SU Elections 2015: Meet the Candidates

MEET THE CANDIDATES VOTE AT HUDDERSFIELD.SU/VOTE 9 - 11 MARCH

SU ELECTIONS 2015VOTE

CONTENTSStudent Exec Candidates 3 - 23

[article] STV explained 24

Union Council Candidates 26 - 38

Activities Exec Candidates 39 - 41

[article] Why Vote 42

[article] How to Vote 43

STUDENT EXEC

The Student Exec team consists of the President and four Vice Presidents who each have their own areas of responsibility. Each have their own jobs to do but must also spend a lot of time working together as a team.

As trustees, the Student Exec are responsible for setting the direction of the Union for the year they are in charge, and making day-to-day decisions about how the Union is run. If successfully elected to one of these roles they will have a budget to control and campaigns which they will be responsible for.

* Please note all candidate manifestos are displayed exactly as submitted. Pictures have been included where individuals were able to attend the candidate briefing.

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND I believe there is something for everyone here at the University of Huddersfield, so students can enjoy their time here and participate fully in university life, taking advantage of our amazing environment and facilities. The Students’ Union can enable students to get the full value out of their degree course. I am highly determined to create a positive future for students. If I become the president of the Students’ Union I will make sure you leave university with plenty of experience to move forward with confidence and follow your hopes and dreams, whether you are a home or international student.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Increase student car parking facilities by building a better relationship with Kirklees council so they can share their car parks and give us more land

•More job fairs and opportunities for part-time work

•Provide smoking shelters around the university

•To display students’ work in Student Central, especially in the Student Union area. We have some amazing talented, art, fashion, graphic design, illustration, costume design, textile, and architecture students, as well as sports teams and societies. Let’s celebrate their talents and achievements through more pictures and displays.

•To improve options for student accommodation, working closely with private landlords

ABOUT YOU Since I realized that education is key to success I have grasped every educational opportunity that has been open to me. During my time here at the University of Huddersfield I have been student ambassador engaging with new students and staff. Working with the Students’ Union marketing team has provided me with the unique opportunity to work with students on a number of events, building relationships with them and understanding their needs. I am willing to explore all students’ issues, getting out there and talking to you, making sure your voice has been heard by all staff and decision makers.

PRESIDENT

DILARA CHANGIS

4 EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND

I believe that with my experience I would be able to make changes for positive reasons and allow students to have a positive experience of university life. I want to have the chance to be able to create something which students remember and value whilst at university

ABOUT YOU I have been with the Students’ Union for a long time and have experience working with students. I am always active in student programmes and experiences and enjoy being able to make a change for the better.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE I would work closely with the university and the students’ union to look at key issues and solve them in a way which benefits and suits students. One key issue I would look at is the cost of students graduating. I will work to see how these costs can be reduced and to what extent can students be able to receive free of cost graduation.

PRESIDENT

SHAH ISLAM

5EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND This year I have been relentless in ensuring that students get what they are entitled to, forcing the issue at university committees and guaranteeing the right outcome for students. I feel this has been extremely impactful and it is because of this I want to carry on forcing the issue at a higher level as your President. My year in office, has allowed me to build a wealth of knowledge, experience and working relationships which as President I will utilise to ensure authentic student voice is not just heard, but acted upon.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •I want to work with local transport companies and the university to work on a more accessible campus. This will guarantee issues such as car parking is actually dealt with.

•I want to work on creating more flexible event space around campus to ensure our students can showcase their talents. For example lobbying the university to make sure that the plaza is fixed, automatically creating a usable large outdoor event space making events such as graduation special.

•I want to carry on working on improving student’s employability; I want to achieve this by working on the Students’ Unions volunteering opportunities streamlining them to fit every subject area in the University.

ABOUT YOU There is one main reason I want to be your Students’ Union President and that is to actually make change happen! I am currently your VP Education and Deputy President of the Students’ Union and I think that there is little doubt in anyone’s mind that this year’s executive have achieved so much through handwork and dedication taking monumental steps ensuring that authentic student voice is heard. I am an open minded, out spoken, zealous individual who genuinely believes that students here at Huddersfield deserve the best, and will fight to achieve this.

PRESIDENT

MIKE MCGOUGAN

6 EXEC


I want to make sure that students enjoy university life alongside achieve everything they set out to do through our education system. I am inspired to change education’s accessibility, outcome and delivery at university level. In a university striving to be one of the best, is it acceptable for university systems to be down? In an era where we pay £9000 tuition fees is it acceptable for us not to have a point of contact to go to when we need some to talk to, ‘because their busy with their research’? No, so let me fight to change that!

ABOUT YOU I am currently a final year Law student who always strives to achieve the best for myself and the best for others. I love a challenge, working under pressure and ensuring that justice is achieved in everything I do. (Sorry Law Degree there). I am a confident little firecracker and operate a 0% tolerance policy, which makes me a perfect candidate for the Education role. My main goal for the year would be to actually listen to student concerns and I feel my degree has prepared me to effectively tackle student issues in a professional, informed and well-structured way.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •I would like to lobby the university to invest in Lecture Capture for all students and staff. So during exam period students can reflect on previous lectures thus improving teaching and learning at the university.

•I want to remove ALL current library fines, and implement a new scheme where students only get charged when another student has requested the book. This is a logical way to avoid unnecessary, unavoidable library fines.

•I want personal tutors to be more effective, I want to carry out an investigation on the effectiveness, ratio and quality of personal tutors from both student and staff prospective

VP EDUCATION

SABINA HUSSAIN

7EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND Standing in the election will present the opportunity for me to make the big changes. Being a student myself has allowed me to evaluate where the students experience at university can be improved. As VP of Education, I will have the opportunity to raise any academic issues you have to the University and to ensure we continue enhancing our successes and build upon new opportunities. I believe I am a reliable, passionate and ambitious individual who has great integrity and is willing to be pushed outside of my comfort zone

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE If I was elected as VP of Education I will encourage the Students Union to be more about the students. As students, we spend a huge amount on fees, alongside the continual running of our lives, independently. I believe that for all the effort we put into our education we should be given a little back, such as; a FREE GRADUATION. I believe it is the students that build the university and its reputation. With our hard work and efforts we have pushed the University of Huddersfield to be awarded ‘University of the Year’.

So, let’s collectively make that change!

ABOUT YOU I am currently a final year Accountancy and Finance student and Vice President for the ‘Friends of Al-Shaam’ charity society, on campus. My role involves; leading meetings, organising and running events, liaising with new members and ensure all proceeds reach the suitable charities. I have participated in various events and worked with a number of students, communities and organisations. One of our most successful events was the ‘Mount Snowdon Trek’, raising over £10,000 to feed suffering families in Syria. As VP, I gained experience, allowing me to push strategic decisions within the society, which will aid me in achieving a better academic university experience for students on campus.

ZAINAB NADATVP EDUCATION

8 EXEC


As your VP Education, I will strive to ensure that you gain the most out of your time here at the university; the resources, the systems, the teaching staff and everywhere else possible. As the University changes, I believe that the users should have a say in how the university grows and evolves, especially with the new building being built soon. I also feel that some new students find it difficult to adjust to university life, and so, I will also help spearhead the new peer mentoring scheme being implemented across the university soon.

ABOUT YOU I am currently a second year BSc Architectural Technology student as well as the current Art Design and Architecture School Representative. Over the past year, I have dedicated my time, energy and effort to ensuring that the university teaching staff were aware of any issues that the students within the school have faced and that appropriate actions are taken accordingly. During my time in office, I have worked closely with the current VP Education Michael McGougan on a number of policies including the university-wide peer mentoring scheme currently in its pilot stage.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Among other things, as your VP Education, I will focus on the following; More careers, industry placement and graduate employer seminars, especially in May/June time after hand in period.

•Ensuring Wednesday afternoons remain free of lectures so students can take part in sports and society events by working with the university to develop timetables suitable to this.

•Ensure students have a say in the development of the new building being developed for the Schools of Law and Music through student led focus groups and ensuring students are consulted on what they would like in the building

TEVIN NYANSIMERAVP EDUCATION

9EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND •I believe that students should have easy access to past papers

•Students should have a water dispenser on every floor of the library

•Students deserve a simpler way to deal with extenuating circumstances

•Staff do their best to teach and encourage us, but sometimes university policy (e.g. paperwork) gets in everyone’s way.

•No glove no love.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •A contingency for when Unilearn is down, this is particularly stressful on submission dates

•Special arrangements for people who participate in BUCS fixtures and societies on Wednesday and miss lectures etc.

•More formal structure for course reps; provide support and guidance so that they can be more effective

•A quick and easy way to provide feedback for individual lectures, perhaps an optional and very simple questionnaire with a comments box

ABOUT YOU •2nd year Computing and Business student

•Captain of the basketball, the highest performing team in the university

•Born and raised in the Philippines studied in Macclesfield College

•Organised, determined, empathetic

•Best sushi chef in HD1

IVAN ROBLESVP EDUCATION

10 EXEC


Students want to come to university to further themselves; simples. However, this doesn’t just have to be academically. I believe that students need more options and flexibility to shape their degree the way they want to. I believe in giving students more opportunities to learn transferable, real world skills that employers look for. University should not just be a place where you hand over £9000 a year to simply learn to pass an exam. University should be a place where students can build up a repertoire of knowledge, experience and skills; as well as passing those exams

ABOUT YOU As a 3rd year Psychology with Criminology student, I have been more than heavily involved within the SU over the last 3 years working as a student staff member; in fact, you’ve probably already seen my face smiling at you! From being on the front line of the SU and talking to students over the last 3 years, I have a pretty good idea what you guys’ like and don’t like about the University experience. So armed with my loud voice, colourful clothes, and occasional bad singing, I’m prepared to be, and want to be, your voice that makes a difference.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Standards policy for assignment and exam feedback: Improve awareness of exam feedback availability; as well as individualised, quality feedback on all assignments.

•Module fairs: School wide open days for modules with lecturers to provide clarity on the work load, relevance, and interest before having to decide.

•Lobby the University to review all modules to ensure that employability and transferable skills are embedded within the curriculum.

•Work and build upon the amount of support/training available to Course Reps.

CHLOE WHITEVP EDUCATION

11EXEC

ABOUT YOU After being elected VP Student Activities this time last year, I’m now standing for re-election as I strive to build on what I’ve already achieved in this role. I’m passionate about widening participation within student activities; from hosting the biggest Fresher’s this University has ever seen, giving students the opportunity to perform alongside #1 selling artists, to helping develop volunteering opportunities available to students. I understand the full spectrum of this role and I’ve thrived in delivering it.

JORDAN AIRD VP STUDENT ACTIVITIES

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND For the first time we have over 100 student activity groups! Not content with that, I have also helped these groups form stronger relationships. Furthermore I’ve used the Activities Quality Mark, an accreditation scheme I implemented to support development and reward achievement, to encourage more collaborative work amongst our groups than ever before. I’ve proven over the past 8 months that I’m the right person to lead Student Activities. The experience I’ve gained and the relationships I’ve built gives me the platform to make an even bigger impact next year, particularly in securing more funding.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Develop sponsorship guidance for our student activity groups – providing initial training and year round support to aid our groups seek out, secure and manage their sponsorship agreements. Further to this, I will work alongside sponsors to develop better relationships, improve communication and manage expectation

•Work to improve the benefits in our partner bar and venues – re-establishing much missed social aspects of the Students’ Union through improved facilities, discounts, and increased event space.

•Increase engagement of under-represented groups – breaking down barriers to participation, and ensuring our Students’ Union is supporting and engaging these groups with inclusion campaigns targeted towards them.

•To vote for the candidate with the experience, passion and track record for improving Student Activities;

12 EXEC


I think this position is an important role in the University for many student because it help them to get a more whole experience. This is because it’s connect to the societies and I think that it’s important all the student in the university that go to society get as much out of them as they can. I find this position a very important one because it helps to get everyone involved in the university; more importantly it help people to bond and make friends quickly. I stand for a More Whole University Experience for Student.

ABOUT YOU I have been part of a team lead and ran actives during cadets and I understand the amount of paper work. One of the experiences that I could bring to this job is what I learnt cadets gave me though was Time management, Determination and the ability to organize things on the spot. Equally though I have a creative side with me studying Games Design, so I would really like to bring my creative skill to the table to make things a bit more interesting.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •I want to help Societies get the most out the University to get the equipment and event they want for their member to give them the whole university experience and the funding they need to do it.

•I want to work with the university to arrange events to bring as many companies down to the university to get them involved with the students and their studies.

•I would also make Fresher, Carnage and Varsity something which is open for student input. So event are made for the students and so they are made for the largest diversity of this University.

DEAN FORD VP STUDENT ACTIVITIES

13EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND I want to run for VP Activities because I want to make sports, societies and activities for everyone. I want the opportunity to improve long standing events and to offer new and exciting opportunities to showcase sports and societies. I will always listen and make myself available if needed, for happy chats or to listen to new ideas. I enjoy helping people and making a difference. This year me and my captain have transformed our sports club and I want to offer the same help to anyone in any sports club or societies.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •I promise to listen to all societies, hold regular forums and try to accommodate for space and funding needed. I will look over past funding granted and how it was received by each society.

•Wednesdays are made for sport, I will keep pushing for Wednesday afternoons free! As a victim of this myself I know how stressful it is to be unable to play. I also will try to further promote more involvement in sport.

•I want to promote more activities in university, including more live music events. So many universities have bands and other performers, so why shouldn’t we

ABOUT YOU My name is Ellis Fletcher-Heeley, I am vice-captain of women’s football so I know all about working hard and organization. My proudest achievement was working with individuals with special needs in America for three summers, this experience touched my heart, changed me as a person and made me never be afraid of doing whatever it takes to help an individual. I’ve loved my time at Huddersfield and although student life has been amazing, I know this is not the case for everyone and within my role I will try and improve this for as many people as possible.

ELLIS FLETCHER- HEELEY VP STUDENT ACTIVITIES

14 EXEC


Throughout my time at University, I have always been part of either a club or society, and although I feel that both have had a hugely positive impact, I have experienced issues that I feel could be improved upon, which, if addressed, would help other students to have just as good, if not better experience than I have. I would also like to increase female representation within this area of the SU, particularly as there hasn’t been a women in this role for quite a while!

ABOUT YOU Hey guys, my name’s Sammy and I’m running for the role of VP Student Activities. I’m currently a third year music student, as well as being Captain of the University’s Women’s hockey team and I may possibly have served you a drink in Revs, depending if you were sober enough to remember.

In my spare time I also volunteer for Girlguiding UK as a Rainbow leader and as an assistant in a local junior infant and nursery school, as well as helping run music classes for babies and toddlers with a national organisation.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •I believe there is a need for more performance and exhibition opportunities to be offered to students, showing off the talent that the students of this University have to offer.

•I’d like to set up a scheme in which the SU supports students to go through coaching and umpiring qualifications, encouraging more students to get involved with the running of their clubs.

•I’d also like to further develop the Universities’ already positive approach to celebrating multiculturalism, in the hope of increasing inclusiveness, and helping integrate a wider audience across the University.

SAMMY GRUNSELLVP STUDENT ACTIVITIES

15EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND I want to stand so I can help more students to feel how I have felt in my time here at Huddersfield.

To help each and every club progress further in their achievements, hitting their goals and most of all to make sure that everyone is enjoying what they are doing.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE I want to achieve a real voice for the societies and teams of the University, for them to really feel that they have a voice amongst the SU and to be that voice for them.

For the Sports Teams I hope to help them reach all of their goals not just for that season but for the future as well, doing this by making sure each team is receiving the best quality of coaching they can possibly get, making sure we go into Varsity with no other thoughts other than winning.

The Sports Teams and Societies for me are the most important thing for the University, they are the face of who we all are. I want to make sure that they get all the support they need.

ABOUT YOU I have been in love with sport for my entire life, it brought me to Huddersfield to study Sports Journalism and it has given me lifelong friends and a family in the Rugby team. Being the current Social Secretary for the University Rugby Union team has given me experience in organising events and trips for an ever demanding set of individuals.

I am a hardworking individual that is always determined to achieve the best in anything I set out to do.

I would not be the person I am today if it was not for the societies I joined on my very first week of university. I met my best friends and people I can now very easily class as family.

CONNOR HICKINBOTTOM VP STUDENT ACTIVITIES

16 EXEC


I’m standing for the role of VP for Student Activities because through my time as a committee member of Rugby Union I’ve learnt how important it is to ensure a good relationship between the SU and students from both societies and sports clubs. I want to improve this relationship and be a more prominent voice for student activities. I’ve learnt how important SU support is and I’d like to offer my support and guidance, whilst regularly checking in on societies and clubs making sure they’re happy and running efficiently.

ABOUT YOU I’m a farm girl from Greater Manchester.. I have 5 llamas, 6 goats, 6 horses, 7 donkeys, 8 sheep, 10 cats, a pet turkey and a mule. I’m in my final year at University studying Criminology and will be graduating at the age of 20. I started off as Vice Captain this year for University of Huddersfield Rugby Union FC Women’s Section but soon took over the role of President, managing the section and liaising with the men’s team aiding us to all work as one club.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Focus on sporting campaigns - I want to concentrate on campaigns such as This Girl Can; promoting women in sport and bringing female sports closer together. Another example is the Kick It Out campaign aiming to increase awareness of diversity and respect players from all backgrounds.

•Support smaller societies - I want to give more support and attention to smaller societies and sport clubs, whilst maintaining the current bonds that have been built up over previous years. Making my role more purposeful and creating a personal contact between myself and all student activities.

•Facilities - I would like to also make sure that sufficient facilities are available for sports teams and societies, and to help provide an alternative for when facilities are unavailable.

FRAN TAYLOR VP STUDENT ACTIVITIES

17EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND As current VP for HUPDA, I know how challenging it is to run a society. It’s difficult to get your voice heard when so many people are shouting. Want your say in how activities are run here at Huddersfield? I’ll help you shout louder. Do you need a definite first point of contact for any queries, funding issues or a boost in promoting your sport or society? Don’t worry, I got this.

I’m ridiculously enthusiastic, can talk about pretty much anything to anyone and have endless listening capabilities.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Places: We’re a University that boasts top-notch facilities, yet some groups’ rooms and pitches for practice are still being double-booked. This needs changing.

•Funding through fundraising: Encourage fundraising for all activity groups and make it easier to do so by adding a permanent fixture in the SU which can be hired out by groups for a day to do basic fundraising activities.

•‘Give It A Go’ Week Mash-ups!: Adding an interesting twist to GIAG week. How about swapping sports or societies completely for an hour or so? You get to learn something new, meet new people and potentially more people to rally at your next event.

ABOUT YOU As a final year BA(Hons) Drama student, I spend most of my days in a darkened studio making strange noises to fellow course mates and call it development. But, I get to do what I love in exchange for a snazzy bit of paper with my name on it.

When I’m not churning out essays or acting like the fool for the enjoyment of others, you can find me working up a beetroot-faced sweat in the gym, shooting some pool or tutting loudly at the fact Spider-Man is potentially getting another reboot (don’t get me started…).

BECKY TURNER VP STUDENT ACTIVITIES

18 EXEC


More and more ways of communication are being developed, which is essential to a student’s involvement with the union. Currently, the university’s portal system is rather inadequate, and does not meet our university’s high standards. Furthermore, I also understand the importance of employability to a student, and believe that we, as a SU, do not take full advantage of the potential links with companies in the local community. I believe I am the right person to bring a sense of unity between our students through improved communications, both on the union’s portal site, and on our community links. My manifesto pledges reflect these.

ABOUT YOU I’m a 21 year old third year, studying Music Technology & Popular Music. I thrive in taking leadership roles, and this is reflected in being the manager of one of the union’s sports teams, and a school rep in union council. I would describe myself as a confident, outgoing, highly ambitious leader who enjoys getting involved wherever possible to make a change. My time here has taught me that student involvement and interaction is vital in shaping a vibrant, well-connected Union. This is why I feel that I am the right candidate to become the next VP Communication & Engagement Officer.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Create a local community strategy brand, “HudLinks”, to improve the links between the university and the local community. This will help give students the work experience that they need to get their desired jobs.

•Revamp the university’s portal system. If elected, I will be holding student consultation meetings to gather ideas from students so we can improve the portal together. This links up with my last pledge.

•Create a central focus for all student media, where all kinds of student media can be posted, such as union events and sports team coverage.

VP COMMS & ENGAGEMENT

GEORGE GILL

19EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND I’ve always said that university is much more than your degree. More than ever it’s the opportunities you seize that put you at the top of your game, so opportunities are something I want to make sure every student has. I also believe that student life can always be better, whether that’s through societies, events or simply by being in the know about whats going on at uni. It’s one of my core beliefs that everyone should be included, and that we have a responsibility to help and engage with our community.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •HudMedia: I believe that T’Hud, RadioHud and more recently HudTV would be stronger as a more integrated and cohesive group under the student led HudMedia umbrella. By integrating the three more closely with the SU, they can fuel each other and give students a real opportunity to engage with uni and the SU.

•Enabling Students: More visible opportunities for volunteering and skill development in the SU. By providing more engaging information, I want to enable Huddersfield student’s to take their time at uni to the next level, improving their employability and CV’s.

•Student Skills Exchange: Essentially a university LinkedIn, allowing students to find each other based on skills, getting involved with projects to build portfolios and their connections.

ABOUT YOU I’m a third year fashion communication and promotion student, as well as the current president of the LGBTQ society. As my course would suggest, I have a passion for media and communications, and my work with LGBTQ has allowed me to help and include those who might not otherwise have been as engaged with university life and the SU. I have a pet Tortoise called Victor… terrible name I know. Personally, I’m friendly and approachable… and a bit loud! But above all i’m passionate about what I do.

GRANT HOLMES VP COMMS & ENGAGEMENT

20 EXEC


Having a chance to study and work in the UK has taught me a lot about the importance of community integration and how essential communication between people is. I believe that being a student is no longer just getting academic education but also receiving a real-life knowledge of how community functions via different extra curriculum activities and volunteering. I used to be a member of Salsa society and this precious experience helped me to connect with different people I wouldn’t have met otherwise! Therefore, I believe the SU to be a perfect place for students to socialise and share their experiences.

ABOUT YOU Hi! My name is Candice Zhou and I’m from the beautiful country China. I am an international student and I’m studying Events Management. At present I’m on my placement year working for the University International Office as liaison between the university and international students. My job is to help hosting international student events. My placement has contributed to my personal growth a lot, I have shown myself to be committed, self-motivated and determined in achieving my goals. I’m also sociable and compassionate and I believe these skills will help me to relate to a range of students.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE These are the main things I want to bring along the position of VP Communication and Engagement:

•FREE GRADUATION! As students we already spend a lot on tuition fees and living costs. I believe that every student on campus should have a graduation ceremony paid for.

•I believe that engagement starts with student media and if elected I’d work to ensure the equipment and the facilities of the student media outlets meet the highest standard.

•I would also like to build a bridge between home and international students by promoting engagement in cross-campus events.

CANDICE ZHOUVP COMMS & ENGAGEMENT

21EXEC

WHY YOU WANT TO STAND This year I have headed up improving the University’s Stonewall rating; ensuring equality amongst all students. Introduced a text messaging service to the SU Advice Centre; improving efficiency and ensuring students can always access the help they need. And responded proactively to students needs through introducing the University as a guarantor scheme and ensuring students have access to funding when SFE fails. I want to continue to make the changes that really matter to you. As your current VP Wellbeing and Equalities, I have accumulated a substantial level of knowledge, vast experience and strong working relationships within the SU, University and externally. Being in this position I understand exactly what this role needs in order to be effective and successful.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE •Rate Your Landlord An online exclusive platform for students to share reviews and experiences of Landlords, increasing transparency and creating a fair deal for students.

•Developing social policy. Collect and use statistics from all wellbeing services within the university and SU, responding proactively to the most frequently occurring issues through social policy, effective use of SU resources and external agencies.

•Celebrating diversity and equality through more impactful campus-wide, outward facing liberation and awareness campaigns, ensuring a clear student focus with achievable aims.

ABOUT YOU I am the current Vice President Wellbeing and Equalities and have embraced every aspect of this year with enthusiasm and drive. I am approachable, passionate and genuinely dedicated to making students’ lives better here at Huddersfield. Alongside this I am the scrum half in the Rugby Union women’s team and part-time agony aunt! I like to think of myself as the person, that if anyone is experiencing issues of any sorts, they know they can come to me irrelevant of time or place. I love helping people, and it really is what I’m most passionate about.

ALYSIA FORDVP WELLBEING & EQUALITIES

22 EXEC


I am standing for VP Welfare & Wellbeing to firstly help students and to be an advocate of all students in the Student Union. I believe that the SU could represent students better for such as international or mature students groups. Therefore, I’m standing because I feel that my life experience and a unique understanding of student issues would make me the best candidate for the role.

ABOUT YOU I am Bright Justice Asogu and I’m currently a postgraduate student having just finished studying for a Leadership Certificate at Oxford University. I’m a people’s person, a good listener, and a professional person with values and believes that change is possible under the right circumstances. I believe that people should stand up for themselves and I’m an advocate for change and development, I like to voice and effect change in any little way I can. I believe to be able to represent a wide range of students due to being a home student and of African descent.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE As VP Welfare & Wellbeing, I will work on the following and other policies:

•Free Graduation Policy! I will make the university and SU together to cover ALL costs of graduation for ALL students.

•I will perfect communication between university staff and the SU on all Welfare & Wellbeing issues such as health, safety and finance.

•I will cut down the amount of campaign SU carries out annually, and only focus on issues that matter. I will ensure that all campaigns are result oriented and based of student ideas.

VP WELLBEING & EQUALITIES

BRIGHT JUSTICE

23EXEC

ARTICLE

STV EXPLAINED

AND NO IT’S NOT A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE

DESPITE THE AWKWARD SOUND OF THE ABBREVIATION, STV IS ACTUALLY A FORM OF VOTING THAT WE USE IN THE STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS. IT STANDS FOR SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE BUT THAT AND MORE IS EXPLAINED BELOW.

There are lots of different voting systems in existence around the World and each has their own pros and cons.

For example, the General Election that is taking place this May – make sure you are registered to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote – uses First Past the Post. Under this system you choose your favourite candidate and the one with the most votes wins with all other votes counting for nothing.

We’re not a fan of wasting so many votes though, so in our elections we use Single Transferable Voting (STV) which lets you rank your favourite candidate.

Rank your favouriteWhen it comes to voting you rank your preferred candidates in number order. This means that candidates have to work harder to convince you to vote for them while you get

to choose those individuals that you feel best represent you.

But what happens if your favoured candidate is eliminated?If your preferred candidate is eliminated or has enough votes already to be elected then your vote is transferred to another candidate in accordance with your instructions. This system is repeated until there is a clear winner.

What’s this mean?It means that in hotly contested positions, such as VP Student Activities, second, third and even fourth preferences can have a big swing on the final result of the election. So it is very important to choose who you would want to represent you should your favoured candidate not win thus ensuring your voice is ultimately heard.

24

ELECTIONS RESULTS NIGHT RHUBARB WED 11 MARCH 19:30

5SU ELECTIONS 201CHANGE

UNION COUNCIL

Union Council is a group of students, who are elected each year, who come together to create policy, make change and campaign for a better student experience. The roles are all part-time commitments which are taken on alongside a student’s studies. Some have a specific focus, such as Women’s Rep, others have a more wide ranging portfolio of responsibilities. All the positions offer a significant level of responsibility and experience with successful candidates being paid a £400 honorarium for their service.


NAMENAME NAMENAME

ABOUT YOU

I am a first year politics student at the University.

I have lived in West Yorkshire for all my life

and I have spent the last two years learning

within Huddersfield, so it is fair to say I know

the city well. I am the secretary of the Socialist

Student Society and have some experience in

running organisations within the university. I

was also the welfare officer at Huddersfield New

College and learnt a lot in that role about how

things should be run. I have a dog as well who,

unfortunately, will not be campaigning with me.

WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE

The ‘cost of living crisis’ is thrown around

by politicians, but students are hit harder

than most due to our lack of representation

in Parliament. Grants and loans are almost

entirely absorbed by rents, students need a

basic standard of living better than what we

already have. In my time I hope to achieve:

•Cheaper prices within the Student

Union shop and University facilities

connected to the Student Union.

•Ensure that rented accommodation

affiliated with the University is affordable.

•Maintain a living wage for student workers who

work for facilities connected to the Student Union

ABOUT YOU

Im James and i am a first year student studying

Popular Music Production. As you can see from

my course, I am a very musical person. I am active

on social media and I love to stay connected

with people and interact with them; i think this

would be a perk with being on the union council.

Also, when it comes to ideas and thoughts, i am

very creative and i love to see a good outcome.


If i am elected, I want to be able to give and

ensure that all students around me have optimal

experience at Huddersfield. In my first year, I have

heard many stories and i, myself have been hit

with few problems and hurdles that i have found

difficult to cope with as a student. I would love to

be the person who says “i helped do this, i helped

achieve that”, i feel i can achieve that by using

the skills and knowledge i have to help others.

OPEN PLACE OPEN PLACE

PHILLIP BUCKJAMES BOOTH

27UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

Hi, I’m Niall, a First year Politics student from

Doncaster. I am extremely active in my local area

in terms of campaigning along side pressure

groups in order to save vital services in the

community. Being from a working class mining

background I know exactly what it means

to pull together as a community to achieve

things for the people. A trait I believe will put

me in a good position working within the SU.

I’m also a bubbly and approachable character

who enjoys mixing in different social circles.


If elected I want to look into:

• I am keen to work with SU Council and

the University to see if there could possibly

be some price reductions in the SU shop.

It seems unfair that the same products

are cheaper in local supermarkets.

• I would also like to see the introduction

of Gender Neutral Toilets, something

that has benefited the LGBTQ

community in other UK universities.

• I want to bridge the communication

gap between students and lecturers

to develop a more personal academic

relationships and to prevent students from

being a number on a spreadsheet.

ABOUT YOU

I have been to Indonesia in a global community

development and outgoing exchange programs

with AIESEC and the interns were from China

, Korea , Japan , Russia , Germany , Ecuador ,

New Zealand. So I have a background about

different cultures and the British culture of

course . Besides , I already have the Arab culture

. that’s why I know how to deal with people

with different thoughts . Also , I am a course

representative, and one of the organizers of the

Christmas party , and I have been chosen to be

in between the 5 student panel members .


As I am very organized and have a good time

management , i want to spend this spare

time to gain benefit for myself , colleges

and all the students rather than having

entertainments anywhere else . Consequently ,

I will be giving my contact details to everyone

while talking to them , so they can contact

me anytime . Also I am very interested in

organizing culture trips and events as well.

TAMIN EL-SHAZLY NIALL FARRELL OPEN PLACE OPEN PLACE

28 UNION COUNCIL

OPEN PLACE

GABRIELA RODRIGUES

ABOUT YOU

Hello, my name is Gabriela and I’m a Biochemistry

student with having completed a placement

year. A fun fact about me is that I am originally

from the Cayman Islands which are only 259

km2 and located north-west of Jamaica, south

of Cuba and I have English and Panamanian

heritage (¡hola!). Huddersfield is a change but

I enjoy all aspects of Yorkshire life and try to

take advantage of everything the university has

to offer. Besides my studies I’m a member of

Anime/Asian Film Society, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Society,

Afro-Caribbean Society, RadioHud, Feminist

Society and Engineering Society to name a few.


I want to stand for the following reasons:

• I want university students to feel safe

within the university campus but also in

Huddersfield town itself. I would promote

student safety schemes on nights out.

• I want to campaign for having more

vegetarian meal options available in

the SU shop and campus cafés.

• I spend a lot of time in Applied Science

Building and I strongly feel that those

disabled toilets should be finally fixed!

• I want to promote SU council outreach

because I believe that every student should

know HOW they can voice their concerns!

ABOUT YOU

Hello, my name is Jonathan and I’m a second

year Psychology student. So far my involvement

in the Students’ Union, consists of being

a project leader on the very progressive

HarvestHud last year, as well as being a

committee member on the Psychology society.

I’m a passionate and dedicated individual,

who wants the student experience to be filled

to the max! I’m also very approachable and

I work as a Student Associate at iPoint in

Student Central Building if you fancy a chat!


Here is what I am proposing:

•A peer mentor scheme, where students

can reach out to student mentors - whether

it is just getting around campus or having

someone to have a cuppa with. In turn, mentors,

who will be students themselves, would gain

experience that contributes to their CV.

•Student life can be expensive and I know

I’m guilty of overspending sometimes! I feel

that there should be facilities in Student

Central that provide microwaves, kettle

etc. to cater to students who would like to

bring in their own food to keep costs low.

OPEN PLACE

JONATHAN STEPHEN

29UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

my name is muhand alajil

from libya

19 years old

doing first year


try to help students by any way i can do that .

ABOUT YOU

My name is Daniel Stevens, previously a first

year rep and currently an open place rep. I

am a sociology student and have aspirations

of achieving a PHD in my area of study,

to put it simply I love being a student and

never want to stop. I’m from Hartlepool, a

small town in the north-east, not a Geordie

though like, whyaye man, give us a vote.

Love Huddersfield university and being here,

even if you all miss out the word “the”.


Currently I am working on passing a policy

which will target drug abuse amongst students

in Huddersfield and help some of the most

vulnerable students in difficult situations we

have, this work will continue if I am re-elected. I

also want to spend more time examining issues

of equality and ensuring that this university

allows equal opportunities for anyone from any

background. I will also endeavour to ensure

policies put forward to the student voice

module will be taken seriously and all effort

is put into ensuring what students want is

given all the effort possible to make happen.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS REPOPEN PLACE

MUHAND ALAJIL DANIEL STEVENS

30 UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

I am from the city of Berkeley, California. I am

a 21 year old Mexican-American, and I am in

Year One studying Marketing and Business

Finance. I am very social and an easy person

to get along with. I love going out and meeting

new people – especially people from other

countries who can teach me a little something

about their culture. I think that travel is very

important in broadening someones’ perspective.

I am new to the UK, and very excited to live

here in Huddersfield. Ready and willing to

soak in all that I can before graduating.


I want to be the voice of all international students

concerns, needs and wants. On a daily basis in

between classes, I over hear students voicing

their opinions and concerns to each other about

our Uni. Some about different ways to integrate

international students with the British students

a little bit better as it can be quite intimidating

to make friends outside of the ISC. Many

international students don’t have the confidence

to voice their ideas or concerns. On the other

hand, some don’t have the tools to effectively

do so. If elected, I will strive to do just that.

ABOUT YOU

I am Dung Le (Scott), originally from Vietnam,

and currently a 2nd year student in contemporary

art. My Art Practices are quite diverse but

they are always based on Cultural and Political

Events. Besides my study, I have shown

myself to be self-motivated, committed and

determined in achieving my goals, come what

may. I have also demonstrated negotiating and

organising skills, a sense of responsibility and

my capacity to work hard under pressure. I

am able to relate to a wide range of people.


There are 3 main things I want to bring along

the position International Representative:

• Increasing the number of international

students to get involve with SU’s events

and volunteering. Developing links with

international society presidents.

•Making better connection between home and

international students on campus. Promote

international society events to home students.

•Making better friendship between home and

international outside campus. Build a home

stay/travel/teaching volunteering board and

site to help everyone discover the World.

SCOTT LEINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS REP INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS REP

MARISA SANCHEZ-DUNNING

31UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

My name is Princess Peace Anyanwu, a second

year Nutrition and Public Health student (B.Sc.),

School of Applied Sciences. Back in my country

as a student nurse, I was an active member

of the Students’ Union and held the national

representative post for one year. Therefore, I

participated actively at various school meetings

and conferences held in the country. I held

the course representative post during my

foundation programme with the International

study centre, University of Huddersfield, I was

also an International representative with the

International Committee, School of Applied

Sciences, and have been the school of applied

sciences representative since last year. One thing

am sure about myself is that am fun to be with.


If I’m re-elected, I will keep information on

issues arising from my school and give feedback

to the unions’ council and the school board

meeting. I will contain to maintain a high level

representation with the outputs of all staff-

student committees within the school of

applied sciences and maintain regular contacts

with all chairs. I will continue to support in

achieving realistic goals in decision making,

assist in the planning and organisation of

course representative meetings, maintain a

constructive courteous attitude with the people

being represented and the SU. I will continue to

serve as point of contact for school and respond

proactively to issues raised by students.

HARPAL SANDHU

ABOUT YOU

I am quite a bubbly person and I enjoy making

people happy. Helping others is a second nature

to me. I am very opinionated, and I like that to be

known. I am fairly responsible, and when taking

charge of a situation when need be, I am not

somebody who will shy away. Currently, I am a

Second year student rep for Interior Design and I

find myself all over the place on a monthly basis.

Studying as an International student here at

Huddersfield for a year already, I have definitely

figured out both the pros and cons of being one.


I want to get past International week, and events

- which although are quite nice, I feel don’t fully

offer the best of International students. I want

to challenge stereotypes and encourage people

to educate themselves about different cultures,

before jumping to conclusions. I also want to

help tackle any problems that International

students have when they first arrive to the UK

without anybody feeling uneasy or judged.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS REP SCHOOL REP (APPLIED SCIENCES)

PRINCESS PEACE ANYANWU

32 UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

My name is Dorota. I am a First year Business

undergraduate mature student. This year I am

a course representative for Business Studies

group and I take an active part in Panel and

School Board Meetings. I am confident in raising

and solving problems reported by students and

presenting innovative ideas. I enjoy organising

events such as up-coming students’ debate

on sustainability. Can-do and friendly attitude

helps me in contacts with Lecturers, Head of

School Department and of course students.


I will organise inter-department activities and

events that will motivate students to collaborate

with each other. I will encourage students

to bring all the ideas they may have and I

will support them all the way to bring those

ideas to life. I will awake students’ creativity

as well as help build students’ confidence. I

will promote placements amongst the Second

year students and will organise debates

with specialists in your fields of interest.

SCHOOL REP (BUSINESS)

DOROTA HAJDUKIEWICZ

ABOUT YOU

Hi, I’m Hoang, currently on placement at the

University, studying Pharmaceutical Science.

During my time at the University I have been

heavily involved in sports as well as societies,

thus I understand the responsibility of leadership

and having to stand and represent for the

community. I would like to bring these skills to

become more involve and become your voice

as School Of Applied Science representative.


Firstly - I would like to become your

voice, and find innovative solutions to

whatever concerns you may have.

Secondly – to introduce a new peer-to-peer

workshop and seminar to help student with

assignment and placement or anything in

between, making connection with your seniors

is just as important as making connection with

lectures. By Communicating with your seniors

they will be able to give you guide/tips on

assignments, exams and finding placements.

Thirdly – I would like to put in place an open

research seminar for students who may want

to learn how to search for relevant materials.

SCHOOL REP (APPLIED SCIENCES)

HOANG NGUYEN

33UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

As an Adult Nursing student, I am passionate

about being an advocate for those in my care,

as well as being holistic in my approach; these I

feel are qualities I carry throughout every aspect

of my life. I am an energetic and dynamic, but

approachable, person who understands the

importance of listening to the needs of others

and acts on matters arising. Having previously

worked in management and administrative roles,

I am assertive and I feel I have the leadership

and organisational skills needed to flourish and

succeed in the crucial role of School Rep.


I plan to uphold effective communication links

between the large network of Course Reps

and the Students’ Union though collaboration

via regular meetings and email contact, so

as to always be up-to-date and aware of the

changing viewpoint of students. I endeavour

to continue working on projects initiated by

the previous School Rep as I believe continuity,

maintenance of high standards and building on

previous accomplishments is the key to a happy

and successful student body. I aim to bring

about positive change, directed by the needs

and popular demand of YOU; the students!!

SCHOOL REP (HUMAN AND HEALTH SCIENCES)

ABOUT YOU

My name is Taras and I am studying Marketing.

I was born in Ukraine and moved to the UK

five years ago. I attended college for two

years then had a gap year, during which I

worked in a pharmacy that gave me great

deal of experience in meeting different people

it also enhanced my communication skills, it

could at times be a very demanding job.

I also have a lot of experience in dealing with

official bodies i.e. Home office, UK Border agency

etc., which I believe is a valuable asset to have.


I want to lobby three following matters:

First one is to create more scholarships

available to wider number of

students in all years of studies.

My second focus is creating a hub within business

school for students from different courses to

come up with joint projects. I want to improve

social space of Business School in general.

Third matter I would like to concentrate

on is to make originality reports of

assignments submitted via Turnitin available

to students. Some educational institutions

offer this straightaway after the work was

submitted so students are aware of the

plagiarism report for their submissions.

SCHOOL REP (BUSINESS)

TARAS SEMENIUK

REBECCA PEARSON

34 UNION COUNCIL

LGBT REP

JESS PICKTHALL

ABOUT YOU

I am a chatty, approachable, and determined

second year sociology student, with my main

interests in my course being issues around

gender and gender identity. I enjoy hockey,

watching American sitcoms on Netflix and

baking. I’ve been on council as an open place

representative this year and this has given me a

lot of experience with engaging students, forming

policies and constructing arguments in council,

all of which I have enjoyed and am excited at

the prospect of doing it for another year.


If I am elected I would like to create a ‘LGBTQ

handbook’ which will be a booklet that will

help raise awareness of lgbtq identities and

support for lgbtq individuals. In this handbook,

there will be definitions of lgbtq identities,

websites and phone numbers of charities and

organisations which offer welfare and support.

Lastly it should promote committee members

of the lgbtq society as the society has a very

positive effect on lgbtq students and this

would help those who want to do so, get more

involved in the universities lgbtq community.

CHAIR OF COUNCIL

WENDY ODINGA

ABOUT YOU

I was born in Kenya, raised in Zimbabwe, lived

in Japan for 5 years. I also lived in Egypt for

3 where i was inspired by the rich history of

the land. I have keen interest in world issues

because in many ways i am a produce of

different diverse backgrounds and in one way

or another they too have great impacts on all

of us. I have a passion for organising events

because i enjoy making friends, listening and

creating good working relationships. I am

an organised, confident, decisive individual

who would thrive well under pressure.


The international events that happen in campus

should be attended by at least some members of

the SU so that there can be more interaction with

other societies as well as international societies.

There needs to be some form of social activities

in the SU as this would encourage conversation

with other students. Instead of students sitting

around the SU during the day especially home

students who may go home after lectures and

don’t at most times interact with other students

as most events happen after 5pm. I have great

ideas that i would love to bring if elected.

35UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

Equal rights are something I feel ridiculously

passionate about, and they turn my usually

laid-back attitude into something much more

powerful. I love talking to new people, listening

to other opinions and ideas and aim to find a

silver lining from all aspects of life. I am currently

the Store Representative at my part-time job but

don’t just find organising formal ideas enjoyable,

I also enjoy organising a good party. If you

want change to happen quickly and effectively

with no tolerance to violence, I’m your girl.


I have already begun a petition/idea for the

University to scrap profit on sanitary products,

and even encouraging them to give them out for

free as we await the ‘Tampon Tax Ban’. No matter

what your issue may be, I will look into it. My

ultimate achievement from being elected would

be the chance to speak to as many females as

possible and offer them the piece of gratification

that somebody is standing for their cause. This

post would not just be about me, I would simply

be a Voice for every single female across campus.

WOMEN’S REP

GEORGINA WALL

ABOUT YOU

I’m a final year Music Journalism student hoping

to continue onto post grad studies. This year

I’ve taken on many responsibilities on top

of my studies - being the elected women’s

representative, the deputy editor of the student

magazine, T’Hud and president and founder

of the Feminist Society. Gender equality is

something I’ve always been passionate about

and I’m excited to use within my role.


I want to continue my good work as Women’s

Representative by maintaining responsibility

within this role. I want to encourage society

committee training to diminish the risk of

sexism on campus. I also want to continue the

journey to creating a safety zone on campus,

a place for any student to go to be safe

WOMEN’S REP

LORNA GRAY

36 UNION COUNCIL

ABOUT YOU

Hi! My names Christina Shevill and I am running

for students with disabilities representative. I am

currently students with disabilities representative

this year and would love to have the chance to

carry on my good work. I realise that disabilities

come in many shapes and forms, learning,

mental, chronic illness, and physical. These can

be both visible and invisible. I myself suffer

from a chronic illness and a learning disability.


This year, I want to continue my good work.

I improved the information provided by the

Students’ Union on mental health. Next year,

I want to work on a disabilities guide for

students, with tips and helpful locations around

University. I also want to carry out a survey on

the University to see how disability friendly it is

and supply these results to the Students’ Union.

ABOUT YOU

I am a 19 year old adult student nurse, and

a single mother. I had my daughter; Sophie,

when I was 17 years old and came straight to

university at the age of 18 with a new-born child.

It was important to me that I followed on with

my studies and be seen as a positive example

for the people in a similar situation to myself.

I am extremely passionate about my course rep

position and my role on the School Learning and

Teaching Committee as I think it is imperative

to advocate for my fellow students, to enable

us to have a powerful impact on the university.


1.Encourage development and progression for

those students who have dependents, and help

enable them to achieve their maximum capability.

2. Those who require help should feel

comfortable asking for it, and I want to ensure

that the services are there and known.

3. Make the university more appealing for

prospective students with dependents, and

develop more services that will aid every student.

4. Childcare facilities on campus.

5. Organise more family oriented

groups and events.

6. To advocate for my fellow students and

allow their voices and ideas be known.

STUDENTS WITH DEPENDANTS REP STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES REP

NICOLA EDWARDSCHRISTINA SHEVILL

37UNION COUNCIL

MATURE STUDENTS REP

BRIGHT AGHOGHO OVBIOVBIO

ABOUT YOU

My name is Bright Aghogho Ovbiovbio and I’m

studying Transport and Logistics Management.

Besides my extensive life experience outside

university I’m also currently the President of the

Nigerian Student Society and because of my

role I’ve had many opportunities to meet people

of different ages, cultures and nationalities. As

a mature student myself I’m aware of the issues

that these students face while being in university.

I’m standing for the position of Mature Student

Representative because I believe I’m qualified

for this role and would be able to help mature

students to overcome challenges they face.


If elected these are the areas I would look into:

•Use of IT is a serious issue among

mature students. I would try to encourage

closer relationship between students

and tutors so that they can identify areas

where they need help in their IT skills.

• I would actively encourage mature student to

take part in different extra curriculum activities

on campus with their ‘younger’ peers. I believe

this would contribute to the overall cohesion

of the student community and encourage

mature students to overcome social anxiety.

ABOUT YOU

My name is Aqeelah and I am a second year

Law student. I’m currently a Student Affairs

Officer for the Islamic Society on campus.

My role is to ensure all society members have

a voice on campus, and that their voices

are heard. The role has enabled me to gain

valuable experience and given me the ability

to recognise and resolve student issues.

Alongside my duties in ISoc I have also been

elected as a Huddersfield NUS Representative

to represent our SU on national level.


If I was elected as a BME Representative:

• I want to encourage more Black and

Ethnic minority groups to get involved with

the Students Union and run in the future

elections. I believe that greater representation

is a key to community cohesion.

• I would hold regular meeting with

students to be able to understand their

concerns issues they are facing better.

• I would like to establish a recruitment

helpline for BME students to help them

progress into the fields they want to work

in. I believe that education is our passport to

the future and we must prepare it today!

BME REP

AQEELAH BAHADAR

38 UNION COUNCIL

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

EXECStudent Activities Executive is a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees which makes decisions regarding ratification, the allocation of grant funding, and the Activities Quality Mark results for all clubs and societies. It is chaired by VP Student Activities and is made up of one other Student Exec Officer, two members of Students’ Union staff, and two students directly elected by societies and sports clubs.


ABOUT YOU

I’m Hannah and I study Marketing in my first

year and I’m a member of Huddersfield Uni

Snow Sports Inc, (otherwise known as HUSSI).

The role of SAE rep needs to be someone who

is friendly, approachable, who is committed

and dedicated to different societies. Someone

who is outgoing, vocal, and has a great

understanding of different people and is good

at supporting them in everything they do. They

also need to be someone who is good at making

decisions and is engaged with the SU with a

good understanding of how it works. I believe

I have all the requirements to be an SAE rep.


We achieve such great things and deserve to

be represented properly. If elected i’ll sit down

with any team or club should they have any

questions or need support. The SAE committee

needs someone who is going to ask all the right

questions about where the money is spent. The

SAE committee needs someone who is going

to question key decisions that effect societies.

The SAE committee needs someone who is

going to represent societies completely.

If you want someone who believes in these

principles and is passionate about sports clubs,

then vote for Hannah Hilton for SAE sports rep.

ABOUT YOU

I am a second year Sociology and Criminology

student, who is also the course rep for the

second year. I have been the SAE societies rep

for the past academic year excelling in my role.

I am confident and keen to socialize with as

many students as possible. I maintain a high

standard in my studies and in both my jobs at

the SU shop and Venue bar at Storthes Hall.


I plan to work alongside with the Exec’s to

cast attention on to societies and give them

the recognition they deserve. To do this I will

ensure the society type varsity is continued next

year. I hope to make it easier for societies when

applying for funding and hope to secure extra

funding for societies. Especially the societies

that have shown extra interest in charity work

and showcase their achievements more on social

media, such as a regular blog by me as a societies

rep working one on one with the societies.

HANNAH HILTON SAE REP (SPORTS)SAE REP (SOCIETIES)

MEGHAN DYER

40 SAE

ABOUT YOU

I am a hard working Marketing student in my

second year of study. I have had a passion for

sport since I was little, being part of a football

team for 9 years of my life and also swimming

competitively for club and county. Sport is one of

my true loves, with it playing such a vital part of

my life. I was the first year course representative,

am now the water polo captain and the university

SAE Sports Representative and so I have had

experience leading sports and also working

in a team to get the best possible outcome.


I have some fresh ideas for the new term,

with the most obvious being to increase

communication. I feel a Facebook page with

all committee members for Sports teams

is vital in sending out the desired message,

whilst allowing an easy access for myself to

be contacted by you. Another idea I have is an

event called “Super Teams’, which as well as

being an enriching and fun experience would

encourage many people to get involved with the

Sports clubs of the University. Most of my other

policies from last year will still stand as well.

TOM PUGH SAE REP (SPORTS)

41SAESAE

ARTICLE

WHY VOTE?

BECAUSE IT’S TIME TO CHOOSE WHO LEADS YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION, THAT’S WHY.

THE WINNERS OF THESE ELECTIONS WILL BE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR; THEY WILL SET THE DIRECTION FOR THE STUDENTS’ UNION OVER THE NEXT YEAR AND FOR YEARS TO COME.

It’s your right and responsibility as a student at the University of Huddersfield to choose who should lead your Union.

Because we’re a democratically-led organisation we run on the principle that every single member is eligible to vote in a free and fair election process.

Put the candidates through their pacesBefore making your selection make sure you read their manifestos. If something you care about isn’t covered or you disagree with something then you have the opportunity to ask the candidates the tough questions at Question Time – Tuesday 3 March, 17:30 in the Students’ Union.

This is also your chance to find out who they are, what they believe in and what they want to change. They are running for a job like no other,

and this is a job interview like no other. Make sure you do your part and put them through their paces.

Get involved and have your sayThe Students’ Union Elections are one of the most exciting parts of being at University. Remember, those who get elected will make important decisions on your behalf and represent your views. This is why it’s important to use your vote so the people you support get elected to drive your Union forward.

It’s decision timeCampaigning has already started and it’s time for you to make your choice on who is your next student representative. Voting is open for three days, 9–11 March, so get ready as it’s time to vote.

42

ARTICLE

HOW TO VOTE

(IT’S SUPEREASY)

STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS ARE ALL CONDUCTED ONLINE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE AND OPERATE USING THE SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE SYSTEM. ALL YOU NEED TO VOTE IS YOUR UNIVERSITY LOG ON DETAILS - IT’S THAT EASY.

When you get onto the voting page you need to rank your candidates in order of preference. If you want to learn more about the voting process, check out our guide on page 24.

Being a memberFirst of all, it’s really important to remember that you must be a member of the Students’ Union to vote in any election. If you’ve opted out and want to change your mind, you can do so by following the instructions on our website at huddersfield.su/membership.

But what elections can I vote in?Because we’re running a number of elections at the same time, it can be confusing on who can vote on what positions. The Union’s Constitution (Byelaw Six) sets out that student representatives should be elected only by the students they represent, where we have the technology to do so.

Positions all members can vote for:

•Student Exec Roles (President and all the VPs)

•Union Council Open Place

•LGBT Rep

•Students with Disabilities Rep

•Part Time Students Rep

•BME Rep

•Students with Dependents Rep

•Mature Students Rep

Positions restricted to specific members:

•School Rep (you must be a member of the relevant School)

•International Students’ Rep (you must not define the UK as your permanent residence)

•PGT Rep (you must be enrolled on a postgraduate taught course)

•PGR Rep (you must be enrolled on a postgraduate research course)

•Sports Rep on SAE (you must be a member of a Sports Club)

•Societies Rep on SAE (you must be a member of a Society)

•For Women’s Rep (you must be registered with the University as a women)

If you are unable to vote in any of the restricted elections but feel you should be able to (e.g. you self-define as a woman but have not been able to change your gender on the University records), contact us immediately and we will be able to add you into the group who can vote.

43

HUDDERSFIELD.SU/ELECTIONS#HUDVOTES

Documents

SU Elections 2015: Meet the Candidates