VICE-PRESDIENT CANDIDATES
CHANTEL MELIA
|
My biggest priority would be looking into the links that academic societies and the course rep system could have. I believe that this could be the biggest opportunity to reform our course rep system and create a better, more efficient way of communicating with the SU and the university. Additionally, I think that this work could be the start of supporting our societies in the best way. |
WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES?
1. Accessibility for students
Continuing on from the 20-21 Vice President, I pledge to work around accessibility for students. I want to create an accessibility charter for both the University and the Students’ Union to sign, ensuring that all work and events are planned in the interests of being accessible to ALL students. This year (20-21) especially has shown us that both parties are not as inclusive as we can be, and this needs to change!
2. Digital Learning and Support Grants
During the pandemic, students who met certain criteria were contacted in receiving a digital learning and support grant. I want to look at the possibility of the university making this a reoccurring scheme each year. We should be supporting our students in every way that we can, whether we are in a pandemic or not. I believe that doing this will bring us one step closer to reaching equity for all students.
If not successful, I would expand on my work from this year (20-21) by running awareness campaigns on external support that students can access. This information would be available to students across the whole year via the website, by providing links to various support areas and grants.
3. Continue out of hours support
In the academic year of 20-21, I pledged to increase the level of support we provide to our members. I want to continue to do this, and ensure that every member of the Students’ Union feels supported during their time with us. This consists of looking at our operating hours, and analysing whether they are a true reflection on what the student population requires from us. I would do this by looking at my own office hours first, and seeing how we can implement this across the whole organisation. The overall change may look like more drop in sessions (something that myself and other officers are looking at currently) and providing more signposting to areas that operate outside of a 9-5 day.
4. Build more academic societies
This year (20-21) myself and the societies officer began researching how other Students’ Unions build academic societies. If I become Vice President I would like to explore the possible links between academic societies and our course rep system. At the moment I believe that our societies and course reps have a lot in common, and need more support from both the SU and the university.
I have a vison of creating student groups called cohort communities, which would act in a similar way to an academic society. Each student would have the chance to talk about anything regarding their course, as well as have a bit of fun! This could include:
• Having game nights and being social
• Discussing how assignments/modules are going
• Putting on events and campaigns across the course
Not only would this aid in a community feel to Newman, but it would also add progress to how we want academic societies/groups to look in the future. Additionally, I believe that this would provide the perfect opportunity to reform our course rep system.
Whilst this is only a vision on paper, I believe that there are a lot of opportunities to explore where this idea could go, and how we can all become a collaborative support system for our members.
HOW WILL I ACHEIVE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES?
1. speak to students. We are a student lead organisation, and therefore should represent what students want. All of my pledges are based around how we can support our students more effectively. Only they can tell us how we can help and guide them.
2. Work collaboratively with the exec team. In my role as academic representation officer, I learnt that supporting each other and working together goes a long way (teamwork makes the dream work!). Whilst my pledges are my own, I believe that every pledge that an exec member has becomes yours, and working collaboratively makes achieving them even more special.
3. Building on from my previous answer, asking for help is a big part in achieving goals. From the SU to the university, all ideas, feedback, and collaboration is welcomed. Again from experience in my role as academic rep, I hated asking for help as I believed that I could tackle every task. I want to support my colleagues and peers, whilst also being supported.
WHY ARE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES IMPORTANT TO ME?
My pledges are important to me as I believe that they allow the SU to progress further in its goals and aims, whilst also strip it back to basics and support its members efficiently.
The pandemic has proven that both staff and students have had times of struggle, and we must come together and support one another. We can only do that with effective communication and being on the same page. This, I believe, can be achieved through my pledges.
1. Accessibility for students
Continuing on from the 20-21 Vice President, I pledge to work around accessibility for students. I want to create an accessibility charter for both the University and the Students’ Union to sign, ensuring that all work and events are planned in the interests of being accessible to ALL students. This year (20-21) especially has shown us that both parties are not as inclusive as we can be, and this needs to change!
2. Digital Learning and Support Grants
During the pandemic, students who met certain criteria were contacted in receiving a digital learning and support grant. I want to look at the possibility of the university making this a reoccurring scheme each year. We should be supporting our students in every way that we can, whether we are in a pandemic or not. I believe that doing this will bring us one step closer to reaching equity for all students.
If not successful, I would expand on my work from this year (20-21) by running awareness campaigns on external support that students can access. This information would be available to students across the whole year via the website, by providing links to various support areas and grants.
3. Continue out of hours support
In the academic year of 20-21, I pledged to increase the level of support we provide to our members. I want to continue to do this, and ensure that every member of the Students’ Union feels supported during their time with us. This consists of looking at our operating hours, and analysing whether they are a true reflection on what the student population requires from us. I would do this by looking at my own office hours first, and seeing how we can implement this across the whole organisation. The overall change may look like more drop in sessions (something that myself and other officers are looking at currently) and providing more signposting to areas that operate outside of a 9-5 day.
4. Build more academic societies
This year (20-21) myself and the societies officer began researching how other Students’ Unions build academic societies. If I become Vice President I would like to explore the possible links between academic societies and our course rep system. At the moment I believe that our societies and course reps have a lot in common, and need more support from both the SU and the university.
I have a vison of creating student groups called cohort communities, which would act in a similar way to an academic society. Each student would have the chance to talk about anything regarding their course, as well as have a bit of fun! This could include:
• Having game nights and being social
• Discussing how assignments/modules are going
• Putting on events and campaigns across the course
Not only would this aid in a community feel to Newman, but it would also add progress to how we want academic societies/groups to look in the future. Additionally, I believe that this would provide the perfect opportunity to reform our course rep system.
Whilst this is only a vision on paper, I believe that there are a lot of opportunities to explore where this idea could go, and how we can all become a collaborative support system for our members.
HOW WILL I ACHEIVE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES?
1. speak to students. We are a student lead organisation, and therefore should represent what students want. All of my pledges are based around how we can support our students more effectively. Only they can tell us how we can help and guide them.
2. Work collaboratively with the exec team. In my role as academic representation officer, I learnt that supporting each other and working together goes a long way (teamwork makes the dream work!). Whilst my pledges are my own, I believe that every pledge that an exec member has becomes yours, and working collaboratively makes achieving them even more special.
3. Building on from my previous answer, asking for help is a big part in achieving goals. From the SU to the university, all ideas, feedback, and collaboration is welcomed. Again from experience in my role as academic rep, I hated asking for help as I believed that I could tackle every task. I want to support my colleagues and peers, whilst also being supported.
WHY ARE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES IMPORTANT TO ME?
My pledges are important to me as I believe that they allow the SU to progress further in its goals and aims, whilst also strip it back to basics and support its members efficiently.
The pandemic has proven that both staff and students have had times of struggle, and we must come together and support one another. We can only do that with effective communication and being on the same page. This, I believe, can be achieved through my pledges.
DANIEL ARNOLD
|
The growth of existing and new societies will be the one big aim and focus of my candidacy. If I should be successful in my application for your vice-president, I pledge to strengthen all Newman societies. The Restore. Awaken. Inspire strategy and three phase plan will see myself and the societies officer give maximum support to all students who adopt societies. |
WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES?
My priorities for your vice-president candidacy are a part of one big plan to help support and engage all students throughout this current pandemic and beyond. All Newman students require further extensive support and if I am elected I will strive to achieve this through the follow three points:
1. Since my first year, I have been involved in and led many projects at Newman that have helped support new and existing students. These projects have helped push for change at Newman, such as using existing social spaces for fun and inclusive activities - like the welcome week Lego idea held in the lower atrium! Staff-student-partnership-projects are a great way to work with staff and fellow students to create change in Newman and I will provide guidance and support for these projects with relevant Student Union and Newman colleagues - not to mention these are paid projects!
2. If I should be successful in my application for your vice-president, I pledge to strengthen all Newman societies. All societies need a massive boost in support to help strengthen the day-to-day running of societies. Throughout the pandemic, mental health has been at an all time low. Zoom meetings no longer cut it. I will offer more face to face opportunities with societies to recapture that familiar feeling of meeting up on campus! I wish to create a societies community where all societies come together to discuss how things are going and how we can all work together and produce some amazing ideas and events for the coming year! To further ensure this happens, I will advocate that societies are free and remain free to help membership with support from the Student Unions' membership coordinator! Lastly, societies should be fun and run smoothly. I will again seek support from the membership coordinator and the new societies officer - if elected - to seek easier ways to complete event forms, gain membership and to democratically have more power over committee member s. Working together is how we all can achieve our goals! My plans here reflect my three phase plan of support for societies called the - Restore.Awaken.Inspire - society strategy!
3. My first priority mentioned how fun and engaging it can be to volunteer your time at Newman - whilst on occasion getting paid - to create positive change and also help with mental health! Staff-student-partnership-projects are firstly a fantastic way to ensure all of the above. Volunteering to become a welcome mentor and a peer mentor are some further ways to enhance your own experience and the experience of other students. This is relevant as these opportunities can be tied into supporting students and the events and activities officer, the academic representation officer, the societies officer and more! The way this can be achieved if I am elected is to communicate with my strong University contacts to ensure the success rate of students having a great time at Newman. Ranging from inductions and welcome week (where I have applied my strengths) to assisting with placements, holding a wide , of events and also through the newly elected RAG and community officer. sports and health officer and equality and campaigns officer - together we can hold some real amazing events, campaigns and community events that are suitable for all students! (Whilst I acknowledge that different officers work with different persons' in the Students Union, roles can be shaped accordingly and we can all collaborate together to ensure a successful SU over all!).
WHY ARE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES IMPORTANT TO ME?
These pledges are important as they represent not only what matters to students but also how their experience is shaped by these social groups. Societies and events ran by the University help students relax, gain mental stimulation and also emphasize the family community feel that is what makes Newman, Newman. These pledges reflect the student experience as a whole to ensure that students really do enjoy their time at Newman, make new friends, gain voluntary experience and ultimately grow as individuals.
My priorities for your vice-president candidacy are a part of one big plan to help support and engage all students throughout this current pandemic and beyond. All Newman students require further extensive support and if I am elected I will strive to achieve this through the follow three points:
1. Since my first year, I have been involved in and led many projects at Newman that have helped support new and existing students. These projects have helped push for change at Newman, such as using existing social spaces for fun and inclusive activities - like the welcome week Lego idea held in the lower atrium! Staff-student-partnership-projects are a great way to work with staff and fellow students to create change in Newman and I will provide guidance and support for these projects with relevant Student Union and Newman colleagues - not to mention these are paid projects!
2. If I should be successful in my application for your vice-president, I pledge to strengthen all Newman societies. All societies need a massive boost in support to help strengthen the day-to-day running of societies. Throughout the pandemic, mental health has been at an all time low. Zoom meetings no longer cut it. I will offer more face to face opportunities with societies to recapture that familiar feeling of meeting up on campus! I wish to create a societies community where all societies come together to discuss how things are going and how we can all work together and produce some amazing ideas and events for the coming year! To further ensure this happens, I will advocate that societies are free and remain free to help membership with support from the Student Unions' membership coordinator! Lastly, societies should be fun and run smoothly. I will again seek support from the membership coordinator and the new societies officer - if elected - to seek easier ways to complete event forms, gain membership and to democratically have more power over committee member s. Working together is how we all can achieve our goals! My plans here reflect my three phase plan of support for societies called the - Restore.Awaken.Inspire - society strategy!
3. My first priority mentioned how fun and engaging it can be to volunteer your time at Newman - whilst on occasion getting paid - to create positive change and also help with mental health! Staff-student-partnership-projects are firstly a fantastic way to ensure all of the above. Volunteering to become a welcome mentor and a peer mentor are some further ways to enhance your own experience and the experience of other students. This is relevant as these opportunities can be tied into supporting students and the events and activities officer, the academic representation officer, the societies officer and more! The way this can be achieved if I am elected is to communicate with my strong University contacts to ensure the success rate of students having a great time at Newman. Ranging from inductions and welcome week (where I have applied my strengths) to assisting with placements, holding a wide , of events and also through the newly elected RAG and community officer. sports and health officer and equality and campaigns officer - together we can hold some real amazing events, campaigns and community events that are suitable for all students! (Whilst I acknowledge that different officers work with different persons' in the Students Union, roles can be shaped accordingly and we can all collaborate together to ensure a successful SU over all!).
WHY ARE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES IMPORTANT TO ME?
These pledges are important as they represent not only what matters to students but also how their experience is shaped by these social groups. Societies and events ran by the University help students relax, gain mental stimulation and also emphasize the family community feel that is what makes Newman, Newman. These pledges reflect the student experience as a whole to ensure that students really do enjoy their time at Newman, make new friends, gain voluntary experience and ultimately grow as individuals.
FARON SPENCE-SMALL
|
My biggest priority for the coming academic year is offering and advising students on work placements and volunteering opportunities in their local area, particularly those who have not decided what career path or industry they will go into when they finish their degrees, so that they can be adequately equipped with skills and experience that they can apply universally. |
WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES?
My first pledge is to continue the mission of inclusivity for BAME students, ensuring that there are safe and diverse environments to discuss race-related issues and carry out activities.
My second pledge is to provide guidance to students who may be unsure about what they want to do after university, using their interests and strengths as guidance in finding and building up work experience.
My third pledge is to raise more awareness of students' union events and societies that accommodate different social groups, interests and backgrounds, and encourage students to set up their own societies.
WHY ARE THESE PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES IMPORTANT TO ME?
As a student of colour, I consider the accommodation and representation of non-white students to be important to the university. My first pledge, which is to ensure that the Union continues to hold events and talks aimed at students of colour, aspires to continue the discussion of issues such as systematic racism, opportunities and schemes for different non-white groups in university and beyond. Having attended a couple of events about BAME mentoring and writing opportunities held by the university, I understand the importance of such events in understanding one’s culture and its role in wider society, and will use this to inform my decisions when working with the Equality and Campaigns Officer to organise and develop such events.
With regards to my second pledge, I have been unsure about what career path I wanted to take after finishing my degree, unlike my peers, who often mentioned going into social work and teaching. Though I knew from research that a theology degree can lead into the aforementioned career paths and not just working in the church, I aspired (and continue to seek) a job role that I will not just be good at, but one where I am also fulfilled by what I do. Having received little guidance about what to do in this situation, I wish to ensure that any student who isn’t certain about their desired career path can receive adequate support and guidance, using their strongest, most enjoyable skills as starting points for finding work experience and maybe even a full-time job after university.
Raising awareness of student societies for different social groups is also an important pledge for me in diversifying what the Union has to offer to its communities. Having attended a small group discussion about diverse student groups and listening to what other students had to say, I believe that groups such as mature students who are also parents/carers should have opportunities to socialise with members of the student community in similar positions.
Additionally, the Union should do more to ensure that students are aware that they can create their own societies. They can do this by inviting students to discussions where they hear about what running a society is like from current society chairs, allowing them to gain an insight into what this activity is like. By encouraging and instructing people on creating their own societies, there are likely to be more groups accommodating different social groups and backgrounds as well as personal interests.
My first pledge is to continue the mission of inclusivity for BAME students, ensuring that there are safe and diverse environments to discuss race-related issues and carry out activities.
My second pledge is to provide guidance to students who may be unsure about what they want to do after university, using their interests and strengths as guidance in finding and building up work experience.
My third pledge is to raise more awareness of students' union events and societies that accommodate different social groups, interests and backgrounds, and encourage students to set up their own societies.
WHY ARE THESE PRIORITIES/PLEDGES/PROMISES IMPORTANT TO ME?
As a student of colour, I consider the accommodation and representation of non-white students to be important to the university. My first pledge, which is to ensure that the Union continues to hold events and talks aimed at students of colour, aspires to continue the discussion of issues such as systematic racism, opportunities and schemes for different non-white groups in university and beyond. Having attended a couple of events about BAME mentoring and writing opportunities held by the university, I understand the importance of such events in understanding one’s culture and its role in wider society, and will use this to inform my decisions when working with the Equality and Campaigns Officer to organise and develop such events.
With regards to my second pledge, I have been unsure about what career path I wanted to take after finishing my degree, unlike my peers, who often mentioned going into social work and teaching. Though I knew from research that a theology degree can lead into the aforementioned career paths and not just working in the church, I aspired (and continue to seek) a job role that I will not just be good at, but one where I am also fulfilled by what I do. Having received little guidance about what to do in this situation, I wish to ensure that any student who isn’t certain about their desired career path can receive adequate support and guidance, using their strongest, most enjoyable skills as starting points for finding work experience and maybe even a full-time job after university.
Raising awareness of student societies for different social groups is also an important pledge for me in diversifying what the Union has to offer to its communities. Having attended a small group discussion about diverse student groups and listening to what other students had to say, I believe that groups such as mature students who are also parents/carers should have opportunities to socialise with members of the student community in similar positions.
Additionally, the Union should do more to ensure that students are aware that they can create their own societies. They can do this by inviting students to discussions where they hear about what running a society is like from current society chairs, allowing them to gain an insight into what this activity is like. By encouraging and instructing people on creating their own societies, there are likely to be more groups accommodating different social groups and backgrounds as well as personal interests.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
