Society+ Award: Society of the Year 2024/2025
We are so excited to launch Society+ Award, our new accreditation scheme for societies to earn points and compete for the Society of the Year Award.
Society+ is open to all societies, and you earn points as a society, meaning teamwork within your committee & society is key for your society to get as many points as possible! Different activities earn different points, and you will find that many of the activities that earn points are activities you will already be doing as a society! Activities range from earning 1 point to 4 points.
Once a society has completed an activity or activities, they need to complete the Society+ form below. Evidence may be required for some activities - this may mean sending a photo, screenshot or staff testimonials/confirmation etc. The Student Opportunities team will verify all activity and let you know if you need to send any evidence.
Points can be redeemed between 1st September 2024 – 1st April 2025 and the society with the most points redeemed will win Society of the Year at the annual Society Awards. There will be a league table featured in the Society Spotlight newsletter each month.
For any guidance, please contact studentopps@chester.ac.uk.
Below is a list of all the activities that can be completed and how many points they earn.
Have an active social media account
This means creating a social media account for this year and introduce your committee on there and update with events and things your society are doing!
Follow CSU on Instagram
Follow Chester Students Union on Instagram.
Follow the officers on Instagram
Follow the officer account on Instagram.
Host a social – 1 point for each social
Host a social for your society. This could be a night out, game night, or anything that isn’t a normal meeting!
Every 10 memberships
For every 10 members your society gains, it will earn you 1 point.
Host a charity event
Fundraise or volunteer for a charity! (Following the event procedure if applicable).
Take a society trip
Attend a conference, convention or any activity outside of Chester (or away from your main site if your society is based at Birkenhead or Warrington). This can be a day trip or overnight stay.
Attend additional training – 2 points per session
Have a committee member attend any additional in-person/online training (Look After You Mate, First Aid, Consent, Safeguarding, Mental Health & more!)
Apply & use the development grant
Claim from the society development grant – through a successful application.
Add all your regular activity to your webpage
List all your regular sessions and events on the events tab through native.
Create a budget plan
This means planning what events you want to do throughout the year and how much you think it will cost to run these events. Send it to studentopps@chester.ac.uk once you’re done and if approved, you’ll earn your points!
Take part or sign up for society spotlight
Society Spotlight is a feature in the Community Newsletter which showcases your society and what you’re getting up to so that other students can see! Nominate your society to be included in this by sending a short article to studentopps@chester.ac.uk.
Fundraise for society social funds
Hold a fundraiser to raise money for your societies social account. You can do this by holding sponsored bake sales, stay awakes, runs or more!
Hold a joint session or event with another society
Hold a joint session with another CSU society! Get creative and network with other committees to see what you could collaborate on.
Host a ‘major event’ event – 3 points per event
Host an event for your society that is not part of your regular activity/sessions with an attendance of 50 or more and following the event procedure.
Attend an open day or applicant day
Facilitate an activity or demonstration at an open day or applicant day. Dates will be shared by the opportunities team, or you can ask by emailing studentopps@chester.ac.uk
Attend CSU’s AGM
Every year, CSU hold their own AGM. Attend this to earn 4 points! The date and details will be emailed to all societies, so keep your eyes peeled.
Host a joint event with CSU or participate in a CSU event
Collaborate on an event with the SU or perform/present at a major CSU event. Have any event ideas you think would work? studentopps@chester.ac.uk
Society to have 75%+ members vote in the CSU elections
Encourage your members to vote in the CSU elections – any society with 75% or more of their membership to vote will gain 4 points.
Reaffiliate for next year
Successfully elect a new committee for the following year during the March elections.
