President - Neve Kidson

The Executive Committee is the only Committee in the JCR who’s members are all elected. The Committee oversees the running of the JCR, and is intended to represent all areas of the JCR.

Senior Frep - Tilly Miller

Volunteering for POVDs and Frepping is nothing short of a test of character! Battling the weather in a bright yellow polo as we provide that first introduction to Mildert, there’s nothing quite like it! Post Offer Visiting Days are essentially just a glimpse of what Frepping will be as we run tours, answer questions and charm parents (all of great importance). We put on POVDs as not only is it a way to introduce people to our way of life in Mildert but it also helps ease that scary transition from living at home to Uni - this is where frepping takes over! Frepping, as you’ll soon find out, consists of a group of about 60 smiley faces, who are there to help you get accustomed to uni life. Predominantly this involves the planning and running of our Freshers’ Week events but also providing that experienced shoulder to lean on as you start your university life!

Chair - Lucy Bentham

Governance Committee is essentially the scrutiny and oversight committee of the JCR. It’s responsible for making sure that all things are run in a fair and transparent manner, and is the key forum for decisions on changes to how we operate as a student-led independent charity. It leads the charge on revisions to the Standing Orders (the high level documents that set out what the JCR is and how it runs). Also within the governance remit is recruitment. This covers both the running of elections (for more senior roles), and appointments by written application and interview. Governance Committee is a great way to get involved with some of the more behind the scene aspects of the JCR, with influence over strategic direction and consideration of key issues on organisation, elections and more! If you are interested in working in politics, law or in the charity sector this is a great, unique experience. Applications will open in Michaelmas term- keep your eyes peeled!

International Officer - Hyo Sung (Eric) Jun

The international committee aims to create a stronger student voice for international students. It was created to provide a safe space for international students and to create a comfortable environment in which students can express and discuss their experiences with moving away and adjusting to a completely new environment. Throughout the year, we hope to host a range of international events to bring together international and home students in order to celebrate the diverse community we have at Mildert and bring a sense of home to everyone. As an open committee, international students can openly express any concerns or difficulties they are having, allowing for changes as well as guidance for additional support.

Shop Manager - Tegan Frampton

Mildert Shop is located in the JCR Well next to the Bar, and is open every night from 7:30-11:15pm. We sell snacks, toasties and household essentials, and later in the term we’ll be organising the ordering of your beloved college stash. If you need anything in Freshers’ Week and don’t want to walk into town, you know where to come! We advertise for workers over the summer, and working in the shop is a paid role - who wouldn’t want a job where you get to give back to the college and eat loads of chocolate? Follow @mildertshop to keep up with our offers and antics!

Head of Tech - ?

The Technical Committee delivers sound and lighting for JCR events in College. Anyone can join Tech Comm (it’s an open committee) and, once suitably trained, can undertake paid work shifts for the JCR, setting up, operating and taking down equipment for events. The hours are very flexible - they are determined by the events calendar and you can do as much or as little as you want. We work with industry grade speakers, lighting and power distribution equipment, and have a large demountable stage that you will frequently see in the Ann Dobson Hall during events. Tech Comm is a great opportunity to develop a new skill set, simultaneously building your transferable, softer skills, all whilst meeting new people and earning some money.

If you’re interested in joining tech comm, or becoming the Head of Tech, email president@mildert.co.uk

Treasurer - Fraser Wilson

The Finance Committee oversees the financial operation of the JCR. It investigates investment proposals and scrutinises budgets to ensure that JCR funds are spent fairly, prudently, and effectively. Members of the Finance Committee support other committees, sports clubs and societies in preparing budgets and investments. If you want to have a say, contribute to the JCR and learn about financial management then apply to join. It is the perfect committee to join for anyone who wants to enhance their CV or enter a career in the expanding financial field. The application process for Finance Committee will be at the start of Michaelmas term.

Website and Systems Administrator - ?

The JCR website is key to many aspects of the JCR from formal sign-up to informing prospective students. The Website Committee works with the Website and Systems Administrator (WASA) and Executive Officers to update and improve the website. Opportunities for creativity and technical learning! Webs Comm is an open committee headed by the WASA and overseen by the President.

If you’re interested in becoming the WASA, please contact president@mildert.co.uk

Bar Steward - Freya Graynoth

This is a college run committee, not a JCR committee! Nevertheless, it is a huge part of student life. The bar is run by a team of paid Mildert students, known as Team Bar. There is a supervisory team called Bar Comm, one of whom oversees each shift. The bar staff are a very vibrant, fun and friendly team, and we can’t wait to meet you all. Applications for Team Bar will be opening in the first few weeks of term, so if you’re looking to earn some cash in a very flexible working environment alongside your studies - do apply! Details will follow. However, if you have anything you’d like to see in the bar or have any questions, please contact Freya, the Bar Steward.

Events Officer - Anoushka Durham

The events committee plans all of the JCR events, from balls to fashion show, Mildert day to Bops (for more on the different events we have at Mildert, visit the events page). Members of this committee can choose which events they’re interested in organising, allowing flexibility throughout the year.

Welfare Officer - Lauren Frankal

The Talk and Support Campaigns Committee organises welfare campaigns. These range from movember and mental health campaigns to guidance on housing in Durham, lgbtq awareness and sexual health campaigns. The Committee also organises welfare events within the JCR, such as the Sexual Health and Guidance (SHaG) bop.

Welfare Officer - Lauren Frankal

The Talk and Support Pastoral Committee run a drop-in service for students in the JCR. All members of the committee receive welfare training and aim to support students’ welfare.

Senior Frep - Tilly Miller

Freshers’ Committee is an open committee (meaning anyone can join) that seeks to represent the views and interests of Freshers. It provides first year students with the opportunity to ask questions and raise issues, and also organises and runs campaigns relating to freshers, and plans and organises events for freshers.

Feather Theatre is Van Mildert’s very best college theatre company! Every year we do a big play (often inspired by classical literature) which is performed in the university’s Assembly Rooms Theatre. We also put on a college pantomime at Christmas and a 48 hour musical in summer. Our priorities are encouraging Mildertians to love theatre, whether it is through performing, directing, backstage or even if you are just an excited audience member!!

Van Mildert Big Band is a fun and inclusive band that plays a great range of repertoire, from Michael Jackson to Miles Davis. We are a (mostly) non-auditioned band and practice every Wednesday evening. There are also multiple themed socials each term, and we play at big events like the Christmas Formal, Mildert Day, and more!

We exist to give students at Mildert an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. A community of Christians across different denominations that meet together to explore Jesus’ impact at our time at uni and his life changing news. Each week we play games, eat snacks and study the bible. We meet in the Aidans multi faith room on Monday at 6:45- we hope to see you there!!

VM Cocktails is a friendly, non-commital society where we will have a few themed socials a term. Our social ideas include bar crawls and cocktail making, and we welcome both big- and non-drinkers🍹🍸

Dance is a friendly, supportive and performance driven society that has grown into an integral part of the Mildert community. We’ve historically had around 20 members but are always open to new members of any year and freshers. Please feel free to join us at any point throughout the year! We are not a very competitive society and are mainly performance based, with lessons occurring weekly to work on dances for the Mildert Showcase, Fashion Show and much more! We invite people of all abilities to dance and have fun! With socials occurring regularly throughout term and our frequent rehearsals, we are a very sociable group and we can’t wait to meet our new members next year!

At the D&D club we meet up weekly to play Dungeons and Dragons as well as other role playing games. It offers a place to play for both Mildertians who are already experienced, and who are new to D&D and want to learn how it works!  We have a fun atmosphere, we welcome everybody, and we provide materials and organisational help for people who want to either run a game or join in as a player!

Van Mildert feminist society is welcoming and inclusive. This year we will be running various charity fundraisers and events as well as three socials a term. Our socials will start with a more chill event in Mildert before we head out and everyone is welcome to come to whichever part they prefer, or both! Our events will involve collaboration with various societies, as well as other fundraisers so follow us on Instagram to find out more. If you want to meet like-minded people and have fun, we hope to see you at our socials and events.

Film Soc is a friendly and relaxed group that meets weekly to watch a mix of movies - everything from shrek to parasite. Whether you’re really into film or just enjoy a cosy movie night with mates, everyone’s welcome! Super relaxed, no commitment - drop in whenever 😊

Jamsoc is a great society that provides live music and an excellent opportunity to play different genres of music! Our 'Swamp Sessions' are Bar highlights throughout the year, including jazz and folk jams, as well as the coveted 'Battle of the Bands'. All of these events are easy to join, just come to Mildert Bar to play or listen!

Van Mildert LGBTQ+ society is an extremely inclusive, welcoming and fun!! society. Whether you’re LGBT+, an ally, or not sure where you fit, you will fit in. It’s a great society for meeting new people, joining fun socials and learning more. This year we really aim to make the society a bigger and better social group. Whoever you are it’s the place for you and we can’t wait to see you there!!! 💛💛💛

As lovers of yoga and pilates, we are going to invest time and effort into formalising Mildert YAPS; there will be consistent weekly classes, a variety of exciting socials (ranging from coffee dates to club nights) and active weekly social media updates. Hopefully this will encourage a growing sense of community among like-minded Mildertians. It will focus on practising mindfulness and increasing flexibility, balance and core strength. All are welcome to classes and socials and there is no expectation for you to attend classes in order to turn up to socials (and vice versa). Classes will be held on Sundays 10-11am in the Ustinov room.

The best thing is, if none of these societies appeal you can always start a completely new one or revive a previously much-loved favourite. Dormant socs still on the books (i.e. primed for revival!) include: Bob Ross Painting Society, Bagel Soc, Board Games Society, Van Mildert Choir, Class Society, Cooking Soc, Debate Soc, Law Society, Louis Theroux Appreciation Society, Meme Soc and Tenant's Rights Soc. To find out more about restarting any of these or starting a completely new society just speak to Joe, our Sports and Societies Officer, during Freshers’ Week or see us at the Fresher’s Fair.