University of Manchester Students' Union

The University of Manchester Students' Union (UMSU) is the representative body for students at the University of Manchester in England. It is the largest students' union in the United Kingdom, boasting a membership exceeding 40,000 students. UMSU was established in 2004 through the merger of two predecessor organizations: the UMIST Students' Association (USA) and the University of Manchester Union (UMU), coinciding with the merger of their parent institutions, UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester, on 1 October 2004[4].

History

The roots of student representation at the University of Manchester date back to the 19th century. An initial Students' Union was formed in 1861, intended to address deficiencies in student engagement and representation[3]. The original Union building, constructed in 1895, housed separate Men's and Women's Unions, which later merged with the opening of a new union building[2]. Since its early days, the Union has been a hub for student debate and publishing, issuing its first magazine in 1867 and continuing to produce newspapers and magazines ever since[1].

The modern incarnation of UMSU emerged from the unification of the two student bodies aligned to the University of Manchester's institutional merger, creating a singular, comprehensive organization to represent all students across the university[4].

Governance and Structure

Unlike many students’ unions that have a single president, UMSU is governed by an executive team consisting of eight members who share joint responsibility for the organization's leadership and administration[4]. The Union also has a board of trustees, which includes co-chairs and other members responsible for overseeing the Union's strategic direction and governance.

Mission and Vision

UMSU serves as the voice of students at Manchester, focusing on effecting change and enriching student life across diverse domains. Its mission is to represent students' interests while providing a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal development and community engagement. The Union’s vision emphasizes creating a welcoming Manchester community where students can grow, prepare for their futures, and contribute meaningfully to society[5].

Values and Activities

The Union operates with core values of being student-led, diverse, inclusive, ethical, and creative. It aims to provide a wide array of services and opportunities, such as skills development programs, part-time work opportunities, wellbeing advice, community action projects, and vibrant social life activities[5]. UMSU also commits to embedding liberation and diversity principles throughout its operations and continues to develop its digital and physical facilities to enhance the student experience[5].

Affiliations

UMSU is affiliated with the National Union of Students and is a member of the Aldwych Group, linking it to a wider network of student organizations across the UK[4].

This comprehensive role and long heritage make the University of Manchester Students' Union a pivotal institution in supporting and representing students, building a vibrant university community, and enriching student life in Manchester.

Charity number: 1144146

[1] https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/special-collections/a-to-z/detail/?mms_id=992983876704401631 [2] https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/history-heritage/history/buildings/students-union/ [3] https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb133-sua [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Manchester_Students'_Union [5] https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29089