Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972
SU President sets out her agenda for the coming year
Charlotte King Head of News
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money into making sure [they] bond socially”. This year’s Sabbatical team “were all elected as people who knew each other: friends; housemates” and Yip commented “that in itself causes different issues with where we draw the line between personal and private life…[but] there hasn’t been any disruption” so far. She sees being a good role model as “[mediating] that line between firm and friendly.” It quickly became evident that connecting with students is high on Jackie Yip’s agenda as SU President. After graduating from Cardiff University a year ago now, however, we questioned if that makes it harder for her to connect with today’s crop of students. Yip expressed how she won the election with “the biggest majority in Union history”, suggesting students trust her and feel some sort of connection with her regardless of when
Annibyniaeth i Gymru
Gair Rhydd speaks Meet the political Surviving first to Fadhila party societies year of science
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Your guide to Freshers’ 2019
Staying safe in a new city
ith a new academic year just around the corner, Gair Rhydd thought it perfect timing to speak to our Students’ Union President, Jackie Yip, about the upcoming year, her policy pledges and what she and her team are hoping to achieve over the coming months. Settling in for the interview, Yip joked about how nervous she is that this year’s Sabbatical team are looking up to her for help after she spent the entirety of last year looking up to someone else for guidance. The interview started off touching on a far more serious note, however, as Yip addressed the controversy and hostility tied to her election as SU President. Following her election, Jackie Yip announced on social media that she strives to be “a president who leads by example, one who is kind and who strives to do the right thing in the best interests of students.” When asked about how she plans to fulfil that promise, Yip said: “I think being kind grew out from a very negative and very distressing campaign and election, and I don’t want [students] to be put off by the process and think we are always very negative. “I want students to know that they can come to me and that we do things, we make real, important change. I think that’s what I mean by leading by example and being kind.” Yip had also previously commented on “wounds” in the former Sabbatical team; we asked her how she plans to avoid any further controversies within the team this year. The SU President said that she has not only been ensuring the team regularly meets to discuss their work progress but she also “[invests] so much time and even
ae’r niferoedd sy’n cefnogi annibyniaeth i Gymru wedi cynyddu’n sylweddol dros y misoedd diwethaf. Aeth Aled Biston i orymdaith ym Merthyr Tudful ar ran Taf-od. 9
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gair rhydd
23 medi 2019 23 september 2019
Check out Gair Rhydd online
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t is easy to get caught up in the independence of university life. For many students it’s the first time they’ve moved away from parents and the family home. This week, our advice section gives you tips on how to stay safe at university. 20
A newcomer’s guide to Cardiff
Sustainable students: Students’ Union President Jackie Yip meeting with Vice Chancellor Colin Riordan to discuss improving sustainability and students’ mental health. Source: Josh Gibbs
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his week, features speaks to former Student Union President Fadhila A. Al Dhahouri about her childhood, moving to the UK and being President and VP Education. 6
she graduated. “I am constantly on the ground talking to students which is the most important thing, the talking and communication. I think if people don’t feel that connection, then come and speak to me. Come and tell me what I’m missing.” Representing the interests of Cardiff University’s entire student population is no easy feat. Our student population is incredibly diverse, so we questioned Yip on where the Union stands on supporting political campaigns and whether she deems it appropriate to support any political leanings in her role. In response, she stated: “I always see my role as to facilitate every side of the debate. We have so many political societies and I happily facilitate their conversations...[but] we have to mediate that with what we believe is in the best interests of our students.”
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air Rhydd politics speaks to the presidents of our political party societies, discussing their views on politics, Brexit, policies for students and the possibility of a general election. 12
We undoubtedly live in uncertain times politically; will we be leaving the EU shortly? Is a general election on the horizon? Yip told us that the Students’ Union is anticipating that Brexit could have a “significant impact” on our students and the university itself, and in light of the student senate voting in favour of the Union supporting a People’s Vote last year, Yip explained that the Students’ Union “[has] a mandate to stand towards that political side now” but says she will continue to encourage students to voice their opinions, regardless. In light of this, we questioned the SU President about her recent post on Facebook suggesting Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “satan” and whether she thought that was an appropriate comment. Continues on page 3 3
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fter finishing her first year of biomedical science, Holly Giles looks back over her first year shares her main tips and advice for surviving and thriving in year one of university. 23
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s a fresher, it’s hard to know where to go and what to do. Luckily, @caerdydd has your back with a guide of where to go in order to explore Cardiff and its neighbouring areas to its full potential. 26
Should universities teach us financial responsibility?
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inancial education is absent in schools across the country. Kat Smith explains why she thinks universities must encourage financial education to ensure students are savvy and safe with their money in Freshers’ and beyond. 17
Rugby World Cup: Wales preview
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ith the Rugby World Cup kicking off last week, we’ve taken a look at Wales’ chances of making it all the way to the final. Check out our full preview on page 29. 29