Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) has undergone a major internal restructure in a bid to tackle a projected £164,000 deficit by the 2026/27 academic year - but leaders are confident the student experience will be protected and even enhanced as a result.
The changes, which include the redefinition of staff roles and the streamlining of departments, are centred around improving the student offer, particularly within the Opportunities department, which supports everything from societies and sports to volunteering and student media.
Chris Drummond, Head of Opportunities, will now oversee the Athletic Union, student media, and a reimagined Opportunities Officer role.
He said the reorganisation offers a “connected structure” that will “enhance our student offer, enabling easier access for students to discover and engage” with NUSU.
The rebrand from “Activities” to “Opportunities” is also part of a wider visibility push.
“We hope to maximise exposure so more students understand what they can get involved in - from societies to volunteering to student-led initiatives,” Drummond added.
Becky Newton, who leads the volunteering strand of Opportunities, said students shouldn’t notice any difference to the level of support they receive.
“We have over 200 amazing volunteering opportunities, from long-term placements with national charities to one-off placements to give back to the community,” she said.
“The restructure hasn’t affected how volunteering operates - the support and the opportunities we provide remain the same.”
The only change? The volunteering fair will now run alongside the societies fair, offering students a one-stop shop to explore all their options.
Eloise McGeady, Inclusive Opportunities Coordinator, highlighted how the restructure will help make access to these activities even fairer.
“Students shouldn’t be able to notice the restructure at all,” she said.
“Positively, the restructure will mean that there is more understanding of how Clubs and Societies work so the access funds can be allocated better.”
McGeady supports initiatives like the Activities Access Fund and Disability Inclusion Fund, and oversees the Inclusivity Award.
“Over the summer, I’ve been updating the Inclusivity Award to hopefully make it easier for Clubs and Societies to complete,” she said.
“We’re also hoping to include Student Media and volunteering projects, which will be a great opportunity to recognise work that’s already being done and support development too.”
“There are literally hundreds of opportunities available,” she said.
“So whether it’s to find new friends, relieve some stress after a busy day, try a new activity, do good in the local community or rekindle a new hobby, there is literally something for everyone.”
Senior Opportunities Coordinator Conor Munro-O'Brien also confirmed that the restructure won’t affect any of the 190+ student societies currently supported by NUSU.
“The Opportunities department gives students the chance to enrich their university life beyond just lectures and exams,” he said.
“These opportunities are invaluable, as they help students find their sense of belonging, build lifelong friendships, and develop skills and confidence that will support them long after graduation.”
“This year, we’re rolling out new online pre-arrival training and a new system for hosting society elections through the NUSU website, designed to make life easier for student group committees.”
He added that these developments would reduce admin and allow committee members to focus on what matters: building student communities.
Ben Procter, Opportunities Administrator for BUCS sport, said one of the most exciting aspects of the restructure is the expanded remit of the Sports Officer role.
“Alex’s role has changed from AU Officer to Sports Officer - so now she covers intramural, gym-goers, and anyone doing sport at any level,” Procter explained.
“It’s really nice for students who aren’t in clubs but still take part in sport to have more of a voice.”
Committee training has also been overhauled.
“It used to be really generic, just getting talked at, but now it’s a conference style half-day, tailored to each specific role. It’s going to be a massive improvement.”
Looking ahead, the clubs and societies fair will be split over two days for a more tailored experience, and Varsity has been confirmed for March 20th, with rugby taking place at Kingston Park.
As the Union adapts to financial realities, it seems students can still expect a broad, and now even more accessible, range of opportunities to enhance their time at Newcastle.