Committees and Societies

Committees

If you fancy getting involved in any of the day-to-day aspects of Mildert life and events, our various committees are a fantastic opportunity to do so. They give students a chance to make a real impact within college, and some even offer paid roles! Click through the Committee titles below for more detail about what each committee does, and how to get involved.

  • 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.

Societies

There are plenty of societies for everyone to get involved in at Mildert. If there’s something that you want to get involved in that we don’t have within our JCR, there’s nothing stopping you from re-starting an old society or founding a completely new one. Contact the Chair, who will give you support on how to do this.

  • Feather Theatre is one of the most active and vibrant theatre societies in Durham riding on our variety of opportunities and friendly atmosphere, where everyone can get involved at various levels.. In Michaelmas Term, we start the year strong with a play, which we will audition for early in term so keep an eye on our Facebook for updates, and a Christmas pantomime. The Christmas Panto is always a highlight of our year and gives everyone no matter their experience a chance to get involved. In Epiphany term, we put on a large Musical production along the lines of Grease, My Fair Lady and Les Misérables to name a few of our previous productions. In summer term we finish the year with a bang and keep Mildert entertained post exam season with Summer Shakespeare and the 48 hour Musical. The 48 hour Musical has been one of the best experiences I've had at Mildert and involves putting on a functioning musical after only 48 hours of rehearsal. It's chaotic and intense but really fun as well. We also look for production teams for every show giving you a chance to direct or produce a show if acting isn't for you. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and passion. Welcome to Mildert and Feather Theatre! Instagram: feather_theatre, Facebook: Feather Theatre Company

  • Mildert Big Band is the college's in-house big band and we do a variety of performances including gigs after Mildert formals, paid gigs around the uni and our own concerts. We have a wide repertoire- whether we're playing classic standards or pop music, the solos are fire and the jazz is huge! Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings in college and the band is open to players of any ability. We always have a break at the bar and our socials are pretty great too. Get in touch to find out more, either email the band (bigband@mildert.co.uk), or find our Facebook and insta pages! We'll see you in rehearsal!

  • Another Mildert society making a resurgence, VMBGS (as we like to call it) is back with a bang. Whether you fancy a chill night of Scrabble (other word games are available) or a more intense family-Christmas style Monopoly showdown (other reasons for mass family argument also available) then this is the place for you. Come along to one of the events and try your hand and meet some new people. Have a chat with us at the Freshers’ fair to find out more.

  • We’re back! An inclusive choir with a friendly atmosphere, singing a wide variety of music throughout the year, Mildert Choir is the perfect place to get into or improve your singing. We encourage anyone who enjoys singing to pop along and have a go!

  • We’re Mildert Class Soc; Mildert’s society for those who identify as working-class. We’re here to diversify the JCR and be a point of contact and representation for all of Mildert’s working-class students, to make Mildert even more inclusive than it already is. Be sure to check out our Instagram @mildertclasssoc for more information on fun socials, support and more!

  • Van Mildert CSU is merged with St. Aidan’s Christian Union - you can see all updates on their instagram @aidansmildert_cu.

  • Whether you just dance in the club or you’ve danced for years, our society is not one to miss. Even if you just want to make college friends or go on some socials, be sure to join us! We welcome all abilities and cover a range of styles. Throughout the year, we put on a showcase and we also dance for the college fashion show in Epiphany term. There are taster sessions at the beginning of the year so even if you just fancy trying it out, why not have a go? Don’t miss us at the Freshers’ fair but whilst you wait, check out our social media for videos, pictures and more info! Instagram: @vmdancesoc Feel free to dm us with any questions :))

  • We are mildert’s dungeons and dragons society! open to new or experienced players, everyone welcome! Visit our instagram for more information.

  • VM Fem Soc is an all-inclusive society welcoming people of any sex or gender. We hold regular meetings to discuss issues surrounding feminism and the fight for gender/sexual equality, including film screenings, guest speakers, and socials! We also organise fundraiser events throughout the year such as our period drive at Christmas in which we donate period products to the local food banks. If you feel passionate about women’s rights and want to come and make new feminist friends, this society is for you!

  • Film soc is a chilled group which organise film screenings in college. Join their group on facebook for updates

  • Van Mildert Jam Society is the hub for live music across all genres in college. We host regular events, called swamp sessions, in the bar to celebrate different genres in the Mildert music population. We have jazz, acoustic, rock and Musical theatre events. We also serve as a networking platform to get to know other musicians in Van Mildert. We'd love to have you engage with us, by joining our exec, becoming a genre or society rep, performing with us or just coming down for a drink during a swamp session. Anyone is welcome to celebrate noise making in any form at this college!

  • See yourself as the next Harvey Spectre? Already studying law or thinking about it later? Want to get into some interesting conversations about the latest legal debates? Well then this is the courthouse for you. Come along for some engaging chats and help with your degree or future aspirations, meet some new people and maybe have a drink or 2. If you want to find out more please come along and say hi at the Freshtival.

  • Hi, We are Mildert’s LGBTQ+ Soc, Mildert’s society which welcomes those of any gender or sexual orientation who particularly want to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Have an issue within Durham or Mildert that is upsetting you or just want to meet some like minded people, then please come along and get involved in making Mildert a more inclusive and welcoming place. Any questions, feel free to get in touch at the Freshtival.

  • 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, Cock Soc (the much loved cocktail society of course), Cooking Soc, Debate Soc, Dungeons and Dragons Soc, Film Soc, 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.