Academic Societies
Academic societies are student-led groups that represent an academic interest which is usually linked to a course or School/Institute. These communities offer our students a range of social and professional opportunities which also enhances student experience. All societies are led by student committee members who are elected into their positions which at minimum, consist of a President, Secretary and Treasurer.
You can view what academic societies we have here. We are currently designing an Academic Societies Dashboard which will update automatically and show which courses have a related academic society. This will help us and academic staff to see at a glance, which courses are lacking an academic society.
Society committee elections
All elected committee members hold their posts until July 31st. Every year we host two large society committee elections on our website, one during October and one later on during March-April. This is when students can nominate themselves and run for committee positions. During this time, academic staff support is essential in ensuring that a society continues year on year as some societies struggle to elect a committee. Societies that don't elect a committee will move into Adopt a Soc.
For information about how our elections work and what roles are available:
Society elections process and roles
For information about timings, dates and voting for live society committee elections:
Society elections hub
Society Balls
Every year, some of our academic societies host end of year celebration events including Society Balls. These are large scale events which usually include hiring an external venue, formal dining options and formal attire. When a society organises and leads this event, it is their choice if they want academic staff in attendance.
Societies who would like to have staff present can request an associate membership to be added to their society webpage and staff can purchase their membership. If so, they can proceed to buying a society member ticket to the Ball.
We are aware that some Schools and Institutes host annual departmental balls which can sometimes be only for specific levels and courses. Please note that Society Balls must be inclusive and therefore, open to all society members regardless of level and course.
Society Balls guidance
SU Awards and Recognition
Every year, the SU hosts the SU Awards which is an annual formal event to celebrate student contributions and volunteering. Academic staff across the university can nominate societies and individual students for these awards including Academic Society of the year. To read more and nominate societies, head to the SU Awards page.
Frequently asked questions
Some of my students want to start a new society. What are the next steps?
The students will need to head to our New Society webpage where they will need to complete an application form to express their interest in setting up a new society. Once we review their application, the lead applicant will be emailed with our outcome.
Start a society
Some of my students want to adopt an old society that is no longer active. How can they do this?
The students will need to head to our Adopt A Soc webpage where can view which societies are available to be restarted. If the society lists on the page, they will then follow the steps on there to revive it!
Adopt A Soc
Where can I find a list of all academic societies?
You can see which societies are active by heading to our Academic Societies page.
How many members does a specific society have?
To find this out, you can ask the society directly or email activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk
We are currently developing the Academic Societies Dashboard which will enable you to see a society's membership count and will update on a live basis.
I think that a specific society is inactive. What can I do?
If you think a society if inactive - usually the students have already graduated or they have told you directly, please email activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk
How can I support a society that is already active?
You can support a society by doing the following:
- Putting them in touch with industry professionals for networking and guest speaker events
- Advertising society committee elections
- Checking in with them once a semester
- Encouraging other students to join the society
Do academic societies receive departmental funding?
Some do receive funding. This is dependent on if they are considered active and have less thatn £300 in their accounts at the start of the academic year, time of starting up or re-adoption. This funding makes a big difference to our societies!
A society has asked for support in booking rooms and spaces on campus. What is the process to support them with this?
All societies need to follow our events and trips processes. For all events on campus premises, the society needs to completes an events proposal form 4 weeks in advance of when they wish to host the event. The Societies Team will review the event proposal and if approved, we will add it to the University Events Register. For any external speaker events, the society must complete our external speaker form. External speaker events cannot go ahead without this.
Events proposals and External Speaker Form