Third years at Portsmouth University have set up a social support network for all radiography students there. Network member Vick Middleton explains.
The third years here are a dynamic group, up for discussion and determined to ensure students complete the course with a smooth transition from year to year.
Due to the increasing demands and changes of both the BSc diagnostic and therapeutic courses, students can often feel isolated from their peers which can affect their academic and clinical performance.
The new Radiography Society (RADSOC) aims to provide a social outlet and connect students from all year groups.
This is purely a social group. It is not designed to deal with pastoral, financial or technical issues that can arise on a university course. It will, however, allow students to mingle and discuss commonplace issues that can arise each year over a cheeky beverage or night out.
We have also decided to use the popular social website Facebook to promote the network and use its applications to benefit the students.
Using the internet is far more accessible than just advertising events on a notice board, and ties in with the university's paperless system of working.
SoR supports
The Society of Radiographers (SoR) and Portsmouth University have been pivotal in providing information on how to set up a successful society and have given full backing for our group.
The SoR has also kindly provided numerous posters and leaflets giving general information regarding the Society for our Freshers Week this month.
Samantha Jewell, SoR student officer, is right behind our group. She said: "We are thrilled that radiography students are taking such initiatives and wholly support such activities. We will provide as much support as we can to encourage these groups to form and develop.
"The SoR position is very much that students are the future of the profession. We actively encourage students to get more involved at an early stage in their career."
Your own project?
We would urge other universities to follow our example to provide essential social support and networking skills.
• If you are running, or thinking of running, a similar network at your university tell StudentTalk about it! Email the editor.
• For advice on setting up your own network email the SoR student membership team.
Join now
