NUS-USI
NUS-USI was formed in 1972 as a result of negotiations between NUS (National Union of Students UK) and USI (Union of Students in Ireland) regarding students’ unions affiliating to either National Union depending on their political affiliations.
It was found that the best solution was to have all unions in the North of Ireland affiliated to both National Unions. Through a protocol agreement, NUS-USI was established to help combat particular problems of sectarianism encountered in the North of Ireland.
There are over 200,000 students in Northern Ireland and NUS-USI represents them at a number of levels. We campaign on their behalf on many issues including:
- Student hardship
- Health
- Prejudice
- Accommodation
We also provide support to students’ unions across the North of Ireland in order for them to develop their own work through our research, training and development functions.
Mission Statement and Core Values
Led by Students for Students
Our Vision
In attempting to review why the organisation was established and why it continues to exist, the following vision has been proposed:
‘The vision of NUS-USI is to promote social justice and reduce educational inequality where everyone has the right to participate in a society, which respects diversity and human rights. Every student will play an active part in and be a respected member of a society that values learning, participating with their students' union locally, and nationally through NUS-USI, which will continue to be the recognised voice of students in Northern Ireland’.
Our Mission
The organisation’s sense of purpose and goal can be summarized as:
'NUS-USI will improve the lives and experiences of students in Northern Ireland by representing and fostering strong students union's & providing clear, effective and democratic leadership.'
Our Values
The values that underpin this mission can be described as follows:
‘NUS-USI is committed to working in accordance with the following core values: -
Openness
We strive for transparency in all our operations and are committed to providing access to our information for our members and the general public.
Accountability
We strive to be member focused and responsive to the needs of students' Unions, students and other stakeholders and encourage their participation in our governance.
Effectiveness
We are committed to the efficient and effective use of resources. We actively seek feedback and evaluate our performance.
Excellence
We seek to be creative and innovative and are committed to continuous improvement.
Diversity
We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity. At all times we will treat individuals with dignity and respect.
Independence
We seek to be completely independent from any Government, political party, group of activists, business or other interest group and to preserve our ethos as an organisation run ‘by students for students’.
Collectivism
We believe that student organisations should be student-led and that education is a benefit to the individual and to society’.
NUS-USI Conference
At the heart of the NUS–USI decision-making process is its democracy. Each year around April, Conference is held to debate the policy of NUS-USI for the coming year, to hold the Regional Executive Committee to account, and to elect the new committee.
Conference is composed of delegates from each affiliated university and college in Northern Ireland.
As an affiliated students’ association, you can also put forward motions that you would like to see become the policy of NUS–USI.
More Information:
Officer Contacts:
President: ciarnan.helferty@nistudents.org
Staff Contacts:
Director: gail.ferguson@nistudents.org