Elections Special Newspaper by Bucks Students' Union

ELECTIONS 2021 Monday 1 March at 10am – Friday 5 March at noon Vote online!

February 2021 - Elections special

ELECTIONS 2021

ELECTIONS CONTENTS: Introduction. . . . . . 2 President candidates . . . . . . . 4 VPEW candidates . . . . . . . 5 VPSI candidates . . . . . . . 6 Executive Officer candidates . . . . . . . 7 Student Trustee candidates . . . . . . 11 NUS Delegates candidates . . . . . . 12 Ambassador candidates . . . . . . 13 Sports & Society voting. . . . . . . . . . 14

It’s barely worth mentioning now that we are in ‘unprecedented times’ or that ‘things are a little different this year’ anymore. But the show must go on when it comes to elections - so we have gone fully online for this year’s 2021 elections.

WHO ARE WE ELECTING? Bucks Students’ Union is run by three full-time sabbatical officers. They are elected by you to represent your views and opinions to the University and local community. They are also responsible for making decisions on what priorities the Union should be working towards and campaigning on your behalf within the University, local community and at a national level. NUS Delegates are your voice at the National Union of Students national conference, they vote on your behalf for the NUS leadership team as well as the direction that NUS will be taking over the next year. There are two places available for NUS Delegates. You are also electing the Student Trustees who sit on our Trustee board and make major financial and governance decisions whilst ensuring that the Union is doing everything it can to make life better for students at Bucks. There are four places available for Students Trustees. There are eight part time officer roles available in the election. Each represents a different group of student who the Students’ Union feel are underrepresented across the areas that we work. These part time volunteers give up their time to help make life better for students at Bucks. As well as the main Students’ Union leadership elections there are also the individual sports and society committee elections and these positions have a major impact on how your sports teams and societies are run. The student rep elections are taking place at the same time as all of this, so if you want a say in who is representing you and your class at a local level then make sure to cast your vote.

ELECTIONS 2021

GOES DIGITAL HOW CAN I VOTE? Online: You can vote in every election online, including Student Rep Committeee, NUS Delegate, Student Trustee, Executive Officers and Ambassadors. You can vote anytime from 10am on Monday until noon on Friday - just visit bucksstudentsunion.org/vote. You will need to know your Blackboard log in details in order to vote. Please be aware that you may vote only once in each election. If you are found to have voted more than once, all of your votes will be removed and not counted.

HOW DOES VOTING WORK? All our elections use the single transferable vote system (STV). You can rank all the candidates in order of preference. If your first choice is ranked last in the first round of counting they are eliminated and the candidate who you picked as your second choice picks up your vote instead. This continues until one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins the election!

WHO IS R.O.N.? R.O.N or Re-Open Nominations will appear on all ballot papers as a candidate. A vote for R.O.N is a vote for ’none of the above’. If R.O.N. wins an election, the Students’ Union will start the elections process again for that particular position.

SPORTS AND SOCIETY COMMITTEE ELECTIONS We have combined all of our Society Committee and Sports Committee elections into our main Students’ Union elections. These are open to the members of any team/society who have an online membership with the team/society and are eligible to vote. Eligibility criteria is available in our Elections bye law. Societies Committee and Sports Committee positions can only be voted for online. For the full list of who is running in the Committee Elections please see bucksstudentsunion.org/elections.

SABBATICAL ELECTIONS Three positions available. Over the next few pages, candidates will be listed for the President, Vice President Education and Welfare (VPEW) and Vice President Student Involvement (VPSI) roles. You can vote for these online during elections week, and you will see the candidates campaigning online. Alongisde their picture, each candidate will have submitted a manifesto for you to peruse and consider for your vote.

MORE INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS? For more information please visit bucksstudentsunion.org/ elections or email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk. All information correct at time of going to print.

PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT CANDIDATES HONOR FLETCHER

This Is Our Time I’m Honor Fletcher, I am running to be your President. As a 3rd year Performing Arts Student, I have been fortunate to be involved with the SU since day one. In my second year, I was elected as Chair of Musical Theatre society, demonstrating my ability to confidently lead through facilitating sessions, presenting ideas and overall ensuring the smooth running of an outstanding society. This leads me to my manifesto. As your President I will take a strong lead in giving all students the best experience here at Bucks, both socially and academically ensuring the wellbeing of every student is at the heart.

TAMSIN GRAINGER

(A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST)

Bucks is extremely fortunate to have access to incredible facilities that aid us in our studies. I will ensure that all platforms of engagement are maximised to their full potential, still abiding by any government guidelines. I am determined to enhance a positive relationship with all students studying at Bucks, striving to make everybody’s voice heard. I will do this by ensuring the union council forum is engaging and accessible for all, adapting throughout the year. I will create a welcoming, fun atmosphere where everyone feels able to participate and has a space to create change.

The covid-19 pandemic has changed the way that students learn and socialise. Through this time I have lead events, workshops and fundraisers. I have an active social media presence and collaborate well which has allowed me to create and maintain strong networks within Bucks. My journey within the SU has shaped me to be the perfect candidate for your president. The year ahead is an exciting one with new opportunities for how students engage with Bucks and as your president I will take a modern approach to ensuring students’ lives are the best they can be. This is our time.

Vote For A Team You Trust Well here we are again; it feels like this year has gone so quickly but also so slowly for so many reasons. As some of you may know I am the current President of Bucks SU, I am so proud to be the President that has seen the SU and Bucks Students through arguably one of the most difficult years we have had to face. When I first started this job I was a graduating student full of ideas, hope and determination to fight for the student’s but admittedly with no experience or detailed understanding on how an educational sector works. This year I am coming to the table with quite the opposite skills, I know WHO and HOW to fight the University to get what students need, I know what the students want, and most of all I know for a fact that

given another chance I can take this role to the level it needs to support students and ensure that THEIR VOICES ARE HEARD.

I promise to push for the changes that need to be made for this institution to become the MOST INCLUSIVE it can possibly be.

If I am voted in as President of Bucks for 2021/22 I can guarantee I will work to get the students more recognition with not only the University but the Government. I will KEEP FIGHTING for issues that I am passionate about such as…

If you have any more questions for me please feel free to email me @ Tamsingrainger@gmail.com or if you would like to check out all the other stuff Myself, Tom and Tash have planned, head over to our Instagram @ateamyoutrust or Twitter @ATeamYouTrust.

. Period Poverty . Decolonising the Curriculum . Hidden Disabilities . Sustainability . Sexual Education . LGBTQ+ Rights

The President is the principal officer of the Students' Union and a member of University Council. They are responsible for setting the political direction of the Union and ensuring this is communicated to all stakeholders.

They have responsibility for engaging with the national student movement on the future direction of Higher Education and enabling others to do so as well, in order to strengthen the Union’s sphere of influence.

They are the primary representative of all students at Bucks on issues within the University the local community and on the national stage.

They also Chair the Trustee Board and the Union’s Leadership Team.

VPEW

VPEW CANDIDATES BEA BAREFIELD

Your experience, your education, your choice. Hello, my name is Bea, and I would love to be your Vice President Education and Welfare. I want to ensure that the wellbeing of all students is paramount, whilst equally representing every student to make sure your voice is heard. Attaining a degree is not cheap, so the University should be held accountable when you are not getting the most out of it. I study Policing and Criminal Investigation and have been heavily involved in the Students’ Union, holding committee positions for Netball including, Secretary 2019/2020 and Chair and Captain 2020/2021. These roles alongside my course have developed my leadership and interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening and being approachable.

TASH NEAL

(A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST)

If elected, I will focus on: WelfareTackling sexual harassment – for many students, sexual harassment is a normalised occurrence on a night out and it shouldn’t be. I aim to change attitudes towards ‘lad culture’ and implement a zero-tolerance policy through training SU bar staff and bouncers to detect and prevent harassment. Body Positivity – encouraging positive body image by eliminating the idea of an ‘ideal body’. Focusing on dismantling diet culture through an anonymous forum where students can share their stories or worries surrounding the topic.

domestic violence cases have risen drastically. I want to educate students about healthy relationships and spotting red flags, as well as educating and promoting safe sex. EducationInclusive education - working alongside executive officers to make education at Bucks more inclusive for everyone. Celebrating the diversity of our student body during an ‘inclusivity week’.

Safe sex and emotionally healthy relationships – throughout the pandemic,

Working with Student Reps – an anonymous forum where students can report issues with their course, if they can’t speak to their student rep in person. Student reps can resolve the issue by replying on the forum or taking any issues to their course leader.

I’m Tash, your current Vice President of Education and Welfare (VPEW)!

• Creating a platform on our website full of support resources.

• Held fortnightly meetings with Uxbridge Staff to discuss students concerns.

Whilst a student at Bucks, I was the Student Representative for my course and Treasurer of the Psychology Society. I believe I am the strongest candidate for VPEW, as I already have an extensive knowledge about the specific issues students are facing and have built relationships with key University staff, ensuring the changes you want to see happen, happen.

• Running campaigns including Break the Stigma, Wellbeing Week and Brew Monday.

• Secured an extension of library opening hours.

I have also fought on your behalf to develop a number of positive changes for students, such as:

If re-elected this year I will:

Vote For A Team You Trust

Last year, one of my campaign ideas was providing more sponsorship for welfare sessions. My proudest achievements this year include: • Holding a fully sponsored ‘Wellbeing Month.’ • Signing up to a Mental Health framework, focusing on prioritising mental wellbeing.

• Reinstating the No Detriment Policy. • Campaigned for another Bucks Emergency Allowance, awarding £150k to students. • Re-establishing the Equality and Diversity committee as I recognise the importance of accessibility for ALL students. The Nursing student experience is also extremely important to me. This year, I have: • Obtained free parking at Uxbridge during the pandemic.

• Secured core reading materials online. • Ensure all SU Services are accessible and inclusive. • Combat digital poverty by providing more funding for financial hardship. • Ensure mental health is a top priority through mandatory staff training and more sessions on mental health. • Continue lobbying the government for tuition refunds. • Fight for YOU. Visit our Instagram (www.Instagram. com/ATeamYouTrust) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ATeamYouTrust) for more plans! Vote Tash for VPEW, as someone you can TRUST to deliver.

The Vice President Education and Welfare is responsible for improving the educational experience of all students at Bucks. They are the principal course representative and assume political responsibility for the Union’s input into the University’s system of student representation.

They are responsible for holding the University accountable for the quality of academic provision at the institution. The Vice President Education and Welfare is also a Trustee of the Union, and a part of the Union’s Leadership Team.

VPSI

VPSI CANDIDATES ALISHA CHESTER

Rely on Alisha as VPSI Hi I’m Alisha and I am running to be your next VPSI! Now, I could start off my manifesto by listing my own experiences through the SU, but the truth is this is about YOUR student experience. While I have been involved with some of the amazing clubs and societies, I feel that this year in particular we need to expand our vision to employability and life beyond Bucks. Across the UK all students have had a huge shift, leading to a completely new and different university experience to anything anyone has had before, including within our Bucks community. This is why, as your VPSI, I want to go above and beyond helping you get involved; I want to make the changes that will make you feel inspired!

ELYSIA HIX

That being said, I respect that our clubs and societies hold a VERY important place in our community- one that is massively missed. So to those of you who reminisce or those of you yet to experience the Bucks Spirit in its true form, I promise to commit myself to working alongside our SU to do all we can for all students, including our clubs and societies and provide a year of inclusivity. I will do this while putting YOUR student experience first, and preparing you for life after University, no matter where our world stands. Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto, feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions at all and don’t forget to Rely on Alisha as VPSI!

Your Voice, Your Rights, Your Future My name is Elysia and I’ve loved my time at Bucks. I’ve joined some great societies, been involved in inspiring campaigns and experienced all aspects of Bucks Student Union. There are many reasons why I would like to be elected as the next VPSI. The activities that Bucks SU has offered have given me confidence to meet new people and develop many life skills. I would love to give something back and join the team so I can offer the same experience to future students. My experience of event and people management from my course gives me the skills for this job because it’s allowed me to gain valuable experience in teamwork. This combined with engaging with the SU has allowed me to expand

personal skills essential to this role. Through being RAG ambassador, setting up my own RAG society, Treasurer of the Musical Theatre Society and collaborating with many sports clubs within the union, I have an in-depth knowledge of the student involvement methods, societies and sports clubs at Bucks and the volunteering opportunities on offer. If elected as VPSI, I would strive to maintain engagement of all students. I would do this by setting up campaigns and schemes, such as vocational volunteering opportunities tailored to specific courses. Additionally, I would implement activities (Covid allowing) for those wishing to branch out of just their flat. Additionally, in the event of future lockdowns, I have ideas that involve

The Vice President Student Involvement is responsible for improving the extracurricular experience of all students at Bucks. They hold political responsibility for the development and delivery of all student activities by the Union.

online and offline activities such as quizzes and photo scavenger hunts. I conclude by showing my admiration for the way that Bucks involves students. All students should have a voice, and by recognising that we can enhance the overall experience for them, by promoting diversity and inclusion. Finally, I believe I can bring my genuine, hardworking and approachable personality to the team.

They are responsible for increasing participation in all areas of the Union’s work, a trustee of the Union, and a part of the Union’s Leadership Team.

VPSI

VPSI CANDIDATES MACKENZIE HOEY

Creating Opportunities For You Our Student’s Union has impacted hugely on my university experience, acting as a platform to develop all kinds of transferable skills through the great opportunities to get involved that they offer students. Due to my involvement with the SU over the years, providing and creating opportunities for students to get involved is something very important to me and is why I am standing for VPSI.

I hope to create a BAME Importance week, a campaign focused on important and inspiring BAME members of society. This aims to encourage more members to stand for leading roles, as I believe it is important to have BAME leaders.

If elected, I plan to bring in new ideas and opportunities to benefit all students.

Student’s mental health is also very important to me, so I want to implement a support system that gives students the opportunity to talk anonymously.

Firstly, as I know some international students struggle with the English language and slang from peers and lecturers, I want to introduce an informal English learning aspect to the international mixers.

TOM FEATHERSTONE

(A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST)

It can be more difficult for commuters to settle in. I feel one way to support commuters is to begin offering a commuting students mixer at the SU.

Regarding Varsity, my proposal to increase involvement is based around offering more opportunities to societies and non-playing students to run campaigns alongside Varsity. I also hope to get more students involved in the promotion of Varsity, by giving students a chance to be on a Varsity poster. If elected into this role I will do everything to ensure each student’s university experience is as enjoyable as my own, if not even better!

I aim to work with our Green Society, and local green groups, to improve our efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Vote For A Team You Trust There are countless reasons why I am rerunning for this position. Over the last year I feel like I have really taken a grasp of this role throughout what has been a tough year. Whether that’s been lobbying the university to reinstate the no detriment policy, fighting for full rent rebates to moving the activities program online I feel like we have pushed for what was right for the students. Your sat there thinking why should I vote for you? That I completely understand, the last year has not been what you were expecting when coming to uni or coming back. But what I can promise you is that myself, Tamsin,Tash are in the position where we’ve seen through the tough times this year and we know there are better times to come.

The toll on student’s mental health over the last year has been paramount. Through the ‘We Stand By You’ campaign, we’ve lobbied the government through an open letter and video to try and improve the services. This is a campaign that is far from finished and far from something that we are letting go on. With a year that has slowed down and, in some circumstances, stop club and society activities. I have a full campaign planned and ready to run surrounding Inclusion in these activities. Whether that’s BAME, LGBTQ+ we are looking to make our services accessible and welcoming to all! There is no one that should feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in the Bucks community.

We are going to be releasing different cards that will show YOU what we will be doing and promising to your student group so please keep an eye out on socials for those! Follow our campaign on Instagram! If would like to know more about my manifesto email me on Tomfeathers@hotmail.com

They are responsible for increasing participation in all areas of the Union’s work, a trustee of the Union, and a part of the Union’s Leadership Team.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER ELECTIONS Eight positions available. Online voting only. Each of these groups are students that have their own unique challenges alongside those that are common across student groups. In order for us to better deal with these issues we need to know them in detail, which involves seeing it from the students' perspective.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICER CANDIDATE EMILIE BLOCH

Supporting international students to successfully acclimatise! Hey, my name is Emilie Bloch. I am a 22 year old, 3rd year Dance and Performance student at BNU. I am from Switzerland, grew up in Monaco and then moved to England to study. I have experienced relocating and adapting to new cultures, building friendships with students from all over, and I understand their needs and desires as students. My aim is to ease and support international students through this transitional period of their lives and beyond.

I currently speak English, French, Italian and Spanish as well as currently employed as a language teacher for young children in local schools. This employment opportunity has opened my eyes to the joy of engaging and supporting people who have found it difficult as a result of a language barrier. For example, I am currently teaching a very young Italian girl, who speaks very little English and subsequently suffers from anxiety and struggles to communicate properly. This has really encouraged me to support and encourage her through her struggles, and I am delighted to say she is making real progress.

Throughout my initial year as a student with BNU, I had lots of concerns surrounding my position as a foreign student, particularly with Brexit looming and confusion surrounding student fees, I felt that I needed further support. Combining this with living far from family and friends for the first time, as well as adapting to the English culture, my dance performance and mental stability was far from where I wanted it to be. Having transitioned from a new young international student to a third year student, hopefully on the brink of completing my undergraduate degree, I want to support new students who are going through a similar situation, to provide exactly the guidance and security that in hindsight could have helped me.

LGBT+ STUDENTS OFFICER CANDIDATE OWEN DENSTON

Support for girls, gays and theys It would be a huge honour to represent the LGBTQIA+ community at bucks. To represent love, equality, and people being their most authentic selves. If I was chosen as LGBT+ officer, I would devote my time to, not only fighting against homo/bi/transphobia, but creating a safe community for people to express themselves. Whether that be through art, fashion, poetry etc. One way I intend to do this is create Facebook groups, Instagram pages and twitter accounts dedicated to promoting small businesses and art from the community and bringing awareness to issues that affect us.

Another way that I intend to do this is, once government restrictions allow, host monthly or bi monthly events where anybody can showcase their art, whatever that may be, or just come and watch! A night of music, connecting with the community and good vibes. In a nutshell, I intend for my time as LGBT+ officer to be a positive experience, benefitting not only myself, but everyone in the community. Thank you very much for reading, feel free to contact me on instagram @owendenston

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

MATURE STUDENTS OFFICER CANDIDATE AMY PILE

Whatever your age, anything is possible Hi, my name is Amy, I am currently a first-year Adult Nursing student and I am running for the position of executive officer for mature students, I completely understand what it’s like to be at university as a mature student, it has been many years since I was at school or did anything near to this level of education, so it has been daunting. So far in the short time, I have been a student I have become a student representative for my group which has given me the skills to really listen to what others say and then be a voice for my peers meaning we can make changes happen. I am also currently the chair of the Bucks Nursing Society which has given me the skills to reach out, support others, share ideas and be creative.

There is a high percentage of mature students that live at home so my aim is to make sure the same opportunities will still be accessible for them, many have children so sometimes commitments can be challenging, trust me I have four children and it gets lonely and I have struggled, so having a fortnight coffee morning may help those that may be struggling, to be able to reach out and ask questions, which I then can feedback and also signpost to relevant services, As a mature student our interests can be slightly different so I plan to organize events specifically for mature students. But mainly it is about what could help you, so the feedback you give is paramount in going forward.

Thank you for reading and please do feel free to contact me to ask any questions. Take care. Amy

PART-TIME STUDENTS OFFICER CANDIDATE IULIANA STROESCU

No manifesto submitted

There are 4 other Executive Officer roles currently still available and will be decided by a by-election at a later date. If you’re interested in taking on the role of Executive Officer for BAME, Postgraduate, Women or Disabled Students’ Officer, or would like to find out more, then please email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk.

STUDENT TRUSTEE ELECTIONS Four positions available. Online voting only. The student trustees of Bucks Students’ Union sit on the Trustee Board. They are also required to sit on its standing committees and are required to be involved in other committees on occasion. They are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Union and communicating with key stakeholders. They receive reports from officers and staff regarding the operations and progress of the Union, as well as reports based on the local and national student movement and the future direction of Higher Education.

STUDENT TRUSTEE CANDIDATE KATIE JEDREK

No manifesto submitted.

There are 2 other Student Trustee roles currently still available and will be decided by a by-election at a later date. If you’re interested in taking on the role of Student Trustee or would like to find out more, then please email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk.

NUS DELEGATES ELECTIONS Two positions available. Online voting only. NUS Delegates are elected to attend and represent Bucks students at the National Union of Students (NUS) Annual Conference. The conference votes on the policies and priorities of the NUS for the coming year.

NUS DELEGATES CANDIDATE MUHAMMAD MOHUN

No manifesto submitted.

There is 1 other NUS Delegate role currently still available and will be decided by a by-election at a later date. If you’re interested in taking on the role of NUS Delegate or would like to find out more, then please email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk.

AMBASSADORS Three different positions available currently. Online voting only. There are five Charity Leader and Ambassador positions available for election each year. These positions are the link between the Students’ Union and external organisations and charity’s we work with. The ambassadors are there to ensure the charity or organisation is well represented within the Union and that students are engaged with their specific organisation. We are proud to elect 5 individuals each academic year who form close relationships with organisations within the local community.

RAG AMBASSADOR CANDIDATE JESS BRADBURY

Small Actions Can Create Big Change I’m currently a Musical Theatre student, transfering to Dance and Performance for third year. Through the course I’ve developed my creative, business and personal skills. These skills I would bring to the role of RAG Ambassador to produce unique and exciting fundraising opportunities. I’ve been involved in creating and taking part in many fundraising activities over the years.

I’m a member of RAG Society and have built good relations with SU staff. My experiences and passion for fundraising, I feel will help me to be successful in the role and provide students with ample opportunities to fundraise during 2021/22.

GREEN AMBASSADOR CANDIDATE SYDNEY OWEN

Small Actions Can Create Big Change I have been Green Ambassador for one year now and really feel the role is challenging but so rewarding therefore, I would like to run for a second year. I am currently running one successful campaign and have one more in the pipeline. I am also involved in various committees where I represent students looking to make a real environmental and sustainable difference at Bucks. Planning green week has been a great challenge this year but there are plans in place to make this happen and I hope to be able to run an even bigger event next year.

FAIRTRADE AMBASSADOR CANDIDATE NO CANDIDATES

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN THIS ROLE, PLEASE EMAIL SUREPRESENTATION@BUCKS.AC.UK

ELECTIONS 2021

SPORTS COMMITTEE ELECTIONS Sports committee elections take place as part of the wider Students’ Union elections. In this section of our elections special paper you can find our who is running to take up leadership positions in all sports teams. Please take the time to look at the manifestos (which can be found at bucksstudentsunion. org/elections) of the students who are running and make sure you vote in each election that you are eligible for. You can only vote in a sports election online. Sports Team members can vote in the main Students’ Union elections and any club or society election of which they are a member.

VISIT BUCKSSTUDENTSUNION.ORG/ELECTIONS TO VIEW CANDIDATE MANIFESTOS AND VOTE SOCIETY COMMITTEE ELECTIONS Society committee elections take place as part of the wider Students’ Union elections. In this section of our elections special paper you can find our who is running to take up leadership positions in all societies. Please take the time to look at the manifestos (which can be found at bucksstudentsunion.org/ elections) of the students who are running and make sure you vote in each election that you are eligible for. You can only vote in a society election online. Society members can vote in the main Students’ Union elections and any club or society election of which they are a member.