University News Last updated 27 November 2019
Seven Birmingham City University Students’ Union societies representing a wide range of interests and causes took part in the Dragons' Den style Win4MySociety business pitch session, competing to win the first prize of £1000.
The Game Creation Federation Society, voted overall champions by the judges - Santander’s Fay Watkin (Santander), Birmingham City University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Mackie and Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Imogen Denton, and Student’s Union Vice President Kathy-Zoe Baira – delivered an impressive presentation at the evening event, outlining their plans for a 24-hour ‘hackathon’ aimed at encouraging new coding and programming enthusiasts to join their community.
Second place went to the Parents and Carers Society, who were awarded £500, and runners up RadSoc, High Achievers Recognition Scheme, Malaysian Students Association and Yoga Society who delivered an innovative pitch featuring well thought out business models involving elements such as event management, societal impact, finance and governance, diversity and equality, and sustainability.
Graduate-style balls celebrating the end of the academic year, monthly seminars to improve wellbeing and mental health over the course of the term, 24-hour events aimed at encouraging new coders and programmers to come together, cultural nights built around music and food and further support for students with young children.
Earlier this year Birmingham City University and Santander signed a new three-year partnership agreement that provides, among other support, scholarships to enable students of the university to enhance their leadership skills and graduate employability.
Through this new partnership, Santander is funding a variety of initiatives including supporting the University to develop the healthcare leaders of tomorrow, through the existing BCU Higher Achievers Recognition Scheme.
Santander’s financial support is also enabling Birmingham City University students to develop their entrepreneurial skills, via seed funding, in conjunction with the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment who foster student innovation through a highly successful ‘Mentored Projects’ scheme.