures of success:

Improved communication across departments, demonstrated by fewer last-minute decisions and reduced internal conflict.

Increased adherence to planning timelines and processes across teams.

Greater consistency and clarity in campaign and event delivery.

Positive staff and officer feedback regarding internal communication and joint working.

Evidence of more efficient and effective campaign planning, execution, and evaluation.

Conducting evaluation meetings of events and campaigns.

Progress so far:

Developed a comprehensive campaign planning document that outlines the three key phases of campaign delivery: pre-campaign planning, in-campaign execution, and post-campaign evaluation.

Initiated regular joint meetings between Full-Time Officers, the Events Team, and the Student Voice Team to strengthen cross-functional communication and encourage collaborative planning.

Begin identifying common challenges in current planning processes to inform future improvements.

Completed to date - November :

Welsh speaking and learner lanyards, distriputed to all full time staff in the union.
Hosted the first joint bi-weekly meeting with Full-Time Officers, the Events Team, Student Voice Team and Marketing.
Campaign document, distriputed to all officers to utilise in their campaign planning process.

Leading a Successful Officer Team

To deliver a focused and supportive leadership approach that enables the full-time and part-time officer team to be effective, collaborative, and impactful in their roles. This includes developing the team's skills, strengthening communication, and ensuring accountability across the year.

Planned Action:

Developing both individual and team-wide action plans to outline priorities, responsibilities, and goals for the academic year.

Holding weekly team meetings to ensure alignment, share progress, and address any emerging issues.

Scheduling biweekly meetings with the Senior Management Team to facilitate strategic alignment and operational support.

Conducting monthly meetings with the Events and Student Voice teams to encourage cross-departmental collaboration and ensure campaign and engagement activity is coordinated.

Establishing a consistent and effective campaign planning process that supports officers in delivering impactful, student-led campaigns in partnership with relevant departments.

Measures of Success:

Clear expectations and collective goals established at the beginning of the academic year through structured action planning.

Regular team check-ins and individual one-to-ones held to track progress, share updates, and provide both strategic and pastoral support.

Delivery of targeted training and development opportunities tailored to officers’ roles and personal development needs.

Evidence of cross-officer collaboration on campaigns, projects, or initiatives that span multiple areas of student interest.

Increased visibility and transparency of officer activity through regular communications, updates, and engagement with the wider student body.

Progress So Far:

One-to-one meetings held between the President and each Officer to discuss priorities, expectations, and individual development.

Officers have begun engaging with training opportunities aligned with their portfolio areas and specific interests.

Initial planning underway to develop a shared campaign framework and improve coordination between departments.

Motion : Genocide and Apartheid Off - Campus

Objectives : To complete the motion in full and ammended.

Identified Actions:

Contact Senior Leadership team of Swansea University.
Communicate a response to student body.
Continue to support and represent the students.

Progress So Far:

April 2025 - Contacted the University with the resolves of the motions.
June 2025 - Written responses recieved from the university and proceeded further discussions.
October 2025 - Final response has been reviewed and approved by University Senior Leadership Team and Union.
November 2025 - Response shared with proposers.

Measures of Success:

University responding to the resolutions of the motion.
Union fufilled with the response to the motion.

SHAG Week

The goal of SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance) Week, which will take place multiple times throughout the academic year, is to promote sexual health, wellbeing, and informed decision-making among students. The campaign aims to raise awareness of safe sex practices, encourage STI testing, and foster open, stigma-free conversations around consent, contraception, and healthy relationships.

Planned Actions

Termly Campaign Weeks: Each term will feature a dedicated SHAG Week, including pop-up stalls on both campuses. These stalls will provide free sexual health products (e.g., condoms, lubricant, STI testing kits) alongside educational leaflets and resources.

Social Media Campaign: A coordinated digital campaign will run across the Students’ Union platforms, engaging students with a mix of videos, infographics, and static posts designed to educate and spark discussion.

Awareness of Support Services: The campaign will highlight free on-campus sexual health services and promote the support available at Singleton Hospital Clinic.

Swipe Right Night: Following its success last year, Swipe Right Night will return for a second year as a key engagement event within the campaign.

Measures of Success

Distribution Impact: Monitoring the number of information packs and sexual health products distributed through campus stalls.

Digital Engagement: Analysing cross-platform performance of SHAG Week content posted on the SUSU President and Swansea Students’ Union accounts.

Year-on-Year Comparison: Comparing campaign data against results from the previous academic year to identify improvements in reach, engagement, and impact.

Progress to Date - August

The initial order of sexual health products has been placed and is currently en route to the Students’ Union.

Campaign week dates for the academic year have been confirmed and scheduled.

Progress to Date - Competed - October

70,000 views across @SUSUPresident and @swanseasu raising awareness for sexual health and awareness.
400+ sexual health packs (with condoms, std kits, pregnancy tests, lube, and information packets) given out across Singleton Campus.
Boxes of sexual health products now available in JC's, Advice and Support Centre, Y Twyni ( Bay Campus ) and all SU office's.
We are hoping to replicate a pop up in second semester on Singleton and Bay Campus to share out all sexual health packs.
There is sexual health drop in's at the end of each Month on Tuesday's in the Advice and Support Centre ( Singleton) and Y Twyni ( Bay).