Sponsorship

The Durham Union Society is the University's largest internal student body with 3000 members. What makes the Union so attractive for sponsors, especially for graduate recruiters, however, it the fact that these 3000 members come from all 14 colleges, all 26 department and from all walks of life. As such, sponsors can gain unparalleled exposure within the University. As requirements for career paths become broader, and as applicants increasingly come from all degree disciplines, thus current sponsors find sponsoring the Union more and more beneficial. 

Sponsors, why do we need them?

The Union has never had so many members, and has never put on so many events. It can only continue to do so, however, with the support of our numerous sponsors. The money we raise goes directly back to the members in a variety of different ways including debates, publications and free members' events. Simply put, without sponsorship the Union would not be able to function.

What different kinds of sponsorship are available?

Term Card:

This professionally-produced A5 publication is sent out to all 3000 members on a termly basis. It acts as a diary, detailing all the events put on throughout the year. Many firms use an advert in the term card to promote the company brand, a recruitment event occurring in Durham or vacation placements. This is the simplest way for sponsors interested in graduate recruitment to become involved with the Union.

Freshers' Brochure:

This is an A4 glossy publication is sent to all students who will be coming to the University next year. This reaches the 4000 Freshers' and new Postgraduate students before they even arrive in Durham and as such is a perfect way to publicise local businesses.

Debates, addresses and forums:

Exclusive sponsorship of a debate, address or forum does not entail endorsement of a motion, subject or speaker. Rather, it demonstrates a commitment to provoking debate and discussion. More importantly, it gives a graduate recruitment opportunity like no other. Firms can hold a detailed presentation talk half an hour before the event and talk for five minutes immediately before the speeches themselves. These events attract over 350 engaging students who often arrive early to guarantee themselves good seats!

Members' events:

We host numerous socials events every term for our members, ranging from trips to international rugby at Murrayfield to Mince Pies and Mulled Wine in the week before the Christmas holiday. These are always well attended and are a fantastic way of increasing brand awareness.

Michaelmas Ball:

Every Michaelmas we host one of the most popular balls in Durham, this year to be held at Beamish Hall. Sponsorship of the ball gives a brand or firm exposure not only to the 200 students who attend the evening but also throughout the University because the event is extensively promoted amongst the colleges in the preceding month.

Website:

Our newly designed website is regularly visited by our members and prospective members and can easily be advertised on. This is a great way of advertising because it means that you can constantly update your advert so as to promote specific events and offers.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities please feel to contact the Union Society by email (sponsorship@dus.org.uk), phone 0191 3843724 or in person at the Union's office.