The Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance your education at the University of Portsmouth through a range of exciting services and activities. Our mission is to have a positive impact with every Portsmouth student: Students are heard, students are empowered, students thrive.

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At UPSU's Advice Service, we offer confidential, impartial and non-judgemental support on a range of academic and university issues that may affect your experience. Our team of trained advisers are on hand all year round to offer help where it's needed. The independent service works closely with the University of Portsmouth to resolve issues and ensure students are treated fairly.

UPSU are here to represent every student at the University of Portsmouth. We have many ways you can express your student voice, including: our Course Rep system, Have Your Say, Student Council, StART, Hot Topic, Annual Survey, Focus Groups, and more! Click on the tabs to learn more about each platform regarding Representation! You can also see a summary of our research by clicking on the UPSU Research & Data page.

Student Groups are a great development opportunity and a great place to find new friends, build a community and have a sense of belonging whilst at University!

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Welcome to UPSU

What is SWAIN

SWAIN is the Students' Unions' flagship training and development identification programme - SWAIN stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Aspirations, Inhibitions, and Needs. Your report allows you to tell us the things you excel at, the things you might need to improve, where you would like to see yourself in the future, the barriers in the way, and how we can help you overcome them.

SWAIN was created in 2021 to close a gap within the student experience, it allows each student to reflect on their levels of confidence in different areas, including the top 10 skills that are most looked for by employers. In addition to identifying student opportunities, how to promote them to the student community and what students need and want. By closing this gap we could ensure that students would leave as well-rounded individuals with a developed and improved skill set, preparing them as they take their next steps.

When you complete a SWAIN analysis survey, it heads straight to the Student Development Assistant assigned to your faculty, they will then produce a bespoke SWAIN analysis report for you that will contain personalised information, signposting, and other advice based on your answers. The more in-depth you are with your responses the more information can be put into your report to help you! Additionally, they will invite you to a meeting (in person or virtual) to discuss your report and speak more about what the next steps are for your development, they could include workshops, becoming a committee member, or using a recommended tool to improve one of your weaknesses.

If you are interested in participating and receiving a SWAIN analysis report please fill out the survey here.

If you're having trouble filling in your SWAIN submission, check out this video here for help on how to fill this in.

How to complete a SWAIN Report by Social Media

Page created: Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:30:50 GMT
Page updated: Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:19:40 GMT

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Call: 023 9284 3628
Email: hello@upsu.net
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The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every Portsmouth student during their time at University.