Leicester Leaders 2013 - The Manifesto Booklet

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Manifesto Booklet Executive Elections 2013

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

The Big Debate 2013 Tuesday 19 February, 6:30pm O2 Academy Leicester

x See the candidates go head to head in a fight for your vote. x Grill them about their promises and ideas. x Find out what they’ll do for you.

Voting Opens: Weds 20 February, 10am Voting Closes: Weds 27 February, 5pm leicesterunion.com/vote To find out more about the elections, candidates and how your vote makes a difference visit leicesterunion.com/elections

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

DISTANCE LEARNING OFFICER Candidates

Vote Harry Wells #1 for Distance Learning Officer!

Hi! I'm Harry. I'm a second year undergraduate reading a BA in English & American Studies. I've done my best to engage in the University of Leicester's Student Union since I first opened the door to Block JJ of Freemen's Common (shudder) in October 2011, and I wish to further my participation next year by taking on the parttime position of Distance Learning Officer.

Union Experience – Founding Vice President of the University of Leicester Quidditch Society, the second team to start in the country and the main body (six members) of 2012's UK international squad.

– Union Parliament Officer without Portfolio (Arts, Humanities & Law) for the year 2012/13: passed the Budget Transparency Bill, debated homo/transphobia in Leicester's nightlife and compulsory voting in Union elections.

Why I want to be your Distance Learning Officer – Our Students' Union and University are very focussed on its physical provisions; food, cafés, nightclubs etc. Distance learners need to be able to engage with the SU and take the same amount (if not the same kind) of benefits from it campus students do.

– The University's systems for studying abroad temporarily (Erasmus and JYA) are both in need of serious improvement and reform, to stop students being left uncertain of their accommodation or application status and seriously out of pocket.

I will lobby to: – Continue the work started by Michael Rubin's “Lecture Recording” proposal, so that distance and campus learners can experience the same educational material.

– Introduce specific “Distance Learner Open Days”, where staff will be available all day for video conferencing with potential/new distance learning students.

– Have a full sub-section of the Union's new website dedicated to campus elections, with candidate profiles and links to nomination and voting forms, so that distance learners can campaign fairly.

– Make learning more accessible for first-time students and those with commitments by introducing basic, free MOOCs (Massively Open Online Courses) in study essentials like Essay Writing, Revision and Using Secondary Sources.

– Streamline the year abroad systems in order to ask the University to guarantee decisions AND guarantee some form of accommodation by Semester Two – Have all departments guarantee they will publish ALL coursework, group project and assignment marks on Blackboard in a timely manner after the marking has been completed.

– Establish a University or Union funded scholarship to cover the cost of flights and sundries, which will be awarded via means testing.

– Begin a campaign to abolish fees charged to students whilst abroad on their Erasmus year/JYA. – Increase the number of entry-level/Bachelor's courses available for DLs.

Hello everyone!!! :D This is Areej, vying for the position of Distant-learning executive officer.

My responsibility would be to communicate on behalf of all the distant learners, covey there problems or any messages, to the University. This is a big challenge for me to gain this position. I have been nominated as a captain in my previous academy. Therefore, I do have the experience of what and how I should be handling my tasks. Maintaining the discipline of an institution and in parallel listening to the peers, their demands, such balance is possible by a true experienced leader! I have been with the academic studies until now without break, so I can guide the distantlearners, who are mostly continuing students, with any guidelines and improvement for course work, the necessary points to be remembered, etc. I am very much determined to be a part of the student union. I am patient, can deal with multi-tasks, and very confident plus very friendly! I, myself, being a distant learner, this fact will actually get me more encouraged to deal with any issues or situations another distant learner might have. I would also try to bring up more activities that are possible for distant learners. You can casually communicate to me regarding any academic issues or discuss any matter, which normally a distant student does not get the opportunity like the campus-based student!

Bottom line, I can understand the problem of a distant learner, being one myself! Therefore, I believe I can tackle those issues flexibly.

So I request you to vote for me, AREEJ. I won’t just say what I can do but rather prove it. Promise less- deliver more! None of us is as smart as all of us! Together we can deliver!!! ď Š

VOTE FOR AREEJ! Thanks! And if you have nay further questions, do feel free to ask me. I look forward to meet you and learn your views, suggestions and concerns!

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Do you think none of the candidates are good enough for the post?

Do you think you can do a better job?

Then vote for Re-Open Nominations (R.O.N.) If R.O.N. gets more votes than any of the candidates the election for that position will have to be re-run allowing other candidates to come forward.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

EDUCATION OFFICER Candidates

My Manifesto‌.

(1) Core Module Text books as e-books.

The University should work towards creating more accessible and dynamically interactive learning. Students should receive more value for their degrees and I believe that the University should help students lessen the financial burden that they currently face. Offering core module textbooks as e-books would increase accessibility to essential course materials.

(2) More study space.

During the exam period many students resort to studying in the David Wilson Library. However due to the amount of students wishing to do the same thing, the library can become full pretty quickly and trying to find a spot to study can be exasperating. I propose that the University opens up more group study rooms around campus for longer hours during the assessment period to combat this issue; making studying more comfortable.

(3)Extended Library opening hours.

Students who wish to either stay in Leicester or wish to return to Leicester to study during the holiday period are often met with limited library opening times. I believe that when a semester finishes that shouldn’t mean that access to the library is reduced. I propose that the current opening times are not adequate and should be extended ensuring that all students are able to study whenever they like.

Vote Kimberley-Anne Fox for YOUR Education Officer 2013-14!

My Manifesto….

(4)Written and Verbal Feedback on Examinations and Assessments There should be a significant improvement upon the way students receive their feedback. Academic feedback is more strongly and consistently related to achievement than any other teaching behaviour. More often than not exam results are given and students are left wondering why they received the grade they did. Even when written feedback is given, for essays for example, students are still unsure as to what they should do with their feedback. Personal tutors should help their students use feed back, to “Feed Forward”.

(5) Peer-2-Peer Learning Students’ course-mates are an extremely valuable learning resource, both in terms of dealing with any concerns and also for autonomous learning and discussion. A survey completed at the University of Leicester displayed that 57% of students are motivated through collaboration with other students.

I propose setting up a peer mentoring scheme in each department so that students can engage and learn from their peers.

Vote Kimberley-Anne Fox for YOUR Education Officer 2013-14!

ABOUT MICHAEL • 3rd Year Politics & Economics Student • Living Wage Campaign Founder • SU Campaigner of the Year • Secretary, Economics Society • Secretary, Hope not Hate Society

• Chair, Campaigning Society of the Year • Union Parliament Part-Time Officer • Politics & Economics Course Rep • Social Sciences College Rep • Leicester Ambassador

MY 7 POINT PLAN 1.

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All lectures recorded and available on Blackboard.

Personalised exam feedback, just like you get for essays.

Free University Bookshop gift-card for your core texts.

All reading on blackboard, I'll end the constant scramble for library books.

Employability as a central part of every course: placement years, departmental careers advisors and more outreach programmes.

6. Earn while you learn. A part-time jobs fair during Freshers and Refreshers.

7. A mini Students' Union in Oadby: Ed advice rooms, shop, cafe, cash machine and study centre.

MORE FOR YOUR MONEY • Medic Scholarships: medics deserve bursaries too.

• Exam dates to be published earlier.

• Better personal tutors: I'll make the personal tutor system work for you.

• More contact hours, more teaching for your money.

• Increased course flexibility; more modules, more choice.

• Expand work-free Wednesday afternoons.

• Electronic submission/feedback as standard.

• An assessment Feedback Charter; minimum requirements for your feedback.

• A Graduate Guarantee; access to careers advice and support after you graduate.

• Wireless printing in the Library.

• Better joint-degree communication.

• e-Reading Lists: to save searching and paper.

• A Careers Development Service fully equipped to help Post-Graduates, Mature Students and Distance Learners.

• A fair, universal, mitigating circumstances policy.

• A Library book pick-up point at Vaughan College.

• Publication of module feedback results and implementation of Departmental League Tables.

• Protect Disabled Cover sheets, and ensure any replacement does not disadvantage disabled students.

• Greater childcare provision on campus, and seminar flexibility for student parents.

EDUCATION AT THE HEART OF YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION • Continue to improve the support given to Course Reps: • A permanent member of staff.

• More frequent Student-Staff Committees • Celebration of Course Rep success.

• Elect all Course Reps possible in the Summer term.

• More masterclasses and training so Course Reps can keep making effective change.

• Better communication: bringing you and your Course Rep closer.

• A 24/7 online Ed advice service; academic support exactly when you need it.

• An online SU marketplace to buy and sell your second hand textbooks.

• Course Reps and Societies at the heart of how the SU makes decisions.

• A distance learner peer matchup system.

• Review and expand the SU Leicester Award.

• Helping the University Widen Participation to Education.

• ED Department publicity campaign, so students know the fantastic work it does.

• SU Educational Liberation workshops.

CONTACT ME

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me. I want to hear your ideas:

mjr49@student.le.ac.uk @VoteRubin | #VoteRubin facebook.com/VoteRubin

EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS ON THE ISSUES YOU CARE ABOUT

• A post-graduate funding priority campaign; persuading political parties to back a fair system of funding.

• Fight to abolish tuition fees and replace them with a fair Graduate Tax and oppose Government cuts to Education.

• Campaigning against changes to International Student Visas and ERASMUS funding cuts: all students should have the opportunity to work and study abroad.

HOW TO VOTE

Voting is online at www.leicesterunion.com/vote from 10am on Wednesday 20th until 5pm on Wednesday 27th February.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Do you think none of the candidates are good enough for the post?

Do you think you can do a better job?

Then vote for Re-Open Nominations (R.O.N.) If R.O.N. gets more votes than any of the candidates the election for that position will have to be re-run allowing other candidates to come forward.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

ENGAGEMENT OFFICER Candidates

#1 ANDREAS HADJIMICHAEL MANIFESTO FOR ENGAGEMENT OFFICER This is my official manifesto for my active engagement in our Students’ Union efforts to re-evaluate our objectives and our strategy for a more profitable and student beneficiary involvement in our academic lives.

“I pledge to become a constructive and loud voice on academic matters in our Students’ Union.”

The plan: -

Increase member participation by enhancing communication.

Raise awareness of our Union’s functions and its relativity to the welfare of students and their active participation in common activities.

Ensuring the environmental strategy of the Union is effectively enriched, enhanced and carried out.

Secure additional income for our Union to promote its policies.

With your vote, you are a step closer to getting your voice represented across YOUR Students’ Union.

The Students’ Union has laid down its strategic priorities for the short-term future. My commitment is to advance these goals: 

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An improvement in communication between students and their Union is needed. In order to achieve this, students must be actively engaged with the Union’s affairs. The effective participation of the students can be guaranteed only by making the Union and its mechanisms more approachable. To this end I am proposing the implementation of a mechanism which will enable the Engagement Officer to receive feedback directly from the students.

There is a lack of awareness among students of the power held by the Union Parliament. I strongly believe that this has to change. We must raise awareness among students and we have to find contemporary means (other than the students’ union website) to inform them not only of the proposals but also of the decisions. It is of vital importance for students to realise the gravity of these decisions in relation to their every-day life on campus.

Social spaces and services (e.g. coffee shops, restaurants, shops) help the students form a bond with their Union. We should maintain the highest possible standards and make these spaces and services appealing and attractive both to young (17-23) and older students (24+).

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I am committed to support existing policies and help formulate new policies to secure additional income for the Union. A financially sustainable Students’ Union will be able to advance its policies more effectively. Students will be more engaged with a Union that is able to meet its goals.

I’m proposing the assessment and potentially the redevelopment of the Union’s website as well as the rest of the electronic communication means used by the Union. We need a user-friendly and interactive website, capable of delivering high-standard web-services which will bring the students closer to each other by introducing services such as a forum.

It is important to ensure the environmental strategy of the Union is effectively enriched, enhanced and carried out. Within the confines of my role I want to make students more aware of the efforts of the environmental team. The aim is for the university students to get engaged with the environmental policies of the union. The planning and success of ‘The Big Green Week 2014’ will be one of my main concerns as I believe student awareness towards the importance and value of carbon and energy savings, waste and water management should be encouraged.

About me: My priority is to represent the student voice; I find fulfilment through meeting the needs of others, which I believe will strengthen me in this role. Your voice brings you a step closer in getting your voice heard and your demands represented in our Student Union.

I always strive for excellence and consider myself as an achiever, I see difficulties as challenges and not obstacles, and I have targets in my life that I try to fulfil. Within this framework I pledge to do everything in my power to give effect to the goals that I have described above.

Serving two years in the army has shaped me to become a committed and highly motivated individual with discipline and sense of direction.

Spoken languages: - English, Greek, French, Spanish University achievements and awards: - BA in Politics and International Relations 2012 - MSc in Management 2013 - BUCS swimming short course National Championships 2010 - 1st team in Leicestershire Volleyball Championships 2011 - Vice president of Muscle and Athletic Sports Society 2012

Think Different. Vote Thompkins.

My name is Alex and I am second year Sociology student running for the role of Engagement Officer in this year’s elections. During my time at Leicester I have so far: 1.

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Sat on the LUSH Radio Committee Been President of The Public Speaking Society Sat on Union Parliament where I campaigned to get electronic cigarettes sold in nourish Been published in the Ripple for creating debate around Demo2012 Taken part in a Shakespeare Marathon with LUTheatre to raise money for the Glennfield cardiovascular research centre

I feel my enthusiasm for student life makes me the ideal candidate for the role of Engagement Officer. I like to consider the alternative ideas to policy some of which I will outline here in my manifesto.

A New Approach To Democracy With low turnouts at student elections being an unfortunate part of student democracy in Leicester it is clear the union needs to engage more with students, if they want students to engage with them. A more direct system is the solution.

If elected I will: 

Create an online petition system so that if a student gets 500 signatures their issue/campaign will be debated in executive committee meetings

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Give students a greater say in what they want from their Rockstar nights

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Hold a weekly surgery to get student views and issues first hand

Building an International Community The University of Leicester has one of the most diverse campuses in the country and our international student body has some the best and brightest on campus.

When it comes to engaging international students I want to see the union taking the first step in creating a real international community. If elected I will:  

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Campaign for all Union minutes, documents and advertisements for union events to be published in languages other than English Work with the University, the modern languages department and Language Exchange to bring language classes in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, German, French and Spanish Celebrate our multiculturalism by holding a Cultural Ball in the summer term

Think Green One of the most important aspects of the Engagement Officer Role is overseeing the union’s environmental strategy. Leicester has already lead the way in environmental policy so now the aim is to engage students and show how going green will benefit them. Of elected I will:

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Call for more environmentally friendly products to be sold in Nourish

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Campaign for all SULets property to meet a minimum green standard of insulation and lighting

Set up a Green Seal system for societies and sports teams to create an incentive for them to go green

Campaigns You Can Engage With The NUS has described Leicester as “the sleeping giant” when it comes to campaigning. We have enormous potential to make real social change all we really need is a goal we all believe in. With tuition fees now set at £9000, value for money is going to be an increasing factor in student living and so fighting for a better deal should be the new focus of our campaigns. If elected I will:   

Fight for the abolition of prescription fees for students Work hard to make a credible alternative to £9000 tuition fees a reality Promote student led campaigns first and foremost

Final Thoughts I believe that engagement is the process which allows us to achieve our goals not the goal itself. By thinking differently about our union and so creating policies at are interesting in their own way; I hope to make students want to engage. By letting students engage in their own way, we will be more engaging.

A successful Leicester Leader will need grit, guts and above all the passion to deliver on what they believe in. This manifesto and these ideas outline why I am that candidate. If you would like to hear more from me then be sure to follow @vote_thompkins on Twitter, join me on Facebook or send me an email at think.thompkins@outlook.com.

hi, my name is: JT (jamie taylor) and I am running for: engagement officer the engagement officers job is: to make sure that whoever you are, whatever course you do, wherever you study, you will have your voice heard, you’ll know what’s going on in your union, and you will always know how your union can help you I currently study: education (pgce), after studying chemistry and I am in my: 5th year at leicester you should vote for me because:

+ I am excellent at listening to you, understanding your problems and representing those problems to the right people, so that we can come up with real solutions. + I have been engaged as both an undergraduate and a postgraduate, and I know how tough it is to get involved when you basically work a full-time job for your course. + I am the most experienced candidate, with over 4 and a half years of involvement in the union, representation on union parliament and leadership in student groups. + I am great at reaching out and communicating a message across in a simple, effective way. + I have strong, student-centered policies that will work to make your union more engaging to you, and each of your fellow 22,087 students.

simple. honest. engaging.

my policies all revolve around: making sure that you will be able to get

involved and have your voice heard on the issues and union services that you personally care about, so that you can get the most out of your education here at the university of Leicester. if you elect me as your engagement officer, I will make sure that you have:

a union that listens to you: •+ Continue with professional research that gathers opinions and figures from as wide a range of you as possible to really get a handle on what you want from your union.

•+ An opportunity to anonymously tell us what you think, 24/7, wherever you are, through our website - for complaints, compliments, or just a bit of help.

•+ More ways to talk to us outside of 9-5 hours and away from the Percy Gee, so that we can understand and represent the views of everyone, not just those who can come to us.

so that you have: a voice to be heard

an idea of what is going on: •+ More marketing of support services, especially to new postgraduates, research students and distance learners, so that all students know where to go to get the help that they need.

•+ Introduce a dedicated “engagement team” that reaches out to existing student-run online communities to keep them in the loop. + A larger amount of physical space in the Percy Gee purely for students, groups and teams to showcase themselves and what they do.

•+ Develop a presence in as many university buildings as possible with clear, effective signage that explains what the union is doing to help you, and where you can go for support.

so that you have: a reason to care a new approach to getting involved: + More direct input from students in simple, easy ways - are we thinking of changing a service that you use? We’ will get your opinion on how we change it when you use it. And it won’t take more than 15 seconds of your time.

•+ More opportunities outside 9-5 on a weekday to get involved - making sure those in intense degrees, postgraduate research or vocational courses still have a chance to be represented.

•+ A thorough review of union parliament to see how well it really represents all students and their interests.

so that you have: an opportunity to do something special

tweet me: @JTforEngagement email me: jt149@le.ac.uk facebook me: fb.me/JTforEngagement

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Do you think none of the candidates are good enough for the post?

Do you think you can do a better job?

Then vote for Re-Open Nominations (R.O.N.) If R.O.N. gets more votes than any of the candidates the election for that position will have to be re-run allowing other candidates to come forward.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

EXPERIENCE OFFICER Candidates

RANK ZESHAN HUSSAIN #1 FOR EXPERIENCE

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Hello, My name is Zeshan Hussain and I am a third year History and Politics student. If you ask me to describe my three years at the University, the word exceptional immediately comes to mind. Over the last three years I have met some incredible people, had the opportunity to be involved in many societies and attended many events, most importantly I’ve matured incredibly as a person. I have had the opportunity to represent students as a member of the Union Parliament and Vice President of the Pakistan Society. This year I successfully campaigned to remove the ‘Don’t Tell Daddy’ name associated with a Union night. I believe passionately on passing this exceptional experience onto as many students as possible and this is the primary reason why I am standing for this position of ‘Experience Officer’. I believe I have the vision, ambition and determination to make our Union exceptional. I want every student to leave this university with the feeling that their time spent here has been exceptional. Below you will find an ambitious set of proposals that are full of vision and determination. Regardless of your background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability, you all are exceptional people. My message to you is simple, from the moment you arrive in Leicester, until the moment you leave, elect me and I will make your experience at the University exceptional!

Best wishes,

Zeshan Hussain

An AFFORDABLE Union 

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Introduce a ‘Living Budget’ for food on campus for students who regularly have lunch at the Union.

Whether it’s buying drinks in the O2 or having Lunch in 1923, it is vital that the Union represents value for money. I will implement better drink deals in the O2 and ensure prices in all University outlets remain competitive.

Accommodation transparency. Any accommodation fees increases must be justified. It’s your money you should see how it is being spent.

Introduce a termly bus pass option.

Introduce a ‘loyalty card’ system for attending University nights. 5 stamps for example could equate to free entrance or a free drink at the bar.

Introduce promotions on ticket prices for large groups attending University nights.

Societies, Sports and Media groups

An INCLUSIVE Union “A diverse University needs diverse representation and events...” 

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Many social activities the Union holds are either around alcohol or  attending nightclubs and mainly targeted at younger students. I will implement events to run alongside existing Union nights out for students who do not enjoy drinking or attending nightclubs. Furthermore I will  introduce events for mature students throughout the week. You are a part of this Union and you should not be penalised due to the choices you make.

Combine International Welcome Week events so they run into Freshers’ Week. We are one community at this University; our events should  reflect our one community message.

Pursue the development of alternative music events by working with promoters to ensure this continues to be delivered.

Better provisions for Distance Learners so they can access the Union’s welfare and support facilities from home. A dedicated online page will be created where Distance Learners can access welfare and educational support easily. Just because you are away from the Union does not then mean you are no longer a part of this Union.  I will work with the Education Officer to ensure that the timetabling of lectures and seminars do not clash with a student’s more valuable commitment to their children or family needs. This is why I support the  implementation of lecture recordings on Blackboard.

Greater inclusion for students not living in University managed Halls of Residence by ensuring that the services provided in University managed accommodation are also provided in these accommodations (Opal Court/WiFi access in all rooms).  Ensure Halls such as Mary Gee are not excluded due to their location.

Your Welfare is my PRIORITY  

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Promote welfare groups in the Union by having short introductions to the Union’s services in lectures during the first week of the academic term.

Tackle issues of food poverty. With your student loan barely covering accommodation fees, your health and wellbeing should not be comprised. I will ensure issues of food poverty amongst students are addressed.

For many students moving to University is the first time they have been away from home, I strongly believe the Union should aid student transition from dependence to independence by providing support and assistance to help students make this transition.

Introduce easy access to wellbeing services run by professionals which will include safe spaces and drop in sessions for mental and sexual health in Oadby and on Campus.

Conduct a full review into the layout of the Percy Gee building and in particular the Square, ensuring it is accessible to every student.

Have a closer relationship with the Welfare department, by holding regular standing committee meetings. Your welfare is so important to me, I want to make sure this Union and University is doing everything possible to support your time in Leicester.

Introduce flexible meal time hours at Oadby. It is unfair for catered accommodation students who are paying for their meals to not receive them due to commitments such as late lectures or student activities in the evening.

Allow student groups with less than 25 paid members and Union approval to form without Union funding and external sponsorship.

I endeavour to fully consult with society and sport groups to look at a situation where you are allowed to arrange events to be held at non university affiliated nights.

Promotion- we have excellent and award winning society, sports and media groups, I passionately believe their work and dedication should be promoted and recognised. I plan to introduce recognition events and make it easier for groups to promote themselves throughout the Percy Gee. Work alongside media groups to ensure that they have the required resources to cover a wide range of University events.

It is vital that students are aware of what is going on around their campus and media groups have a large role to play in spreading this awareness.

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A SAFER Union

Launch a personal safety and awareness campaign warning students of the risks of places like Victoria Park, issues surrounding storing bikes safely and home security in private accommodation The O2 Academy should be a safe and welcoming place for every student who wishes to attend a Union night. I will campaign strongly to give every student the confidence to attend a Union night out and seriously tackle their concerns regarding the venue.

Increase awareness of ‘Campus Cops’ and their crime reporting hotline.

Ensure that any University affiliated taxi company’s vehicles are available readily throughout the night and monitor tightly to ensure that agreed fixed fares are being strictly adhered to.

“...AGAINST any form of sexual harassment and discrimination.” 

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Enforce better the Union’s ‘anti sexual harassment and discrimination’ policy by sending a copy of the Union’s guidelines to every new and existing student before the start of the academic year.

Have strict consequences for anyone found to be in breach of those guidelines. Sexual harassment and discrimination are serious crimes and should be dealt with in an equally serious manner.

Encourage the reporting of sexual harassment and discrimination by introducing a confidential University helpline where victims can report crime and receive support.

Every student leader before having access to grant funding for that year will have to agree to the University’s guidelines on sexual harassment and discrimination and attend a Liberation training session.

Vaughan College: I passionately believe in creating the presence of Percy Gee at Vaughan College. Student groups will be given the opportunity to hold ‘Freshers’ Fair’ at the college at the start of term and in January. I also will pursue a policy where every support service provided in the Union will be accessible at Vaughan College. The students are equally members of this Union and have a right to the Union’s facilities and events.

EMPLOYABILITY

Adopt a project!

Dietary Requirements

Work alongside the Careers Service to ensure that an emphasis is placed on a broad range of employment and not solely graduate jobs. In this era of uncertainty C.V and career planning will be placed at the heart of the Careers Service. Making sure every Leicester graduate has the skills and experience to flourish is critical.

Adopt a project is a simple and fun way to get involved with the local community. The Union will adopt a local project every semester for the entire academic year which students solely will be responsible for. We’ve all decided to make this City our home; the least we can do is give the City something in return.

Students with dietary requirements should never feel that their requirement hinders their University experience. I wiIl work alongside the Dietary Requirement Societies to make sure catered meals in Oadby and products available in Union outlets reflect effectively the needs of students with dietary requirements.

RANK ZESHAN HUSSAIN #1 FOR EXPERIENCE OFFICER....

Fern DYER for Experience.

Does Your Experience Rule?

Hello, I’m Fern Dyer and I am running for your VP Experience. I believe that I am the best candidate for this role as I have had plenty of experience with the Student Union and the groups that run from within it. In the last 2 years; I have held three different committee positions for Women’s Rugby (Social Secretary, Team and Club Captain), been Treasurer for Chorus and been elected to the position of Healthy Living and Recreational Sport Officer for the Sport’s Association, where I helped to reorganise it into a more effective set up.

I care about this Union and the community of Students that it represents. Throughout my campaign I want to hear how you, the students, think your experience here can be improved. As you will see from my aims if you choose to elect me, I aim to provide every student with more opportunities to become involved in the Students’ Union and also to provide them with life skills and friends that will last a lifetime.

My Aims 1) To provide introductions to living away from home at the start of every intake season.

This will include demonstrations and classes on how to do the basics of life on your own; from cooking meals and cleaning, to making the most of what you have lying around the house. I would also aim to make available packs with basic safety and cleaning tips to all students. Not only is this a way to help you gain life skills, but also to help you live more sensibly, healthy and economically.

2) I aim to unite all Student Groups under the colours of the University (green, maroon and white). As Experience officer I want to create a greater sense of community within the Students’ Union and I believe a really effective way to do this is to make our students identifiable from everyone else. I would like to open up new areas of communications between all of the Student Groups and allow for more groups to interact with each other. I also propose to allow any Student Group that would like to compete in a ‘Varsity’ event to do so, and to help it get organised and added to the Varsity calendar.

3) To introduce a new opportunity to gain extra funding for Student Groups. I propose to create a new level of STARS funding for the most interactive and effective Student Groups, which will be obtained by hosting an event which will ‘take over’ our Students’ Union. Such events could be things like the ‘University of Leicester’s got Talent’, the RAG Fashion Show or even the Baking society could run an event like ‘The Great University Bake Off’.

4) To increase the accessibility and awareness of all welfare events and staff in the Students’ Union as well as the prominence of the welfare groups run by students. As it stands, many students in our union are unaware of the opportunities that our welfare department offer, but I aim to change this by increasing the amount of publicity that these services are given. I would also like to raise the effectiveness of our welfare groups, by providing more funding and better equipment for them to use and also provide counselling training for at least one member of every welfare group.

5) To ensure that the accommodation provided by the university and its partners reaches an exceptional standard to match the experience that we aim to provide for you. This would mean that any complaints or issues that arise within your accommodation are fixed swiftly and to a high standard, to allow you to continue to live comfortably whilst you are at University. I also would like to implement having six month contracts on housing for those students who have placements in other areas of the UK or the wider world. If you chose to go with an accommodation service outside the university, we would aim to act as an advisor if any troubles should arise and then to create a black list of all letting agents that do not meet our standard of care. Also to provide a start-up guide to living outside of halls, including the best ways of dealing with bills and what you should look for in your contract.

6) To promote all community outreach programmes that the Union is currently involved in as well as setting up new projects for students to get involved with. Currently, the Music Association is involved with working in Primary Schools on music projects; also there are opportunities to coach sport at a mini and juniors level. These are not widely known about but I would aim to open these up to all members of the Students’ Union, as well as working with the leaders of Contact to promote their projects more around the Union and the University. I would like to create new opportunities for the students to get involved based on a review of a Student opinion poll.

Now that you have read my manifesto, I hope you will trust in me and support my aims.

Thank you for taking your time to read this, Fern Dyer

Voting opens on Wednesday 20th February and closes Wednesday 27th February 2013.

You can vote at www.leicesterunion.com/vote or at any voting station on campus.

VOTE

DAN TINKLER FOR EXPERIENCE OFFICER ABOUT ME  Union Parliament Officer 2011-13  Contact Volunteers President 2011-13  Nightline Leicester Publicity Officer (DMU) 2012-13  International Buddy 2012-13  Impact Committee 2012-13 (UK Volunteering)  Leicester Ambassador  RAG Member  Hope Not Hate Member  MSPGA Member  SIFE/Enactus Member  Hiking Club Member  Curry Society Member

GET IN TOUCH: http://about.me/daniel_ti nkler dpt8@student.le.ac.uk #Tinkler4Experience

STUDENT GROUPS  Keep Wednesday Afternoons Free  Ensure that general and group specific training takes place before the Summer Vacation and refresher training afterwards to ensure that you are confident of running your student group.  I will aim to raise extra funds and set them aside for an events pot to apply to for one off collaborative events.  Reduce the tick box element of STARS and put in place development plans for societies that will lead to the short and long term development of your society.  An extra member of staff is needed in the ARC, I will aim to find the funding to create an internship meaning that the Development Officers can spend more time helping you  I promise to talk to Team Leicester Sports Clubs to investigate any issues that may arise relating to the increased sports card prices and the removal of individual sports insurance.  I will work closely with the Sports President, Societies President and Media President to ensure all student groups are fully represented to the highest level.  Work with student groups to ensure events are offered for all types of students while making sure you retain your autonomy.  Encourage groups to have online elements to try and involve distance learners.

ACCOMMODATION  Create a standard online form for registering problems with all accommodation so general issues can be tackled. This should lead to improvements for student accommodation.

 Hold an ACCOMMODATION FAIR in November with SULets and other approved private letting firms to help first years find accommodation and ensure that only the best accommodation is offered.  Who wants a warmer house? I'll run a campaign with the Local Council to encourage landlords to take advantage of funding for insulation. Let’s all stop shivering in the winter!  Ensure that students with Dietary Requirements are catered for in University Halls  Look at providing Hall Based Activities in both Oadby and City Living to help integrate new students into University Life.  Work to provide suitable private accommodation for students with families.

CREATING A COMMUNITY  Represent students at local community groups in Clarendon Park, Evington, Aylestone, Oadby and the City Centre. I want to make sure that you are happy in your community. By representing you at these community groups I can work to ensure that you have a pleasant place to live in.  Work with the police to ensure there are extra patrols put in place to protect students from crime hotspots and burglary over the Freshers and Vacation Periods  Fortnightly free film showings in the Square. This will also be an opportunity for student groups to showcase their work on a giant screen.

STUENT WELFARE  The Counselling Service is currently too small. I will campaign for a greater number of counsellors on campus. I will also work to establish a form of counselling service within the Students Union to try and reduce the waiting times.  Campaign for the reinstatement of a weekly Police Surgery in the Students Union.

The police surgery had helped so many students and needs to be re-introduced.  Hold specific group forums for students in particular demographics such as Mature Students, Medics, Study Abroad.  Continue to campaign for affordable and subsidised student childcare on campus.  Study Abroad and Erasmus Students may need extra help with languages. I'll work to set up pre-visit language classes with the Language Exchange Society.  Work with the welfare department to hold mobile surgeries in off campus locations, such as Oadby, Mary Gee, Maurice Shock Building, Vaughan College, etc.  Establish links to other university welfare systems to support distance learners and create an online welfare pack for distance learners.  I will gather information on all study abroad universities and make a support section available for each university on the Union’s website.

As Welfare and International Officer 2012/13, I have: 

installed a water fountain in the Students’ Union building

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set up first family-friendly event "Tea & Toys" for students with children and dependants as well as started working with university on child care on campus

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I am a founding member of the SULets letting agency for students

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removed 25% of non-accredited landlords from the SULets property

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engaged disability month and advertised services available to our students with disabilities

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established "fill and go" feedback forms for students

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Achieved successful engagement during International Student Welcome Programme

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Helped hundreds of students with their problems concerning accommodation, health etc

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Helped run the exam campaign (Films in the Square, Chill out Zone)

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assisted our students on a case by case basis defeat the University's stubborn accommodation bureaucracy

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worked with Sir Peter Soulsby (Mayor) to ensure student safety in Victoria park

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I will reform the clinic in the Students’ Union building to provide following services to our students:

experience promised by our Union 

I will continue working with SULets to find landlords for our new scheme where all bills and cleaning are included in the rent.

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The accommodation survey this year highlighted that students are not happy with increasing fees in Halls. I will make sure we fight back and pressure the University to ensure value for money

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I will ensure that the output of media groups and performing societies are accessible within the Union (in the Square, Nourish, on the screens, etc.)

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enforce 'decentralisation' policy; the continued development of student group autonomy.

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To further autonomy for student groups, I will facilitate student group funding with no bureaucratic and Illogical regulations on how you use your club's/society's funds

- sexual health - counselling, - smoking cessation, healthy living etc. 

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I will provide alternative events at Freshers’ Week so that students who do not drink or go on nights out will have the exceptional

I will offer different packages for affiliation with the Union to create autonomous student groups. This will be a scale of affiliation so that individual groups can choose a fully affiliated relationship or a largely independent one.

I will ensure fair funding for BUCS affiliated sports teams, so that all of our sports are treated and promoted fairly.

I will create a fund students who cannot afford participation in activities.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Do you think none of the candidates are good enough for the post?

Do you think you can do a better job?

Then vote for Re-Open Nominations (R.O.N.) If R.O.N. gets more votes than any of the candidates the election for that position will have to be re-run allowing other candidates to come forward.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

INTERNATIONAL OFFICER Candidates

WHAT I WILL DO WHEN ELECTED? My name Anna Musonda I am a 2nd year BA Business Economics student. I am an international student from Zambia, Africa and I am running for International officer of the student union.

WHY I AM RUNNING? I believe that it is important for international students to get the most out of the student union and all the services that it offers. I would like to be the voice for all the international students. I feel that I would be able to play the vital role of being the bridge between all the international students at the University of Leicester and the Student Union, especially because I am international student and I have been able to see areas in which the Student Union can improve in helping international students.

Vote for me and I will o Make sure that international students suggestions are not overlooked o Ensure that international students are well catered for and encouraged to take part in extra curricular o Break the barrier between international students, EU students and home country students

HOW WILL I GO ABOUT THIS? I intend to go about this by engaging myself in the Student Unions different activities and listening to all the concerns and issues that are raised by international stu-

dents and implementing solutions that would aim at overcoming the problems.

For example: o Engage International Study Centre (university of Leicester foundation Programme) students into activities and that are run by the student union I also intend on using the Student Union services to help prospective international students by helping overcome potential difficulties.

Such difficulties include the opening of bank accounts, house hunting and overcoming cultural differences.

Voting for me will be moving one step forward to ensuring international students have a worth while experience at the University Of Leicester.

Yordan Dimitrov NIKOLOV International Officer Campaign Manifesto

Improving Your Student Experience!

Contact details: Email: ydn1@student.le.ac.uk Phone: 07429269061 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c0gniti.on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ynikolov1 About.me: http://about.me/ynikolov

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My background: Yordan Dimitrov Nikolov, an international from Bulgaria currently residing in Leicester with permanent address in the US. 2nd year Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience student with international managerial and marketing experience, elected member of the Student Union’s Parliament, elected to take part in the debates held at the European Parliament with the goal of increasing minority awareness and intercultural dialogue, elected Equal Opportunities Representative for my course, successful Leicester Award candidate, voluntary worker at Victim Support.

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Campaign focus and objective: Improving the social services for international students and the wider student community at Leicester University.

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By means of: A weekly news bulletin with A to Z info on what is happening at the Students’ Union that would be delivered via e-mail. An email bulletin during the 1st semester of every international and fresher with information on various social services in the city of Leicester (hospital locations, administrative services, clubs locations, budget shops etc.). International Night at the Students’ Union.

Organized student trips to various historic sites in the UK.

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How this is important: We, the international students and home students, would greatly benefit from improved social services that would increase SU involvement, opportunities, save students time and money, stimulate intercultural exchange and provide better entertainment to us all!

Why am I the best candidate for the position: I believe that as an international student myself and a person who lives on two continents (Europe and North America), I am able to better grasp the needs that fellow international students may have. My campaign is largely driven by both my international experience and my student experience here at Leicester University. The improvements that I propose are tangible and upon taking effect would immediately contribute to improving your student life.

With my international managerial and marketing experience, accompanied by employer recommendations, I am already experienced and used to the executive environment that the International Officer position I am running for would entail. My successful candidacy for the Leicester Award: Tomorrow’s Managers ensures that I am always at the top of my game and working to expand and improve my existing skills. As someone who has experience in formal debates, held at the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France), about topics of high relevance to the position at hand and currently an active member of the SU’s Parliament, I believe that I am well equipped to stimulate, take part and carry through to a successful ending debates of any topic and projects of any kind that will be beneficial to the international students and even the wider community. My degree subject of Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience would be beneficial in anticipating and catering for the needs and well-being of students on individual level and the wider international student body, while also enabling me to make the legal and ethical considerations that are crucial to a position of social involvement. Furthermore, being elected as the Equal Opportunities Representative for my course gives me the needed degree of inclusivity, equality and approachability while putting me in a position where I already have experience due to my ongoing communication with University of Leicester officials – as I am attending semesterly meetings with the academic staff of the Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, where the current state of the university’s Equal Opportunities policies are being discussed with official representatives of Leicester University. Finally, by being an active volunteer for Victim Support I am already making my positive contribution to society by providing confidential emotional support to victims of crime that are referred to us by the Police Department and City Council of Leicester. My experience in volunteering for Victim Support serves me to enhance my existing problem-solving skills and rapid critical thinking, while enriching my social and communication skills that would be in high demand at the International Officer position.

In final I would like to add that all of the above-mentioned skills, experience, efforts and connections made will be used to work for and promote the well-being of the international students at the University of Leicester.

All of this would be used to work for You and improve your student experience!

Proposer: Yordan Dimitrov Nikolov Seconder: Samuel MacCuaig

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Current Member of your Union Parliament- a core body of our Student Union;

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Previous experience, as being part of the Junior Leadership Team and 6th Form Committee at school;

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Keen commitment and interest in representing the voice of my fellow students especially in this case, internationally;

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100% Equality and Inclusion and not Exclusion

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Also a student and with international background, thus may verily welcome and relate to your needs, views and act upon them by representing YOU

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My strong interpersonal skill and the ability to interact with others regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs and views will surely NOT let YOU down.

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Vote D JALO, for a change representing YOU!

Vote on 20th– 27th Feb at: www.leicesterunion.com/ vote

VOTE #1 D JALO For Part-time International Officer

Should you vote, besides representing YOU, my role will be:

Zhengzheng Ren’s Manifesto No matter how difficult it will be, I will try to manage it. To represent the International students with hearing from them, communicating with them and working for them. To commit myself into the Students’ Union with making contributions to it, sharing ideas with it and learning from it.

About me: I am uniquely situated to understand the culture surrounding the Leicester university international student, the challenges they face and how to effectively address them. Not every International student is experiencing all that Leicester uni have to offer and we need to at least try to change that by targeting Education, Enjoyment + Accessibility, and Employability.

Member of Student Union Parliament Undergraduate Law Student Equalities Officer For student union Parliament Lush DJ Born and raised in the Caribbean Education: International students have things to say, experiences to share and valuable information to give but also to hear and to garner • A good portion of international students, having done higher studies before coming to Leicester, have valuable insight into what is necessary for success in the wider world, the differences in relative teaching and study styles and how Leicester measures up. They should be encouraged to share that insight. • Formation of an enrichment society as a way to integrate international and domestic students with a common ambition towards academic excellence. Whether members could use help or feel they can impart it, the true goal is to establish a level of comfort that will build social confidence and awareness in all members and to showcase a variety of perspectives and styles.

Enjoyment + Accesibility: International students have many of the same issues as a lot of the wider student populous. A lot of

international students come in at weird times of the year and a lot of us that come in on time are not feeling sure enough to go to the freshers events when they are on. The O2 and clubs do not have our style of music, are too hot or are not their thing and there is precious little else to do as far as we know.

• More sponsored cultural and social events.

• Encourage International Students and make it easier for International students to create new societies which reflect their own culture.  Improve O2 variety and air conditioning • Put more effort into events that are alternatives to parties and publicise them more • Establish activities that will be suitable for all ages, and organise more activities that are aimed more at mature students • More integration into university life, with mixers involving parallel societies within DMU to increase the chances of success.

• To encourage home-student heavy societies to collaborate on activities with international student heavy societies.

• Put more effort into engaging insular groups.

• Move coverage and opportunities for involvement for international students from student media.

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Better university media distribution a ticker tape in the square displaying upcoming events and society meetings

 ripple columns specifically geared towards specific cultures, whatever form that may take.

Employability: A lot of international companies pick up our graduates, so I think that more of those companies should be involved at the university level.

• Invite companies from abroad to be involved in business mixers to allow for a greater chance of employability when they get home.

• Work with overseas companies in order to get more sponsorships, subsidies and scholarships for international students at Leicester uni.

“ On Your Side”

I want to be International Officer because I’ve had a very international life and I know what it feels like to arrive in a new country. After numerous relocations with my family, especially the one from Kenya to Slovakia, I found it very hard to adjust.

The first few months were challenging due to the change in culture and lifestyle.

From that point on, I’ve been determined to make sure that new students always feel welcome and included, and I hope to continue this next year at the Student Union. I feel like I would be a great representative of all of the international students at the University of Leicester because I am here for you, students, and I am determined to have your voice be heard by the Union.

International Background One of the reasons that I am very passionate about attaining this position is because of my international background.

Throughout my life, I have lived in 5 countries after moving from my home country of Russia at a very young age. I’ve always gone to international schools, so the international environment, as well as the varying cultures of each country (ranging from Turkey to Kenya) have given me a broad view of the world.

Goals

The main objective for next year is to most importantly to make sure that international students are comfortable here and have a sense of belonging. I hope to achieve this by not only creating more opportunities for them, but by also making sure that they know that the Student Union supports them.

One specific idea that I have revolves around introducing an annual international fair, where students can represent their own country, and others can learn about different cultures.

 Improve International Student Welcome Week  Increase the quantity as well as quality of events especially targeted towards international students.  Introduce personal assistance for everyday consulting  Enhance importance of Societies representing Countries.

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Past Positions Senior Class Representative in the Student Government at my last school President of the Habitat for Humanity Society Volleyball and Basketball captain for 5 years Ambassador at 3 Model

University of Leicester- Student Union- International Officer Manifesto- Ram Kumar Hai I am Ramkumar, an international student studying MBA having various experiences such as Manager, Journalism supervisor and consultant for the college I studied, I can deliver the best from top to bottom. Leicester union is known for Exceptional Union Exceptional Experience, now I would like to add exceptional International experience.

What I will do If elected I will take active step to make every good idea i.e. your dream to become an action by the following way See your Dream idea- plan Students’ idea pool: Students can give their ideas, good ideas with a plan would take be to the next level to make it an action through action activators.

Action Activators: This would be team of five to eight student who want take up and idea and take it forward in to action and results of the idea before and after would be observed and the ideas that made real impact would be updated to the University for Standardisation International Keizen : Keizen is the term referring continuous improvement, I would ensure that there is always a room for development and we are dynamic in moving towards it International Family: In spite of many interesting stuff in University, international students at times feel a little difficult to feel at home always. International family will be a group in which an international student can approach any time get the same at home feeling by getting all guidance and mentoring he/she needs.

And many more‌ Why me: All my previous records say I have always added new dimensions of development ie doing activities which are FOK(First of Its kind) Solution from the problem itself: In the previous institution there were few problems for students to cope up with the management, many were complaining and passing the bugs to each other, but I saw this is an area to added a new dimension of development and introduced the concept of student Quality circle, The first of its kind and the issues were solved with in the same team who were complaining. In same year 12 Quality circles were formed and all major issues were solved by student lead teams.

First in Live: As student editor of the official College Magazine I introduced the concept of live interview, The first of its kind

Youths- Not useless but used less- Many gave an impression in our country that youth were useless, I just brought in the thought that they were used less and formed the youth voluntary organisation and showed the world that they have a massive hidden potential by involving them in social development projects, The first of its kind Why vote for me.

I don’t want to say that I will topple the world in a day or transform the University in a week.

My plans are very practical and towards a very positive development if you wish to feel it in reality, then give a try About me, To keep it simple I am down to earth and also equipped to reach the skies. My Previous roles spans from a basic member of an NGO and escalated to Vice-President in two years and also a Director of a project to implement the United Nations Millennium Development goals. Having selected as one among 200 youth internationally to make action plan to implement the MDGs is making me event more responsible. All these are not just positions but initiatives made from the ground level. Weather it is cleaning the floor or addressing the audience in the floor from the stage, I have done both It makes no difference to me, dedication, leading to a new dimension of development is all that I aim at. I lead my life by choice and not by chance. Finally you have a chance to make a choice make it wise.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Do you think none of the candidates are good enough for the post?

Do you think you can do a better job?

Then vote for Re-Open Nominations (R.O.N.) If R.O.N. gets more votes than any of the candidates the election for that position will have to be re-run allowing other candidates to come forward.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

POSTGRADUATE OFFICER No students put themselves forward as a Postgraduate Officer candidate.

We will re-open nominations and run an election for this position in due course.

Visit www.leicesterunion.com for updates.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

Candidates

My Promise: “I will represent you fairly, justly and loudly. I will support students, activities and education. I will be visible, reachable, and approachable. I will return power to the students. My principles are morals, ethics and the value of the student experience; the students will always come first. It’s your Union, your choice.”

Rising tuition fees mean that less students are applying to study at University. I will ensure that the University of Leicester makes provisions for students who cannot afford education, through hardship funds, bursaries and scholarships.  Many students are not integrated within the Union, I will prioritise the accessibility of our facilities for all students: - I will investigate a plan to facilitate societies and activities for disabled students in our Union.

- I will ensure that our Union is a safe space for liberation, underrepre sented and minority groups.

- I will promote student democracy by guaranteeing greater participation in Union Parliament and giving every student group a voice. 

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I will ensure a fair partnership and the best possible deal for the Union with the NUS and NUSSL which fully supports our strategic aim.

Our Students’ Union should be transparent, and students should know where money is being allocated. I will make available a regular financial statement on the Union website.

I will make the full and part-time executive roles more visible and accessible.

We should reach out to the students, and be available to listen.

The new executive structure is in its early stages. I will ensure that all other roles; full and part-time, are functioning effectively, correctly and to the best of their abilities.

I will provide the necessary support, advice and guidance to ensure an exceptional student experience at the University of Leicester.

Our sports facilities are growing. The University Sports Centre is a major success and sports should continue to receive our support. I will ensure that sports scholarships remain to promote and reward both sports and education provisions at the University of Leicester.

The Sports facilities have seen a major upgrade, with two new facilities being introduced, Manor Road Sports Centre and The University Sports Centre. A good way

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to further enhance the student experience is providing more working hours at the University’s Sports Centre, so even the busiest student, can have a workout after a hard day at the University.

I will ensure that short-term sports cards are available for students who are not studying for a whole academic year, making our facilities more attractive and more accessible to all students.

Participation and Experience 

BA Management Studies 2012

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MSc Marketing 2013

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President of Hellenic Cypriot Society 2012-2013

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President of University of Leicester Volleyball Club 2010-2013

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Higher Education Volleyball Officer (Volleyball England) 2010-2013

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Instructor for Muscle and Athletic Sports Society (MASS) 2012-2013

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Member of the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) 2012-2013

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Team Half Maroon Award 2012

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Team Full Maroon Award 2012

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Organiser of a concert for Leicestershire AIDS Support Services, 2012

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Public Relations and Sales for Andy’s Agathokleous Motors 2008-2012

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DJ for Cream Entertaiment Ltd 2009-2011

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Military Service Natonal Guard Sergeant (Heavy Machine Guns) 2007-2009

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Instructor of KRAV MAGA (Hand to Hand Combat) 2012-2013

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Representative of the Cypriot “Children with Heart Disease Association” in the UK

Contact: mp342@student.le.ac.uk

www.facebook.com/mariospapachristodoulou

In this year’s Executive Officer elections, I am urging you to Re-elect Dan Flatt for President.

I am the only experienced candidate for President after being the Academic Affairs Officer of the Students’ Union for the past year.

I am the only person who has the knowledge, understanding and capability to push the Students’ Union forward with a long term, developmental strategy.

With a proven track record, I am the only experienced candidate that can make this Students’ Union one of the best in the country.

Some of my Achievements:

@dan_flatt #dan4president Proposed by: Mike Bath President of LUSUMA Seconded by: Anna Graves President of ULLEX If Re-elected, I will:

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I abolished Hidden Course Costs I made the University be transparent with fees I got the University to reinstate Cover Sheets for students with disabilities I brought about the Executive Officer reform I recruited over 400 Course Reps and trained 250 I introduced the Superstar Award I presented the first ever Students’ Union Employability Summit I made the University agree to a trial of lecture recording My Involvement so far: Academic Affairs Officer 2012/2013 Union Parliament Officer 2009-2012 Founder/President of Language Exchange Society 2011/2012 Founder/President of Modern Languages Society 2008-2010 Graduate in BA Modern Languages with Management 2012

LOBBY FOR A STUDENTS’ UNION IN OADBY I believe that the Oadby Halls of Residence should have a permanent Students’ Union presence which means that students, particularly in their first year have a clear understanding of the services which the Students’ Union provides. A Students’ Union in Oadby could mean a free cash machine, education support offices, accommodation advice or even a convenience store! I will lobby the University to make this happen.

DEVELOP A STRATEGY THAT WORKS I am currently developing a new Students’ Union long-term, realistic strategy. I am going to consult as many students as possible so you can actively contribute to the strategy and make the Students’ Union more relevant to the membership.

KEEP WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS FREE Wednesday afternoons are vital for extracurricular activities, enhancing student experience and employability. I promise to ensure that the University maintains this policy.

FIGHT COURSE CLOSURES With courses closing in Universities across the country I will ensure to fight any prospective course closures at the University of Leicester.

INCREASE THE STUDENTS’ UNION BLOCK GRANT Every year, the Students’ Union receives a block grant from the University. I will lobby the University for a Higher Grant so the Students’ Union can do more for you!

EMPLOYABILITY Youth unemployment is set to rise above 1 million again this year. It is imperative that we strive to make our students as employable as possible and ensure they get a job when they graduate. I will work with the Education officer to make the Employability Summit bigger and better providing our students with the best start possible.

FUNDRAISE FOR BURSARIES You are paying more tuition fees than ever before, and with the poor current economic climate the average student has less pounds in their pockets. Students need more money which is available to help with living costs and expenses at University. I will work with the rest of the Executive team to make this a priority and work with the University to raise funds for more bursaries for students.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT There are 23,000 members of the Students’ Union and I will work alongside the new Part Time Officers to ensure all demographics are being engaged with. I will develop a long-term engagement strategy that will actively engage Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Distance Learners and International Students.

GET THE STUDENTS’ UNION INTO THE TOP 10 OF THE COUNTRY Last year the Students Union was rated 15th in the NSS, but I believe we can do better and are better. I will make the improvements and developments so that we can be rated in the top 10 in the country and become one of the best Students’ Unions in the country.

INCREASE ALUMNI PRESENCE Alumni are currently an untapped resource to help students. Creating links between Alumni and the Students’ Union are extremely important to aid the support and employability of students. I will work with the Department of Alumni Relations to get more Alumni involved and supporting students and will create an Alumni Mentoring Scheme.

Please remember to Re-elect Dan Flatt for President between 20th-27th February on www.leicesterunion.com/vote If you have any questions please get in touch on djf29@le.ac.uk, @dan_flatt or 07891134020

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Do you think none of the candidates are good enough for the post?

Do you think you can do a better job?

Then vote for Re-Open Nominations (R.O.N.) If R.O.N. gets more votes than any of the candidates the election for that position will have to be re-run allowing other candidates to come forward.

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Executive Elections 2013

UNDERGRADUATE OFFICER Candidates

My name is Adebisi Adenaike and I am running for the position of Undergraduate Officer in the Leicester Student Union for the up and coming academic year. I am a third year LLB Law (with a year abroad) student who has the goal to make it has a successful entertainment lawyer in the near future. I have a strong passion to be part of the growth of the University. My experiences stem from being the ‘African Caribbean Society’ 1st year representative which gave me a great insight on the running of a culturally focused society. Also in my second year I was appointed Vice President of the ‘Elevation Networks Society’, which is an employability enhancement society.

I am currently on a year abroad in Singapore and I am ready to bring the skills I have acquired to Leicester, making the best possible candidate for Undergraduate Officer.

I Represent the students, I Represent YOU! Aiming for effective ways in which the student body can be heard.

Demonstrating the highest level of responsibility within this role.

Educating others of the wants and needs of our undergraduates.

Being not only effective but productive. Someone that will listen

and take

necessary action.

Including you in every decision because you are the heart of our university.

Settling for nothing less than the best, because that is what we deserve.

I promise to do what is required of me. To support you and listen to the issues you may have. To pass on information that will affect you. To pass on your feedback to respective bodies, informing you of the outcome. To make your years as a Leicester undergraduate, pleasant and much more enjoyable.

If elected as Undergraduate Officer I aim to: Understand what students expect from the UoL There is no point in creating a union where the people are not one. By understanding what students want from the UoL, this will help students enjoy their time at Leicester and also help the SU Staff deliver what the students need.

I plan to do this by: -Doing frequent surveys to underline what students want to gain from the UoL -Asking students themselves what they expect from the SU. -Create a suggestion page where students can voice what activities and events they want to take place.

-Improve the level of communication between students and the staff.

Build a strong relationship with the Leicester students University is an institute of studying, but should also be a place where you can be inspired and benefit from positive contributions.

I plan to do this by: -Once understand what students expect from UoL, finding the best way possible to make that possible; working with members of staff and students.

-Working with Course Reps when needed.

Develop a platform to uplift and encourage students personally and academically.

Every year a high number of talented people come and leave Leicester; whether their talent be shown academically, through sporting events, in various performances and so forth. As Undergraduate officer I want all students to have a platform, which encourages them to use their skills and abilities. Creating an environment where people are not afraid to make suggestions about what they want at their university, or what they would like help with.

Being at university can sometimes be daunting and you may find it hard. The staff are here to uplift and encourage students, giving them a chance to feel free and explore different avenues.

I plan to do this by: -Give students the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents -Help students in areas where they may struggle by pointing them to the right department or member of staff -Provide opportunities where student’s skills can be developed and put into practice e.g. workshops -Use facilities to create study groups during exam periods e.g. Student Study help page Make sure that the WE have FUN!!!!

Although we are all here to learn and excel in our various degrees, there is an important element of fun that must be present whilst studying here at Leicester.

Various events take place at UoL and it will be my job to ensure that all students get the opportunity to attend these events. I aim to keep students interested and involved I plan to do this by: -Working alongside the SU in organizing fun events -Give student a say in what they want to do e.g. by the use of a suggestion page -Acting on feedback given and putting students ideas into practice.

There are so many more things that as Undergraduate Officer that I plan to do, these are only a few. UoL is a great place to be and it is my job to ensure that every student receives the best experience during his or her studies.

Help the student voice be heard and become a part of the movement by voting Adebisi Adenaike as Undergraduate Officer.

Together we can make a difference.

Vote for Adebisi Adenaike for Undergraduate Officer.

          

2nd Year Criminologist Union Speaker/Chair of Union Parliament Educational Officer of the Year 2012 Leicester Leadership Award 2012 Former Course Rep (2011/12) Academic Officer (2011/12) Union Parliament Part-Time Officer (2012) Leicester Ambassador LUSH Performance Liaison Big Band Lead Vocalist Proud to be in a number of societies and associations, including Diving, UoL Music Association, LUTheatre

In this campaign, I’m focusing on three things that I think are very important. I call them “The Three E’s”.

1. EDUCATE 2. EMPLOY 3. ENSURE

EDUCATE Whilst you’re studying here, you expect the highest standards of teaching, guidance, and learning.

To aid this, I want exam scripts to be made available after they’ve been marked, so that we can understand our strengths and weaknesses and go over these with our personal tutors. This creates a feedback loop that is mutually beneficial to both staff and students.

EMPLOY Can we enhance graduate employability? The Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) adds another layer to your degree, giving a detailed picture of your achievements throughout your time at university, including extra-curricular activities, prizes and employability awards. If elected, I pledge to actively encourage the university to expand its current policy regarding the HEAR, boosting your chances of employment after you finish your studies.

ENSURE Students deserve respect. If University policy is put in place to enhance your University experience, it should be adhered to. Wednesday afternoons belong to us, the students, so that we can engage in Sports Training, Career Events, Student Staff Committees, and other vitally important parts of student life. Yet some are finding themselves timetabled on Wednesday afternoons, threatening our independence as students. I won’t stand for it. If elected, I will cooperate with the relevant Executive Officers to make sure our freedoms stay intact.

“The Three E’s” make up the core element of my campaign. At the same time, however, I have a number of other pledges that I make that are of equal importance. These issues apply to all, no matter your background, whether you are a distance learner, a mature student, an international student or a student with specific needs. Everyone is of equal importance, and deserves to be treated equally. I firmly believe in this.

 Encourage the development of a new ‘Students’ Union Market’, where students can gather to sell on unwanted goods, or old course books. A student-led marketplace would keep a focus on affordable and useful items for fellow students.  Cooperate with the Welfare Service to provide a ‘Recommended Landlords Scheme’ that students can opt to be a part of, safeguarding your rights when moving into new accommodation.  Work with the relevant Officers to ensure the application of the Lecture Recordings policy. Lecture recordings allow students to benefit from teaching whether they are learning from a distance, unable to attend, or simply revising their course.  Ensure that all students are made aware of what they are paying for! Persuade the University to further publicise the fees and funding pages available, and assist students who wish to access a specific breakdown of their fees.  Mandate the University to ensure that the GENIE Code of Practice for Personal Tutors is adhered to.

By doing this, we can guarantee high standards of support and teaching for all students.  Expand the Students’ Unions current presence at Oadby by developing services in the Student Village. By cooperating with Parliamentarians who support the addition of an ATM; by pushing for the development of a shop; by providing a local Welfare Service for Oadby residents, and by organising a weekly Sexual Health Clinic at Halls, the Union could provide essential services that Oadby currently lacks.  Advocate further action to promote the University’s diverse and multi-ethnic population. The University’s ‘Go Global Week’ is just a small example of the greater success that we could achieve by engaging students of every background.  Improve the representation of all students within Union Parliament. Our current Parliament, though effective, is in no way representative of the student body as a whole. We can achieve this by actively campaigning to increase the number of students involved in Parliament and by identifying and then appealing to underrepresented groups.  Call for the University to form a Staff/Student Panel during Freshers’ Fortnight to engage with new students and provide essential advice and guidance.

Proposed by: Joe Willis (Social Sec, LUSUMA) Second by: Aqsa Arif (Palestine Solidarity Campaign) Alyssia Chapman Sophie Gorstige Claire Nundy Emily Taylor Katherine Heath Daniel Boorman Chris Hewitt Rebecca Young Abigail Ackerman Stephanie Cole Ellie Mole Joanna Bilcliffe Hannah Sutcliffe Loren Sarah Cooper Ste Sharkey Anna Graves Alex Nutt Katie Herlingshaw Ethan Cunningham Andy Brooking Sammy Hargrave Cynthia Onyilimba Svitlana Lana

President, American Studies Society Treasurer, American Studies Society President, Big Band Treasurer, Médecins Sans Frontières Treasurer, Leicester Vixens Burlesque Society President, Criminology Society Social Sec, Criminology President, Leicester Uni Physicists Social Sec, Leicester Uni Physicists Treasurer, Leicester Uni Choir; President, Palaeontology Society Social Sec, Chamber Choir; Music Association Representative President, Modern Languages Society Secretary, Modern Languages Society Treasurer, Modern Languages Society; Sponsor Secretary, RAG President, Psychology Society President, Language Exchange (ULLEX) Former President, UoL Students’ Union President, Leicester University Diving Society President, Leicester University Music Association President, Geography Society Club Captain, UoL Women’s Football Club Secretary/Publicity Officer, UoL Panthers Secretary, Eastern European Integration Society

EMILY WRIGHT ew129@student.le.ac.uk 07708999550 #wrightchoice www.about.me/Wright4UG www.facebook.com/VoteWrightforUG

Who am I?

• A Second year history student • A co-president of a leading political society • A member of Union Parliament for Arts, Humanities and Law • An active member of the local community • ...But most importantly I want to make the undergraduate experience as good as it can be, and better!

Representation: It’s not me it’s YOU! The Students’ Union is about representing you and I want to provide a way of making what matters to you heard. I want to be the approachable and available face of the Students’ Union that everyone can talk to. I aim to: •Be visible in the SU and around campus so you can discuss issues, problems or queries face to face as well as provide an online presence so you can contact me anywhere.

• Create a space on the SU’s new website where students can post any questions or proposals for changes that I will take to the SU and Union Parliament for discussion.

• Introduce a rota system, so that each week different members of Union Parliament will be present on campus so you can talk to them.

• More visible student representatives such as the course reps to make them more effective in addressing your concerns or suggestions.

Communication One of the main ways you described the SU was unknown. The SU does a lot for students, and students need to know this. A vote for me means: • The ‘BIG 5’ campaign which aims to publicise the five biggest activities being carried out by the Sabbatical officers across the university.

• Details on the website of the activities of the Evec, Union Parliament, course reps and other people in the SU as well as promoting the Union Parliament twitter feed.

• The return of ‘The Loop’, the SU’s former leaflet, that detailed all the events, activities in the SU and proposals being passed in UP. • Clear information for first years in their Freshers’ packs about who and what the SU is and how they can get involved in it from day one.

Engagement The SU is currently trying to think of ways to encourage more members of the university to be involved in its activities. Not only is the SU about representing you, it also offers lots of opportunities for students to get involved in: • With the new methods of communication more students will know what is going on which will encourage them to be more involved in activities which suit them.

• With more visible representatives students will see the benefits of being involved the SU both for themselves and the student body.

A Student run, online book market place Even though our beloved Willingdales is gone, students should be able to easily buy and sell second hand books. I want to: • Work with the previous co-ordinators of Willingdales to create an online book marketplace to be set up by students for students so you can buy, sell and exchange books.

• The scheme will also work with the library to provide more copies of high demand books.

Employability Currently, most people are fretting about getting a job when they leave university.

Although the university has taken some steps to improving employability it think more can be done. I want to work with the careers department and the education office to: •Create increased uniformity across academic departments in regards to the information and opportunities offered to increase employability.

• More information for first years about the types and variety of opportunities available to encourage them to make the most of their first year.

•Increased provision on and more information about the Leicester award schemes.

Student Samaritan scheme Last year, the only thing more oversubscribed than the counselling service was the maintenance office. Although nightline and some societies run mentor scheme to try bridge the gap, in these roles people can often do little more than listen. I propose: • An SU supported, Student Samaritan Scheme where students can apply and receive more substantial counselling training so they can really help other students.

• Not only will this allow those who need to help to receive it more quickly, the scheme will also give the Student Samaritan’s valuable experience.

Come and speak to me to find out more on how I would implement my ideas if elected!

MAKE THE

WRIGHT C H O I C E

YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE.

Do you think none of the candidates are good enough for the post?

Do you think you can do a better job?

Then vote for Re-Open Nominations (R.O.N.) If R.O.N. gets more votes than any of the candidates the election for that position will have to be re-run allowing other candidates to come forward.