Though the first YUSU fair attracted some 6000 people, its successor was purposefully designed to be smaller, giving students a chance to meet with society representatives, rather than just sign up for mailing lists.
Rachel Hesselwood, YUSU Volunteering Officer, praised the fair’s achievements: “we had over 85 new, enthusiastic volunteers sign up, and had the chance to talk properly and engage with people interested in what we do”.
The societies were relying on the fair to bring in the membership figures required to get their grants and ensure their survival.
The fair also provided them with the opportunity to promote and sell tickets for their events, thus bringing them much needed funds and interest, as well as giving societies the opportunity to collaborate with one another to create joint activities and volunteering projects.
The event’s success has therefore helped the University’s societies continue to thrive despite continued worries over society funding. This has been encouraged throughout the term by YUSU’s use of smaller society forums.
Rhianna Kinchin, Student Activities Officer, commented on these changes: “The whole society structure is becoming a lot more joined up and accessible at the moment.’We Are Golden’ in Week 6 will pull it all together even more”.