Joining the JCR

WHAT IS A JCR MEMBERSHIP?

A JCR membership really unlocks a world of possibilities and helps you to be an active member of the JCR community during your time at Stevo. Purchasing a membership entitles you to a range of benefits including; discounts on event tickets, cheaper subs for sports teams and societies, the ability to directly influence the JCR via attending JCR meetings, sitting on a committee, vote in elections, or even stand for a position yourself.

In short, your membership also provides you with the opportunity to be more involved in the student JCR community, participate in more social and leisure activities, and unlocks a wide range of opportunities to meet different people and gain new experiences.

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN?

  • JCR Events: JCR Members will be able to take advantage of considerable discounts on events hosted by the JCR. It is not uncommon for JCR members to receive discounts of up to 50% on tickets to JCR events, and on occasions are given access for free. Non-members by contrast, whilst still able to attend, have to pay full price.

    • Across our large events in 2021/22, such as Winter and Summer Ball and Stevo Day, JCR members saved up to £70 on their tickets, not to mention the plethora of smaller events we held throughout the year.

    • That’s up to £210 saved on events by a three-year membership. The savings alone make a membership worthwhile.

  • JCR Sports and Societies: We know being part of a sports team, or joining a new society is a huge part of people’s university experience, which is why the JCR supports the wide variety of sporting and society groups that are run by our students. This is also why JCR members receive further discounts on the fees (known as subs) associated with joining a sports team or society, with savings of up to 50%. So if plan to get fully involved with our sports teams and societies, then picking up a JCR membership is essential!

  • Gym Membership: Access to our college gyms could not be easier. Both are situated right on your doorstep, a short walk from College accommodation, and easy to reach for anyone living out. For those interested in joining our college gym, JCR members are given a huge discount on a gym membership.

    • In 2021/22, JCR members only had to pay £20 for their gym membership, whilst non-members paid £80. Both are incredibly reasonable, but JCR members still saved £60. On top of the savings for events, a three-year membership has almost paid for itself within a year.

  • Running for Office: There are a large number of elected positions within the JCR, providing many opportunities for our members to get involved and enrich their College experience. Not to mention all the skills and experience being a student officer give you, which look very impressive on your CV. However, running for elections is only possible for JCR members, so if you want to get involved you will need a JCR membership!

  • Voting: The JCR has elections to determine our Exec and Non-Exec Officers, alongside regular JCR meetings in which motions are also discussed and voted on. These are but one of the ways in which JCR members are able to have an impact on their community. However, only JCR members are able to vote in these elections and attend JCR meetings. So if you want to have a say in the workings of the JCR, then pick up a JCR membership!

  • Committees: To join committees, the groups which provide grassroots support to the JCR and its officers and cover all areas of College life, you must be a JCR member. Committees are a great way to kick off your involvement in the JCR whilst fostering your personal development. Join the JCR so you don’t miss out.

THE JCR LEVY

As you can see being a JCR member has numerous benefits that are not available to non-JCR members.

The JCR Levy is a one-off payment that secures your place as a member of the JCR.

Sign-ups for JCR members open in the summer after results day and you are encouraged to get a JCR membership as soon as possible, so you can start taking advantage of the benefits quickly.

Membership Fees:

  • 3-Year Option (for standard undergraduate degree courses): £170*

  • 4-Year Option (for integrated masters students): £225*

  • 1-Year Option (for overseas exchange and study abroad students): £65

  • 2-Year Option (for current second years who wish to purchase for the remainder of their course): £110

If anyone finds themselves wanting to join but unsure as to whether they can finance it, please email stephenson.jcr@durham.ac.uk and we can discuss the options available. We will try and help as we want everyone to be able to join the JCR and enjoy everything it has to offer!

* Students on a three year degree programme which has an additional placement year/year abroad, need only pay for three years.

** Students on a four year degree may if they wish, purchase a three year membership and re-subscribe in their fourth year.