Founded in 1964, the University of Strathclyde Students' Association was formed when the Students' Associations of the Royal College of Science and Technology and of the Scottish College of Commerce amalgamated. In 1989 it merged with the University of Strathclyde Sports Union. The current Students' Union building is located on the western side of the John Anderson Campus, adjoining onto the Royal College, James Weir and Thomas Graham buildings. It was originally opened in 1959,. The building originally had five levels, however an additional five levels were constructed in 1976 as part of a neighbouring extension to the Thermodynamics laboratory of the James Weir Building. Its address is 90 John Street, G1 1JH. The Association contains ten floors, eight of which hold student areas and two back office staff areas. In 2020, the Association will vacate the John Street building after over 60 years, and into the new Teaching and Learning Hub which has been created through the reconfiguration and refurbishment of the Colville Building on North Portland Street.
Governance
The day-to-day running of the building is done by the Executive Committee who also serve on the trustee board alongside student volunteers elected by a cross-campus ballot. There are six sabbatical officers: a president and five vice-presidents. The main policy making bodies of the Association are the Policy Forums, which meet frequently throughout the year passing policy through to the Policy Council of elected representatives which meets to discuss proposed policy. Student Reps represent their fellow class colleagues to communicate issues, concerns, and opinions of students to University staff and vice versa.
Mature Students' Association
Mature students represent almost 20% of the Strathclyde student population, including undergraduate, postgraduate and international students. Strathclyde’s Students' Union also has a successful Mature Students' Association, located on Level 2 of the Livingstone Tower. Facilities include; Common room, tea/coffee, microwave, toaster, fridges, tuck shop; desktop computers, printer, photocopier; quiet study room, lockers. The main aims of the Mature Students' Association are to provide all mature students with a support network of both friends and fellow students as well as somewhere to study and relax. The MSA is run by Convenor/s and/or committee who are elected yearly by the membership and liaise with the University and the USSA President on behalf of their members.
Clubs and societies
There are over 100 clubs and societies available for students to choose from, each designed to suit the hobbies, courses, beliefs or other interests that students have. A new club or society can be formed if there are at least ten interested members. Students with an interest in photography, wanting to pursue this passion and meet other photographers join the Strath Photo Club. The Art of Living Strathclyde Society, affiliated with the Art of Living Foundation which is a not-for-profit, educational and humanitarian NGO engaged in stress-management and service initiatives. The LGBT Society runs different events throughout the year including social events, film screenings, political campaigns and trips to local LGBT friendly venues. Events are also organised specifically to coincide with the LGBT History Month.
Presidents
The full list of past presidents of the University of Strathclyde Students' Association is as follows:
