ACADEMIC REPRESENTATION CANDIDATES
Below are the candidates running for the Academic Representation Officer. Have a read through each manifesto and see who you want representing you next year!
POPPIE-MAI CRAMPTON
|
POPPIE'S MANIFESTO:
My name is Poppie-Mai Crampton and I study Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing. I am intrigued by the role of Academic Representation Officer as I have had my fair share of challenges during my education. Due to being registered blind from six weeks old, I have encountered many academic difficulties, for instance, accessing learning resources such as assignments and exams. This is because I require certain materials to be prepared in Braille, a form of written communication for the blind. I also use specialist equipment to assist me in accessing university lectures and seminars, including my laptop with speech software and my BrailleNote Touch, a tablet that converts print into Braille. Furthermore, I have relied on one-to-one support throughout school, college and university for sighted guide, note taking and mobility training. As a result, I have had a very different educational experience compared to most people, leaving me with a valuable insight into difference, diversity and the challenges faced throughout the education system. If I were to be elected as your Academic Representation Officer, there are three promises I would implement during my time in office. Promise 1: Making Academics Accessible For All The main reason why we come to university in the first place is to learn, yet how can we learn effectively if we do not all have equal access to the same resources? Students from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those with disabilities or who are in the BAME or LGBTQ+ communities, for example, are more likely to suffer whilst studying, but why should this be the case? At Newman, we are an inclusive community where education should be made fair for every student. This includes communicating with all staff members about various educational needs, as well as making relevant course lecturers fully aware of students' individual academic needs. For instance, if people struggle with completing a particular modular assignment or exam, I will actively encourage staff and students to discuss their issues and find a solution that works for everyone involved. Promise 2: Creating Equal Opportunities For Everybody All students should be given access to equal opportunities, especially at university. Difference and diversity are an integral part of learning; however, from personal experience, I believe that it is significantly overlooked in favour of societal ideals. I believe that going to university does not only give you the knowledge and skills necessary for your degree and beyond, but it also gives you the power and control to learn about yourself as an individual in a safe space, allowing you to grow into someone you can be truly proud of. During my time so far at Newman, I have taken the opportunity to not only learn about myself as an individual, but I have made friends with students who have different disabilities to myself, including autism and hearing impairments, enabling me to learn how others live their daily lives, which is an honour. As your Academic Representation Officer, my aim is to empower students to not only do their best in terms of academic learning, but to provide my ever-increasing knowledge of the challenges faced in the education system to help others learn about themselves on a more personal level. Promise 3: Creating A Safe Space For Success To succeed, we need to flourish. I hope to inspire fellow students and create a safe and confidential space to talk openly about any concerns. My aim is to set aside a specific time each week for students to come and discuss their academic concerns with me. Together, we will work through issues and students will be supported every step of the way by myself and our elected Newman Students Union President. I am extremely passionate about making education accessible, equal and fair for all and I hope to achieve that at Newman. I look forward to working with you if I am elected as your Newman Students Union Academic Representation Officer for 2023-2024. |
RON (RE OPEN NOMINATIONS)
|
WHY VOTE FOR RON?
If you are not happy with any of the candidates, you can vote to Re-Open Nominations (RON). RON appears on the ballot, and votes for RON are counted in the same way as those for candidates. If RON is declared the winner after all votes have been counted, the election for that role will be held again. The original candidates are allowed to run again in the new ballot, but it gives the opportunity for new candidates to run. Students may choose to vote RON for one of the following reasons:
You do not need to vote for RON in an election; if you think all of the candidates are better than no candidate, you should not rank RON on your ballot. |