YUSU’s Activities Officer resigns effective immediately due to an offer of long term employment

Brain Terry is leaving his position


After just over six months as Activities Officer, YUSU’s “Where’s Wally” Brian Terry resigns from his position effective immediately. 

In an email sent out to student societies on the 21st January the former YUSU Activities Offer explained “I have been offered long term employment at a stable company and so made the difficult decision to take it up over continuing my contract.”

Terry went on to explain how he is conscious of the incredibly tough job market created by the pandemic but stated he has “said time and time again students are the best part of my job and I want to say thank you to everyone who has made the past six months so incredible.”

After originally intending to serve out his one month notice “faithfully”,  YUSU have since announced they have agreed to support Terry’s request for an early release and his last day in the role was Tuesday 26th January. 

Student Union Trustees have since met to consider the options regarding the vacant role Terry has left. They state that they are “committed to trying to ensure the best possible support and leadership to students involved in societies, student media, RAG and volunteering as quickly as possible” and are creating a temporary paid administrative role to work with these groups. Extra support will also be given from the current YUSU President, Sports President and Wellbeing Officer.

The statement also suggested that a YUSU election later this term will elect a new Student Activities Officer to take Terry’s place. Co-options and by-elections were considered but decided as the least practical solutions at this time.

This is the first resignation from a Sabbatical Officer seen in recent years.

Related articles recommended by this writer:

• Uni of York Vice-Chancellor confirms student ‘safety net’ measures

• All classroom learning to be moved online at York for the entire ten week Spring Term

• A guide to the mental health support available for students at York