Information and ideas shared at community event

The Community Liaison Meeting at Rowley’s House

News from our partners University Centre Shrewsbury

Representatives from a range of organisations gathered at University Centre Shrewsbury’s Rowley’s House base last week to share information, views and ideas on the development of the institution.

Councillors, members of Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association, Shrewsbury Civic Society, West Mercia Police, Shrewsbury Students Union, University of Chester and Shropshire Council staff were among those who joined together at the event on Wednesday 9 September 2015.

Topics discussed covered curriculum, sites, student support and welfare, sports and societies, student volunteering, Welcome Week and the role of the Proctor, including disciplinary procedures.

The event was part of ongoing activities organised to involve the community including one-to-one meetings, providing information at Shropshire events and meetings of organisations as well as public events at Rowley’s House. The University Centre is also part of Team Shrewsbury, a group of representatives drawn from different agencies who work together to promote the town and look at where improvements can be made.

Representatives at last week’s meeting ended the evening by talking about the best ways to continue to exchange thoughts on the University Centre, and progress the actions arising from these discussions.

This included agreeing to look in more detail at the structure of the Community Liaison Committee in Chester and to bring community representatives together again later in the year to discuss whether a forum along the same lines, with a similar constitution, would be fitting for University Centre Shrewsbury.

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury Deputy Provost, said:

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has given up their time – not just at this week’s Community Liaison Meeting but week-on-week – to support the development of University Centre Shrewsbury.

“At last Wednesday’s meeting, as throughout all the community activities, there was great interest, enthusiasm and insights shared on how we continue to ensure we are at the centre of the community, and make good progress for the institution, town and county.

“Questions were put to the panel on subjects including accommodation and links with other higher education institutions, and it was discussed that by working alongside the community to create an institution from its very beginnings, we are in a unique position to take on board feedback and put measures in place to address any concerns from the start.

“Thank you again to everyone who is contributing to the work to establish the best possible institution in this fantastic town.”

Councillor Alan Mosley, who chaired the meeting, said:

“These meetings are extremely important so that all stakeholders can share information, avoid any misunderstandings, deal positively with any concerns and share in the project’s success.

“There was a lot praise given to University of Chester and Shropshire Council staff for what has been achieved in such a short timescale and we are really looking forward to welcoming the first cohort of students to the town later this month.”

Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for University Centre Shrewsbury added:

“It was a very positive meeting.”

People are also invited to stop by at Rowley’s House, Barker Street, to find out more about University Centre Shrewsbury. The reception is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm each day, except for Wednesdays when it is open from 1pm to 4pm, and bank holidays. For further information on University Centre Shrewsbury, go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk, email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01244 511000.

In addition, people have the opportunity to find out more about University Centre Shrewsbury from the leadership team at a drop-in event next week. Anyone can stop by at Rowley’s House on Wednesday 16 September 2015, any time between 6pm and 8pm, to speak to senior members of the team.

More information is also available at:

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Twitter – @ucshrewsbury
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