Events, grants and support from your Students' Union
Posted on Thursday 12 February 2026
Updates from your Students' Union
Share your thoughts: new Community Organisers
We have recruited Community Organisers, dedicated to listening to student voice and supporting students to mobilise as communities. If you'd like to get involved, then email engagement@yorksu.org and we'll put you in touch or do whatever we can to support you.
Grants for PGR representatives
Calling all PGR Reps - apply for a grant of up to £100 to use to make positive changes. Previous reps have used the grant to provide catering for the opening of PGR study spaces, funded trips and socials for a cohort, and hosted presentations to practice for conferences.
If you have an idea but would like to talk it through, get in touch with engagement@yorksu.org.
Big Academic Meeting outcomes
The Big Academic Meeting (BAM) is a hybrid meeting forum, designed to facilitate open dialogue between the student body and York SU regarding the academic experience. The ultimate goal is to generate actionable recommendations that will directly inform senior university staff and drive positive changes in academic policy and support structures. The last BAM was November 11 and key feedback was:
- Supervision: A significant lack of clarity exists regarding the expectations and "unwritten rules" of the supervisor-student relationship outside of formal meetings, leading to uncertainty and anxiety.
- Administrative Burden: The SkillForge logging system is overwhelmingly viewed as bureaucratic and counterproductive, making supervision sessions overly formal and discouraging open, informal dialogue crucial for research.
- Community: PGRs report feelings of professional isolation and a desire for more non-technical, discursive peer events (eg reading groups, seminars) to foster a sense of cohort and scholarly discussion.
Your Academic Officer is taking these key findings to relevant committees and working to make sure your voice is heard.
Excellence Awards
The Excellence Awards are back for 2026. These awards give students the opportunity to show their appreciation to staff across the University and thank them for their hard work. It is a student-led celebration and one which allows students to recognise those who have had a particularly positive impact on them over the past academic year, whether they are academic or non-academic staff members.
There are two specific PGR awards - GTA of the Year and PhD Supervisor of the year. Nominations will open on 23 March 2026 so keep your eyes open!
Weekly activities to explore
Every week, York SU host a few PGR-exclusive activities:
-
Wellbeing Wednesdays - 12pm on Zoom
Leave your studies at the door, come and have a relaxed coffee and a chat, with a focus on wellbeing. Bring along some paper to get involved with origami, or join in with mindful colouring, or bring along your own cosy hobby to share! -
Morning Grind - Thursdays 10am
Take a break from your research and join fellow PhD and MRes students for a relaxed coffee morning every Thursday during semester time. It’s a great opportunity to catch up, share ideas, or simply unwind with a complimentary hot drink and good company. No agenda, no pressure - just coffee and conversation. Drop in anytime to the Vanbrugh Arms between 10 and 11am. All Researchers welcome! -
Postgraduate Badminton - Thursday 1-3pm
Come along and try out badminton as part of this fun social session. Badminton takes place in the York Sport Centre Arena on Arena 3, at 1pm-2pm every Thursday. You should wear sporty clothing, trainers and bring a water bottle if possible. - Postgraduate Tennis - Monday 6-7pm
Tennis takes place in the York Sport Centre Tennis Courts 1 & 2 , at 6pm-7pm every Monday. You should wear sporty clothing, trainers and bring a water bottle if possible. Tennis rackets and balls will be available to borrow (instructions to access these will be emailed out weekly to those who sign up).
Events for your calendar
- PGR Speed-friending - 24 February 2026, 12pm
Looking to meet new people and expand your PGR network? Join us for a relaxed and fun Speed friending event designed especially for Researchers! Whether you're new to campus or just want to connect with others outside your programme, this is a great chance to have meaningful conversations in a casual setting.
More information
Find out more about your Students' Union - including your Sabbatical Officer team, latest news and more ways you can get involved: