This year’s Southampton University Students’ Union AGM borrowed its theme from the film 300, as the meeting required 300 attendees to be affiliated to British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS). Despite being enticed by the opportunity to win £50, and their general interest in the running of the Students’ Union, the event saw a relatively low turnout. Whilst no motions were put forward or carried, the meeting presented an account of the running of the Union through a variety of slideshows, presenting the financial management of the Union and the individual campaigns undertaken by the sabbatical team.

Overall, the forecast of the financial situation of the Union is positive. As was reported earlier this year in the Wessex Scene, the Union was suffering from extremely low reserves, but are now forecasting to reach £150,000 by July, tripling the £48,000 they’d fallen to. According to Union President Alex Tanfield this turn around has been achieved through streamlining management systems and drastic cut backs on budget.

SUSU Cafe has seen their profits re-established, improving returns from a loss of -£29,786 last year to a positive profit of £1000 this year. Alex Tanfield hopes to further improve this service by securing a £150,000 budget from the University for a long overdue redevelopment, which plans to make the facility more student-central, and hopefully less reminiscent of a school canteen.

The SUSU Shop has enjoyed continued success following its redevelopment, whilst the Travel Centre and SUSU venues have shown decline in profitability. Despite the unsuccessful launch of Yo! Mama and general dwindling in Union venue popularity, SUSU still forecast to breakeven. The Travel Centre’s annual loss of £20,000 reflects its declining presence on campus however, having suffered a reduction in union funding and also a reduction in its physical presence, with part of its shop space now utilised by Wessex Custom Clothing.

This year has also seen the introduction of many five-year plans; Joe Leigh (VP Education and Representation) has initiated schemes for the improvement on teaching and learning for example. One aim is to improve feedback and also interaction with personal tutors to guarantee support for students, and another looking into ways in which core texts can be made more accessible to students. School Presidents are also to be continually provided with further support, and have this year been represented by a further 127 trained course reps. As a response to issues of overcrowded study space in exam times, Joe Leigh announced that additional revision space has been allocated in three areas to be advertised soon.

Dan Francis (VP Welfare and Societies) has this year worked closely on a number of campaigns with national organisations, as well as heading campaigns with the police and NHS to promote health and security in the student community.

The year has also seen more students involved in the media with SUSU.TV than ever before, who played host to the National Student Television Association (NaSTA). Adam Parker (VP Media and Communications) has led the redesign of the Wessex Scene and The Edge, as well as rebranding Surge and introducing podcasts to encourage further listeners.

Henry Potter (AU President), as well as testing AU members for Chlamydia, has worked hard to reduce the AU deficit by cutting back on unnecessary spending, whilst keeping SportRec at a reasonable price.