NUS NEC Elections Manefestos 2009 by David Henry

National Executive Council MANIFESTOS Document

CD5

If you need this document in another format contact NUS on 0871 221 8221 or email events@nus.org.uk

31 March â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 April 2009

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CD5 MANIFESTOS DOCUMENT

INTRODUCTION

About This Document Elections Committee has responsibility for ensuring all elections of the National Union of Students are run within the rules set out in the Constitution. During the transitional arrangements, the elections for all full time officers will be conducted under the old rules. In line with those rules, specifically Election Regulation 408, a list of candidates for election to the National Executive Council and their manifestos will be circulated to all constituent members. The information is circulated in two parts, of which this document is the first and lists all those standing for election and their nominators. The second part includes each candidate’s election manifesto. One of the purposes of publishing this document is to enable members to raise objections to the eligibility of a candidate (or candidates). Please note this document is prepared after the close of nominations and before Elections Committee can consider questions relating to the qualifications of candidates and the validity of their nominations. The appearance of a person’s name in this document does not, therefore, mean that they are duly qualified or validly nominated. The Election Committee will report on any matters arising in due course. th

As set out in the Constitution, objections to the eligibility of candidates must be received before Friday, 6 March 2009. Such objections should be made by letter addressed to: Chairperson, Elections Committee nd c/o events office, NUS 2 floor, centro3, 19 Mandela Street, London, NW1 0DU or via email to elections@nus.org.uk . Emails or letters to Elections Committee must state the name of the constituent member submitting the objection and should include full details of the reasons for the objection. Furthermore, objections must include the number of the clause in the Constitution or Election Regulation with which it is alleged that the candidate does not comply or the reason why they specifically do not comply. Members objecting to the eligibility of more than one candidate are asked to write a separate letter regarding each candidate. We look forward to seeing you at Annual Conference. Notice re Fifteen Executive Members The new constitution requires that “at least five” members of the Block of Fifteen Executive Members shall be from FE. As at the close of nominations only three had stood from FE. As a result nominations will open for an additional NEC FE places election & ballot at Annual Conference 2009. Further details will be announced on http://www.officeronline.co.uk/conference

Matt Robinson, Chairperson, NUS Elections Committee 9th February 2009

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CD5 MANIFESTOS DOCUMENT

Part One List of Candidates, Positions and Nominators Levent Akbulut

Leeds University Fifteen Executive Members “Students for Sensible Drug Policy”

Nominators Tom Beardsmore Leeds University Adrian Bennett Park Lane College Jonathan Bridge Leeds University A Burhouse Leeds Metropolitan University A Davis Leeds Metropolitan University Matthew Edwards Leeds University Barry McGuire Leeds University Matthew Peckett Leeds University Rowena Skinner Leeds University AndrewTrindale Leeds University James Turner Leeds Metropolitan University James Wilcox Leeds University

Usman Ali

Nominators Ruth Bush Adeel Khan Imtiaz Varachia Laura Hacking Marya Ahmed Lee Ashworth Emily Godfrey Vicki Scullard Nasir Tarmann Sarah Halimah Matthew Webber Kayas Ahmed Salahuddin Patel Anya Dubiel Peter Gorbett

Alice Bouquet

Nominators Tom Bond Steve Bowers Steven Connell Patrick Elsdon Nick Evangelista Phil Gilks Andy Hemming Bethan Howell Jodie Howell Rob Labinski Graham Ross Natasha Smith George Thomas Ama Uzowuru Lleu Williams

Salford Univetsity Fifteen Executive Members “Building a bettter National Union” Heriot-Watt University Salford University Salford University Salford University SOAS Salford University Salford University Salford University Queen Mary University of London Nottingham University Students' Union Salford University Salford University Salford University Salford University York St John

University West of England Fifteen Executive Members “Activities, Community and Sexual Health” Newport University Winchester University Heriot-Watt University Plymouth University Anglia Ruskin Brighton University Worcester University Bath Spa Brighton University Liverpool Guild Leicester University Swansea Metropolitan Edinburgh University NUS NEC NUS Wales NEC

Richard “Bubble” Budden NUS NEC VP Union Development “Building an Active Campaigning Student Movement” Nominators Sarah Burton Castle College Nottingham Nsikan Edung Nottingham David Goss Loughborough Callum Greenwood Canterbury College

PART 1: LIST OF CANDIDATES

Adam Hyland NUS NEC Nicola Lee Manchester Metropolitan Tom Marley Birmingham Guild Jess Mobbs Reading Leoni Munslow Swansea Liz Owen Royal Holloway Nikhil Raj Cumlajee City Alvin Ramsamy Chichester Fred Ruffle Bournemouth Tom Spencer Stirling Kayleigh Wilson Newcastle College

Shane Chowen City College Plymouth VP Further Education “Independents in it for FE” Nominators Amadou Bah Nescot College Sarah Burton Castle College Nottingham Jessica Cole City College Plymouth Paula Fray Bromley College Zain Haroon Leeds College of Technology Ollie Holliday York College Catrin Lewis Coleg Gwent Adam McCance Blackpool & The Fylde College Fraser Nesbitt Peterborough Regional College Kathy Spoz Central College, Glasgow Wes Streeting NUS NEC NatalieTremlett Exeter College Lucy Turney Suffolk New College Beth Walker NUS NEC Stephen Williams Coleg Llandrillo, Wales

Jak Codd

Nominators Daniel Adilypour Joel Braunold Lewis Coakley Katie Dalton Alex Dwek Judith Flacks Sam Lebens Samantha Lishak Daniel Matalon Susan Nash Gabrielle Nejad Dan Sheldon Wes Streeting Olie Swerdlow Alex Wright

John Cox

Leeds University Fifteen Executive Members “Independent” Leeds University NUS NEC Leeds Metropolitan University NUS Wales NEC Manchester University Sussex University Birkbeck Leeds University Bournemouth University NUS NEC UCL LSE NUS NEC College of Law Birmingham University

Exeter University Fifteen Executive Members “Student Focussed, Student Driven”

Nominators Rachael Brannan Uni of Northumbria Ben Bryant Cardiff Uni Richard Budden NUS NEC Neil Campbell Uni of Strathclyde Gary Coates University of Roehampton Aled Dilwyn Fisher LSE Sara Doran Exeter University David Goss Loughborough SU Rhiannon Horsley Reading University Adam Hyland NUS NEC Martin Jopp University of East Anglia Laura McFarlane-Shopes Leeds Uni Leoni Munslow Swansea University Alex Nicholson-Evans Bath Uni Natalie Tremlett Exeter College

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CD5 MANIFESTOS DOCUMENT

Iain Dalton

Nominators Rae Lewis Ayling Rosie Bell Joe Blakesley Laurence Furness Sean Homan Stephen Luff Rebecca Lynch Paul Moorhouse Stephen Perry James Woch

Fiona Edwards

Bangor University Fifteen Executive Members “Socialist Students Campaign to Defeat Fees” Llandrillo Bangor University Llandrillo Bangor University Bangor University University of the West of England University of the West of England University of the West of England Bangor University Bangor University

Sheffield University VP Higher Education “Campaign against fees, racism and war”

Nominators Daf Adley NUS NEC Adil Ahmed University of Teeside Students' Union Khaled Almudallal University of Bradford Students' Union Vicki Baars Leeds Metropolitan Students' Union Kate Fry University of Lancaster Students' Union Haneef Hussain Rashid University of Huddersfield Students' Union Jennie Killip University of Manchester Students' Union Lina Mughal Oxford Brookes Students' Union Jonaid Muhammad Ejaz University of Huddersfield Students' Union Ellie Reyland University of Manchester Students' Union Bellavia Ribiero Addy NUS NEC Sabima Teladia Coventry University Students' Union Rebecca Watson University of Sheffield Students' Union

Fiona Edwards

Sheffield University Fifteen Executive Members “Campaign against fees, racism and war”

Nominators Daf Adley NUS NEC Khaled Almundallal University of Bradford Vicki Baars Leeds Met Sarah Burton Castle College Nottingham Emma Carter Durham SU Tom Cawkwell University of Teeside SU Ria Charlemagne Aberystwyth Guild of Students Jennifer Larbie University of Birmingham Daniel Lee University of Manchester Lina Mughal Oxford Brookes Junaid Muhammad Ejaz University of Huddersfield Jenny Okojie Coventry University Anil Joshua Sachdeo Dudley College Nizam Uddin School of Oriental and African Studies Rebecca Watson University of Sheffield

Benjamin Gray

Nominators Ayesha Als-Murchie Ella Belsham Peter Ellender Andrew Hartley Catherine Jones Aaron Kienwald Melsim Kilink Eliane Lax

Kings College London SU Fifteen Executive Members “Students First” King's College Students' Union Cambridge University Students' Union King's College Students' Union Manchester Metropolitan Students' Union King's College Students' Union King's College Students' Union King's College Students' Union University of the Arts Students' Union

PART 1: LIST OF CANDIDATES

Tim Roll-Pickering Qaisar Siddiqui Emilie Tapping Robert Torrington James Yardley

Queen Mary Students' Union King's College Students' Union King's College Students' Union King's College Students' Union King's College Students' Union

James Haywood

Goldsmith’s Students’ Union VP Higher Education “Another Union is Possible”

Nominators Rachel Bennett Siobhan Brown Millie Fry Christakis Georgian Jane Izaak Smith Dominic Kavakeb Simon Keble James Kirkham Mick Lynes Marieke Mueller James Norrie Rob Owen Mark Twyford Union Matthew Vizary Tom Walker

Jennifer Jones

University of Leeds Students' Union University of Manchester Students' Union Leeds Metropolitan Students' Union Sussex University Students' Union University of East London Students' Union Essex University Students' Union UWE Students' Union SOAS Students' Union Westminster Students' Union King's College Students' Union Oxford University Students' Union NUS NEC London School of Economics Students Sheffield Hallam Students' Union City University Students' Union

Goldsmith’s Students’ Union VP Union Development “Another Union is Possible”

Nominators Assed Baig Staffordshire SU Rachel Bennett University of Leeds SU Siobahn Brown University of Manchester SU Christakis Georgiou Sussex SU Jane Kask Smith UEL Dominic Kavakeb Essex SU Simon Keble UWESU Mick Lynes Westminster SU Marieke Mueller Kings College James Norrie Oxford University SU Bellavia Ribeiro-Addey NUS NEC Mark Twyford LSE Matthew Vicary Sheffield Hallam Tom Walker City University SU Bonolo Woracker Coventry University SU

Hind Hassan

NUS NEC Vice President Welfare “Another Union is Possible”

Nominators Assed Baig Staffordshire Students Union Rachael Bennett Leeds University Siobhan Brown Manchester University Millie Fry Leeds Met University Christakis Georgin Sussex University Dominic Kavakeb Essex Student Union Simon Keble UWESU Mick Lynes Westminster James Norrie Oxford University Rob OWEN NUS NEC Bellavia Riberiro-Addy NUS NEC Mark Twyford LSE Matthew Vicary Sheffield Hallam Tom Walker City University Bonolo Woracker Coventry University

James Haywood

Goldsmith’s Students’ Union Fifteen Executive Members

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CD5 MANIFESTOS DOCUMENT “Another Union is Possible” Nominators Rachel Bennett Siobhan Brown Millie Fry Christakis Georgian Jane Izaak Smith Dominic Kavakeb Simon Keble James Kirkham Mick Lynes Marieke Mueller James Norrie Rob Owen Mark Twyford Union Matthew Vizary Tom Walker

Amran Hussain Durham University Fifteen Executive Members “Labour-UJS-FOSIS-Green-CooperativeUNISON” Nominators Nasar Aslam Durham University Students' Union Amy Atkins Durham University Students' Union Francesca D'Adonna Durham University Students' Union Nikhil Dorlikar University of Manchester Students' Union Stella Fernandes Durham University Students' Union Victoria Forster Newcastle University Students' Union Rosemary Haddock Edinburgh University Students' Unions Zanfur Khan Durham University Students' Union Wakas Khan King's College Students' Union Kim Mann University of York Students' Union Elke Marsch Durham University Students' Union Charlotte Martin University of Manchester Students' Union Samuel Turner Durham University Students' Union Michael Wendeker University of Essex Students' Union Mahfuza Zaman Swansea Metropolitan Students' Union

Yemi Makinde

Nominators Yetunde Ajala Sinead Butler Rachel Cann Lisa Eastlake Andrew Fernando Dawn James Deborah Kolade Jennifer Larner Kelly Lawless Tobi Makinde Tracey Newby Laura Penycate Jenni Wyatt

Ed Marsh

Nominators Liam Burns David Austin James Chick Katie Curtis Dave Goss Sarah Howard David Hurst Carl King Nicola Lee

NUS NEC Fifteen Executive Members “Local Action, National Movement” Lambeth College Liverpool Hope SU Brunel Brunel Goldsmith SU Brunel Christ the King Sixth Form Brunel Brunel Lewisham College Hull Uni Roehampton Brunel

NUS NEC Fifteen Executive Members “United Union, Strong Movement (Labour Students)” NUS Scotland NEC Bath University University of Derby NUS NEC Loughborough University Arts Institute at Bournemouth University of Sheffield De Montfort University Manchester Metropolitan

PART 1: LIST OF CANDIDATES

Kainde Manji Tom Marley Katie Morgan Talah Omran Tom Spencer Lucy Strachan

NUS Scotland NEC Birmingham University NUS-USI Keele University University of Stirling NUS Scotland NEC

Euphemia Matheson Central College Glasgow Vice President Further Education “Another Union is Possible” Nominators Assed Baig Staffordshire Students' Union Rachel Bennett University of Leeds Siobhan Brown University of Manchester Millie Fry Leeds Metropolitan University Christakis Georgiou Sussex University Dominic Kavakeb University of Essex Simon Keble University of West of England Mike Lynes Westminster University James Norrie Oxford Students' Union Rob Owen NUS NEC Jake Izaak Smith UEL Mark Twyford LSE Matthew Vickery Sheffield Hallam Tom Walker City University Bonolo Woracker Coventry University

Susan Nash

Nominators Rowena Boddington Rachael Brannan Lucy Brookes Sarah Burton Nsikan Edung Sarah Gibbons Gavin Jones Jennifer Larbie Yemi Makinde Alvin Ramsamy Aleshia Sampson Dan Sheldon Mohammed Surue Nill Watson Lleu Williams

Fraser Nesbitt

NUS NEC VP Society and Citizenship “Labour Students-Activating Locally, Delivering Nationally” Union of UEA Students Northumbria Students Union NUS NEC Castle College Nottingham Students Union Nottingham Students Union Glasgow Metropolitan Union University of Central Lancashire Union Birmingham Guild of Students NUS NEC University of Chichester Students Union University of Plymouth Students Union LSE Students union Warwick Students Union Leeds Metropolitan Union NUS Wales NEC

Peterborough Regional College Fifteen Executive Members “Practical Engaging NUS”

Nominators Lucy Brookes NEC John Clayton Cornwall College Jess Cole City of Plymouth College Katherine Crofts-Gibbons Alton College Zain Harroon Leeds College of Technology Ollie Macfarlane Richard Huish College Joanna McNamara Peterborough Regional College Kerry Meatyard Peterborough Regional College Ben Piper Peterborough Regional College Jenny Rich Huntingdon Regional College Lucy Turney Suffolk New College Kayleigh Wilson Newcastle College

Rob Owen

Nominators Assed Baig

NUS NEC President “Another Union is Possible” Staffordshire SU

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CD5 MANIFESTOS DOCUMENT Rachel Bennett University of Leeds Siobhan Brown University of Manchester Millie Fry Leeds Met Christakis Georgiou Sussex Dominic Kavakeb Essex Simon Keble UWE Michael Lynes Westminster University Marieke Mueller Kings James Norrie Oxford University Bellavia Ribeiro-Addy NUS NEC Mark Twyford LSE Matthew Vicary Sheffield Hallam Tom Walker City University Bonlo Woracker Coventry University

Dom Passfield

Nominators Alice Arnott Natalie Broom Dan Derricott Helen Gimber Adam Mason Cheryl McGivern Danny McNiece John Peart Katy Phillips Mark Potter Lauren Proctor Caroline Rose Kayleigh Turner Gail Wilson Daniel Yeandle

Dee Patel

Nominators Saud Al-Fadl Sultan Al-Fadl Abdul-QadirDarnia Nsikan Eduno Junaid Ejaz Imtiaz Gajia N Hussian Taiwo Ojo Dylan Ragi Lauren Stewart Sabiha Teladia

John Peart

Nominators Tom Ackand Mika Armfield Aaron Bisgrove Jenny Bragg Hayley Bridgman Alistair Brown Ben Hallett Erin Kubicki Catrin Lewis Sean Moore Verona Moth Tristram Tolliday Danisha Valand Beth Walker Stephen Watson

University West of England Fifteen Executive Members “Student” Aberystwyth Guild of Students University of Teeside SU University of Lincoln SU University of Arts London Keele University SU University of Wolverhampton Loughborough SU Richard Huish College SU UWE SU University of Cumbria Keele University SU University of Wolverhampton University of Lincoln UWE SU University of Bolton

Leicester University President “Independent” Leicester University Leicester University Leicester University Nottingham University Huddersfield University Westminster University Bradford College Bradford College Leicester University Huddersfield University Coventry University

Richard Huish College Fifteen Executive Members “Independent” Richard Huish College Perterborough Regional College Bridgwater College Bridgwater College University of Plymouth University of the West of England Aberyswyth University Richard Huish College Coleg Gwent City College Plymouth Leicester College Somerset College Leicester College NEC Newcastle College

PART 1: LIST OF CANDIDATES

Aaron Porter

NUS NEC VP Higher Education “Campaigning, Fighting and Winning for Students”

Nominators Yvette Brough Napier Students' Union Gary Coates Roehampton University Students' Union Helen Gimber University of the Arts Alex Nicholas-Evans Bath University Students' Union Jules Pringle Teesside University Students' Union Maria Pryor University of the Creative Arts Graham Ross Leicester University Students' Union David Sheppard UEA Students' Union Gurjit Singh NUS NEC Wes Streeting NUS NEC Mohammed Surne Warwick University Students' Union Kayleigh Turner Lincoln Students' Union Fiona Wood Staffordshire University Students' Union Dave Wright Northumbria University Students' Union Nick Yates Cardiff University Students' Union

Wes Streeting

NUS NEC President “Getting the Job Done (Labour Students)”

Nominators Usman Ali University of Salford SU Andy Blyde University of Warwick SU Rowena Boddington Union of UEA Students Sarah Burton Castle College, Nottingham SU Shane Chowen City College Plymouth SU Lewis Coakley Leeds Metropolitan SU David Goss Loughborough SU Paddy Hastie Glasgow Caledonian University SA James Houston Swansea University SU Gavin Jones University of Central Lancashire SU Aley Nicholson-Evans University of Bath SU Alvin Ramsamy University of Chichester SU Graham Ross University of Leicester SU Suzy Tobias Leeds University Union Natalie Tremlett Exeter College SU Kayleigh Wilson Newcastle College SU

Natalie Tremlett Exeter College Fifteen Executive Members “Involving, Engaging, Inspiring Students” Nominators Siobhan Anderson Oxford & Charwell College Shane Chowen City of Plymouth College Fiona Cowperthwaite Liverpool Hope University Sophia Hill Park Lane College Simon Holburn Dudley College Ollie Holiday York College Dean Lambert West Notts College Dave Lewis NEC Kieron Milton Exeter College Toni Pearce Cornwall College Clive Reid Derby College Rory Roberson Worcester College of Technology Edward Smith Oxford & Cherwell College Hollie Williams NEC Evangeline Holland- Ramsey University of Huddersfield

Tobin Webb

Nominators Rob Boardman Tom Christian Jordan Crowley

University of Bristol Fifteen Executive Members “Uniting to Fight, Uniting to Win - Labour Students” Manchester Metropolitan University of Kent Cardinal Newman College

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CD5 MANIFESTOS DOCUMENT Rob Damiao Georgia Elliott Helen Gibson Joe Gilder Naomi Hunter Hollie Jones Emma Kinloch Ed Marsh Jessica Parker Suzy Tobias Aisling Wooten

Leeds University Newcastle College Hull University University of Bristol Edinburgh University Birmingham University Hull University NUS NEC Leeds University Leeds University SOAS

Ben Whittaker

NUS NEC Vice President Welfare “Delivering on Welfare, Delivering our rights”

Nominators Rachael Brannan Northumbria Students Union Lucy Brookes NUS NEC Sarah Burton Castle College Nottingham Mike Duckworth Derby University Naomi Hunter Edinburgh University Ricahard Jackson Hull University Gavin Jones University of Central Lancashire Daniel Leigh Bath Spa University Leoni Munslow Swansea University Talah Omaran Keele University Rob Pinfold Manchester University David Robson Roehampton Students Union Caroline Rose Wolverhampton University Ama Uzowuru NUS NEC Victoria Wieczerzynska University of Lincoln Kayleigh Wilson Newcastle College

Liz Williams

Liverpool Guild Fifteen Executive Members “For An Active, Fairer, Inclusive NUS”

Nominators Nic Bouchard Edge Hill Students' Union Lee Bradshaw UCLAN Matt Burton York University Sinead Butler Liverpool Hope University Danielle Grufferty Liverpool Guild Andy Gutkowski University of Cumbria Jennifer James Birmingham City University Simon Leach Portsmouth University Edward Moloney Liverpool Guild Aaron Porter NUS NEC Laura Purll Queen Mary David Saxton Manchester Metropolitan Gurjit Singh NUS Scotland NEC Mohammed Surve Warwick University Edward SymondsonLiverpool University

Tom Wood

Nominators Ana Earthrowl Steve Edwards Amy Eyles Colin Geenes Rich Hayward Becky Hill Chris Jenkinson Hannah Lazell Eve Sanderson Tom Stubbs Jayne Wilson Hannah Woodhead Simon Woodhead

Coventry University Fifteen Executive Members “Liberal Youth”

PART 1: LIST OF CANDIDATES

Bonolo Woracker

Coventry University VP Society and Citizenship “Another union is possible”

Nominators Nahla Abass Coventry Students Union Assed Baig Staffordshire Students Union Sam Gobourn Coventry Students Union James Hilsdon Warwick Students Union Hanif Leylabi Leeds University Stephanie Lingham Coventry Students Union Jennifer Okojie Coventry Students Union Dee Patel Leicester Students Union Belllavia Ribeiro-Addy NUS NEC Camilla Royle UCL Ben Sellers SOAS Subaiha Shaikh University of Bradford Students Union Zakeera Suffee Essex Students Union Sabiha Teladia Coventry Students Union Tom Walher City University

Bonolo Woracker

Coventry University Fifteen Executive Members “Another union is possible”

Christina Yan Zhang Loughborough Students’ Union Fifteen Executive Members Nominators Hazzan Azhar Jon Bernstein Steph Davenport Daniel Hutchinson Dineshi Krishnan Aureha Malenya Florian Mertens Chris Morris Jon Naylor Georgie Payne David Rogers Manishta Sunnia Will Thomas

Nottingham University Students' Union Loughborough Students' Union Loughborough Students' Union Lincoln Students' Union Staffordshire University Students' Union Glasgow Caledonion UWE Students' Union Loughborough Students' Union Loughborough Students' Union Loughborough Students' Union Loughborough Students' Union NUS NEC Loughborough Students' Union

Coventry University Coventry University Coventry University Coventry University Coventry University Coventry University Manchester University University of Birmingham Coventry University NEC Coventry University Coventry University Coventry University

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Alice #1 Block of 15

“

I started my involvement in FE and having been a sabbatical officer in Further and Higher education I have learnt how to effectively represent and deliver for my members. At UWE, I’ve worked hard to bring Student Activities to the forefront of what my union does, giving opportunities to students to get further involved. Through these efforts, the number of people running in the elections is up, and students are taking ownership of their union. It’s about giving students those chances and empowering them, allowing them to fulfil their potential.

“Alice has been at the forefront of defending student rights to live in their community in Bristol. She has always shown that there is more than one way to engage the students in her campaigns, and has been inspiring” Ama Uzowuru NUS, Vice-President (Welfare)

I am running for the Block of 15, because I want to bring my skills and experience to the national Union. I am not here to offer the world and deliver nothing my three key priorities are: empowering activity officers to be more involved, defending students in their community and tackling the epidemic levels of bad sexual health.

A l ic

We are part of the community too!

”

Students are continually facing attacks on their rights to live where they want, but they are part of the community too. Recently in Northern Ireland there has been a plan launched to limit the number of students in a certain area. We have to be clear that this stance taken against any other group would not be accepted, and we should not accept it! We have also seen the release of the Julie Rugg review into the private rented sector, in which, for the first time students are not being blamed for where they live. We need to continue fighting these attacks and make sure that we do not allow students to be ghettoised. I will work with the Vice-President (Welfare) to make sure that we maintain the message that students are part of the neighbourhood. Support officers building and sustaining community links. Fight any proposal which propose to limit where students live.

MY RECORD: Activity Revamped uninspiring activities committee training to make it more relevant to the committees after securing funding for this project winning funding. Resulting in: More people running in the executive elections. More motions submitted to Councils. Committees sharing best practice as networked.

Community Secured funding for a community rep pilot project. Formed community strategy to make links and generate positive media coverage. Increased union presence at neighbourhood meetings Caused Bristol City Council to acknowledge that the problems in the city were due to allocation of council resources not the types of houses students choose to live in.

Sexual Health Taking on the issue of sexual health sigma by running interactive and inclusive sexual health campaigns which are not just targeted at the ‘usual’ students. Facilitated over 100 students getting involved with ‘Test your Team’ Chlamydia testing.

Activities, Community & Sexual Health

MY EXPERIENCE

Bouquet #1 Block of 15

Activities President (UWE) 2007-09 NUSSL Board of Directors 2008/09 Chair, NUSSL Business and Enterprise Committee 2008/09 National Council South West Rep 2007/08 Acting President/Student Governor Exeter College 2002/03 Vice President (Welfare) Exeter College 2002/03 RAG Officer – Exeter College 2000/02 Annual Conference delegate 2002/2003/2007/2008

Inclusive sexual health campaigning Sexual ill health is at epidemic levels, part of this is due to insufficient education, lack of access to services and chronically under-funded services but we are also tackling the taboo which comes with sexual health. Talking about and campaigning on sexual health is a topic which most would like to avoid and feel is a fluffy issue. But while many are avoiding or down playing the work done on sexual health the UK is expanding its distance from the rest of Western Europe as having the worst sexual health. With one in 10 people aged 18 to 25 with Chlamydia and a lack of resources to tackle the levels that we have in the UK, we need to step up the game on combating this. Increasing and ring-fencing the funding given to sexual health services are key if we are going to tackle this problem and Students Unions’ should be at the forefront of any decision made by their primary care trust on sexual health. Work with the Vice-President (Welfare) to produce a briefing on how to influence the spending of your local primary care trust and gain a seat at the decision making table. Run a national SHAG week getting sports clubs and societies involved with a Test your team event.

Bringing activities to NUS Activities officers do not get enough support from NUS, and solutions are hard to find. Lots of people that engage with the Students’ Union are from societies, but they rarely reach their potential of involvement with their Union and within NUS. Activities officers need more assistance in developing the training they give their Sports and Society committees. These potential activists and we must ensure they are supported to get involved. Develop a training package for Unions to train their activists. Evidence based campaigning on what else NUS could do to support Activities in Student Unions. Support FE unions where Colleges are trying to stop societies and create a “winning arguments” document.

If you would like this manifesto in another format please contact me on activities.president@uwe.ac.uk or see my Facebook group: ‘Activities, Community & Sexual Health Alice Bouquet #1 for Block’

“NUS needs to do more to engage student activities officers. Alice has continually delivered in her Students Union and I know she is one to deliver for NUS.” Natasha Smith, Student Activities, Swansea Met

RICHARD “BUBBLE” BUDDEN

#1 VP UNION DEVELOPMENT am standing for VP Union Development because I am passionate about NUS, about your Unions “ Iand about your students. Throughout the last year I have spent my time as National Secretary making NUS more accessible, more open and in touch with its membership. I have dedicated my time to increasing student participation in your unions and building strong local and national campaigns. Through projects such as the Activists Academy, increasing participation in elections and the development of Student media. As a National Union we still have to ensure that our membership recognises the impact and the work that we do and not allow it to be separate from the work of local Unions. I want students to be empowered and Students’ Unions involved in all aspects of our National Union. Throughout the year Unions will face many challenges and it is vital that Unions can work alongside NUS and seek our support. Under my leadership I will ensure that we fight the battles ahead together, with an NUS that is relevant, pro-active and focused on winning for our members!

”

This year I have delivered...

RECORD OF DELIVERING FOR STUDENTS’ UNIONS

Developed and delivered the Activist Academy on a national and local level New enabling measures for NUS elections Elections materials and guidance Co-ordinated more NEC on campuses than ever before Student media development Promoted SU volunteering Promotion of SU Trustees to 3rd sector A new training programme for FE & introduction of new courses 2008/09 NUS National Secretary 2006-08 NUS Block of 12 2005/06 President Canterbury Christ Church SU 2005/06 SEANUS Convenor 2004/05 VP Sports & Socs Canterbury Christ Church SU

“ Bubble is exactly what NUS needs. He has the ability, charisma, drive and the knowledge an experience to make a phenomenal VP Union Development ” Paddy Hastie Student President Glasgow Caledonian Students’ Association

If you require this manifesto in a different format or would like to get involved in my campaign please dont hesitate to contact me on:

07740 334184 bubble@nus.org.uk

ELECT ME AND I WILL... -Work with the OCN to accredit all NUS training and develop online training materials. -Enhance NUS’ work on student media, provide training for student radio & paper media around their role within local & national campaigns. -Produce a best practice guide to Democracy in FE so we can tackle the issue and give FE Unions the support they want and launch guidelines around membership of Unions for students studying across HE in FE and apprenticeships. -Fight alongside FE Unions to make sure when colleges merge that the right to student representation is protected. -Continue to put Student Activities on the national agenda, advocat ing the significant role volunteering, sports and societies have on the student experience.

BUILDING STRONGER STUDENTS’ UNIONS

ELECT ME AND I WILL...

CREATING A CAMPAIGN CULTURE ACROSS THE STUDENT MOVEMENT

-Roll out Activist Academy on a local level, bringing campaigning tools to local campuses and colleges allowing you to identify campaign leaders and empower student activists -Roll out a ‘Campaign Audit toolkit’ so Unions can develop strategic, active and winning campaigns. -Build an online library of all Unions campaigns including media, pictures, and campaign action plans to share best practice. -Ensure SUEI has a campaigning focus pushing for key indicators to be developed on student involvement in Union campaigns. -Support Unions in developing campaigning alliances with Trade Unions and national campaign groups, building large student led campaigns on issues such as Anti Racism/Anti Fascism and National Minimum Wage.

ELECT ME AND I WILL... -Campaign against the selling off of our halls, nurseries and other student services to private companies. -Provide opportunities for new funding initiatives for Students’ Unions by using the new NUS fundraiser and partnering up with key organisations. -Work with NUSSL to help Unions modernise commercial services for our diverse membership and provide specialist ad vice to Unions whose services are under threat. -Develop the Sound Impact Awards to include smaller Unions and FE colleges and include credits for Unions who run Green Campaigns and activate students around environmental issues. -Educate and empower students around ethical issues leading to campaigning work rather than blanket boycotts.

Want to find out more about me, my views and get regular updates on my campaign? Then visit my website:

www.bubble4nus.co.uk

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS NOT PRIVATE PROFIT

“Bubble is passionate and dedicated to the development of activism within the student movement. As a first year sabbatical he has been there to offer me advice and encouragement” Leoni Munslow Womens Officer Swansea Uni SU

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shane has consistently shown strength, determination and passion for representing students in FE. Under Shaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership, the FE Zone will be a focussed and inclusive campaign, ensuring ALL FE students are represented and their voices are heard. This man is the FE Dream!â&#x20AC;? -Beth Walker, NUS Vice President (FE)

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When I started out as VP Ed & Welfare at City College Plymouth SU back in 2006, the SU only existed to hand out pool cues and sell NUS cards. So when I became President, I rewrote our constitution, organised high profile elections and make damn sure I was at every meeting possible, be it Union or College led, ensuring the profile of our SU was raised high. Over the past two years, I have transformed my Union into a representative and strong Union, committed to delivering for its members. As your VPFE, I want to work with you to ensure NUS is supporting you on issues that matter to your students, from the classroom to the cabinet room.

For an NUS where Every Union Matters NUS needs to be more effective and relevant to our Unions. Every Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union is different, our colleges have different structures yet the needs and concerns of our students are the same. NUS must be more flexible with the support it offers. What works in one college wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work in the next college, and certainly wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work for the apprenticeship provider down the road. At the same time, FE Student officers from Nations are being let down by NUS UK. National campaigns continue to focus on England and see subsidised training which is only available in England â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I will work to ensure this is changed.

As your VP-FE I will:

â&#x20AC;˘

Champion best practice so when you need support, NUS will offer you tried and tested advice on what works in your situation Focus NUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; support by working with the VP Union Development to create the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every Union Mattersâ&#x20AC;? self assessment programme, enabling you to identify areas of development in your SU Ensure that all National FE Campaigns include guidance on how to involve under-represented groups Work with the VP Union Development to create a student-led review of the FE officer training programme, including student led development of new, role specific, programmes, such as treasurer/finance officers

â&#x20AC;˘

Work with FE representatives on the Nation Executive Committees to create a working group which will ensure our National campaigns really are national Establish links with the Sixth Forms Colleges Forum and lobby for a change in the law, requiring sixth form colleges to have an autonomous student body, in the same way FE colleges and Universities do Explore new and innovative ways of making NUS training more accessible through the use of etraining working with BECTA Lobby the government to fulfil itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment it made in 2006 for a fully funded comprehensive course rep system for England

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local campaigning record is unmatched. I know he will carry this forward as a National Officer, delivering for every student in the countryâ&#x20AC;? Catrin Lewis, Coleg Gwent

)LJKWLQJ WR 'HIHQG 2XU (GXFDWLRQ It is a disgrace that 1.5 million places have disappeared from adult education in the past 2 years. At a time of uncertainty, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital that everyone has the right to access to FE should they become unemployed. economic The governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current policy, a free level 3 qualification for those under 25, means that adult students are caught between a rock and a hard place. If they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a job, then they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the money to retrain. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just attacks on FE we need to fight against. FE students are the HE students of the future, which is why it is crucial that we take an active stand to ensure that higher education is available to all. Irrespective of sector we should be working with our HE partners to form one united and clear voice on the future of education funding. As your VP-FE, I will: the government to change its policy, so that â&#x20AC;˘ Lobby â&#x20AC;˘ Lead NUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; involvement as a founding member everyone has the right to the opportunity to re-skill of the CALL Campaign at work â&#x20AC;˘ Work with the VP-HE to set up local Broke and â&#x20AC;˘ Lobby the government and campaign for the level 3 Broken action groups, bringing HE and FE SUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entitlement to be opened to all together to lobby local MPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the review and co-ordinate joint activity â&#x20AC;˘ Continue to work with NIACE on its continuing campaign to save ESOL

The FE Financial Fiasco

The current financial support landscape in FE those who need it most and gives too shuts out little to those who are struggling. Hundreds of of students were affected in the thousands recent EMA shambles, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be campaigning to ensure this never happens again. We all know of students who gave up on the EMA and ALG forms because they were too complex. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t social justice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is government failure. With the recession looming over us and debt rising, we need more students in FE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not less!

As your VP-FE, I will: â&#x20AC;˘ Lobby Government to introduce the opportunity for mid-year reassessment to make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting the right support in times of financial uncertainty â&#x20AC;˘ Fight the LSC to raise the financial brackets so more students are financially supported â&#x20AC;˘ Lobby the LSC to raise EMA and ALG. ÂŁ10/20/30 5-years ago, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worth what it was then, now! â&#x20AC;˘ Support initiatives to cut bureaucracy from the LSC â&#x20AC;˘ Lobby the government for free public transport for all FE Students

Utilising Learner Involvement Strategies (LIS) The Learner Voice is being suffocated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; drowned out by College Managers who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what it really means. On paper LIS looks fantastic, but they are not the solution to our problems. They lack accountability, and are too easily ignored. It is a scandal that some colleges are not listening to our ideas and blocking our involvement. Outrageously, some are undermining Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Unions by setting up separate College-run Councils. This must end. If you elect me your VP-FE, I will: â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

Demand that OfSTED include LIS as part of their inspection process Fight for the law to be changed to include Private Providers under those who must have LIS

â&#x20AC;˘

Utilise best-practise by creating a guide on how you can work with your college on LIS Campaign DIUS, DCSF and all their Quangos to implement their own LIS

Protecting the Safety of our Students We must stop Individual Learner Records (ILR) and take an active stand against new powers to allow College management to Stop & Search students. These initiatives jeopardise the safety and privacy of our members, on and off campus. As your VP-FE, I will campaign for greater transparency in the system â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so you have control of who has your data and, working with the VP Soc & Cit and Liberation Officers, campaign to ensure that student safety remains paramount.

,I \RX UHTXLUH WKLV PDQLIHVWR LQ DQ DOWHUQDWLYH Âł,QGHSHQGHQW IRUPDW H PDLO PH DW SUHVLGHQW#FFSVX RUJ XN LQ LW IRU )(Â´

JOHN COX

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i/>+F.+$[%\%"7@%F/%"73%"*3%"1171F% "*9%"*3%"))%1F#3+*F1%7*F/%>+FF7*>%"1%@#'.%"1% F.+9%'"*%L$/@%BH-%F/%M>.F[%)/??9[%1#00/$F% /$%1"<+%8."F%F.+9%?+)7+<+%7*%"*3%1F"*3%L/$N

BACKGROUND & BELIEF 5LF+$%>/7*>%F.$/#>.%"%)+11%F."*%>$+"F%F7@+%"F% 1'.//)%7*%E7$@7*>."@[%%\%8/$U+3%L/$%F.+%BA-% "*3%1/'7")%1+$<7'+1%?#F[%@9%)+"$*7*>%3"91% 8+$+*`F%/<+$%"*3%1/%\%"7@+3%"F%H*7<+$17F9[% +*$/))+3%"F%:W+F+$%'/))+>+%"*3%'/@0)+F+3% "*%5''+11%'/#$1+%"1%"%&"F#$+%1F#3+*F%L/$% +*)7>.F+*@+*F[%*/F%+@0)/9"?7)7F9[%"%<")#+%\%L++)% @#1F%$+@"7*%0$/F+'F+3N%%\*%@9%M$1F%9+"$%F.+% H*7<+$17F9%3+'73+3%F/%')/1+%X%1'.//)1%"*3%"1%"% $+1#)F[%8+%/$>"*71+3N !7FF)+%373%\%U*/8%F.+%F$"3+%#*7/*%"*3%"'F7<71F% F+'.*7j#+1%8+%#1+3%F/%>"F.+$%1F#3+*F1%7*F/% "%kZZZl%@"$'.%"$/#*3%'"@0#1%8/#)3%'/@+% 7*%#1+L#)%'"@0"7>7*>%"1%F.+%=#7)3`1%8+)L"$+% b%+j#")%/00/$F#*7F7+1%/LM'+$[%)"F+$%0$+173+*FN%% \F`1%87F.%F.71%73+")%/L%'"$+%"*3%'"@0"7>*7*>% F."F%\%1F"*3%L/$%+)+'F7/*%F/%BH-%?)/'UN%%K#$% '"@0"7>7*>%@+F./3/)/>9%@#1F%?+%"1%@/3+$*%"1% 7F%71%7*L/$@+3%?9%F7@+1%0"1F%"*3%8+%@#1F%$+F"7*% F.+%0"117/*%/L%/#$%0$+3+'+11/$1%8.7)1F%)//U7*>% F/%"73%L#F#$+%'"@0"7>*+$1N

SUPP

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IT.+*%1F"$F7*>%#0%"%'"@0"7>*%7*%:W+F+$[% G/.*%8"1%F.+%M$1F%0+$1/*%\%F#$*+3%F/%L/$% .+)0%>"F.+$7*>%'"@0"7>*+$1N%%A+%373*`F%_#1F% .+)0^%.+%?+>"*%?9%1+*37*>%@+%F8/%0">+1%/L% '/*F"'F1%87F.%+<+$9F.7*>%\%*++3+3%F/%U*/8% L/$%"%1#''+11L#)%'"@0"7>*N%%\%."<+%+<+$9% '/*M3+*'+%.+%8/#)3%?$7*>%"%$+")%1+*1+%/L% +*+$>9%"*3%+W0+$F71+%F/%BH-aJ !"#$"%&'("$)"*+,-./0+1[%C/@@1%b%\*F+$*")% 5LL"7$1[%!++31%H*7<+$17F9%H*7/*%%b%%C."7$%BH--!%% :F.7'")%b%:*<7$/*@+*F")

EXPERIENCE 0)1+"-)'"$2')3/"1',44,-%/$#%#)5' ,+*6)-'78)%)-'9::;<9::= >-)5#2)$%'78)%)-'9::='<'9::? @("#-'/$#,$5'?A'9::='<'9::? Exeter UAF student liaison and 6,<+,/$2)NUS mature students national 6,..#%%))'9::='<'9::? NUSSL purchasing scrutiny 6,..#%%))'9::='<'9::?B;C

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

#1 FOR BLOCK

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

AIMS & OBJECTIVES Stronger, organised, intelligent, active campaigning%,%#17*>%F.+%+*F7$+%'"@0"7>*% F//)?/W%F/%1'#)0F%"%XYZ%3+>$++%1F$"F+>9%L/$% @"U7*>%A:%L$++[%"1%7F%1./#)3%?+N Enable HE & FE, to be all inclusive, all equal %,%F/>+F.+$[%8+%'"*%'$+"F+%>#73+)7*+1% L/$%F$#+%'/.+17/*[%87F.7*%F.+%9+"$N Support regional change and strength ,%$+/$>"*71"F7/*%/L%F.+%$+>7/*1%F/%>"7*% @"W7@#@%+LL+'F[%1//*+$%$"F.+$%F."*%)"F+$N !"#$%"#$#$&'%()'*&(%'+,-'."%/-)' students%,%\%87))%M*71.%8."F%\%1F"$F+3%/*% &-BC%"*3%7@?+3%F.+%*+8%1F$#'F#$+1N Activist passion%,%\%87))%+*'/#$">+%F./1+% 87F.%"%1F7]+3%</7'+%F/%>+F%)/#3%"*3%0$/#3N Map decision makers%,%)//U7*>%"F%/#$% 7*]#+*'+%"*3%L/'#117*>%7F%/*%F.+%3+'717/*% @"U+$1^%/$>"*717*>%F/%87*N Ethical and environmental%,%T/$U7*>%87F.% BH--!%F/%F$#)9%?$7*>%F.+%BH-%7*F/%"%*/*%)70, 1+$<7'+%">+%/L%F$#+%'"$+%"*3%'/@0"117/*N Reclaim student experience - student #*7/*1%"$+%F.+%'"$$7+$1%/L%+@0/8+$@+*F%"*3% +*_/9@+*F%"F%/#$%7*1F7F#F7/*1[%)+F1%>+F%F.+@% $+'/>*71+3%"''/$37*>)9N \L%9/#%8/#)3%)7U+%F.71%7*%"*%")F+$*"F7<+%L/$@"F[% please contact j.c.w.cox@ex.ac.uk

ACHIEVEMENTS University Family centre SAVED /$>"*717*>%"%'"@0"7>*%87F.%F./#1"*31%/L% 1F#3+*F1%7*</)<+3%F/%8$+1F%'/*F$/)%?"'U%L/$% F.+%0"$+*F1N On campus theatre SAVED%,%'"@0"7>*7*>% with trade unions and community leaders to $+_+'F%"%cdZZ[ZZZ%L#*37*>%'#FN Nightline SAVED%,%)/??97*>%"*3%87**7*>%"% ceZ[ZZZ%./#1+%L/$%1F#3+*F%</)#*F++$1N Accomodation CHEAPER%,%!/??97*>%"*3% *+>/F7"F7*>%1#''+11L#))9%L/$%'#F1N Corruption ENDED ,%3+@"*37*>%F.+%F$#F.% L$/@%F./1+%8./%8/#)3%1++%/#$%1F#3+*F1% @71)+3[%"*3%>+FF7*>%7FN Democracy UPHELD%,%./)37*>%F.+%M$1F% :W+F+$%'"@0"7>*1%$+L+$+*3#@[%+*"?)7*>%"% >+*+$")%@++F7*>%/L%fgh%1F#3+*F1N Campaigns UNIVERSAL ,%C"@0"7>*7*>%/*% '7F7O+*%gY%87F.%:W+F+$%'/))+>+N Unions 94 UNIFIED%,%-F$#'F#$+%'$+"F+3[% 0)"*1%7*%F.+%070+)7*+[%"'F7/*%>#"$"*F++3N BNP REJECTED%,%'/*F7*#7*>%F.+%1#00/$F%/L% :W+F+$%H5( Campaign army CREATED ,%:W+F+$%*/8% has a dedicated '"@0"7>*+$% </)#*F++$%>$/#0[% trained and ready F/%"'FN

B7'U%C/W%2E71./0%=$/11+F+1F+4%,%5)+W%B7'./)1/*,:<"*1%2E"F.4%,%B"F")7+%L/$$+1F+$%2-#$$+94%,%-"$".% i/)+3/%2(")@/#F.4%;%-F+<+%i/0"O7/%2Q/$F1@/#F.4%;%G+**7+%&/11%2&"$_/*4%,%%D"'.+)%D+73%2D+"37*>4% ;%B"F")7+%i$+@)+FF%2:W+F+$4%;%G+11%i$"FF%2=/)31@7F.14%;%6"$$+*%G/*+1%2Q)9@/#F.4%;%B+7)%C"@0?+))% 2-F$"F.')93+4%;%!+/*7%&#*1)/8%2-8"*1+"4%;%-"$"%6/$/*%2:W+F+$4%,%5*3$+8%&"'.7*%2Q/$F1@/#F.4%;% -"?7."%i+)"37"%2C/<+*F$94%;%!7O%-7@/1%2-#$$+94%,%&"$U%C#))+*%2-F7$)7*>4%;%i/@%-0+*'+$%2-F7$)7*>4%%;%i/@% &"_/$%2E"F.4%,%6"<+%T$7>.F%2B/$F.#@?$7"4%;%V"$)%-."337'U%2(")@/#F.4%,%V"$)%A/?)+9%2D+"37*>4%;%="<7*% G/*+1%2!"*'"1.7$+4%;%i/@%-#FF/*%2H:54%,%T7))%C)"$U+%2&"$_/*4%;%B17U"*%:3#*>%2B/FF7*>."@4%;%!+"**+% C"$37))%2&"*'.+1F+$4%;%E+*%E$9"*F%2C"$37LL4%;%S7'U9%C)"$U+%2D+"37*>4%;%5*3$+8%T+)'.%26#$."@4

N O T L A D N I A I VOTE

No.1

NUS Block of 15

Elect a proven soci

ali

st c to stand up to am pa New Labour, fight for student’s ign rights and stop attacks on education e

Iain is a part time student and has been active in the NUS and Socialist Students at Huddersfield and Bangor universities. He works part time at a supermarket and is active in recruiting fellow students to the trade union USDAW. Iain’s campaigning record speaks for itself - here is just some of what he’s been involved in! Organised the Bangor protests against the onslaught on Gaza in January 2008; Won the students union to a campaigning policy for the end of university fees in a referendum. Scandalously, Wes Streeting and others from the NUS argued against this, and were defeated when the student population voted; Organised action in support of imprisoned Nigerian student activists fighting attacks on education who were released because of international solidarity; Played a leading role in the Save Huddersfield NHS campaign fighting cuts in local maternity services as Campaigns Officer at Huddersfield SU; Combated the presence of the far right racist BNP in Huddersfield through helping build community campaigns against cuts in services and getting a socialist councillor elected.

If elected, Iain will fight for an active campaign: • To build a mass campaign of students and workers based on mass action nationally coordinated by students unions and trade unions to fight for free, publicly owned and funded, top quality education for all. To build the Campaign to Defeat Fees • To scrap all student fees now, and fight any increases. For the government to immediately set up a hardship fund for struggling students and to write off all student and graduate debt • For a living grant and a living EMA for all students, take the EMA out of the hands of private contractors. Pay back all money owed to FE students. • To fight back against cheap labour apprenticeships and the National Internship Scheme. Demand that all apprenticeships pay at least the minimum wage, with a job guaranteed at the end. Fight unemployment and for full trade union rights and decent pay for working students and all workers. To support the Youth fight for Jobs. • For affordable publicly owned, good quality housing, childcare and greener public transport for students and all sections of society. Decent food at decent prices in canteens for students and education workers, no to subcontracting to the privateers • Fight all cuts and privatisation in education and all public services. To link up with workers, trade unions and community campaigns to fight cuts, closures, job losses and privatisation. • To reverse the undemocratic attacks from the right wing in NUS and fight for campaigning democratic students unions based on mass action and mass participation of students • To build a democratic anti war movement in schools, colleges and universities based on mass action demanding the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. • Fight back against racism, discrimination and attacks on democratic rights and the right to protest. • Combat the BNP and the far right, unite all workers and young people in the struggle for decent jobs, homes and services • For a new workers party that opposes big business and fights for a socialist alternative to economic crisis, war and environmental destruction

This year the government is reviewing education funding, with the threat of lifting the cap on university fees. Vice Chancellors want to charge tens of thousands of pounds and expect to get their way from the parliamentary review. Students and education workers are being made to pay for the funding crisis in higher education. Across the country courses, jobs and financial support for students is being cut. The government is finding hundreds of billions to bail out the bankers and fat cats who caused this economic crisis, where is the money for students forced to drop out and workers and families who are losing their jobs and homes? This money could be used to scrap fees and introduce living grants for students. The Campaign to Defeat Fees aims to build a mass campaign of students protesting and campaigning in every university, school and college linking up with the struggles of workers. We have seen from recent struggles in Greece, France, Chile and

Ireland that mass action can halt attacks on education from right wing governments. The NUS has the resources to build such action but its leaders are more concerned with protecting the New Labour government, and so try to stop students fighting back and have removed NUS’s democratic structures to prevent campaigning. We won’t wait for the NUS to act! The CDF has organised national days of action and played a leading role in the largest recent protests and occupations on campuses highlighting the need to link this action up into a national mass campaign.

SATION? TI A IV R P D N A M IS C A R, FEES, R ARE YOU AGAINST WA Capitalism is crisis ridden system of war, poverty and environmental destruction. While the rich get richer, workers are losing their jobs and homes and young people can’t get a decent job or access to good quality education. We need to fight for a socialist future, for a world democratically run where the major resources of the planet are publicly owned and democratically planned by working people. Socialist Students leads the way in terms of active campaigning among students with societies and members in hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. If you are interested in Socialist ideas and fighting back, join Socialist Students.

youth fight for jobs As Zavvi, Woolworths, Viyella and other high street stores close, students are finding it difficult to get essen#al part #me jobs. The Bosses and New Labour want workers and young people to pay for the economic crisis. The governments Na#onal Internship Scheme means graduates who can’t find jobs will be forced to live on a student loan income while working a full #me job with no guarantee of a permanent contract! Young people need to organise and fight together against unemployment and for decent jobs. Support Youth Fight for Jobs, sign up to the campaign on www.youthfigh%orjobs.com, join the march for jobs to the G20 on April 2.

IA C O S J OI N

S IS T

E D U

S T N

I would like to join Socialist Students

Name.................................. .................................................. Address....................................... ......................................................... Postcode.......................................... Telephone............................................ Email........................................................ college/uni................................................... please return to Socialist Students, PO BOX 858, London, E11 1YG socialiststudents@hotmail.com www.socialiststudents.org.uk

BENJAMIN GRAY PRINCIPLES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

No Foreign Policy Keep the Cap Active, Realistic Campaigning Genuine Pluralism and Safe Space: No to Factional Bullying Looking Further Transparency and Accountability

Students First Students First: No Foreign Policy The continual foreign policy debates the NUS has at its conferences are disillusioning and pointless. They are ill-informed, unrealistic and distracting. They polarise the student body unnecessarily. At best they make a minimal impact. It is immoral for a National Union of Students to be discussing foreign affairs when we have barely enough time and resources to discuss and campaign on the pressing issues affecting our members daily. Squeezed between the pincers of recession and a government keen to raise the cap on fees, it is no longer acceptable to divert our efforts and distract our membership from this vital fight. If elected to the Block, I will oppose any NUS involvement in foreign affairs other than where it has a direct relevance to our students.

Keep the Cap Regardless of our attitudes to fees, raising the cap will unfairly hit poor students and applicants. Doing so during a recession will only compound the deterrent effect. It will reduce social mobility and deny access to education to those who deserve it. Although free education may be an ideal, it is an entirely unrealistic goal. The government are not going to release extra funds at a time when it will be looking to save money, and adopting such an unrealistic position would unnecessarily freeze us out of the discussion. The NUS needs to fight on the issues we can win. We can win a freeze on the cap, we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win free education. The NUS must oppose the lifting of the cap on fees, but it must be realistic as to what it can achieve.

Active Campaigning The concerns about grassroots activism are legitimate. The NUS suffers from a top-down mentality that is increasingly being challenged by new technologies and attitudes. The rise of social

www.benjamin4block.com

networking sites and campaigning tools allows for rapid, flexible campaigning on issues as they arise. We have not done enough to take advantage of the opportunities this provides. At its heart the NUS is there to facilitate campaigning. Sites like officeronline could be harnessed to enable campaigning on student issues at all levels, from the grassroots to the top. Organisation, action and reaction could be . Discussion could be ongoing, rather than confined to a few expensive conferences. Students would be able to see that the NUS is an organisation that fights for them, rather than a distant abstraction. If elected, I will work to get the NUS to adapt to modern, empowering campaigning techniques that engages as many activists and students as possible.

Genuine Pluralism and Safe Space: No to Bullying At several conferences we have witnessed the failings of the NUS in adequately dealing with racism, bullying and intimidation at its events. Conferences have been disrupted, delegates intimidated and students disgusted. Several have said that they never want to go to an NUS conference again. The NUS has suffered multiple blows to its reputation as an organisation that stands up to bigotry and intimidation. If elected, I will work to ensure that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Safe Spaceâ&#x20AC;? is enforced, not just a platitude.

Looking Further The NUS suffers from a narrowness of focus. It focuses on a relationship between government, students and universities without wider considerations of the society in which they exist. It acts as if all problems in education policy and social mobility are the responsibility of Higher Education. We have to look further. We have to work not just with the government and our activists, but the wider institutions of civil society, not just in campaigning, but in support for students. We cannot rely on government grants any more: we have to work to exhort and establish charitable support. We must be willing to look at issues beyond a direct Higher and Further Education focus. The problems in the education system do not start at these institutions. Often they stretch further back. The NUS has a responsibility to talk about them.

Transparency and Accountability The NUS is an arcane institution. The first conference a delegate attends is one that he or she will be unable to fully contribute to, having to get their head around various procedural matters and factional politics. The introductory sessions for first-time delegates barely scratch the surface. Conferences are barely accessible, with access breaks abused. Many officers pay only lip-service to their commitments, unable to fulfil even the most basic obligation of blogging once a month. If elected, I will work to ensure that new delegates are properly informed. I will work to put together a guide to attending conferences, and help make sure that delegates fully understand proceedings. I will make sure that my time on Block is accountable, blogging regularly and meaningfully. I will make sure that all are held to account.

If you require this manifesto in an alternative format, please contact ben@benjamin4block.com

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HIND HASSAN VP Welfare I

have been one of the few voices for Gaza on the national executive. For too many in NUS, students in Gaza, Iraq and Afghanistan seem distant and unimportant. But if you are silent over injustice abroad then you are weaker against injustice at home. I want to bring the same passion activists have shown in support of Gaza to every campaign in the Welfare Zone.Throughout my time on the executive I have drawn inspiration from students fighting injustice around the world.

Racism NUS exists in a racist world and needs to become a weapon to challenge oppression not a reflection of existing prejudice. Racist instances at our events and the silence of some on our executive over the issue are a national disgrace. If we are to stop NUS isolating its black members we need to transform our union into an organising centre against racism in education. NUS can play a crucial role in driving the BNP off our streets and campuses.

Alienation University welfare problems are the result of a world that puts profit before people. Our services are cut back and support for those feeling the strain is often too little too late. We are under huge pressure to get grades just so we can compete for fewer and fewer jobs.These are the real causes of increasing mental health and welfare problems in universities.Too often, NUS campaigns skirt the fundamental issue that faces students: an education based on competition and privatisation, one that puts the needs of the system before those of students.

I will: ● Run a campaign for investment in universityowned housing and catering. Not for profit, just for students. ● Give full support to the Abortion Rights campaign and the fight for women’s liberation. ● Campaign with the trade union movement for a living wage for all. ● Link our campaign for student health to the crisis of funding in the NHS.Welfare not warfare. ● Campaign to unionise students, particularly those in precarious and unsafe jobs.

WHAT WE STAND FOR ● A democratic and campaigning national union. ● Free education and grants for all Education not profit. ● Anti-war: Troops out of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. ● Anti-racist: Fighting all forms of racism and driving the BNP off our streets and campuses. No to racism in NUS. ● Real liberation: Autonomy for liberation campaigns. Challenging oppression and fighting for a better world. ● Defend civil liberties Against Islamophobia and racist stop and search. ● An end to the destruction of the environment by states and corporations.

ANOTHER UNION IS POSSIBLE Anti-war, Free Palestine

Pic: SOAS occupation. By Clare Solomon

he world is in crisis. All of the political certainty that has marked our rulers’ politics for the last 30 years has fallen apart as the market goes into freefall. Governments have had to reject years of political orthodoxy to nationalise banks and intervene in the economy in an attempt to stop the crisis. Protests against attacks on living standards have swept across Europe just as millions demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine. Despite everything Gordon Brown has remained committed to the politics of the free market at home and war abroad.

We won,t pay for the crisis Our education is under even greater threat as the government looks to further cut costs. Over the last 20 years education funding has steadily decreased, leaving universities looking for additional income. From fees to privatisations the attacks on our education have continued apace. Every university is under pressure and the economic crisis has accelerated the cut backs across the sector. Our national union needs to help lead resistance as it emerges and link it to a campaign for free education.

The major struggles of the last few years have been a rejection of the barbarity of war waged in our name. The occupation of Iraq created a generation aware of the role of imperialism and the lies that justify it. Israel’s recent assault against the people of Gaza spurred thousands into action. Demonstrations drew in thousands of students and 22 universities took part in the biggest wave of student occupations for a generation. The popular mood was such that most students sympathised with the occupations and universities felt compelled to meet our demands. NUS’s role has been a disgrace. It not only failed to support students taking action but placed itself wildly to the right of public opinion when it denounced protests as anti-Semitic.

Yes we can The occupations around the country have shown that the student movement can win. Students have won real victories in solidarity with the people of Gaza. If NUS was democratic and activist-led it could have helped support, build and spread the occupations. In every occupation students questioned the role of universities and the nature of our education. This started discussions about the way forward for our movement. Mass protest from below holds the key to breaking out of the passivity that the NUS is caught in as it accepts that free education is utopian. This can help create a politics based on putting people before profit. We are standing because though another world is possible, we need a very different NUS to help fight for it.

JAMES HAYWOOD for VP Higher Education T

he NUS’ sell out over the fight for free education is only matched by its position on Gaza. I have been actively involved in building resistance to both. With the world in crisis and thousands of students furious about the bank bail outs the possibility of rebuilding the student movement has re-emerged. The recent wave of occupations has raised questions about the way our universities are run and how we can resist.

Vision We need to start from a vision of what sort of education is possible if we are to involve students in our campaign . The occupations raised an alternative to how education could be organised, with a sense of democracy between lecturers and students. We should have more control over what we learn based on what inspires us and what is needed to develop a just society.

Education Today Instead our education is limited by the need to churn out a workforce able to compete for skilled jobs internationally. Research is structured to meet the needs of business. Universities are micro managed to maximise funds in profitable areas while cutting the cost of teaching and learning. Fees are but a tiny part of how our education is tied to the needs of the market.

Resistance The occupations over Gaza have shown that mass student action can win. We need to be building solidarity with such actions and linking them to a radical campaign for free education. Our national union could become a high profile voice for our movement, arguing for a vision of free education and putting people before profit. By turning to the left, NUS could be a powerful organising centre for a student movement capable of defeating the next wave of attacks on higher education.

ANOTHER UNION IS POSSIBLE Anti-war, Free Palestine

Pic: SOAS occupation. By Clare Solomon

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JENNIFER JONES for VP union development he current NUS leadership have T launched a huge attack on democracy in our union. Over the past year the proposed constitution, defeated at the previous national conferenc,e has been pushed through the back door. The contempt shown to student activists has been repeated over NUS reform, free education and the massacre in Gaza. At my union we have taken the opposite path.

Real Democracy At Goldsmiths we have tried to open up our union and involve activists in all major decisions. We have created new spaces inside our building and fought to recreate democratic mass meetings of students to decide union policy. Repeatedly we have had to fight to overcome the limitations of our NUS reform-style constitution and reach out to the student population.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

Palestine and Free Education

● Free education and grants for all Education not profit.

We have used our union as an organising centre for rolling campaigns in solidarity with Palestine and built up a new layer of activists. Our political relationships with campus unions allowed us hold a 300 strong teach-in on the nature of university education today. Despite the absence of a national NUS campaign, our union has been able to create links with key campaigning organisations as well as rooting ourselves in a network of student activists who understand how to campaign and the political tasks ahead.

The Future of NUS Despite the limitations imposed by our new structures we can still find creative ways to develop our unions as real campaigning forces. We need a union development strategy which starts from students’ political awareness and involvement in various campaigns. If NUS can relate to real student activism, we can start to rebuild our union as a force for real change in society.

● A democratic and campaigning national union.

● Anti-war: Troops out of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. ● Anti-racist: Fighting all forms of racism and driving the BNP off our streets and campuses. No to racism in NUS. ● Real liberation: Autonomy for liberation campaigns. Challenging oppression and fighting for a better world. ● Defend civil liberties Against Islamophobia and racist stop and search. ● An end to the destruction of the environment by states and corporations.

ANOTHER UNION IS POSSIBLE Anti-war, Free Palestine

Pic: SOAS occupation. By Clare Solomon

Re-elect

Yemi Makinde for NUS Block of 15

NUS is at a crossroads. With a new constitution, NUS stands poised to produce overdue and lasting results that students need and handing control of the National Union back to those it seeks to represent. But, the new constitution is only half the job done. Students deserve and NUS needs a candidate is !""#$$%&'$!'()*+**#,-'$.%'/#0#!,'!('$.%',%1' !,0$#$)$#!,2' to put students at the heart and focus of NUS. A candidate who is united and campaigning with you, not just in times of triumphs and national photo calls, but in times of troubles and quiet conversations. A candidate with the experience, drive and determination to hand control of the National Union back to its membership. Over the last year I have proven, I am that candidate. An independent candidate ready work and ready to ask the hard questions. Re-elect me and let’s start building an NUS we can be proud of.

XX I M E Y

n= Local Actio ent m e v o M l a Nation Local action must be at the heart of NUS. The delivery of positive change is something that local Student’s Unions do on such a regular basis and NUS must be there to support grass roots. 3!1%/%45'678'")0$' .9,-%':#$0'!,%'0#;%'+$0'9**' unions’ policy. We must recognise the power of our collectivism and individuality and activists come from all sectors of the student community. I will <' Develop and extend the NUS Activist Academy <' Develop regional and action networks as a core information exchange <' Create a Small and Specialist Unions’ forum <' Produce research investigating barriers to participation in Student Union activities <' Develop toolkits on engaging non-traditional students and activists <' Support No Platform policies in local Unions and +-.$'$.%'=6>'1.%4%/%4'$.%?'9@@%94

“Yemi has brought a refreshing perspective to the NEC this year and has worked her arse off for students, which is why she deserves to be re-elected!” Wes Streeting, President, National Union of Students

Supporters Include:Wes Streeting, National >4%0#&%,$5'678<'A9$#,'>9$%*5' President, Union of Brunel Students <'B# .94&':=)CC*%D'=)&&%,5'6EF'<' G#;'H1%,5'>4%0#&%,$5B!?9*'3!**!19?' 8$)&%,$0'7,#!,'<'8#,%9&'=)$*%45' >4%0#&%,$5'G#/%4@!!*'3!@%'7,#!,<' I!"'8$)CC05'6EF'<'J .#K%'H(!&#*%5' 6!$$#,-.9"'I4%,$'7,#!,<'L94#9' M%0)()5'J $#/#$#%0'H(+ %45' 7,#/%40#$?'!('G#, !*,'7,#!,'<'G#,9' L)-.9*5'>4%0#&%,$5'HN(!4&'=4!!K%0' 8$)&%,$0'7,#!,'<'=%,'O49?5' President, NUS Wales

To recieve this document in another format, please contact: voteyemi@hotmail.

e r u t u f r u o r Fighting fo We face grave challenges as we 1#$,%00'9,'#""#,%,$'4%/#%1'!,'3#-.%4'E&) 9$#!,' funding. With an economic recession taking a 0$49,-*%'.!*&5'C!$.'$.%'O!/%4,"%,$'9,&'P# %'' ' Chancellors are desperate for increased funding and students are the key target. With a potential impact on postgraduate, international, part-time and further education course, we must not underestimate the challenge we face or make a mistake. I will: <' B%0#0$'9,?'9$$%"@$0'$!'*#($'$.%' 9@'!,'$)#$#!,'(%%0 <' Campaign for international, postgraduate, part $#"%'9,&'QE'(%%0'94%'#, *)&%&'#,'$.%'RSST'4%/#%1 <' Fight for a free and fairly funded education system for all post 16 education. <' F9"@9#-,'(!4'9'4%/#%1'!('$.%'1.!*%'ELJ''''''' structure. <' H@@!0%'$!'9,?' )$0'#,'EGU'(),&#,<' Continue support for the CALL campaign

“Throughout my time as !"#$%&'#! '%! '!()*+&,-! I have yet to encounter a person who articulates her ideals and passion for student rights with as much conviction and belief as Yemi. Her tremendous dedication and unwavering drive makes her an asset to the student movement” A9$#,'>9$%*5'>4%0#&%,$5'7,#!,'!(' Brunel Students

My Record As a member of the Nat National Executive Committee this year I have helped Unions and students have a voice in their community and the National Union. I have begun assessing a regional network for London, helped Unions submit motions for Annual Conference, campaigned on 9"@)0%0'!,'3#-.%4'E&) 9$#!,'Q),&#,-5' the Citizen 16 campaign, helped students reform our national union and begun research on barriers to participation in student activities as well as much more. As a .#$%&'#!/+#010#0&"!2)*+&, I have been at the forefront of representing the student voice and protecting students !,' 9"@)0V' Y' #,$4!&) %&' $.%' +40$' 6!' Platform policy, challenged my university on its bursary and access under spend, helped develop my University’s widening participation programme and been a member of the Student Loans Consultative Committee to name a few.

, y t i n u m m o Our C nity u m m o C r u Yo The nature of students has evolved. No longer can we be seen as drunken louts who are simply a drain on tax payer’s money. We are parents, carers employed, mature and all those things in-between. We continually and positively give back to the communities that we #,$%-49$%'#,$!V'A)0$'*#K%'8$)&%,$D0'7,#!,0' across the country, I have campaigned on campuses and in the community to dispel these myths. But more must and can be done. I will: <' Continue to oppose quotas for Homes !('L)*$#@*%'H )@9, ?'W3LHX <' Support the ‘Citizen 16’ <' Work with the electoral commission to campaign for a polling station on every campus.

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PROTECT YOUR ‘ED Keep Ed Marsh On The Block It has been an honour to represent you within our national union for the last year, and I am proud to have been part of the NEC as our Union has undergone such changes and challenges. But I know those challenges continue, and I won’t leave a job half done. That is why I am re-standing, so that I can continue to make sure that the voices of ordinary students are heard, and play my part in shaping a National Union fit to fight the challenges we face. “OUR NEC SHOULD BE ON OUR CAMPUSES WORKING HARD FOR US ALL YEAR ROUND.AS A PRESIDENT OF A NORTHERN UNION, ED HAS BEEN OUR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND HIS APPETITE FOR LEADING CAMPAIGNS HAS BEEN SECOND TO NONE. ED MARSH WILL DEFINITELY BE GETTING MY FIRST PREFERENCE THIS YEAR. ” Nicola Lee, President Manchester Metropolitan Union

MY EXPERIENCE 08–09

t NUS NEC, Block of 12 t Finance Committee member t NUT Scholarship holder t NUSSL Board member

07–08

t President, Hull University Union t Member National Council

06–07

t Union Council Member t NUS Delegate

“ED HAS CONSISTENTLY DELIVERED ON THE NEC,AND HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY THIS YEAR TO ENSURE THAT REAL STUDENTS VOICES ARE HEARD AT EVERY LEVEL OF OUR UNION. FROM HIS SHOCKING GEEKERY OF NUS FINANCES AND HIS TIRELESS WORK ON IMPROVING AND DEVELOPING NUS EXTRA,TO ALWAYS BEING ON THE OTHER END OF THE PHONE SUPPORTING SABBS, ED HAS BEEN A HUGE ASSET THIS YEAR,AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE HIS WORK REPRESENTING OUR GRASSROOTS CONTINUES. PROTECT YOUR ‘ED AND VOTE ED MARSH #1!” Dave Lewis, NUS National Treasurer

MY RECORD t Led Hull University Union through the Student Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI), ensuring we were amongst the first unions to complete it t Led Hidden Course Costs campaign with the NUT t Won a police station and fought for 24 hour library opening on my campus t Saved Hull Halls of Residence from privatisation t Developments in the collaborations agenda, with NUS, NUSSL and AMSU now working more closely t Visited campuses in Scotland and in every city in the North of England; campaigning, chairing general meetings, meeting members and attending union councils t Secured subsidised travel for delegates to the second extraordinary General Meeting t Helped secure first balanced NUS budget and NUS extra sales on target t Heavily involved in securing quality and exclusive discounts for the membership next year t Spearheaded moves towards ethical banking for NUS and NUSSL

ON YOUR CAMPUS WHEN YOU NEED ME Whether it has been to speak against fees or offer advice to new officers, I have been on the ground working with your unions’ sabbatical teams. It is vital that YOUR NUS NEC is out there fighting your corner, on your campuses when you need us. So whether it’s fighting fees, fighting campus closures or fighting accommodation costs I have been on your campuses working with you on the issues you care about. I pledge to you that I will be a highlyvisible NEC member – not just at conference – but all year round.

I WILL… t Support your campaigns on your campuses and visit unions wherever and whenever I am needed t Remember that we are NUS UK not just NUS England and provide much needed support for sabbaticals in Scotland and Wales t Be a true student voice representing you and your students on the NEC

FIGHTING HARD FOR YOU A UNITED UNION, A STRONG MOVEMENT

I WILL…

Life on the NEC is hard and not as glamorous as you might think, but I have never shirked my fair share. As a member of finance committee, I have fought to deliver the first balanced budget for years. I have persistently argued to keep our union together, and whilst financial pressures persist, I know that no student union should ever be priced out of membership. When genuine hardship is presented, I have argued on your behalf.

t Push for extended NUS Extra card discounts, making the card more relevant to Constituent Members all over the United Kingdom t Help to ensure a smooth transition of financial control when the new governance structures are implemented so another balanced budget with more resources spent directly on campaigns can be delivered t Fight for more financial support needed by our smaller and less well-off affiliates

NUS Extra must be relevant to all students which is why I will fight for specific discounts for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish unions. This year we will hit sales targets for NUS Extra for the first time. But it’s not enough, next year we must double our sales, meaning that we can start reducing affiliation fees, benefiting our less welloff unions the most.

NO CREDIT CRUNCH IN REPRESENTION IT’S TIME TO REALISE OUR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH

I WILL…

If elected then I will make it my mission to ensure that next year, at a time when our resources are stretched more than ever, our national union begins to box clever. I have been involved in the Trade Union movement since I was 17 and will use my experience as a shop steward to implement best practice in our National Union. We must look at how our fellow trade unions are able to offer such strong local representation.

t Not allow resource issues to affect representation t Conduct research into the Student Teacher Experience t Provide at least one summer national training event in Scotland t Support and call for the expansion of the activist academy programme not just for officers but for all of our activists t Build and test models of best practice for representation and roll them out to you

NUS exists to represent the needs of students, but sometimes we can be so focused on the problems faced by our own unions that we forget our collective strength, and the power of solidarity. It is our collective strength that is our biggest asset, and as a national officer, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you, representing the needs of your students and your unions at local, regional and national levels.

“ED’S TRACK RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF AND I KNOW HE’LL BE A LEADING VOICE ON THE NEC ONCE AGAIN FOR OUR MEMBERS.WITHIN NUS SERVICES LTD AND FINANCE COMMITTEE I’VE SEEN FIRST HAND THAT ED HAS DELIVERED FOR STUDENTS.THIS IS WHY I’LL BE VOTING TO KEEP MY ED ON THE BLOCK. ” Dave Goss, President Loughborough Students Union I have tried to follow the guidelines for accessible campaigning in this manifesto, but if you would like it in a different format, please just give me a ring on 07800 601 376 or email me at ed.marsh@nus.org.uk I am standing openly as a Labour Student in this election. I am proud of my activism, and proud to have stood up to the Government when I disagree, such as over the war in Iraq or the privatization of public services. Being open and honest about my politics means I can be better held to account by you, and that is why I won’t be standing under the flag of convenience, I will be standing openly as a Labour Student.

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PHEMIE MATHESON VP Further Education W

e need to build an atmosphere of activity and confidence around F.E. colleges. F.E. is chronically underfunded and has suffered from cuts across the board. It’s time to fight back and join our lecturers in defending our education.

Unity across FE & HE Although there are differences between F.E. and H.E. we are united by many of our goals. There needs to be more synergy between F.E. and H.E. We need to organise a unified campaign to achieve our aims. NUS in FE is too weak – we need space to organise independently of college managements.

Gaza The recent conflict in Gaza has exposed the blatant bias of the press and the true colours of the state of Israel. We must show solidarity with the people of Gaza by putting pressure on our colleges to cut ties with companies such as BAE Systems, who are responsible for sending arms to Israel.

Racism We have to combat fascism and racism in all their forms. To do this we need a strong movement and presence on campus. We have to argue for no platform for fascists and keep the Nazi BNP off our campuses.

Free education The billions spent on bank bailouts and war should be spent on education and lifting people out of poverty. The student movement must fight for the abolition of student debt, the return of grants and a free education for all.

ANOTHER UNION IS POSSIBLE Anti-war, Free Palestine

Pic: SOAS occupation. By Clare Solomon

SUSAN NASH # 1 VP Society and Citizenship Over the last year I have delivered on my manifesto commitments to help student unions in the HE funding campaign, activate and engage our members in the fight against climate change, and ensure students have a stake and a voice in their local communities. This year as Society and Citizenship Co Convener I have worked to mobilise students to vote, encouraged our members to play an active role volunteering in their local community, led action in the fight against climate change, and cemented NUS’ solidarity with student unions internationally. This year has been a successful year for Society and Citizenship. I have been proud to lead the zone, but there is so much more that we can do together. Elect me and I will make this new position deliver. We need first time activists and experienced campaigners to get EDUCATED and INSPIRED, get ACTIVE and INFLUENCE society. I want to be part of that process, doing everything I can to ensure NUS is leading and winning campaigns on the issues YOU care about. Join me and lets start winning for students now!

MY RECORD THIS YEAR - Led high profile campaigns for Go Green Week and Student Voting - Led the student response to carbon reduction strategies in FE/HE, working with Ministers, Colleges and Universities and People and Planet - Worked to improve NUS’ carbon footprint and expanded projects like Carbon Academy, Student Switch Off and bringing Sound Impact to small and specialist unions - Organised a delegation from

ZINASU (Zimbabwean NUS) and started action to create an independent student newspaper in Zimbabwe - delivered ‘Broke and Broken’ to 7 Freshers fayres, attended a further 8 and took part in 3 Days of Action campaigns - Led NUS’ campaign on Home Fees for Asylum seekers - worked on Anti Terror week campaign and co-ordinated action with No2ID - Successfully campaigned with

Amnesty International against 42 days - Raised money for Fund4Darfur - Co-ordinated two bids to DFID with TUC and ACTSA worth £300k each - Assisted with a bid to DEFRA worth £500k - Organised NUS events for World AIDS day - worked with TUC as NUS Representative and strengthened our links with ACTSA through my work on their NEC

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Climate change is a priority for our members and a priority for me, but for too long NUS has ignored the thousands of students who are active in fighting climate change locally and nationally. I want us to take on the government, businesses and the education sector over their role in developing a more sustainable future – we can play our role in changing the world for the better. This year I have worked to make NUS’ environmental campaign about more than individual ethical consumerism. By providing people with the information to make the right choice, and by campaigning on the big issues, I have ensured our national union is a credible partner in the climate change coalition.

I WILL… - Expand and transform Go Green Week, the Green League and Student Switch Off - Bring Carbon Academy and Sound Impact to students unions in FE - Deliver a toolkit helping members to reduce their individual carbon footprint - Demand funding incentives for carbon reductions from the sector through HEFCE and UUK - Work with People and Planet to expose Natwest unethical investments and with the Co-op produce an ethical banking guide for students and students unions - Roll out a national campaign with the TUC on unethical standards in the garment industry - Campaign against NEW Coal Fired Power Stations and a proposed NEW Runway

OPERATION STUDENT VOTE We need a loud voice at the next election, not only to defeat the BNP and stop extremist parties but to put the issues we care about at the heart of the Government’s agenda. We need to register and mobilize students all over the UK and make our collective voice heard. I have a proven track record of fighting the BNP, and over the coming months I will be leading the student movement’s campaign against fascists and racists. But elections are not the only way we are heard; we need to be active in the local community all year round.

I WILL… - Co-ordinate voter registration drives with ballot boxes in students unions, and provide accessible information highlighting different ways to vote - Lead the NUS student manifesto - pulling together our campaign demands - Work with UAF and Searchlight to mobilize the student vote and stop the BNP - Expand the fight for Votes at 16 and improved citizenship education - Campaign to make voter registration a part of College or University application - Provide student officers with training on working with local councils - Encourage students unions to create community rep schemes, advertise local school governorships and provide advice on being a local councilor

ACTIVATING OUR ACTIVISTS The Society and Citizenship campaign can be a tool to recruit more activists into NUS, and to change our members’ perspective of what NUS can and should do for them. We can and we should demonstrate that issues like ID cards and Anti terror legislation can affect our student membership but we should also demonstrate that these campaigns are part of the broader political system, and do not directly affect us as students but as global citizens. As the VP Society and Citizenship I would lead from the front, enabling your students and unions to act as agents of change for local, national and international causes.

I WILL… - Campaign closely with Amnesty International, the TUC, Justice for Colombia and our Liberation campaigns on cases of human rights abuses on students abroad - Build our growing global network of students unions, offering solidarity to students unions worldwide - Challenge the funding cuts to volunteering, enabling all to participate - Work with FE officers to lobby for better youth services - Host a student award ceremony with Amnesty and other organizations, recognizing and rewarding individuals and campaigning societies for their work on international affairs - Mobilize our membership on key global campaigns including Stop AIDS and the Global campaign for Education - Run national campaigns on ID cards, Anti terror legislation and Home Fees for Asylum seekers

“SUSAN HAS BEEN SO HELPFUL THIS YEAR, AND PROVIDED HELP AND ADVICE WHENEVER I NEEDED IT. FROM GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGNING TO LOBBYING MINISTERS, SUSAN HAS GOT IT COVERED. I CANNOT THINK OF ANYONE BETTER SUITED TO THIS ROLE.” Rhiannon Horsley President, Reading University Students Union

I have tried to follow the guidelines for accessible campaigning in this manifesto, but if you would like it in a different format, please get in touch. t. 07792 444 238 e. susan.nash@nus.org.uk

I am standing openly as a Labour Student in this election. As a Labour party member, I am strongly committed to the principles of equality and social justice - which is why I have been unafraid to challenge government policies, from top-up fees to ID Cards. As an NEC member, I will always be accountable to YOU.

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VOTE FRASER NESBITT #1 FOR NUS BLOCK OF 15 FOR A MORE REPRESENTATIVE, MORE PRACTICAL AND MORE ENGAGING NATIONAL UNION! As Equal Opportunities Officer, Education Officer and currently President of Peterborough Regional College Student Union (PRCSU), I have had to face up to and overcome some of the many challenges that majority of FE Student Unions face. One of the biggest and most obvious differences between HE and FE unions today is the organisation, stability and support that they receive. FE Student unions encounter such basic problems as not having ANY office space, a complete lack of money because their colleges refuse to financially support the student union. This leaves student unions unable to deliver for their students a strong union, which can’t effectively represent its students. Liberation in FE I am a passionate supporter of equality for all and believe that everyone should have the same basic opportunities to succeed in life. As equal opportunities officer of PRCSU I promoted the Liberation campaigns and worked on setting up forums for LGBT Disabled and female students (alongside the Union Women's officer) . My experience of setting up an LGBT committee in my college has shown me that committees and forums of this type when being created often face incredible animosity from colleges and the student body. This is wrong, and NUS has a duty to protect its members from this type of discrimination and conflict. If elected to the block: !" I will work with SU’s to lobby their colleges’ to properly support liberation committees, to help overcome the animosity and discrimination that I know many SU’s face from SMT when setting up liberation committees. !" I will work with NUS’ Liberation officers to help support them to build campaigns that are accessible, and relevant to ALL unions. !" I will work with FE Unions to build effective liberation committees, to ensure that regardless or our size, or bank balance, liberation is at the heart of everything we do in our unions

Fraser was a committed liberation officer in his students union, and he understands the importance of strong liberation campaigns in FE unions. I know he will bring this to the block and support the liberation campaigns in our work in FE. I'm supporting him 100% Lucy Brookes NUS LGBT Officer (Women's Place)

Fraser has been an outstanding officer within PRCSU, and throughout his time with us he has worked to include all HE students in the activities of the student union. He has campaigned tirelessly for reforms to our structures to get HE students fairer representation in our union. I believe strongly that Fraser will carry on with these ideals as a block of 15 officer and I am supporting him all the way. Ben Piper, Vice President (Higher Education) Peterborough Regional College Student Union

If you would like some more information or would like this leaflet in a different format please contact me on fraser4block@live.co.uk or alternatively message me on Facebook.

BETTER SUPPORT FOR SMALL, SPECALIST AND FE UNIONS. As the non sabbatical President of a small and underfunded student union, I have experienced the same challenges that so many of you face in representing students effectively with little time, and little resources. I believe that NUS needs to support these unions and as a block of 15 officer I will provide valuable experience to the VP Union Development and the rest of the NEC on facing challenges that YOU as union officers in Small, Specialist and FE unions face every day. Most of the resources and campaigning material that NUS releases is created with big HE unions in mind, and this isn’t really surprising when most of the NEC are from a HE background. The little that is available to small, specialist and FE unions is out-dated, hard to find and usually buried somewhere on Officer Online. If elected to the block: !" I will visit small, specialist and FE unions and help you, to set up student activities and events, manage limited resources and help you to develop positive links with your college and local community. !" I will work with Zone Convenors to ensure that resources that are released are relevant to ALL the membership, and not just HE’s that have a hundred thousand pound turn over. !" I will create a resource guide on “How to effectively campaign on a shoe-string ” !" I will work with small, specialist and FE unions to lobby their college management and corporation board for more resources and better support. HE in FE The issue of HE in FE is still a struggle for many unions. Nobody seems to know where these students fall into our representational structures. Are they part of the FE union? Does that make the FE union a FE/HE union? There still seems to be no definitive answer. We need to stop letting these students get short changed of the services and support that they deserve from their union. As President of PRCSU I have represented the views, opinions and needs of franchised students to the college management and corporation board. I created a Vice President Higher Education position, and then worked with the elected post holder to set up HE forums, social events and societies that ensured that our HE students got maximum support from their union. I have developed links with the our local university to make sure that our franchised students have better recreational facilities, better access to course materials and resources, and better representation from both unions. If elected to the block; !" With the VPHE, AND VPFE, I will create a “HE in FE” working group, which will explore the representational issues and how to best deliver for these students !" I will work with the VPHE and VPFE to create a workshop at the FE Zone Conference, and HE Zone Conference on “How to represent your Franchised Students” !" I will set up a regional network for franchised students and their student unions to support them in their studies and provide experience on what it is like to be a franchised student. !" I will work with unions to develop a template memorandum of understanding for FE and HE unions to use, to ensure effective partnership when delivering for franchised students FAIR PAY FAIR PRICE Many institutions have private contracts with external companies such as such as Scolarest & Aramark which often means poor quality products for high prices and no opportunity for students to influence what is being sold. Aside from that these companies are squeezing students union out of the commercial market, and are hijacking services that they have run on their campuses. Because of this, students are being ripped off by unfair prices, poor value for money and uncompetitive commercial services on their campuses and in their institutions. In the NUS True costs of college report 2008 it states that more than a third of all FE students contemplate dropping out of college because of the cost. This cost is not helped by greedy, immoral companies trying to squeeze more and more money out of students, and NUS has a duty to defend its members. A complete review of the way that commercial services to students are run in our institutions is long overdue and desperately needed. If you elect me to the block; !" I will work with the VP Welfare to undertake a complete review of the commercial services industries on our campuses , looking to name and shame the worst institutions and companies, and document best practise !" I will compile a brief on how to negotiate with companies, and your institution on better deals for your students, and how to get the most out of contract renewals. !" I will make sure that this brief is accessible fro ALL types of unions, from small FE unions that don’t have much influence on their commercial services to the big HE unions that up until recently ran the commercial services available on their campuses.

ROB OWEN for President A

s a member of the NEC I have given a voice to student activists in the NUS – from helping to pull together activists campaigning for free education to building the protests against the slaughter in Gaza. The opportunities I have had as an NEC member to build resistance have shown me what the NUS could become if it elected a radical executive committed to student activism.

Free Education NUS’s position on education funding is a disgrace. Not only does it sell out the fight for free education but it fails activists looking to fight against cut backs. We need NUS to lay out a vision of education that links up the various student campaigns and unites us with the resistance to the impact of the recession. Most student activists are willing to join an exciting education campaign. With major cutbacks in many universities, we cannot delay building a network to defend our education.

Break the Siege of Gaza The biggest disgrace of the year has been NUS’s stance over Gaza. While I have been helping coordinate and build solidarity with student occupations, NUS has been either silent or hostile to students’ activism. The NEC refused to recognise the numbers of Palestinian dead because the issue was too “complicated”. While so many are suffering a humanitarian catastrophe our union’s position is horrific. We urgently need to address the fact that our structures are so out of touch with student opinion that this can happen. Unfortunately the new constitution makes this task more difficult.

Democracy After we defeated the governance review at conference last year it has been pushed through the back door. While the changes make it more difficult for activists to use the NUS, a mass movement could still win back our union. With activists at its head NUS could break out of its bubble and help rebuild our movement.

ANOTHER UNION IS POSSIBLE Anti-war, Free Palestine

Pic: SOAS occupation. By Clare Solomon

DOM PASSFIELD FOR THE BLOCK OF 15 For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Dom Passfield, the President at UWE Students’ Union in Bristol. For all the right reasons I am so proud to be able to say I am standing as a true Independent candidate at this year’s annual conference for the NUS Block of 15 elected national student representatives. This manifesto is just one of the ways I am planning on getting my message, commitments and plans out there to YOU, elected student representatives across the country. I believe in our National Union, I believe in student representation and I WILL BE A STUDENT while on the block of 15. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ME, MY IDEAS, MY ELECTION OR JUST WANT A CHAT -TALK TO ME STUDENTS! MY MESSAGE IS SIMPLE: Focused, clear and dedicated representation, prioritised by no-one-else but students, the members of our National Union. For a long time I thought the problems of our National-Union were down to flaws with grass-route Students’ Unions. But I was so wrong. As an NUS ‘national councillor’, NUS ‘national executive committee observer’, NUS ‘national student survey ambassador’ and ‘hardcore activist’, I have seen fundamental issues with NUS and I know where I will focus my work if elected onto the block. WE MUST …

WE MUST ALSO…

-stop the NUS focus on University students (H.E) over college students (F.E)-address dis-engaged students. -address the disgraceful under-representation of post-graduate students -have a block of NUS representatives who visit Unions. -ask the question and tackle the perception of who students are, consumers or customers or neither? -ask the question ‘what is higher-education there to do?’ Expand the mind? Feed the employment market? Skill our workforce? -help the extremes of ‘student-rep-systems’ across the country work together and ask -help Unions better understand the QAA, NSS (and review NSS questions). -address the current disastrous economic climate and the effect this has on student graduate market. -help develop the most potentially influential student voice in University’s, student governors.

-support overworked sabbaticals. -not have an NUS ‘in crowd’ -remove the complex language we use. -refocus the erratic nature of our campaigning. -support student-unions selling the opportunities of NUS. -train NUS elected delegates, -address WHO our NUS delegates are.

Most importantly in all of this, is my personal guarantee, that in all the work I do whilst on the block, all meetings I attend, all the activism I undertake, all the votes I cast will be in the interest of STUDENTS and no-one else. I’m campaigning based on my Presidency at UWE. I have a record of achievement at UWE, and for too long I have been modest about it, but over my two years a President I have consistently achieved positive changes for students. My extended manifesto and loads more information is available on my facebook page ‘nus: vote dom to top the block’ Solidarity-forever students. D:o)m

IT’S TIME TO VOTE FOR DOM!

Change is coming

The current political climate demands from the NUS an approach that does not rely on conventional partisan doctrine alone. As we see at every turn markers of a wider global economic crisis engulfing us, we need to be the touchstone for our members and not those who bankrolled us into office. I want the NUS representing students, and acting on behalf of them, not preaching from the rafters. I've had enough of seeing hundreds and thousands of unrepresented students look at the NUS with contempt, for being out of touch on so many levels. I have had enough, and in talking to so many of you, it seems that I am not alone. Now is the time for unity and for us to look at ourselves and ask why we have lost our way? Let us return to the idea of representation at grass roots level. Let us return to a culture of co-operation and understanding, where we can take account of the genuine needs of students and what we as a national body should be doing to represent those who need us most. Let us stand in the way of soaring levels of debt that only serve to push students further and further down below the poverty line. Let us become a National Union of Students once again: a National Union of Students who cherishes the limitless ambition and unbridled potential of its members at all levels. A National Union of Students that will no longer exchange its principles in favour of political leverage and pease meal concessions that fail to address the questions being asked of us. We must consign the worn out and tired political dogmas and empty rhetoric of the past that has plagued our agenda squarely into touch once and for all. They are no longer what we need. They are no longer what we want. They are no longer fit for purpose. I challenge those elsewhere, who proclaim victories where none truly lie, who cite success where none truly exists & who point towards an all inclusive and engaging agenda, to simply do one thing. Prove it.

• •

•

If you are going to mobilise students in greater numbers than ever before, prove it. If you are going to fight for NUS representation on the 2009 review group to ensure that students’ voices aren’t marginalized, prove it. If you’re going to submit alternative proposals to the current elitist, market-driven funding system, prove it. If you are going to support students in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland because each funding debate affects the whole of the UK then I am challenging you to simply do one thing.

And that is to prove it.

And now as we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those who came together 87 years ago, to forge something new, a National Union of Students charged with representing the interests of its members in the face of ever-changing times. They have something to tell us, and we must listen if we are to learn. They are guardians of our liberty and the architects of the record of which we stand so proud, but because they embody the spirit of service that has deserted us; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves: not to be defined by the party machinery behind them, or the agenda which bankrolled them into office. But to embrace the honour of being charged with the representation of your peers on a national level. We must seek out this spirit again. We must seek it out and grasp it, for only then will we be truly prepared for the next stage of the fight that awaits us all. For as much as the NUS and the NEC can and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the members upon which this National Union of Students relies. It is the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie to unite in a common bond and join together in common cause, the selflessness of volunteers who give of themselves freely to make the banners and design the posters, to hand out the flyers in all manner of conditions, but also a student's willingness to run for a Sabbatical Officer position, that finally decides our fate. People are cynical about politics and distrustful of political promises, students’ more so. That is hardly surprising. We have taken the agenda of the popular political consensus as far as we can, as it can no longer serve us in the way it once did. The consensus that drives us must change. I am not asking you to choose change. I am asking you to embody the change. Be the change that makes the difference. Pass it on. Vote Dee Patel for NUS National President.

YOUR CHOICE FOR BLOCK

JOHN PEART

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INDEPENDENT

FE CANDIDATE

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EQUAL JOB.

EQUAL PAY.

“The National Minimum Wage is a great concept but it has major flaws that are letting down you and your students.”

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£20K?

NO WAY!

“The suggestion that top-up fees could potentially rise to £20,000 a year is yet another sign of the increasing marketization of our education system.”

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RAISE THE AGE.

RAISE THE

STANDARD.

“The change in leaving age to 18 poses new issues. NUS must help shape the future of post 16 provision to make FE relevant and possible.”

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Aaron Porter for Vice-President (Higher Education)

“

I am re-standing for Vice-President (Higher Education) based on my record of delivery this year, my absolute commitment to winning a fairer funding system, an NUS that becomes relevant to students, supporting and prioritising academic representation in Student Unions and an NUS which truly represents the diversity of its membership.

”

“Aaron has been relentless in his work this year. Committed, relevant and thoughtful, he has been an exceptional VP HE and a superb advocate for NUS across the UK. ” Gurjit Singh — President NUS Scotland Winning on Higher Education Funding We are now in the year that will see the start of the Review into Higher Education Funding, NUS must give this the priority to ensure that we are in a position to win. The publication of ‘Broke & Broken’ has started to move the terms of the debate, we have conducted a consultation with students to provide the foundation for an alternative, delivered and support action in Student Unions up and down the UK, but now our focus must be on mobilizing our membership in HE and FE, and engaging society to win public support.

! ! ! ! ! !

Ensure that the NUS alternative model is placed at the centre of the national debate. Give equal consideration to both part-time and full-time students throughout the review. Work to deliver a national bursary scheme which will ensure fairer support for all students across the board. Lobby for NUS representation on the Independent Review body itself. Build toward a National Demonstration before any vote in Parliament. Support the continued development of the Activist Academy model within NUS and SUs

MY RECORD: Student representation on QAA audit and review teams after a 4 year debate. First ever NUS Course Rep Conference, launched the Course Rep hub to support academic representation in Student Unions and now committed to further engagement with student reps. Published the ‘Principals of Good Feedback’ and an ‘Assessment Briefing’ to support SUs working on key academic issues as reflected by the National Student Survey and Postgraduate research from the HEA. Launch and distribution of ’Broke & Broken’ a critique of the current HE funding system, fringe events at every major party conference, consultation to support an alternative model, National Day of Action (Nov 2008), National Lobby of Parliament (March 2009), supported SUs throughout the year. Oversaw NUS’ most detailed research ever into the Student Experience looking at a range of critical areas including Student Finance & Debt, Contact Hours, Assessment & Feedback, Student Employment. Worked with and supported SU mission groups, including the newly formed Arts Group and Million+ group to address the specific concerns of these students. Organised NUS’ first ever Higher Education conference which included sessions on part-time students, postgraduates, The National Student Survey, the Burgess agenda and European students mobility.

Access Based on Ability, Not the Ability to Pay Access into HE should be based on ability, but prospective students deserve a more effective system to navigate the current Information, Advice and Guidance. I will take the lead in drawing up comprehensive sector-wide plans to solve this once and for all.

Representative & Relevant—NUS for ALL Students

For too long, NUS has focused on 18-21, full-time, home undergraduate, campus based students. My campaign will ensure that part-time students (40% of HE), PGT and PGR, distance learners and franchise students, HE in FE, International students and those with caring responsibilities are given the focus they deserve. Higher Education is changing, I am committed to ensuring that a new culture within NUS is replicated and delivered to make a tangible difference to every student in the UK. !

! ! !

If adopted by Conference, delivery of a refreshed and significantly enhanced Postgraduate representation including a new NUS Postgraduate Conference and committee, and dedicated research into the Postgraduate experience to inform our campaigns. Specific work on how to support and improve Part-Time student representation within SUs. Work with SUs to examine and improve the experience for HE students in FE, including developing links between HE & FE networks. Continued work around the internationalisation of SUs, and closer with the International Students’ Campaign and officer.

MY EXPERIENCE: 2008/09: Vice-President (Higher Education), NUS 2007/08: Academic Affairs Officer, University of Leicester Students’ Union Chair, Unions94 (SUs of the 1994 Group) Deputy Chair (Communication), NUSSL Aegis Students, National Executive Committee 2006/07: Vice President (Finance & Services), ULSU NUS National Council (HE - East Midlands Rep) NUS Ethical & Environment Committee 2003-2006: Course Rep, BA English at the Univ. of Leic. Newspaper editor, ‘The Ripple’, ULSU. Union Council, ULSU.

If you would like this manifesto in another format please contact me on aaron_palacefan@hotmail.com or see my Facebook group: ‘Re-Elect Aaron Porter for Vice-President (Higher Education)’

“Aaron has ensured that the HE campaign has reached out to the diversity of our membership. His knowledge and dedication means he is the best person for the job” Wes Streeting NUS National President

Quality Academic Provision across the UK The day to day issues that affect students needs to be a greater priority for NUS; the quantity and quality of contact hours, better feedback, relevant assessment, access to childcare facilities, flexible timetables which keep Wednesday afternoon free and an awareness of religious festivals in the University calendar. ! Transpose existing good practice in the delivery of feedback for Distance Learners to campus-based students, and continued work on the National Feedback Amnesty. ! A project to look at the provision of Personal Tutors, and demand a national minimum standard. ! Further work on quality of teaching, also the extent of postgraduates asked to teach and access to training and development.

WES STREETING

FOR NATIONAL PRESIDENT Last year, you put your trust in me to lead our movement and reform our National Union to make it a respected, influential and powerful campaigning organisation for students. In my first 6 months, I have taken the NUS reform bull by the horns, genuinely listening to what you, the membership, had to say. Together, we have made the changes necessary to build a National Union that is truly member-led and has policies and priorities that make it relevant to the millions of students we are here to represent. Together, we now have an incredible opportunity to realise the campaigning potential of our movement to transform the lives of students. The challenges ahead are immense. This year will see the start of the Government’s review of top-up fees, which some want to use as an excuse to plunge students into even greater debt and further the marketisation of our education system. We face a recession that is likely to hit students and their families, while grants are being cut and thousands of “WES HAS ALWAYS GONE OUT OF HIS WAY TO WORK WITH THE FURTHER EDUCATION UNIONS THAT ARE BECOMING SUCH A BIG PART OF NUS. HE IS THE CANDIDATE WHO WILL LISTEN TO ALL MEMBERS,THAT’S WHY I’M VOTING WES FOR PRES.” Fraser Nesbitt, Peterborough Regional College

students in Further Education are still without their EMA payments. We also face the prospect of a General Election, in which the outcome is by no means certain and the fascist BNP hope to gain a greater foothold on our campuses and in our communities. It is time to demonstrate a new relevance to students and mobilise our members in greater numbers than ever before. I am re-standing for National President to be the campaigner-inchief who unites, fights and wins for students because I listen, lead and get the job done.

FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF NUS Changing our constitution is not enough. We must create a new culture inside NUS. I want to build an NUS that students can be proud of and feel part of. That’s why I will make creating an NUS presence in colleges and on campuses a priority: more engagement with student media, more leaders developed through our activists academies and relevant campaigns designed and delivered by you – with NUS’ support. Change must come from below. Locally and nationally, our movement is expected to deliver more outcomes with fewer resources, generate greater involvement amongst students who are working longer hours than ever before and act as a representative voice for an increasingly diverse student population. Students’ unions are about bringing the student body together, making student life easier, but fundamentally about changing students’ lives. I will lead an NUS that supports students’ unions to do just that – and inspires leadership from below.

I WILL… t Get more NEC members on hand when you need us – attending your freshers’ fairs, supporting your campaigns and promoting your union in the student media t Utilise new media technologies to generate more involvement, direct action and activism and a real interactivity that makes students feel that they ARE NUS t Get more students than ever before through our Activists Academy “WES’ COMMITMENT AND PASSION FOR DEFENDING STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND PROMOTING THE CHANGE OUR MEMBERS NEED MAKE HIM THE ONLY CANDIDATE TO LEAD US THROUGH THIS HIGHLY IMPORTANT PERIOD. ” Rachael Brannan, NE, Yorks and Humber Area Convenor and VP Welfare & Equality, Northumbria University

WINNING A FAIRER FUNDING SYSTEM The top-up fees system has been a failure: students are saddled with record levels of debt, the student support system is failing through complexity and inequality and students are seeing precious few improvements to the quality of their education. As the world learns the lessons of building an economy based on borrowing, we most expose the huge flaws of building an education system that’s dependant on debt. This year we have hit the headlines with our analysis of the ‘broke and broken’ funding system, coordinating successful national action in every part of the UK. Now we need to bring the system down.

I WILL… t Mobilise students in greater numbers than ever before, coordinating mass regional action and building for a National Demonstration t Fight for NUS representation on the 2009 review group to ensure that students’ voices aren’t marginalised t Submit alternative proposals to the current elitist, market-driven funding system t Campaign to end the lottery in student support and win a National Bursary Scheme t Demand an end to up-front fees for part-time students and a fairer system of student support t Call for a full review of postgraduate funding and support and international student fees t Support students in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland because each funding debate affects the whole of the UK

EDUCATION NOT UNEMPLOYMENT The onset of recession is likely to hit students hard. As family budgets suffer, so will students’ pockets. As job losses continue to mount, student jobs may become scarcer. As large employers cut back on recruitment, graduate jobs will come under threat. This climate demands a response from government that sees more educational opportunities, not less: wider participation in HE, high quality apprenticeships that are widely available and a new adult education strategy to support ‘return to learners’ looking to re-skill. There must be no return to the unemployment of the 80’s and 90’s.

I WILL… t Promote policies that widen opportunities for study: an extension of level 3 entitlements to adult learners and a reversal of the ill-conceived withdrawal of funding for ELQ students t Work with the TUC to push for further apprenticeship opportunities t Press government, universities and colleges for emergency student support to aid those in dire straits

STUDENTS SHAPING SOCIETY I believe that the student movement has a critical role to play in shaping a fairer, more progressive society. We do not live in a vacuum: we are workers on an unequal and inadequate minimum wage, victims of dodgy landlords and unfair HMO quotas, patients who need access to free and accessible healthcare and voters with the power to change the course of elections – if only we bothered to vote. With a General Election on the horizon, I will get students registered and voting in greater numbers than ever before. I will lead an active anti-racist movement, that challenges discrimination on campuses and in our communities and fights to stop the dangerous politics of hate espoused by the BNP.

I WILL… t Lead a massive campaign to mobilise the student vote in the General Election, publish a student manifesto and organise debates up and down the country t Campaign against the fascist BNP and ensure that every student vote is an anti-fascist vote t Continue to campaign against HMO quotas and anti-student housing initiatives t Continue to fight for votes at 16, an equal national minimum wage for all and a minimum wage for young apprentices

I have tried to follow the guidelines for accessible campaigning in this manifesto, but if you would like it in a different format, please get in touch. t. 07738 477 353 e. wes@wes4pres.org.uk I am standing as a Labour Students candidate in this election - as I have always done in NUS - because I believe candidates should be honest about their politics so that you can better hold us to account. My record shows that whenever this government has attacked students’ interests, I have led our movement in fighting back. With your support, I will continue to do that.

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Vote for Natalie Tremlett National Executive Council Block of 15

ĞǀĞůŽƉŝŶŐ ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͛ hŶŝŽŶƐ & ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ŵĂŬĞ ƵƉ ƚŚĞ ŵĂũŽƌŝƚǇ ŽĨ Eh^͕ ǇĞƚ ƵŶƚŝů ŶŽǁ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞĚ Ă ŵŝŶŽƌŝƚǇ ŽĨ E ͛Ɛ ƚŝŵĞ͘ EŽǁ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ƚŝŵĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŽ ĐŚĂŶŐĞͶ& ůĞĂĚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ , ůĞĂĚĞƌƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͕ ƚŚĞǇ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ďĞ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĞĚ͘ dŽƉŝĐƐ ůŝŬĞ , ĨƵŶĚŝŶŐ ĚĞďĂƚĞ ĂƌĞ ƐŽ ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ƚŽ & ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁĂŶƚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ ƚŽ , ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞǇ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶƐ tŝƚŚ ŵĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďůŽĐŬ͕ Eh^ ǁŝůů͗ • tŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ sW & Θ & ƵŶŝŽŶƐ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ >ĞĂƌŶĞƌ /ŶǀŽůǀĞŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ĂƌĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͕ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƵŶŝŽŶƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ũƵƐƚ Ă ƚŝĐŬ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚ • /ŵƉƌŽǀĞ ĂŶĚ ĞǆƚĞŶĚ Eh^͛ & ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐ ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞ ŚĞůƉ ŽŶ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ůŝŬĞ ďůŽĐŬ ŐƌĂŶƚ ƐƵďŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ ĞĂƐŝůǇ ĂĐĐĞƐƐŝďůĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ

“Nat has engaged nationally and delivered locally. We need someone like Nat on the Block, changing her Union for the better and focusing on the needs of students”

ĞƚŚ tĂůŬĞƌ͕ sW &ƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ

/ŶǀŽůǀŝŶŐ͕ ŶŐĂŐŝŶŐ͕ /ŶƐƉŝƌŝŶŐ Ɛ Ă ƵŶŝŽŶ ŽĨ ŽǀĞƌ ϳ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͕ ĞǀĞƌǇ ƐŝŶŐůĞ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƵƐ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƐŽĐŝĞƚǇ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ĚŝĨĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ ƚŽ ĞĚƵͲ ĐĂƚŝŽŶ͘ tĞ ŵƵƐƚ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞ͕ ĞŶŐĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͕ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ŝƚ ďĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶƐ͕ ƐŽĐŝĞƚŝĞƐ Žƌ ĞůĞĐƚŝŽŶƐ͘ tŝƚŚ ŵĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďůŽĐŬ͕ Eh^ ǁŝůů͗ • ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ Eh^͕ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚŝŶŐ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͕ ƌĞĚƵĐŝŶŐ ũĂƌŐŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĐƌĞĂƚŝŶŐ Ă ďĂĐŬ ƚŽ ďĂƐŝĐƐ ͚tŚĂƚ ŝƐ Eh^͍͛ ŐƵŝĚĞ ĨŽƌ &ƌĞƐŚĞƌƐ • ,ĞůƉ ĞŶŐĂŐĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƵŶŝŽŶƐ ďǇ ĐƌĞĂƚŝŶŐ ĞůĞĐƚŝŽŶ ƉƌŽŵŽƚŝŽŶ ƉĂĐŬƐ

6XSSRUWLQJ HYHU\ VWXGHQW &Žƌ ƚŽŽ ůŽŶŐ͕ , ŝŶ & ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞĚ ŝŶ E ŵĂŶŝĨĞƐƚŽƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ ƐǁŝĨƚůǇ ŝŐŶŽƌĞĚ͘ / ǁŝůů ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƚŚŝƐ Ͳ ŐŝǀŝŶŐ , ŝŶ & ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŚĞ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ͕ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƚŚĞǇ ĚĞƐĞƌǀĞ͕ ĂŶĚ /͛ůů ĞŶƐƵƌĞ Eh^ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ ƚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ǇŽƵ ŽŶ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ĚŽ ƚŚŝƐ͘ tŝƚŚ ŵĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďůŽĐŬ͕ Eh^ ǁŝůů͗ • ƌĞĂƚĞ Ă ŵŽĚĞů ŵĞŵŽƌĂŶĚƵŵ ŽĨ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ , ĂŶĚ & ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉƐ • tŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ĐŽůůĞŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƵŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚŝĞƐ͕ ƚŽ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚƐ ŽŶ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ

&ŝŶĚ ŵĞ ŽŶ &ĂĐĞďŽŽŬ Ͳ :ŽŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽƵƉ ͚EĂƚ ĨŽƌ Eh^͊͛ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů ůŝƐƚ ŽĨ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞƌƐ͘ ŶĚ ũŽŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶ Ăƚ ŶŶƵĂů ŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ͊

ǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ϮϬϬϴͬϵ Ͳ ^ĂďďĂƚŝĐĂů WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ Ăƚ ǆĞƚĞƌ ŽůůĞŐĞ ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚƐΖ hŶŝŽŶ͕ ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŽƌ͖ Eh^ ^ŽƵƚŚ tĞƐƚ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů ŽƵŶĐŝůůŽƌ ϮϬϬϳͬϴ Ͳ ƋƵĂů KƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ tĞůĨĂƌĞ KĨĨŝĐĞƌ Ăƚ ǆĞƚĞƌ ŽůůĞŐĞ ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚƐΖ hŶŝŽŶ

ĐŚŝĞǀĞĚ ,ĞůƉĞĚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŽŽŬ ƉĂƌƚ ŝŶ Ă ŝƚŝǌĞŶϭϲ ƌĂůůǇ ŝŶ ǆĞƚĞƌ WƌŽŵŽƚĞĚ ŝƚŝǌĞŶϭϲ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶ͕ ŐĂƚŚĞƌŝŶŐ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ĚĂƚĂ ĨƌŽŵ ŽǀĞƌ ϮϬϬ ƉĞŽƉůĞ͘ • ,ĞůƉĞĚ ƚŽ ƌĂŝƐĞ ŽǀĞƌ άϭϲ͕ϬϬϬ ĨŽƌ ĐŚĂƌŝƚǇ • >ĞĚ Ă ĨƵůů ĞǆĞĐƵƚŝǀĞ ĐŽŵŵŝƚƚĞĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ăůů ƉŽƐŝƚŝŽŶƐ ĨŝůůĞĚ • ZĂŶ ƚǁŽ ŶƚŝͲ ƵůůǇŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĂŶ >' d ďĂůůŽŽŶ ƌĞͲ ůĞĂƐĞ͕ <ŝĐŬ ZĂĐŝƐŵ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ &ŽŽƚͲ ďĂůů ƚŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ • /ŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĞůĞĐƚŝŽŶ ƚƵƌŶŽƵƚ ƚŽ ŶĞĂƌůǇ ϭϬй Ͳ ϯƌĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ & ƚƵƌŶŽƵƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƵŶƚƌǇ͘ • tŽƌŬĞĚ ůŽĐĂů hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚŝĞƐ ŽŶ , ŝŶ & •

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ŵĞ͊ ŶĂƚĂůŝĞƚƌĞŵůĞƚƚ ΛĞǆĞͲĐŽůů͘ĂĐ͘ƵŬ

/ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƉĂƐƐŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƐŵ͕ ĨŽƌ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘ dŚƌĞĞ ǇĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ ŵǇ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ ŚĂƐ ƐŚŽǁŶ ŵĞ ǁŚĞƌĞ Eh^ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ŵŽƌĞ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝǀĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚŽǁ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ƵƐĞ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ ůŽĐŬ ŽĨ ϭϱ ƚŽ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ďĞƚƚĞƌ͘ / ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ƵƐĞ ŵǇ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͕ ĚĞĚŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƚŚƵƐŝĂƐŵ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞ ĨŝƌƐƚ ǇĞĂƌ ŽĨ & Ͳ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞĚ ƉůĂĐĞƐ ƐĞƚƐ Ă ƉƌĞĐĞĚĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ǇĞĂƌƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŵĞ͊ /ƚ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ĞǆĐŝƚŝŶŐ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ sŽƚĞƐ Ăƚ ϭϲ͕ ĂŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů DŝŶŝŵƵŵ tĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ Ă ƵŶŝǀĞƌƐĂů͕ ĨƌĞĞ͕ ůĞǀĞů ϯ ƋƵĂůŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ Ăůů͘ / ŚĂǀĞ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ / ǁŝůů ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ŽƵƌ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŽ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ǁĞ Ăůů ĐĂƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ͕ ĂŶĚ /͛ůů ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ǇŽƵƌ ǀŽŝĐĞ ŝƐ ŚĞĂƌĚ ůŽƵĚ ĂŶĚ ĐůĞĂƌ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ E ͘

:ŽŝŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĚŽƚƐ ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͛ ƵŶŝŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ƌƵŶŶŝŶŐ ĨĂŶƚĂƐƚŝĐ ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶƐ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůůǇ͕ ďƵƚ Eh^ ĂƌĞ ƐƚƌƵŐŐůŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ǇŽƵ ĞĨĨĞĐƚŝǀĞůǇ͘ / ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ƚŚĞ ůŝŶŬ ƚŚĂƚ ŚĞůƉƐ ƵŶŝŽŶƐ ǁŽƌŬ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ͕ ƵŶŝƚŝŶŐ , ĂŶĚ & ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŐŝŽŶƐ͘ tŝƚŚ ŵĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďůŽĐŬ͕ Eh^ ǁŝůů͗ • ƌĞĂƚĞ ĂŶ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ͚ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶ ĐĂůĞŶĚĂƌ͕͛ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚ ƵŶŝŽŶƐ ĐĂŶ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƚĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉůĂŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŝĚĞĂƐ͘ • ƐƚĂďůŝƐŚ ĂŶ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞ ƉŽƌƚĂů͕ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ ďĞƐƚ ƉƌĂĐƚŝƐĞ

TOBIN WEBB #1 FOR BLOCK OF 15 “Uniting To Fight, Fighting To Win”

Reforming our national union has given us new opportunities to become a stronger campaigning union, inspiring members and winning for students. Now is the time to move on and grasp these opportunities, ensuring that NUS fights for each and every one “FROM FIGHTING FEES AND CAMPAIGNING FOR FAIRER of its six million students. My record ACCESS THROUGH TO TAKING ON HIS LOCAL AUTHORITY of delivering for students over two AGAINST RESTRICTIVE QUOTAS ON STUDENT HOUSING,TOBIN terms as President of a large union HAS BEEN A CAMPAIGNING FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. ALL THIS WHILE TURNING AROUND HIS OWN UNION! HIS IS THE shows that I have the experience to help meet this challenge. Let’s get on KIND OF ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM AND EXPERIENCE WE NEED IN with the task; together we can build a NUS,WHICH IS WHY HE’S GOT MY NUMBER 1 VOTE!” Wes Streeting, NUS National President stronger, better, fighting union.

MY RECORD 07–09

08–09

2008

President University of Bristol Students Union - Secured my union’s independence from an aggressive university management seeking control - Held a widespread review then implemented a reform process to transform our union - Delivered an overhaul of our student reps system delivering real representation, securing £30,000 in funding to improve the system - Transformed a dormant union into a campaigning one – leading mass campaigns for 24 hour libraries, anonymous marking and fighting fees Chair Aldwych Group - Represented student unionists from Russell Group universities, taking the fight to our Vice Chancellors who argue for a fully free market in higher education - Been an effective link for officers sharing the same challenges, working collectively to build strong unions and campaigns - Lobbied ministers on a range of issues, from widening access to students in the community issues and the unfair bursary system NUS Student Unionist of the Year - Not quite the X Factor, but nearly… - Recognition for a series of campaigns in Bristol, where I stood up to my University and demanded a better deal for students

FOR A UNION THAT LISTENS As a sabbatical I have had to learn how to deal with a university that wants to take over; how to deal with union staff working against you; how to make tough budgetary decisions when your union is losing money. Most of all I have learnt how important it is to bring your members with you when making the big changes necessary for a sustainable union. I know how invaluable it was to have support from NUS when times got really tough, and I want to make sure that every member can access that support. But this is a two-way process; NUS must also listen to sabbaticals from around the country so that we can tailor support and share best practice.

I WILL… - Be available to visit unions, supporting our officers and helping NUS develop effective training in leadership and governance - Listen to our members’ experience; helping you to guide our actions. You should be telling your NEC what you want, not the other way around - Build networks of union officers to support each other and share their experiences. Our collective knowledge can be pooled to provide us all with the skills to lead our unions effectively and successfully

FOR A UNITED FIGHT AGAINST FEES 2009 is here, and the review of higher education funding is in sight. This is a fight that’s more important than ever before. A fair and accessible HE funding system must not become a pipe dream; Higher Education is a public good and a fundamental right, not a commodity that is to be bought and sold. But the fight against fees is not just one to be heard in conferences and the halls of Westminster, we need to ensure the principles we are fighting for are echoed across every campus in the UK. Last time, our march on London was two million strong, but it was not enough. This time we need to be LOUDER, STRONGER and even more UNITED if we are to prevent the full blown marketisation of education. This means engaging every single student on every single campus, uniting to fight, and fighting to win.

I WILL… - Empower our activists with the tools and skills to fight for a fairer funding system. From holding debates to putting local MPs under pressure, we can take our arguments to the public and unite to win this vital battle. - Help our unions to organise together. I will help develop the work of campaign groups such as Million+, Unions94 and Aldwych and help unions organise together regionally to put pressure on the organisations at the forefront of the call for increased fees - Support our officers in building strong education campaigns on the ground, from 24hr libraries to supporting their students in partner FE colleges

FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND COHESION Next to fees, the biggest challenge facing the student movement is combating the destructive work done by the National HMO Lobby. For too long they have successfully used the media to stereotype students. It is not too late to fight back, it is time to set the record straight. Students are equal citizens and have the right to choose where to live just like any other member of society; we cannot allow the government to introduce discriminatory legislation that will see students segregated and zoned within our cities. We know this will disproportionately affect poorer students, and we must fight to prevent such blatant discrimination from taking place. I have fought hard in Bristol against these plans, leading campaigns that have motivated both students and the wider community, and I believe if we work together we can win. But we need to make the arguments on a national level, showing Government that the ghettoisation of students is unacceptable.

I WILL… - Take my fight against the HMO lobby to a national level and become not just a committed local campaigner on this issue, but a national one - Champion the work that students do in the community and break down stereotypes; showing that as students we are valuable members of society like everyone else - Work within the Welfare Campaign to lobby government - counter-acting the proposals of the National HMO Lobby and work with Unions to build relationships with their local Councils and develop community engagement strategies

“TO SAY THAT TOBIN HAS SAVED OUR UNION IS NO EXAGGERATION.WHEN WE WERE ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE AND TAKEOVER, HE REALLY STEPPED UP, LED THE FIGHT BACK AND WON. HE’S NOT ONE OF THE BIG EGOS, HE’S HARDWORKING, CONSCIENTIOUS AND ACTUALLY LISTENS TO WHAT PEOPLE THINK.THAT’S WHY HE DESERVES YOUR VOTE!” Rebecca Gordge, Treasurer, University of Bristol Union and NUSSL Board Member

I have tried to ensure that this manifesto is fully accessible, but if you would like it in another format please just let me know t. 07792 444 238 e. ubu-president@bristol.ac.uk I am standing openly as a Labour Student in this election. I have always been proud to fight for my values both within my political party and outside of it, but I have never been afraid to challenge government policies, from top up fees to the war in Iraq. This rose on my manifesto means that my politics are open and honest, and that I can better be held to account by you.

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Ben Whittaker MY RECORD: Successfully lobbied my local PCT and health trust to get a Sexual health clinic on our campus. Implemented sexual health testing on campus getting over 500 people tested on campus, supported by a hard hitting campaign dispelling on the myths and taboo. Supported unions going through the creation of no platform policies and campaigned against the rise of fascism. Proud record of campaigning against ‘Carnage’ and ensuring that all our events in Derby put student Safety first. Created the ‘Student survival campaign’ looking at students Safety and well being. Challenged the University and won making them extend its bus services students have access to transport for late night lectures. Won over £20,000 for a dedicated member of staff for Equality and Diversity within Derby University. Campaigned for my university to develop a Sexuality working group ensuring that we were challenging all of the equality strands, Delivered autonomous liberation campaigns and for the first time, they had their own budgets. Campaigned for an inclusive student union, supporting the development of ‘Union quarter’, with non alcoholic spaces Introduced a diverse range of food in union shops including Halal and Kosher food supply.

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We must ensure that we have strong welfare provisions in our institutions and our unions. Because without a strong commitment the welfare of our membership are not only restricted to accessing further and higher education. Lets wake up and campaign on the real issues affecting students, unless we campaign on the real issues facing our students we will have wasted time and will never change the lives of the students that need it the most. We will continue to fail students parents who make the difficult choices during difficult times. We fail the 70% of students that are working to see their way through their studies. And we fail those students that still believe that going to the GUM clinic to get checked is a taboo and would rather suffer in silence. I am the candidate ready to speak out, stand up and be counted, dedicated to making a difference to student lives, a candidate with a proven track record of delivering and winning for students.

“Ben has shown that he is the only candidate for Vice-President (Welfare) that can deliver. He has the skills, commitment and experience to lead the campaign and win on welfare for ALL students. That’s why he has my support.” Ama Uzowuru Vice-President (Welfare), NUS

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MY EXPERIENCE NUS National Executive committee 2008-2009 NUS BMA, Nursing, and Healthcare Rep 2008-2009 Vice President Welfare – Derby Student Union 2006-2008 Chair of Union Council – 2005-2006 Fresher Rep 2004-2006 Course Rep 2003-2006

Its not unimportant to focus on health Poor access to healthcare, postcode lottery for sexual health provision, non existent mental health support is outrageous!, a time bomb waiting to explode. Every student has the right to accessible healthcare and where the government argue otherwise, or place bureaucratic barriers in our way we must speak out and stand strong. For too long we have ignored growing issues of responsible drinking, some even settling their conscious with a poster or two in the bar and now students are being targeted as the cause of the UK drinking culture. Its time to lead from the front and show that we are willing to challenge drinking cultures in our unions Run a national lobby of local PCT’s to work with institutions & unions to develop local access/service agreement getting services in our campuses and unions. Carry out a wide ranging research project into the state of student healthcare from access to cost. Lobby the Government and DIUS to implement minimum levels of pastoral care within the sector.

Vice-President (Welfare) Study-life balance Many

are quick to generalise students as 18-21 year old binge drinking, pizza eating slackers who sleeps all day and party all night. They could not be further from the truth. Today over two thirds of students are working to support their way through their studies. They are not being paid a wage that allows them to work less, rather one that causes them to work longer hours which leads to detrimental effects on their studies and their education and their mental health. Work with trade unions to run local campaigns to protect temporary and agency workers and to deliver living wage campuses were people are paid a wage they can live rather than a poverty pay. Lobby institutions to undertake specific work on mental health, looking at minimum level of mental health provision in are institution.

Communities and housing Students are increasingly coming under attack in the communities in which they live with many attempting to ghettoise them under the guise of creating a balanced and sustainable community. We must challenge this leading on a new definition of a balanced and sustainable community, one which emphasises how economically stable an area is and if the local services fit the needs of the people that live there. The welfare campaign has started and successfully influenced the outcome of the governments review on the private rented sector. There are still many students that live in University or private provider accommodation and we can not forget them. With the introduction of the Housing Act 2004, things have got better but there is still more to do and tackling ever increasing rent prices are where we need to be looking next. Develop a star rating system within University halls and private provider accommodation which will give providers star ratings on additional services including safety and recycling. Develop a strategy with UUK and HEFCE to lobby institutions to proactively look at students in the community when developing future estate strategies Work with VP Union Development &VP FE to look at how students support the community and work to create positive images and stories that can be use to lobby.

Celebrating diversity With the expansion of higher education we have seen a massive increase in the diversity of the student population. It is not unimportant to focus on pastoral care as this is what gets students through their course from proper welfare provision to religious provision. Student parents have been left in the dark, with only lip service paid to them. This year NUS has begun to show true commitment to student parents researching into their actual needs. However producing a report is not the end. In order to really change the lives of student parents we must establish a comprehensive campaign and lobbying strategy around this research. Run a hard hitting campaign called ‘could you be me’ working on highlight in disadvantage that some of our diverse groups of students face in many of the wider aspects of higher education. Deliver an inclusive strategy to campaign and lobby on the recommendations from the student parent report finally giving this silence group a voice.

If you would like this manifesto in another format please contact me on bj_whittaker@yahoo.co.uk see my Facebook group: ‘Ben Whittaker #1 for NUS Vice President Welfare’

“I have know Ben as an Union officer and a block member, he has consistently delivered for students and is never afraid to challenge the norm. He is my only choice for Vice-President (Welfare).” David Goss, President Loughborough Students Union

Liz Williams #1 Block of

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I’ve been a student union activist for four years and believe NUS has the potential to deliver so much more for students. Education is my passion because it is fast changing, and dynamic and as students we have more opportunity than ever before to shape its future. I’m not afraid to challenge ‘the norm’ and those leading the HE sector. I’ve loved the opportunities I’ve been given to transform the lives of students at Liverpool as Deputy President and know I could carry on working hard for students nationally. It is outrageous that in 2009 some young people are still unable to access HE education because of which school they went to or where they grew up; this has to change. I want to see NUS reacting fast to the rapid changes in the HE sector and providing realistic guidance on how we as student representatives can provide the best support for students. Right now national guidance is essential on how to best support international students who will now face tougher immigration procedures through the new UKBA regulations. My ultimate aim is to see an engaged NUS that leads innovative campaigns, leading the sector a modern creative campaigning culture.

Liz

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“ Liz is a dynamo! Always full of vision and ideas. She remains loyal to those she’s elected to represent. She has worked endlessly at Liverpool Guild to ensure that she is winning for students and that the student voice is heard. I know Liz will take her experience and drive to NUS and become a real asset” Dannie Grufferty, President Liverpool Guild of Students.

Fairer Funding, Fairer Access & A Fairer System 2009/10 will be one of the most challenging periods for us as an organisation but we will be able to demonstrate our strength more than ever before. To face these challenges we need an NUS that is united, strong and adaptable. We will need as much support as possible for a strong coalition against any further increase of fees for students. We need to create and lead a coalition between students, their local communities and the rest of civil society. Education is about communities, the whole of society benefits from higher education, access should be based on ability with equal access to informed guidance. It should definitely not be based on your ability to pay. An unfair funding system should not be the reason people choose not to enter the higher education system. Students are facing greater financial burdens than ever before especially with rising living costs. I am committed to: ! Making sure NUS leads on reforms to the UCAS system so that it offers information and guidance to prospective students. ! Supporting unions to develop regional campaigning networks building a coalition of support for fairer funding. ! Ensuring NUS and student unions move beyond the campus and into the community with any future funding campaigns. Reaching out into schools, F.E Colleges and local community groups.

Active, Fairer, Inclusive & Stronger

Delivering for Postgraduates

MY RECORD:

Postgraduate students have for too long been left unheard by NUS. Whilst increasing numbers choose postgraduate study across the country; their representation has been weak. Already lumbered with an unfair funding system these students can be one the most vulnerable groups in our movement. Postgraduate research students who teach need to ensure their work is recognised professionally with appropriate training and accreditation. Postgraduate students need to be receiving the most relevant training possible, giving them diverse career options and opportunities. I am committed to: ! Gaining appropriate training for Postgraduate research teachers ! Establishing national standards for research training. ! Achieving clearer information advice and guidance for those wishing to take up a postgraduate course on all aspects including available funding.

MY EXPERIENCE LGoS Deputy President 2008/09 National Council North West Rep 2008/09 NUS Collaborations Group 2008/09 LGoS Part-Time Campaigns Officer 2007/08 LGoS Student Councillor 2006/07 Dale Hall President 2005/06 Annual Conference delegate 2007/2008

Secured funding and support from the Local UCU branch for the Broke & Broken campaign. Co-ordinated the biggest day of action for Broke & Broken in the North – uniting three unions and over 1000 signatures . Co-ordinated the sharing of campaign strategies across the North-West for the Students in the Red day of action. Co-ordinated the creation of Liverpool Guild of Students first Equality and Diversity Advisory board. Ran an accommodation cost campaign, to stop the university raising the rent by 13%. Lobbied University to provide clearer and modern timetable for students A member of the NUS Collaborations Group to create a strategy for the future of NUS. Organised first annual LGoS awards recognising students from all communities and skills achievements. Won a guaranteed review by the University looking at post graduate research training. Campaigned for the University to improve communication of bursary allowance. Launched an internationalisation strategy for our union to better represent and support students studying abroad. Lobbied the University to ensure international students are not unfairly victimized by the 10 points system.

International future of Higher Education In the fast changing sector that is higher education we need to ensure we are ready to adapt, fight and win locally, nationally and internationally for our members.

“Liz led the North-West in organising the most activists for the national day of action. Her work on education funding has been the most innovative this year” Aaron Porter, Vice-President (HE)

If you would like this manifesto in another format please contact me at ewilliams_liz14@hotmail.com or see my Facebook group: ‘For an Active, Fairer, Inclusive, Stronger NUS -Liz Williams #1 for Block’

NUS has to step up and face the challenges, from creating transparency in the new degree classification system, the effects of recession on our members and international students segregated by unfair UKBA legislation. Students are facing greater challenges than ever before, with the introduction of the new UKBA rules for international students including compulsory ID cards, we will need to ensure these students do not suffer from a system that only serves to segregate them from the student community. I am committed to: ! Opposing the segregation of international students ! Ensure our most vulnerable members are not damaged by effects of recession ! Seeing students achievements embodied in degree classification.

Tom Wood‛s Pledges - Be active in campaigning with ordinary students, and helping to support strong in ALL the Unions in my region. - Put Free Education back at the heart of NUS's agenda. - Campaign against the governments plans to target students with ID Cards. - Be active in campaigning against the Fascist BNP.

About Tom After a second successful term as President of Coventry University Students' Union, next year I will be returning to Uni to do my third year in politics and international relations, but for the past three years campaigning in the student movement has been my life and I’m not ready to stop delivering real results for real students so I have decided to run for a place on the Block. In my time both as a Sabbatical and as a Student the NUS has supported me in many ways now I want the chance to give something back.

Vote TOM WOOD 1

Your Local Block Member Actively campaign with ordinary students, and support strong campaigns in ALL the Unions in my region.

I’ve been concerned for a long time about how much time NUS spends with Sabbs rather than Students and if I’m elected to the block that’s something I want to change. NUS should no longer be the ‘National Union of Sabbatical Officers’ it should be an active campaigning organisation that is powered by grassroots STUDENT activism. The mean reason I am standing is I want to be a real ‘local block member’ I won’t just going to NEC meetings and doing things at NUS HQ. I will do what I think Block members should be doing; spending time in Unions in their region, supporting campaigns, giving advice to officers and above all talking to ordinary students. I have a unique record of experience in building real student democracies, when I was elected President of Coventry, there was no Union Council, no listening to students, no accountability. In two years I turned Coventry from an organisation run by one president to an, active, politically diverse, campaigning union, look at awhat Coventry has achieved under my leadership and what I hope to support other Unions in achieving.

In 2006/7 we had roughly seventy students at our AGM In 2008/9 we had roughly FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY Students at our AGM. In 2006/7 we had a 80 page long incomprehensible constitution. In 2008/9 we have a 20 page accessible constitution so all my members know their rights. In 2006/7 we had no Liberation Officers In 2008/9 we have all Liberation Officers as well as Post Grad Officer Mature Students Officer International Students Officer Part Time Students Officer and Students with Dependents officer. In 2006/7 we held inquorate UGMs with no decisions no real power and no accountability of Sabbs In 2008/9 we have a sovereign and active Union Council that puts power back in the hands of students and ensures officers are held accountable. If this is what I’ve achieved so far imagine what I can help you do with your students in your Union, but I need your vote!

Block of 15 Election - NUS Executive

YES to Free Education Put Free Education back at the heart of NUS's agenda I’m a proud Liberal Democrat and proud to say me and my party opposed and actively campaigned against Top Up fees right from day one. NUS needs to be about wining for students not just holding our ground. Stopping fees from rising simply isn’t good enough, fees are a barrier to widening participation, create an ineffective illiberal market in the higher education sector and about all education is a right not a privilege. I will fight as I always have done against top up fees

NO to ID Cards Campaign against the governments plans to target students with ID Cards The Governments plans to introduce ID Cards aren’t just a gross infringement of our civil liberties, its also outrageous that students will be one of the first groups to be required to have ID Cards. These will cost each student £100 for a card they don’t want and will stretch students budgets already at breaking point from the cost of fees and the unfair bursaries system to breaking point. NUS has not done enough for students on this vital issue, elect me and I will ensure the NEC takes this issue seriously and will work with unions and student activists to develop strong campaigns against them.

FIGHT the BNP Be active in campaigning against the Fascist BNP, This is not just an issue that I will talk the talk, about, in my Union, when a member of Council joined the BNP I lead a campaign, to mobilise students, which resulted in him being removed from council without a single vote in opposition. If elected will support any Union that is threatened by the Fascist BNP

BONOLO WORACKER VP Society & Citizenship U

p and down the country students are craving real activism that actually empowers students to engage in a strong movement for change in our society. As student rights erode, wars are being fought and climate change takes hold, NUS has done nothing. The time has come to build a mass movement from the ground up, raising awareness, educating and fighting for justice and change locally and globally.

Global Injustice I will challenge injustice by helping organise mass demonstrations, stunts, lobbies and campaigns to build solidarity with students worldwide from Gaza to Greece; Iraq to Sri Lanka. We need a united anti-war campaign, working with the Stop the War Coalition for a campaign to fund our education not illegal wars. We must campaign against climate chaos and commit unions to ethical policy by creating students’ unions and universities that have fairtrade status. ‘Fight airport expansion and Fund education expansion’.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

Civil Liberties

● A democratic and campaigning national union.

The “War on Terror” has eroded civil liberties on campuses. I will challenge the notion of spying on campus, and stop and search and compulsory ID cards which actively target students. I will also lead the fight against the restrictions on international students and asylum seekers. We need real activism against the BNP on campuses and at the ballot box.Work with Love Music Hate Racism and Unite Against Fascism to fight against racism and fascism at every level of society.

I will also: ● Develop a Society and Citizenship guide for creative campaigning that moves activists away from their desks and out onto campus. ● One World Week in every Union - A campaign to build tolerance on campus and increase understanding of global differences. ● Work closely with liberation campaigns to unify our voice for national rights and global change on issues. ● To get all students to engage in the democratic process by supporting the work of groups like Operation Black Vote and Votes at 16.

● Free education and grants for all Education not profit. ● Anti-war: Troops out of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. ● Anti-racist: Fighting all forms of racism and driving the BNP off our streets and campuses. No to racism in NUS. ● Real liberation: Autonomy for liberation campaigns. Challenging oppression and fighting for a better world. ● Defend civil liberties Against Islamophobia and racist stop and search. ● An end to the destruction of the environment by states and corporations.

ANOTHER UNION IS POSSIBLE Anti-war, Free Palestine

Pic: SOAS occupation. By Clare Solomon

CHRISTINA YAN ZHANG # 1 FOR BLOCK OF 15 Beat the Recession, Save Your Future I am currently an international Ph.D student at Loughborough University and have been involved in my local student union and NUS for 2 years. As an activist I have a proud record of helping students to achieve a brighter future through their education. As Global Development Officer of Loughborough Students’ Union, I have delivered in representing, campaigning and providing excellent support for those who elected me. If elected, I vow to carry on with the same passion and zest on the NUS NEC. I am currently working with the Higher Education Academy to carry out a case study on ‘Higher Education Internationalisation’ which is to be promoted nationally. It is now more imperative than ever that the NUS uses its national voice to deliver for students in education and for those leaving education in the aim of gaining employment within the UK. Already £200m of student grants have been announced to be cut back; further reduction to financial support can be predicted as well as a reduction in finances within the job sector, hence causing fewer graduates to be employed. As an NUS National Councillor, I strived for NUS to act upon these. This has led to support given from early Feb 2009 when NUS sent ‘Economic Downturn Consultation’(led by the NUS President) on students’ employability to all student unions and ‘committed to working hard to pressure government, sector bodies and HEIs to respond quickly and appropriately to the issues’. It is a difficult time now and everyone is suffering. As students we are the future of the global economy; it is time that the NUS take on the responsibility of speaking out for its members so that the best is delivered for them. Elect me, Christina Yan Zhang, and I will ensure that NUS delivers for your students. “Christina has been a really effective rep for international students at Loughborough and on National Council. She is passionate about many issues affecting students, not only will she bring that passion to the Block, but she will also deliver them with real enthusiasm. Elect her for the Block" Richard 'Bubble' Budden, NUS National Secretary

Experience Campus Journalist BBC World Service China 2008Olympic Correspondent BBC World Service China 2008 NUS National Councillor 2008-9 NUS International Students Campaign Committee 2008-9 NUS Delegate 2008-2010 International Student of the Year, East Midland British Council 2008 Global Development Officer Loughborough SU 2008-9 International Development Officer Loughborough SU 2007-8

Education and skills Whilst the Govt is cutting funding to the education sector and to financial support for students, FE and HE students are left struggling to find the right education and the right way to fund their education. Furthermore, during the recession climate, the employment sector is becoming more competitive with far less jobs being offered to graduates. As an international student I know only too well the need for an excellent education and skills to be provided to students. Elect me and I will: ü Ensure that NUS takes a leadership role in making more volunteering schemes available for students ü Lobby for better relations between university/college career services and recruiters ü Ensure money is delivered into the job market to invest in providing graduate jobs ü Aim for the protection of students’ work with the National Employers Accreditation ü Campaign against further cuts to financial support for students, especially those from poorer background communities

"Christina is an extremely talented and passionate activist who is committed to deliver for all students . Electing her will ensure that all voices are heard, represented and acted upon. Elect her No.1 for the Block of 15" Manishta Sunnia, NUS International Students Officer

Internationalising the UK Education The internationalisation of the education system started years ago to enhance the global competitiveness of all students in the UK with the Prime Minister’s Initiative 2 (PMI2). Now, the Bologna Process championed by the European Union is aimed at encouraging all students, especially those from the UK, to study abroad. Global education brings not only understanding and respect for other cultures, but also immense employment opportunities and language skills for students. Elect me and I will: ü Improve students experience by delivering the Bologna Process to unis & colleges ü Work on opening up more opportunities for global education for UK students with PMI2 projects, liaising with the AIESEC for global internship ü Lobby to include more cultural knowledge and global issues in the UK education ü Lobby for more funding for global exchange programmes

Listening to the Unheard Voices For many years, the voices of international, post grad, mature and part time students have been left unheard in NUS. Whilst the new constitution of the National Union is ensuring representation for these students on the NEC, more needs to be done to deliver changes in the academic, social and representational aspects of their lives. Elect me and I will: ü Ensure that international, post grad, mature and part time students are represented through the make-up of the SU executive and the representative structure of the SU ü Lobby the Government and Universities to reduce the tuition of international students and enhance their UK experience ü Lobby to extend student loans to PG courses and add 3-6 month internships into PG courses to enhance job prospects ü Lobby for increases to the ‘Professional and Career development loans’ so that international, post grad, part time and mature students are delivered for “Christina is one of the most amazing student movement leaders I have ever met. She has enormous amount of energy which she has used to build up an extensive amount of external relationships to promote Loughborough and NUS globally” David Goss, President of Loughborough Students Union

What I have done: 1> Promote global awareness ü ‘Lufbra’s Going Global’ Poster Competition and newsletter ü Help initiated ‘Global Culinary Festival’ with Loughborough University ü Founder of ‘Global Development Committee’ ü Promote Weekly UK trips for international students and EU trips for UK students ü Established ‘Vice-chancellor’s Awards for Internationalisation’

2> Events cultivating Global citizens ü Weekly ‘Universal Thursday’ International and Postgraduate night: 800+ regularly attending including 50% International students, 36% Postgrads and increasingly strong UK contingent ü Chinese New Year Celebration, joined by 800 students from all backgrounds ü Language Buddy Scheme- pair UK students to learn foreign language with each other ü ‘Lufbra Chinese Earthquake Relief’---I led 300 UK students to donate money to China 3> Study and work overseas promotions ü Loughborough Erasmus Students Network, first year 200 membership ü Promote the UK government funded China Study Trip, 700 UK applicants, 17 successful ü Promote ‘Host UK’ to international students to enjoy UK experience, 170 successful ü Help promote AIESEC, the largest students organisation for global work placement

If you need more information or my manifesto in an alternative format, don’t hesitate to contact me at global@lborosu.org.uk or give me a ring at 07515734250