USI’s Student Union Training programme is the primary advanced training programme for student officers in Ireland. It is open to students’ unions in membership of the national union.
Part 1 of SUT is for Sabbatical Officers, and will be held at Athlone Institute of Technology from 10 to 13 July 2017. Covering all the functional activities of the students’ union, the student movement ethos and initial training for sabbatical officers on team cohesion and development, the event also presents the opportunity for student leaders to network, integrate and socialise with their peers, with a view to the formation of an effective nationally focused movement.
The event is a residential training, with officers accommodated in student accommodation beside the college. Along with the work schedule an active sports evening, exploration of the town of Athlone and social gatherings are planned for the week. At the end of the week, the first National Council (national executive) meeting will take place.
Part 2 of SUT is called SUT+ and will be held at Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union from 15 to 16 August 2017. This event combines training with a pressure simulation – an in-tray exercise designed to expose student leaders to some of the political and interpersonal pressures they will experience throughout their term of office. SUT+ unites student officers from across Ireland as members of the executive committee of the fictional Ballybreag Institute of Technology – a large college with many of the traits of a University in an IT setting. Trainees experience tough decision making, challenging and traumatic narratives and an understanding of their own contribution to workplace stress.
SUT+ is a residential event with trainees accommodated in student accommodation. Along with the work scheduled for the day, a social engagement will take place after the simulation. Evaluation will take place on 16 August, and a National Council meeting will take place to close the event.