lsesu elects 2015
lsesuelects.co.uk
lsesu elects 2015 lsesu elects 2015: Website: www.lsesuelects.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ lsesuelects E-mail: 2015@lsesuelects.co.uk Twitter: @lsesumediagroup #lsesuelects
Ever wondered who the ‘Sabbs’ are, what they do or how to vote for them? Are you already a keen watcher of student politics? Or do you just want to know a bit more about the policies and personalities behind all those people marching up and down Houghton Street in coloured shirts with tacky slogans? Whatever your answer, LSESU Elects is for you! Throughout the election week starting on Thursday February 26th, we will be guiding you through everything you need to know about the SU elections, providing you with candidate information, short videos on why the elections matter and how you can get involved, and LIVE election night coverage from our team of roving reporters and expert panellists in The Venue.
Your vote really matters
How the voting system works and how you register your preferences
Founder, web design: Mike Pearson Pullout editor, election anchor: Jon Allsop
The team: Tooba Mushtaq Hari Prabu Shanice Khoo Suyin Haynes Gee Linford-Grayson Sophie Donszelmann Usama Shoaib Sebastien Ash Lodewijk Vriens... ...and you? there is still time for you to get involved! If you want to be an election night runner, technician or even do something in front of the camera then let us know ASAP by emailing 2015@ lsesuelects.co.uk
From the Democracy Committee
This year your Democracy Committee has got more creative than ever before!! For the FIRST time ever, and because no it’s not all about winning, we have organised a series of awards to incentivise people during campaign time. More details to follow, but they include (and are not limited to) “Best Campaign”, “Best Slogan”, “Best Creativity”, “Best Newcomer”, “Best Team Effort”, “Best Graceful Surrender”, “Most Amusing Moment”. Those will be announced on the day, in-between announcing winners.
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Welcome to lsesu elects 2015!
The team:
Creatives, technical director: Jade Jackman
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Laura Weigold
Returning Officer Hi, my name’s Laura Weigold, I’m a third year Philosophy and Politics student and I am this year’s returning officer, which just means that I am your main student point of contact surrounding the procedural aspects of this year’s elections. So, how does the voting system work for the Students’ Union elections? Whereas British parliamentary elections use the First Past the Post method, whereby the candidate with the most votes after one round of voting wins, we use the Single Transferable Vote method. Very simply, this ensures that winning candidates for SU positions must win a ‘decisive majority’ of votes to be elected. How does this work in practice? For each position you will be invited to rank the candidates in order of preference. This does not mean you are obliged to rank every candidate: if you like you can indicate a first preference and no others, a first and second preference and no others, and so on. If one candidate wins over half of the first preference votes cast, then they are elected. However, in races with lots of candidates this is very unlikely to happen. If no candidate reaches this threshold on first preferences, then the last-placed candidate is eliminated and their ‘second preference votes’ are reallocated. This just means that the candidates ranked second by all the people who cast their first preference
vote for the last-placed candidate are counted. If one candidate wins over half of the votes once first preferences and these second preferences have been counted, then they win. If not, then the candidate who is now in last place is eliminated and their second preference votes are counted. This continues until one candidate has won over half of the votes cast. Why does the SU use this method? The idea is to motivate candidates to campaign broadly and to try to get a message across to voters even if the candidate believes that specific voters are
“Whereas British parliamentary elections use FPTP...we use the Single Transferable Vote method” committed to another candidate as a first preference. For elections with multiple places to be won, such as those for Democracy Committee, Trustee Board and AU Executive, a very similar system is used, except the threshold for winning is set differently. Instead of having to win a majority of all votes cast to be successful, candidates must reach a number of votes calculated by the number of positions available plus one: for example, if 1200 votes are cast and there are 5 positions available, then you divide 1200 by 6 to get 200 as the threshold. The election proceeds exactly as we have already outlined, and is over once 5 candidates have reached the threshold. Again, second preferences are taken into account if all 5 positions are not elected on first preferences alone. Remember, your vote really matters!
Frequently Asked Questions 1. WHY SHOULD I BOTHER RANKING CANDIDATES? If all of the candidates for whom you express a preference pass the threshold or are eliminated then your vote is ‘exhausted’ and no longer counts, and the threshold is duly reduced to take account of fewer votes having an impact on the eventual winner. So ranking more of the candidates by your order of preference will make your vote count more. In hard fought campaigns for multiple positions, the difference between winning and not can more often than not be measured in tens of votes rather than hundreds, so every vote counts. 2. WHO IS ‘RON’ AND WHY HE IS STANDING FOR EVERYTHING? Very simply, RON stands for Re-open nominations. So, if you don’t like any or all of the candidates running you can vote ‘RON’ to express your preference for having the election rerun. You can rank RON as any numerical preference: above all the candidates, above some, or above one. If RON wins a majority of votes under the system we explained earlier, then the election must be re-run. 3. WHAT IS ‘COMMUNITY VOTING’? Community voting means
Above: Jay stoll wins the Gen-Sec race in 2013
that for certain positions, you can only vote if you ‘selfidentify’ as a member of the community that the officer is mandated to represent. This means, for example, that you can only vote for the Women’s Officer if you self-define as a woman, or only vote for the LGBT+
“Community voting means that for certain positions, you can only vote if you ‘self-identify’ as a member of the community that the officer is mandated to represent.“ Students’ Officer if you selfdefine as LGBT+. You will be clearly reminded of this when you vote online. 4. HOW DO I VOTE? Voting is conducted online and every registered LSE student is eligible to vote: you do NOT need to register separately to vote. To vote, go to lsesu.com/vote, log-in using your student username and password and vote away. Voting will open at 10am on Wednesday March 4th and will close at 7pm on Thursday March 5th. The results will be announced on results’ night, which will take place in The Venue (the basement of the student centre) from 7pm on the Thursday. All are welcome, even encouraged, to turn up for what is always a fun and thrilling evening. If you can’t make it, then go to www.lsesuelects.co.uk for live coverage, panel discussions, exclusive interviews and much more.
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lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Campaigns, controversy and close calls Looking back on elections past in 2012, 2013 and 2014 bivalence to comment.
Hari Prabu The Lent Term Elections are a time-honoured tradition at LSESU and over the years the campaigns never seem to cease in their energy, the controversies continue to be plentiful, and the contests remain closely fought. Let’s take you through the last three years of all this jazz.
2012 One more year! In the same year as Obama came to win a second term, then General Secretary Alex Peters-Day decided that she would not be a one term Gen Sec and successfully managed to hold off Mohammed Morley by just 28 votes. Like current General Secretary Nona, Peters-Day was also RAG President. Will history continue to repeat itself? He did things… Returning Officer Josh Still felt compelled to recommend that the Democracy Committee disqualify Jason Wong for remarks regarding other candidates that were considered to breach the newly passed motion “Stop Anti-Semitism Now!”. Wong’s prior record of being disciplined by the school and barred from running for his Hall Committee, due to what the Beaver reported
to be “sexist, racist and classist” remarks, was alleged by some to have caused the decision despite Still’s am-
Labour-Pirate Party Coalition In his campaign to become Community and Welfare Officer, Jack Tindale formulated an inspired pirate themed campaign which included wearing cocked hats on Houghton Street and coming up with the slogan “Making your Union Ship-Shape”. It worked… somehow.
2013 “There are no words to describe how I feel about her”. Such is what Jay Stoll said to Nona Buckley-Irvine in 2012 after seeing Peters-
Day win again. This healthy relationship between the two could only have added to Stoll’s enthusiasm in running to be her successor. In the end the bright yellow “Don’t Stall, Vote Stoll” campaign accumulated 1100 votes amidst a record turnout of 2999 votes cast overall. “Yo, still the biggest feminist on campus”. Sally Bonsall’s Facebook status (as reported by the Beaver) after her loss to Imogen Young for the position of Women’s Officer followed the argument that the absence of community voting in the election had swung the result away from that which the majority of women wanted. “Pulling the Jew card” Remarks by General Secretary candidate Izmir Bajrami that Jay Stoll had won by “pulling the Jew card” naturally did not go down well
either and were described by Jewish Society President, Olivia Jacobs, to be “blatant old-age anti-Semitism”.
Don’t ignore the importance of the invisible primary
SU campaigns start long before you see the candidates on Houghton St.
2014 Backing Barnett v the Nona Nomination The bright pink (or should that be magenta) campaign of Nona Buckley-Irvine was juxtaposed on Houghton Street against the malevolent shade of Sam Barnett’s Breaking Bad green. Sam managed to command the support of one of the most formidable campaign teams seen at LSE for some years with Tom Meaden, one time member of the Court of Governors, becoming chief-whip of his self-coined ‘hackerati’. The hazmat suits and Jon Allsop’s singing though were not enough to beat Nona’s non-alcoholic embracement of the ‘Neck Nominate’ tradition (ice cubes symbolising freezing hall rents, Red Bull for reenergising sporting life etc.) who scraped past with a 65 vote majority. The Small Annoyances Manifesto During election week last year, the Beaver published an article by Ben Phillips which stated that the way to win is to avoid making “too vague” and “far reaching” promises and instead
to make pledges to deal with the “small but frequent annoyances endured by us regular students”. In the heat of this year’s contest, this plea may be all put forgotten but perhaps it will be looked back upon alongside motions such as that calling for exam feedback as the turning point for LSESU politics.
Sebastien Ash It is a fact of LSE student politics that any good campaign is fought on three different battlefields. The first two are relatively self-evident. They’re the ones that you’ll have encountered as a regular student at LSE. The first is on Houghton Street or wherever a candidate might hand out leaflets. Getting your face out there being a presence for a short week in Lent Term is unsurprisingly crucial to winning election. And in this respect it goes hand in hand with the second area of contestation: Facebook. You are limited on Facebook to who you know and who your friends know in a way that you are not on Houghton Street but it is nonetheless necessary to jam people’s notifications full of election materials and to create a buzz around the campaign. The third is a little less well known to those who do not get their hands dirty in student politics and, if anything, somewhat not in the spirit of the elections themselves. The idea of the ‘invisible primary’ is reasonably well known in American political circles. The basic notion is that presidential campaigning begins even before the polls have opened in New Hampshire or even before the candidates have declared their intention to run. The same is broadly speaking true of LSE student politics. It is a sad fact that the people who end up running the Union aren’t necessarily those who are brightest or best suited to it. Often they are the ones with the most political nous, greatest resources, or the right poli-
cies. Much as campaigning might only start on a Thursday at one, the people who put themselves in the best position to win are those who decide early on that they want to take a significant role in student politics, those who run for that society position, or get involved with RAG. It’s about belonging to a group and building a base. The right (read: winning) candidate does not appear out of nothing with great new ideas to reform your Union, they emerge out of and take on the collective political sensibilities of a particular group. A lot of the time, whether you run or not is going to be determined by whether you feel like you can run or not. There is a period building up to elections in which candidates weigh up their chances. They’ll talk to their friends, found secret Facebook groups, and generally test the waters. Who have I got? Who could I have? In theory - and as stipulated by the electoral rules - societies endorse once the campaigning period has opened. But then of course the rules do not really apply if you are not really campaigning, do they? The truth of the matter is that most of these will have been locked up, or thought to have been locked up, before you’ve even submitted a manifesto. That is what all the jostling is for. The invisible primary of the Students’ Union is a sort of rumour filled twilight zone. You are weighing yourself up against candidate X and thinking about who’s vote they’ll split, working out how they might be doing with societies. Someone will drop out because they do not think they won’t have any meaningful support and someone else will suddenly emerge to throw everything up in the air. And then once les jeux sont faits, you just sort of run because often what matters most putting yourself in the right place, not being the right person.
lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
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General Secretary BOIAN RODRIGUEZ NIKIFOROFFKHARISANOFF Y VEGA YOU DESERVE MORE, I’LL DELIVER YOU DESERVE MORE, I’LL DELIVER. Elect me and for you, I’ll WORK FROM DAY ONE. I’ll plan a team strategy in MARCH, consult on it in APRIL, revise it in MAY, plan implementation in JUNE so that in JULY-AUGUST, your Sabbs team can get the training, roll out and test efficient and effective work. And you can BENEFIT FROM DAY ONE. Campus is changing, like never before the union must SUPPORT STUDENTS. I’ll ensure independently, proactively collected safe feedback and listening to you so LSESU WORKS FOR YOU. WE CAN DO IT, COLLECTIVE ACTION IS REAL POWER.
REAL ACTION: COSTS We are priced out of food, housing, living: we need PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. At LSE, we have know-how: campaigning is not enough. 71% of us pay their FEES in international currency. I’ll work for real stability in costs. 63% of us live outside Halls, I’ll strive for AFFORDABLE HOUSING including private. REAL ACTION: CAMPUS LIFE I’ll secure at risk FREE IT-TRAINING. I’ll ensure STUDENT REPRESENTATION for each programme, and support POSTGRADUATES and PART-TIME students. I’ll ensure DIGNITY and OPENNESS in debates, with LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE. VOTE BOIAN #1 CHOICE 4 GEN SEC #boian2015 facebook.com/boian2015
INDO VICKERSON - INDORSE INDO ENDORSE CHANGE As a former halls president and current International Students officer, I’ve seen our SU from the inside and out. I have the experience, commitment and vision to push our voices FORWARD. I’ve heard your opinions on… SOCIETIES: Too many activities are held back by poor administration and advertising. 1. END BUREAUCRACY. Reimbursement and invoice payment claims shouldn’t take weeks. I’ll introduce an online claims process and extra staff. 2. SUPPORT. We need annual fund application feedback and transparent criteria. 3. REFORM WHAT’S ON. I’ll set-up clear and consistent campus-wide communication publicising events. STUDENT LIFE
MARIA CANNATELLA
REMEMBER RATHEE • Expand subsidised non-AU sport • Create an arts network for Dance Club and other arts based societies. International- A Global School • More foreign exchanges • Lobby for post-study work visa • International student advice/helpline run by international students • International ‘meet and greets’ Postgrads – The New Deal • ‘Registration Reform’; streamlined and centralized • Tailored Postgrads Freshers’ Week • More postgrad networking opportunities • Instigate Postgrad dialogue with faculty Accommodation- Feel at Home • Lobby to FREEZE HALLS FEES and create NEW BURSARIES • ‘Where Next Scheme’; Reform post-halls accommodation network • Inter-Halls sports and Inter-Hall events @MaZcanna
NONA BUCKLEY-IRVINE NO LIMITS NONA
Experience matters. I’m rerunning because this year we’ve achieved a lot, but we need to achieve so much more. *My record* I’ve been a decisive leader, making difficult decisions when it mattered most. I’ve secured a rent guarantor scheme, prioritised liberation, increased society and club funding by £50,000, reduced food prices, added new microwaves, spoken on a national level on sexism and the counter terrorism bill, secured squash courts, and delivered the biggest Orientation period yet. *My vision* •Foreign exchanges for LSE students •Better pay for GTAs •Streamlined society funding, so it’s easier to access more money
FACILITIES 1. CHARGING DOCKS. for mobiles and laptops throughout campus. 2. FOOD. catering will be cheaper and more varied.
NITISH RATHEE
#SUPERMARIACAN Student Democracy- Our Union • Society Online Training – No more time consuming meetings • ‘What’s Going On?’ Information via a Societies’ timetable intranet system • ‘Vote Reform’: Extended UGM voting period • ‘Show Me the Money’ – Transparent funding • ‘Sabb Surgeries- Better Q&A’ Equality- You Matter • Co-ordination between the BME and Anti-Racism officers and mutual accountability -creating a sub-committee to aid this process • Powerful Women – Celebrating female achievements and supporting ambitions. • ‘Fresher Parent Scheme’; reform of mentor system • Creating a position for LGBT+ and Anti-Racism officers on Halls Committees • More study space for ISSA students AU- Sporting the Difference • Publicising AU fixtures and achievements • Regular meetings between the Sabbs and AU executive
1. ACCOUNTABILITY. It’s not clear what our elected officers do. I’ll create a centralized live listing showing what all Sabbaticals and PTOs are up to, have accomplished, and have yet promised to achieve. 2. CAMPAIGNS: largely fail to engage students We need an SU that empowers students by taking the lead on issues students care about, like the re-instatement of the Post-Study Work Visa, liberation campaigns and teaching quality. 3. QUALITY TEACHING. GTAs need consistent teaching materials directly from the department; students deserve regular, actionable feedback opportunities.
•Continue to increase sponsorship for the AU •A full social calendar; most postgraduate events, Mocktail Mondays, society socials •Cut the cost of living, with more bursaries, halls discounts, and scrap the Masters Application fee •Continue to prioritise liberation, supporting work by liberation officers and national/cultural societies Plus, we’re going to lose nearly all of our halls in the next decade unless we take action. As your Gen Sec I will oppose this and lead the way on getting the best student residences at LSE. To hit the ground running, experience DOES matter. No limits with Nona: vote Nona #1 General Secretary! @nonajasmine
MSc Comparative Politics International Postgraduate Student and Athlete I Solemnly Swear That I am Up To No Good. • 2% sQuid Loyalty Reward on ALL Tuition fee payments • 2 Pound Meals – Cooked and Healthy – On Campus • Alumni Careers Service Access For 5 Years After Graduation • Feedback – Within 3 Weeks • 1 Pound Cappuccino and Latte
• iPad and Kindle to Rent from Library • Rework Venue Booking Fees for Societies • More Part-Time Jobs • I Stand for Prices like Wright’s Bar Why Should our Non-Profit Charity Cafés charge High Street Prices? Why Should We Wait Months For Academic Feedback? #RememberRathee www.facebook.com/RememberRathee
AFRICA NASIR
NO TAGLINE SUBMITTED No manifesto submitted
ZOE OLUKOGA SHE HAS THE ZO-LUTION
I am a third year undergraduate Anthropology and Law student. I was the President of the Women Leaders of Tomorrow Society 20132014 and Vice-President of the Gospel Music Society, 2013-2014. I currently serve as an Anthropology and Law SSLC course representative. Community, Unity, Diversity (THE CAMPUS LIFE) -Raise awareness of the successes of clubs and societies and also the collaboration between different clubs and societies through publishing a ‘Society Review’ e-journal. -Create a forum specifically for society presidents to network and discuss ideas for collaboration. -Celebrate campus diversity through Arts and International Student festivals. Engagement, Representation, Transparency (THE SU) -Increased post graduate student engagement
and representation, particularly through another postgraduate representative. -SU led collaboration and engagement with societies and clubs in order to tackle issues and increase student integration on campus. -Increased transparency and efficiency regarding general decision making and allocation of funding to clubs and societies. Accountability, Support, Guidance (THE LSE INSTITUTION) - Costs: On-campus food prices lowered and Halls fees frozen. - Educational support: Personalised examination feedback offered in more departments and liaison staff made mandatory for degrees straddling two departments. -Careers: Increased awareness of and diversity in the opportunities offered by LSE careers. Vote Zoe Number 1
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lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Education AHMED SALEH
GARETH ROSSER
EVERY VOICE MATTERS
Why Ahmed for Education? I experienced diverse education systems first hand; Palestine, USA, UK. I excelled in all the education environments that I have been to and developed a critical eye of what works and what not when it comes to teaching methods, professor-student relationships, and extracurricular activities. I am now studying MSc finance and Accounting. Rising from an impoverished background and defeating the harshest circumstances, I surely know the value of education to individuals, societies, and nations. This prior knowledge makes me fully committed to help every single student to achieve her/his educational goals. Policies: • To further enrich the education process.
VOTE INSPECTOR GARETH FOR EDUCATION 1. Faster and tailored feedback from professor to each student. 2. Facilitate mock exams. 3. Increased support from advisors by decreasing the student/faculty ratio. • To create a more engaging and fun educational experience outside the classroom. 1. Diversify the curriculum based on student’s interests. 2. Support the start-up culture at LSE. 3. Chat zones around LSE (“Tea for We”). 4. More space and facilities. • To increase access to education 1. Assist students from unprivileged backgrounds to strengthen their application to LSE and campaign for more financial support for those who in need. 2. To widen foreign exchange opportunities.
JON FOSTER FOSTER- GOOD CALL
LSE is a leading university, but our education is inadequate. As a 3rd year student, and NUS delegate, I know things need to change. As Education Officer, I’ll work to make LSE the educational experience we deserve. 1. TEACHER TRAINING – Teaching is substandard; GTA’s receive little support. I will lobby for increased investment in teacher training, and regular events between GTA’s and students exploring what makes good teaching. 2. EDUCATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM – Education isn’t just reading lists and problem sets. I will expand the SU’s employability projects, integrating with Careers and the Teaching & Learning Centre, so LSE students have greater access to personal development outside the
classroom. 3. ACADEMIC ADVISORS – The current system is flawed – Academic Advisors should be more active, with emphasis on the pastoral role, and increased contact time. Regular meetings between advisors and all advisees, would facilitate a greater student support network. 4. THE FUNDAMENTALS – I will fight for compulsory Exam Feedback – it’s an academic right. – I will support the cap on class sizes. – I will lobby the school on predominantly white, male curriculums pushing for greater diversity of lecturers and reading lists. We deserve better – for an education that lives up to the LSE name, VOTE JON FOR EDUCATION
what the jobs involve... General Secretary
Education
As General Secretary, you would be one of LSESU’s four full-time, paid Sabbatical Officers. The Sabbatical Officers represent all students and lead on major campaigns, strategic developments, projects and events. Specifically, your role involves negotiating and setting the agenda with the School and LSESU. As the external face of LSESU, you will deal with press and media enquiries and will represent LSESU when liaising with external organisations. You will actively promote the ideas and needs of students and lead on the development and delivery of campaigns. You will also sit on School decision-making bodies, including the Court of Governors; Council; Finance Committee; Equality and Diversity Committee; and Estates Committee, which is concerned with the purchasing and preparation of new buildings at LSE. You will also be Chair of the Trustee Board, which has the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the Students’ Union.
As Education Officer, you would be one of the Students’ Union four full-time paid Sabbatical Officers. The Sabbatical Officers represent all students and lead on major campaigns, strategic developments, projects and events. You will be specifically responsible for leading change in teaching and learning within LSE. You will raise awareness of academic issues, liaising with students, Course Representatives, academics and the directorate to ensure that they have a voice and representation within LSESU and the School. You will also take the lead on national education policy and issues You will sit on School decision-making bodies including the Academic Board. All Sabbatical Officers are also members of the Trustee Board, which has the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the Students’ Union.
VOTE GARETH FOR THE EDUCATION YOU DESERVE: HELP US LEARN: FEEDBACK, PRINTING CREDITS AND EXAM TIMETABLES -This year students have made it clear that we want exam feedback, and I will campaign to get us the feedback we deserve. -We pay small fortunes to study at the LSE and so deserve at least £10 printing credit per term. I will fight for departments to provide these credits for every student. -I will lobby to have exam timetables released sooner so that students can start planning their summers earlier. PROTECT OUR STUDENTS -I will support you as the academic year (January
Exams and Reading Weeks) changes drastically next year. SUPPORT FOR JOINT DEGREE STUDENTS -I will ensure students don’t miss out on opportunities available to their peers just because they are based in a different department. DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION -LSE students deserve an education which reflects their diversity. I will lobby the School for greater diversity in both course content and academics. -I will lead the SU in organising a series of public lectures and classes dedicated to exposing interested students to new theories outside of our Eurocentric curriculum. VOTE INSPECTOR GARETH #1 FOR EDUCATION
LAURA MERTSCHING LAURA’S SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS LSE ranks among the best universities in the world. But while we’re all proud to be here doesn’t relief the university of its duty to deliver top education standards. Student satisfaction at LSE ranks very low comparatively. LSE therefore needs to make changes. Vote for Laura’s School of Economics and there will be: - early EXAM SCHEDULES which will improve your ability to structure your summers - more and quiet STUDY SPACES, which is especially important with the coming constructions work next year
- exam and dissertation FEEDBACK and generally more support of teaching staff, which should also be available during the summer - more POSTGRAD REPRESENTATION at the Students’ Union as we are by far the biggest community at LSE, e.g. we should have a full-time officer for a specific postgrad offers of socializers, societies and career events - FREE coffee and PUPPY stress relief sessions to get you through revision. As Mature and Part-Time Student’s Officer, I gained a lot of experience in lobbying the university for improvements. Vote this experience to change LSE for your own good. Vote Laura’s School of Economics!
SANDRA TOFTEN VOTE ST FOR EDUCATION BEYOND THE FT - Lobby for all departments to provide summer exam RE-SITS. - Campaign for all lectures to be RECORDED. - Encourage departments to adopt INTERDISCIPLINARY MODULES in collaboration with different institutes, such as the Gender and European Institutes. - Work on creating more opportunities for programmesSTUDYING OR RESEARCHING ABROAD, including postgraduate research and dissertations. - Collaborate with departments to ensure they provide a BROADER CHOICE OF MODULES, particularly when some are made ‘unavailable’. - Encourage all departments to provide consistent PRINTING CREDITS. - Improve the mentoring scheme to ensure real communication and integration between first years, their mentors and their department.
- Increase language course funding by departments. - Provide more STUDY SPACE with power supplies. - Lobby for ONLINE ACCESS to all essential readings. -Use RECYCLED PAPER in printers. - Strengthen the relationship with course representatives and ensure the departments ACT UPON THEIR CONCERNS. - Advocate for LSE100 lectures to be one hour long. - Work with LSE Careers to increase vocational training and career planning sessions for students. - Launch a regular series of talks given by successful LSE alumni from different walks of life.
lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
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Community and Welfare AYSHA AL-FEKAIKI SWEETEN UP THE SU, VOTE FE-CAKE-KI Hi, my name is Aysha Fekaiki studying MSc human rights, and I am running to be your Community and Welfare Officer! I am passionate about giving underrepresented students a platform and creating a more inclusive SU community. Here are a few of my policies: 1- WOMEN and BME! Empowering politically Black students and women: supporting underrepresented societies within SU and diversifying the AU. Black HER-story month: events on politically black women and movements in history and working closer with NUS Black Students Campaign. Working with the Education Officer to launch official campaign to change Euro-centric school curriculum. 2- ETHICAL INVESTMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY!
Freeze and divest from fossil fuels, and any other non-ethical/ sustainable investment sources. Return of human rights and anti-bribery to the Ethics Code, greater transparency and wider student consultation and ridding of confidentiality contracts from Ethics Policy Committee. Subsidized food, and halal and kosher hot food available throughout the school. 3- POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS! More Postgrads involved in SU community by participating in elections and societies. Postgrad inter-departmental cultural festival: more integration and understanding from each other outside our departments through art, music and dance to encourage a SU postgrad community. @ayshafekaiki To Sweeten up our SU, Vote Fe-Cake-Ki!
LIANNE MIZRACHI A NO.1 PLAN, VOTE LIANNE Unity · Work closely with the Woman’s Officer and the LGBT+ Officer to promote equality. · Regularly interact with the BME and Anti-Racism Officers, ensuring that they are working towards common goals. · Host regular interfaith forums to encourage groups to unite by learning about each other’s faith. · Plan a calendar of events, that all students can take part in, for international and religious celebration including Chinese New Year, Holi, Eid and Diwali. Support · Promote funding opportunities available for students from middle-income backgrounds, who don’t qualify for bursaries but equally struggle to find alternative sources of financial support.
LORCÁN O-CATHAIN
NATALIE NUNN
LORCAN SURE CAN Lorcán is a former international sprinter, passionate about student poverty, mental health and building a lasting community that goes beyond our time at LSE. During his time at LSE he has endeavoured to do this through a number of roles: - As President of Butler’s Wharf, he has worked to build an inclusive community in and between the different Halls, organising the university’s biggest inter-hall party set for the end of term. - As Co-Founder & Treasurer of the LSESU Irish Society he has aimed to delink stereotypes surrounding national cultures and organised the first St. Patrick’s Day’s celebrations to occur at LSE on the 17th of March. - Student Staff Liaison Committee programme representative COMMUNITY AND WELFARE: What does the job involve? As Community and Welfare Officer you will be one of LSESU’s four full-time, paid Sabbatical Officers. The Sabbatical Officers represent all students at LSE and lead on major campaigns, strategic developments, projects and events.
· Lobby for increased bursaries for students from lower-income backgrounds. · Provide greater support to students during times of assessed coursework and exams. · Ensure that the peer support initiative is closely integrated with the SU, and ensure that it has a presence on campus. · Support international students with visa applications and administrative difficulties. Halls · Provide more support and social opportunities for those in non-LSE accommodation and those commuting from home. Including further integration with the university mentoring scheme. · Work towards making halls contracts more flexible, benefiting students in terms of long term planning and budgeting. · Work with the Environment and Ethics Officer to promote sustainability in halls.
ALL FOR NUNN, NUNN FOR ALL - Founder of OSA Ireland, an emerging non-profit focused on athlete welfare across all Olympic sports If elected Community & Welfare officer he will: • Establish an LSESU recent graduate network, bringing final year students, postgraduates and graduates together, creating a sense of community beyond our time at LSE; • Introduce a termly Squid & printing allowance for all students; • Develop mandatory mental health & wellbeing training for all Hall & Society committees; • Enhance existing structures to create a better mentor scheme for first years. Twitter:@Locathain Website:https://votelorcan.wordpress.com/ Specifically, as Community and Welfare Officer, you would be responsible for creating and sustaining the LSE community and being an active voice on student welfare issues at LSE. You will undergo negotiations with the School to improve issues such as Halls of Residences and increased off-campus housing support; catering; equality and diversity issues; and ac-
As Feminist Society President, I have seen the power of students uniting in community to make LSE a brighter and happier place to be.
over holidays at term time price -Freshers’ support pack outlining available wellbeing services and how to report harassment.
TLC: -Introduce on-call counselling for students struggling with mental health issues -Champion peer supporters -Targeted peer support for students without English as a first language -Promote ISSA’s.
Liberation: -Make the whole campus accessible for disabled students -Break down stereotypes in sport, make an active lifestyle accessible for all students -Online anonymous reporting forms, with the option of being contacted further.
Lifting the Financial Burden: -Fight against above inflation rent increases in halls -Lobby departments for printing credit -Book exchanges -Cheaper food on campus (not 3.95 for a salad) -Discount food before closing.
Food: -More water points -More options for students with dietary restrictions, including Halal and Kosher.
Halls: -Establish food co-operatives, getting students better value for money -Rent your room
Exams: -End pass-level fit to sit policy -Guarantee an ability to resit exams with extenuating circumstances -Fun and social relaxation evenings. All for Nunn, NunnForAll.tumblr.com
cess to higher education. You will work hard to maintain good campus relations, for example with the faith, national and cultural communities on campus through the Interfaith Forum. You will also work closely with the Part-time and Liberation Officers on their campaigns and projects. You will sit on various working groups and com-
mittees concerning communities and student wellbeing, including the Executive Equality and Diversity Working Group, the Good Campus Relations Group, the Residences User Group and the Audit Committee. All Sabbatical Officers are also members of the Trustee Board, which has the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the Students’ Union.
Athletics Union Executive
ALICE MERRITT
FOR AU SPIRIT, VOTE FOR MERRITT AU FOR ALL – Everyone should have access to sport which means free Wednesdays for Postgrads and more LGBT-collaborative events. The AU should be an open space for all clubs, no matter their size, to voice opinions. AU Pride – We should take pride in the success of all teams with more publicity of weekly scores and matches so everyone is a part of AU success. AU Celebrations – Sport comes first but that doesn’t mean that AU celebrations aren’t important. I want to make Wednesday nights what we want them to be and support more inter-club socials including non-alcohol alternatives. The AUer – AU Spirit comes from each individual AUer – the AU should represent us and not what people assume of us. I’ll listen to what you want from the AU and
make sure that’s what we have – contact me at A.E.Merritt@lse.ac.uk
ELIN HARDING
EXCELING TOWARDS A BETTER AU SPORT • Athlete of the month award - Nominated by club captains - Interview in the Beaver to promote success - Prizes, ie meal vouchers, through sponsorship • Social participation - Encourage more clubs to hold social sessions with promotion through AU social media pages - Allows people to experience the AU in an inclusive environment SOCIAL • Refreshing Wednesday night events - Casino night, Stand-up Comedy, Boat Party • Non-alcoholic events such as pizza and movie
nights • Joint club socials to create inclusivity between clubs • Reducing the cost of events such as AU Ball through sponsorship SUPPORT • Weekly drop-in session with a member of the Exec - Opportunity to discuss concerns and ideas - Work with women’s officer to hold sessions specifically for girls - Encourage attendance of the sports co-ordinator for support • Exec yearly visits to each club • Engagement with societies - Outreach and volunteer programmes - More fundraising for RAG
GEORGE BETTSWORTH AN AU FOR EVERYONE
As a member of the Athletics and Running club,
I have regularly participated in AU social events and I have competed for the University in 8 competitions this academic year. I have enjoyed being a member of this excellent organisation and this has inspired me to run for a position on the AU Executive Committee. I would bring a positive attitude to the committee and would ensure the AU’s continued success. As well as this I would be aiming to increase participation in club training sessions, competitions and AU social events where this is required. This could perhaps be done by ensuring that all clubs are welcoming, by selecting captains who are experienced and know their sport well and by ensuring that AU socials are affordable and inclusive. The AU is the one of the University’s best assets, that’s why it should an AU for everyone.
JOANNE MAURE
NO TAGLINE SUBMITTED No manifesto submitted.
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Tuesday March 3, 2015
Activities and Development BECCA BROOKS
HAYTHAM MOUSA
VOTE BECCA B FOR A&D!
DON’T SAY NO TO MOU
Becca B- Bringing unity to the LSE Community… EXPAND -Create ‘LSE ARTS’- a new union linking dance, drama, music, arts etc. Think joint socials and events! -Improve club inclusivity by responding to feedback surveys and regular meetings with liberation leaders -Promote links across major groups (e.g. RAG, LGBT+, AU) through joint events and campaigns -Change club membership to ‘social and full’; increasing club inclusivity and revenue. - Actively develop and continue give-it-a-go and Active LifeStylE programmes CELEBRATE -Organise an inter-university all-sport annual competition. Think Varsity/Tri-University (Wizard) Tournament. -Organise a Winter/Summer Ball and regular quiz at The Tuns; social occasions for all stu-
dents! -Make Saucy Better! Stop outsourcing and use the cost reduction for better acts/cheaper deals. -Increased celebration of sport/society achievements via a weekly SU email and public recognition. -Regular postgrad targeted events. MOTIVATE -Launch a volunteering initiative. Students give back to the community whilst developing their skills. -Co-ordinate and launch a motivational speaker series; inspiring students through others’ success. -Lobby for better access to local and campus facilities, such as 44LIF and Lincoln Inns Fields. -Streamline LSESU’s reimbursement process through the creation of more than one payment run. -Launch training sessions for club and society committee members.
Growing up in a conflict zone, Gaza, life has never been as easy. However, living there I learned how to be passionate, ambitious, and to always try to be part of the positive change. I worked 3 years voluntarily at community-based NGOs. I have been involved with start-ups and with sports; I was on the football team of my school. I have the passion and the experience to help make LSE a better place. My goals: More involvement and inclusiveness: We need more engagement from the wider LSE student body. I will work on having representatives in the different programs to help the students get more involved in activities. More on-campus facilities and activities.
KATIE BUDD
Celebrate our diversity: One of the greatest features of LSE is its great diversity. Why not celebrate that from a school-wide perspective not only societies perspective? Support the entrepreneurial and the voluntary spirit. Better accessibility and resources for our disabled colleagues. More media coverage of our different events. For a more inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. Don’t say no to MOU, Vote Haytham MOUsa
UMUT BEKTAS
BUDD LIGHTYEAR: TO ACTIVITIES AND BEYOND As RAG President, women’s rugby player and Court of Governors representative, I’ve gained a broad insight into LSE life. I have the experience and determination to deliver genuine positive change to student activities. • ENHANCING SOCIETIES: REFRESHERS FAIR IN LT. Giving you an opportunity to rediscover societies and making them accessible all year round. INCREASED SUPPORT. Comprehensive training away days for committees, regular societies forums, faster finances, and priority venue booking. ARTS WEEK. Cooperating with a range of societies to showcase our fantastic arts and engaging everyone in workshops, trips and shows. • INCLUSIVE SOCIAL LIFE: DEPARTMENTAL SOCIALS. Working with course reps to give everyone an opportunity to get to
More net-working and getting to know each other: more interaction between different clubs, societies, programs, and student halls.
Umut: putting the YOU in Union I work in the SU and understand the society creation process; I perform the banking for the ARC and know the finance process. I’m an exec for LSE Snow and have been on the SSLC for 3 years. Getting students more involved: Launch volunteering initiative in the local community Events for everyone: Comedy nights/pub quizzes/FIFA/COD tournaments/live music Equal footing for every society Expose societies to the bigger student body with events ? film night with film club etc. Weekly de-stressing activity ? petting-zoo/massages/yoga/crafts Easier access to society budget Bigger platform for inter-society sports Improve Saucy and create an LSE priority queue
know course mates. BIGGER CAMPUS WIDE EVENTS. Innovative non alcoholic socials and a summer formal. MORE POSTGRAD EVENTS. Held regularly, from the very start of the year. • SUPPORTING SPORTS: SPORTS NETWORK. One online platform bringing together all sporting opportunities, promoting upcoming fixtures, results and active lifestyle sessions. SECURING LONG TERM FUNDING. To boost all clubs, big and small, and ensuring everyone can get the coaches and equipment they need. WORKING WITH THE AU. To create a more inclusive sports culture and partner in lobbying the school to take sports and facilities seriously.
Utilise ‘reading weeks’ for GIAG Streamline the reimbursement process Offering greater transparency Less bureaucracy in the society creation process Meet societies and clubs in week 6 and 11 of each term Make the budget more transparent, where is the money going? Lobby the school for more funding for societies and clubs Offer online and more comprehensive committee training If someone has already completed training in a previous year, test to complete before asking for re-training Restoring and improving the AU Build on ActiveLifeStyle More opportunity to support LSE Teams An AU Blog with video footage
ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENT: what does the job entail? Page 21 AU Executive Continued...
TESSA HUTCHINSON NO TAGLINE SUBMITTED
Being committed to both sporting and social aspects of the AU, I can improve the AU experience for all as part of your AU exec. From my dynamic experience being Hockey 2nd Team Captain, participating in Tough Guy, and enjoying many a Wednesday night, I’ve developed a passion that I can bring to your AU Exec. So here is how! REPRESENTATION – Each club overseen by an allocated AU exec member, acting as a clear point of call PUBLICITY – Positive promotion of the AU and Active lifestyle through Facebook, Twitter and Beaver articles; creating an AU YouTube channel and Instagram, PARTICIPATION AND INCLUSIVITY – Uniting the AU on Wednesdays, and beyond by including major sporting events (like Wimbledon), inter-club fitness sessions and greater efforts to creating a stronger, integrated AU PERFORMANCE – Highlight the long-term benefits of participation in sport, Increased incorporation of Sports Ambassadors and Focus Teams in the AU
JACK GREENWOOD
SAN PURI
- I will endeavour to improve the outdated AU expenses system which consistently frustrates AU members across the board irrespective of their club affiliation - In line with my belief that sporting participation is a crucial aspect of university education, I would like to amend the negative image that the AU has developed, by showcasing the many positives that we have to offer as a union to ensure that recent events do not dissuade people from joining us - If elected, I will strive to increase the integration of non-AU members through the organisation of more inclusive and accessible sporting and social events, in the hope that initiatives such as the LSESU WFC Mixed Mini World Cup will become more commonplace
As a prominent member of the Men’s Rugby Working Group I have worked hard to change the culture of the Rugby club. Now I want to work hard to help change the AU for the better. Policies: 1. Lobbying the Sabbatical Officers into being MORE TRANSPARENT with policies and procedures and releasing TIMELY statements when important changes are made to the AU. 2. Liaise, co-ordinate and organise further MIXED SOCIALS between AU clubs. 3. Increase the variety of AU events by planning NON-ALCOHOL related events. 4. MOTIVATE non-AU members in halls to stay active by organising of tournaments and game days. 5. UTILISE the power of the social media by increasing media coverage of important sporting events in order to SHOWCASE the achievements of the AU. 6. Create an anonymous feedback form with the aim of improving the AU and its events based on YOUR feedback.
SWIPE RIGHT ON JACK GREENWOOD
VOTE PURI FOR A SANSATIONAL AU
HARDWORKING. DEDICATED. PASSIONATE .
OLIVER STRONG
VOTE OLI FOR A STRONG AU INCLUSIVITY of SMALLER CLUB I endeavour to include and integrate all clubs of whatever size to make every member of the AU feel welcome. This includes working closely with RAG, liberation groups and halls to promote participation. Being a 2nd year member of the Exec would allow me to be used as a point of contact and fully integrate the younger years. EXPERIENCE & GUARANTEEING BIGGER & MORE DIVERSE EVENTS Having already worked closely with the Exec this year I will transfer this experience into better future events, guaranteeing we will receive even more external backing such as the free food at Carol. SUPPORT OUR TEAMS The Exec needs to promote attendance at big sporting matches to give our teams the support they deserve! This includes more recognition of sporting excellence throughout the year. MORE POWER FOR THE AU & CLUB CAPTAINS
lsesu elects 2015
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20
Part Time Officers
Women’s Officer
alice garnier because we’re worth it As a first year undergrad, I still retain a fresh view of the campus environment. As such I will offer unbiased, independent and objective opinions and solutions to real issues women across campus face daily. CHEAPER PERIODS - Lobbying LSE for tax-free sanitary items EDUCATION AT LSE -Strivingforequalrepresentationoffemaleacademics (includingPOCacademics)atLSE,inreadinglistsand public events. - The deeper worldwide issue can be tackled at LSE by expanding the Women’s Network, and
increased incentives to encourage women to pursue academia. EDUCATION WORLWIDE - Encouraging further studies for girls in disadvantagedbackgroundsinternationallythroughscholarships and summer programmes INCLUSIVITY FROM DAY 1 -Workingwithhallcommitteestoensurecommunal areas are an open environment for all -Implementingcompulsoryconsentworkshopsatthe beginning of the year VoteAliceGarnieras#1tobeyourfreshface,forafresh start!
LENA SCHOFIELD lean on lena *Intersectionality* To represent the experiences of all self-defining women at LSE I will provide a platform through the Women’s Network for women of colour, sexual minorities, disabled women and women from lower socio-economic backgrounds so that their voices will be heard. I will make the effort to listen to women on campus about their own experiences, and what they need. *Reporting* The School’s reporting procedures are woefully
equalitaye - progressive not aggressive feminism
wanna be heard? Robyn’s Your bird
Communication Networking events for committee representatives from societies and sports clubs each term. Let’s work together to make campus a better place for all women. This communication should
*Outreach* Many problems for women on campus begin in halls. I will speak at all LSE halls during freshers week introducing myself to new women students, so that they know that they can come to me with any issues they may be having and for advice on reporting procedures. I will host consent classes for students who wish to take them.
taye le Monnier
robyn connelly-Webster
Positivity I want to celebrate women at LSE with a Women’s Achievement Awards ceremony at the end of LT, Sportswoman of the month and an LSE woman of the week.
inadequate. I will lobby the school to reform their procedures for dealing with sexual harassment and assault drawing on NUS best practice.
start from day one with a women’s officer freshers’ fair stall and socials to ensure everyone can make friends in and outside of halls. Ready to listen The women’s officer should represent every single woman on campus. I want to hear from you all. I will have weekly surgeries to listen to any problems, concerns or rants you need to put out there. I will make it my job to take your issues up with the SU and the School.
Why Me? • Trained women’s support worker at a women’s refuge • Experience in leadership in work, university and college EqualiTaye • Refocus on promoting and achieving gender equality • Progression of women’s rights based on mutual respect and cooperation between all students and staff • Recognise that gender issues affect female and male students LiberTaye • Free sexual health service on campus • Create an environment permitting freedom of
choice and expression without fear of discrimination • Run the women’s forum and introduce a men’s forum to encourage participation from both sexes in gender issues • Confidential point of call service – provided by myself as well as training staff and students for the role InclusiviTaye • Dedicated support for a women’s rights charity in developing countries, in partnership with RAG • Encourage all students and staff to participate througha‘monthlyfocus’forlectures,workshopsand events • Mentoring scheme with LSE alumni for courses where there is gender imbalance
Anti-Racism Officer
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVENESS: * Well-publicised, weekly drop-in sessions. * Set up a system for anonymous complaints with transparent investigations and results. * Work with LSE catering on a wider range of Halal and Kosher food on campus. * Highlight the fact that racism is not limited to Black and South-East Asian students. INTERSECTIONALITY: * Greater collaboration with the Liberation Officers on social events and campaigns, such as Anti-Bullying Week and Black History Month. * Attempt to eliminate both overt and institutional racism.
AMAL AWAD
JASMINA BIDE
AVADA KEDAVRA RACISM
JOIN JASMINA FOR ANTI-RACISM
SOCIETIES: * Work closely with the Interfaith Forum to effectively engage with religious discrimination personally. * Ensure that societies working on race-orientated projects are well supported and well funded to engage students. WIDER CONTEXT: * Use the LSESU platform to combat racism in the wider London context, for example that involved in the police Stop and Search policy. * Increase the availability of voluntary opportunities for LSE students to learn about and work against racism in London.
Surprisingly, LSE’s amazing diversity doesn’t always translate into an inclusive campus environment. As anti-racism officer I will proactively address this through Accountability: Pushing the School to set targets for addressing institutional racism, with a focus on attainment levels for minority groups and representative academic staff. Developing a simple and transparent procedure to report incidents of racism, and ensure decisive action from the School.
Interaction: Aiming to establish close relationships between marginalised groups on campus through building a tradition of intersociety events, such as culture and national society AU and LGBT+ nights. Holding a year-long campaign to raise awareness and address casual racism on campus. Accessibility: Working with societies and liberation officers to achieve an increased Union presence for minority groups disenfranchised by, and underrepresented in, the SU.
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lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
LGBT+ Officer BRYN LAXTON-COGLAN
PERDITA BLINKHORN
AN ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY 2015/2016
A PERDI GOOD CHOICE
My first manifesto point is to focus on promoting existing mental health and wellbeing services at LSE within the LGBT+ Community, as well as looking at how they could be improved for LGBT+ students. Mental health issues can disproportionately affect members of the LGBT+ community and LSE should be a safe space where students can get help without being judged for their sexuality and gender identity. Secondly, I will promote better awareness of Trans* issues on campus through various
events and poster campaigns, as issues around gender identity can often be overlooked when dealing with LGBT+ as a homogeneous group. Finally, I would work to help inspire LGBT+ students in business and work; LGBT+ people can often feel intimidated and apprehensive about their sexuality and gender identity when entering the world of work. I want to provide more opportunities to be inspired and gain business confidence for these students.
Dear all trans, gays, spidermen/women, bisexuals, lesbians, really confused people, asexuals, even those amongst us who are just sexually frustrated. Thanks to the new little plus beside the LGBT+ Officer title, the responsibility of the role has shifted from acting on behalf of a small scope of people to celebrating sexual diversity more generally. I want to represent all of you who are lucky enough to be anything but ordinary!
social events and poorly attended panel discussions that I was able to help organise as LGBT+ Alliance Welfare Officer, but through education If elected, my first priority will be to establish a gender, sexuality, and sexual assault workshop for first year students in halls to educate on all aspects of sexual life. Moreover, I promise a great year!
With your help, I will continue to dismantle the hereto-normative frameworks that dominate the school, not only by continuing the fabulous
Disabled Student’s Officer ISOBEL CLARE
JAMES CLARK
ACCESS ALL AREAS
PUT YOUR MARK NEXT TO CLARK
My priorities:
ryone can ACCESS their lectures*
ACCESS for everyone!
*Ensure that all provisions agreed upon for disabled students actually happen – ISSAs are followed through on and extra exam arrangements put into place*
*Campaign against the proposed cuts to the Disabled Students Allowance to ensure that all students can ACCESS university* *Lobby the school to improve ACCESSIBILITY around the current campus and with all new buildings* *Work on the de-stigmatisation of mental health, and better provisions for our students* *Work with the Education Officer to ensure that lecture capture is an opt-out system so that eve-
*Organise more ACCESSIBLE activities/clubs/ events to bring disabled students together as a community* I am very involved in campaigning for disabled students, this year I have been to an NUS Liberation Activist Training day, attended the NoDSS meetings about accessibility for the new LSE building, and tutored two students with severe dyslexia.
I am a second year Management Student, who wants to improve experiences at LSE for Disabled Students. What do I WANT to do? ACADEMICALLY − Campaign for Summer Resits for Students across ALL departments in unprecedented situations. − Increase awareness and improve the implementation of ISSA’s amongst Academic Advisors and Teaching Staff. − Campaign for more academic flexibility for Disabled students. SOCIAL & SUPPORT − Continue and raise awareness of Disabled
Student’s Assemblies. − Organise more events on Campus to raise the awareness of the range of disabilities and reduce the stigma. − Work with other liberation officers to overcome corresponding issues. − Campaign for better support systems from the LSE for disabled students. CAREERS − Organise Career Events orientated for Disabled Students. I want to represent all disabled students with all disabilities (both invisible and visible), so remember to PUT YOUR MARK NEXT TO CLARK
SELBI SASIOGLU ULISES MORENO SUPPORT SELBI SUPPORTING YOU Hi, my name is Selbi and I’m running to be your Disabled Students’ Officer. Having both a longterm health condition and a mental health condition, I know that living with disabilities can be tough. REPRESENTATION: The most important aspect of this role is representation. Disabilities are diverse, which means needs are also diverse. I want to ensure that every voice is heard, and I will do this by holding drop in sessions and making sure there is time for every single one of you, whilst campaigning
ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENT: What does the job involve? As Activities and Development Officer, you will be one of LSESU’s four full-time, paid Sabbatical Officers.
for your rights. MAKING OPPORTUNITIES KNOWN: There are many opportunities for disabled students, but sometimes we don’t know about them. I propose that we start a network of information: sharing information about ISSA’s, DSA’s and internships especially for disabled students. DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY: Let’s create an opportunity to be open about disability, to celebrate our differences and break
The Sabbatical Officers represent all students at LSE and lead on major campaigns, strategic developments, projects and events.
DISABILITIES LIBRARY FOR LSE AND BEYOND I want to create a library by and for students with disabilities. That’s my primary goal but cannot and do not want to do this alone.
cal documentation of disabled student life at LSE; a sense of reflection is necessary to identify areas that need improvement and advocacy.
What this library might look like needs to be a collaborative vision, but there are two projects I am interested in developing.
The building of this library is important because there would be a go-to place for LSE students and anyone interested in issues of disability from an interdisciplinary standpoint.
The first of these projects is collecting, organising, and annotating literature about issues of disabilities (perhaps published on a blog?). The second project would be to build a histori-
You will be responsible for the development of LSESU sports clubs and societies; the student Media Group; volunteering programmes; and events and exhibitions. You will organise events such as
With your help this project can be sustainable while building a sense of continuity and community for LSE students with disabilities and beyond.
the Freshers’ Fair, Varsity, the Welcome Ball and the AU Tour. You will also chair the Activities Committee and sit on School decision-making bodies, including the Finance Commit-
tee. All Sabbatical Officers are also members of the Trustee Board, which has the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the Students’ Union.
lsesu elects 2015
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22
Part Time Officers Continued International Students’ Officer Amaima Fatima Your Culture, Your campus, your victory Being an international student and a committee member of a national society, I can relate to the experiences of every individual living away from home. Currently, a SSLC Course representative and a communication officer, I have the skills and motivations to make LSE more inclusive for International students. POLICIES: * Campaign to reinstate the Post-Study Work Visa. * Provide better quality Halal, Kosher and Vegetarian alternatives. * Promote integration in the foreign environment through campus or hall events, society col-
Boris turkin In-Stalin boris, just putin the vote
laborative events, increased participation in the AU, (any ideas that YOU might have).
* – Improve the service provided to international students.
* Campaign for better funding (scholarships) for international students at all levels.
* – Provide an easier way for international students to voice their opinions.
* Campaign for more accommodation facilities and priority for International students in halls in their second or third year.
* – Arrange meeting every two weeks where international students will get the chance to express their university experience and then appropriate steps will be taken based on priority.
* Improve career guidance, specifically for international students from their first year. Vote AMAIMA as YOUR #1 International Students’ Officer, Since, it’s YOUR Culture, YOUR campus and will be YOUR Victory.
like to implement a feedback system where you can personally share your experience at LSE with new international students and what you would like to improve. * – Help international students to involve in various Student Union activities. * – Rename Student Union as the Politburo. * – Annex Saw Swee Hock Student Centre for Russian Federation.
* – Work together with many international societies to enable a productive cultural & social exchange between local and international students. * – For current international students I would
* – Freeze International Fees.
Fazeela jahangir
damien kemfack
let’s be cosmo, vote fazeela
Hey, are you voting damien? samien! I am campaigning to transform the International Officer role into one that promotes inclusiveness and diversity in the LSESU, and importantly ADVOCACY for the rainbow of ethnicities (races, religions, lived experience) that comprises the international student population at the LSE. ADVOCACY - fight for an international student tutition fees to freeze at the rate of their year of entry - continue lobbying the new government for more progressive visa policy for international students, with a particular regard to reinstate the Post-Study Work visa
LIBERATION - continue partnering with multicultural and liberation societies (ACS, I-Soc, FemSoc, J-Soc, PalSoc, LGBT) to provide avenues for international students to report harassment. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF ALL SEXES, GENDERS, AND EXPERIENCES DESERVE TO FEEL SAFE ON THEIR CAMPUS. CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSITY - organise cross-cultural events with diverse su organisations and societies
Hi! I am a second year undergrad studying History and IR. I have gained invaluable experience and loved working with various societies on campus. As the International Officer I would strive for: * Greater Inclusivity and Representation – More egalitarianism in the LSE International Student intake and academic teaching- Africans and Latinos are roughly only 1/10th of the American and Asian intake. I aim to challenge this working with various national societies and lobbying academic departments for greater pluralism in courses taught.
* Celebrating Culture, accommodating Diversity – In addition to expanding upon brilliant existing initiatives like the Global Village Week, I aim to ensure greater consistency e.g. frequent and more welcoming, culture sensitive socials and AU environment, speaker events and so on. * Careers and Fees – Lobbying the school for a fees freeze and prevent further curtailment of our rights through changes in the law such as the Tier 1 Visa.
RAG President
BME Officer
JAMES WURR
MAHATIR PASHA
BECAUSE YOU’RE ‘WURR’TH IT As Vice-President Challenges, I have seen RAG grow exponentially this year. However, I believe improvements can be made in several areas to increase RAG’s fundraising abilities next year.
• Creating a bigger and better RAG week by engaging with clubs and societies. • Attempting a world record whilst building on the success of current challenges.
Events/ Challenges RAG can only continue it’s good work if we include the whole student body in fundraising. To do this, I propose:
External Funding RAG needs external funding to ensure that 100% of fundraising goes to charity and to keep sign-up costs as low as possible.
• Building TEAM RAG by engaging with more students on campus. • Running new events including Pub Quizzes, a Winter Ball and a Battle of the Bands competition.
Local Charities RAG should fundraise for more local causes to promote engagement with charities and to fund projects rather than media campaigns. @JamesWurr
VOTE FOR PASSION! VOTE FOR PASHA! I’m Mahatir Pasha, a Government and History student running to be your BME Students’ Officer. As an elected student representative serving on the LSE Court of Governors and the LSE Council this year, I have gained invaluable experience and have become well informed about issues surrounding the school. I’m PASHA-NATE about: * ENGAGEMENT: I’ll expand the recently launched BME network by securing more funding. Through the network, I’ll organise events discussing intersectional race issues and also proactively support minority group societies
with access to resources and further funding. * REPRESENTATION: I’ll create a BME committee with representatives from all BME groups. This will ensure efficiency and allow all BME communities to be properly heard. * OPPORTUNITY: I’ll organise career networking events for BME students. I’ll also work with the NUS Black Students campaign to ensure LSE BME students are first to hear about opportunities and liberation campaigns. @mahatir_pasha www.facebook.com/votemahatirpasha
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lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Environment and Ethics Officer
LSE’s environmental and ethical attitudes must change. With momentum growing behind the DIVEST and LSE’s Ethics Code campaigns, now more than ever we need strong and reliable support for Environment and Ethics related societies, activities and events at LSE. I am a passionate campaigner, having won LSESU Activist of the Year and Best Initiative to Influence the School and being featured in the Guardian’s ‘eight ways students changed the world in 2014′. With this experience and the following policies, I can bring real change over the coming year:
CELIA FRANKEL
CHOUDHRY AZIZUDDIN
VOTE CECE FOR E&E
GREENER LSE NICER LSE
1. SU website resources on campaigns, fundraising and volunteer projects. 2. Termly E&E forums connecting societies for events and volunteering projects, raising awareness of activities, campaigns and events and fostering a sense of community. 3. SU support for E&E related events for all societies, including help with advertising, venue hire and funding.
ETHICS: A MUST NOT AN OPTION
Re-love store. I will extent the system of furniture and item donation to all LSE halls; I will strengthen the Re-love centre on campus for students living in independent flats who want to get rid of refrigerators, printers or kitchen tools. This will incentivise recycling and guarantee items at affordable prices.
• I will strive to make LSE more sustainable, creating a feasibility study for using solar and renewable energy and finding ways to reduce energy consumption such as through better insulation.
competitions. I will also aim to attract jobs related to the Green Energy sector to the LSE. • I will campaign to for a wider participation on fighting climate change, figuring out ways in which we can consume electricity efficiently in our daily routines. • I will campaign against drug and racial abuse through pamphlets. I will also launch a social media campaign.
• I will encourage student enterprise with regards to a cleaner environment by conducting
ELENA BIGNAMI
As your Environment & Ethics officer I will focus on three points.
I am a first year student doing a BSc in Management. I want to run for this position because I am concerned particularly with the impact of Greenhouse gases. I am also concerned about the impact of drug abuse on students. I hope to tackle these issues as part of my role.
LSE Divest campaign. I will support the LSE Divest campaign to freeze the university’s investments in fossil fuels. I will request more involvement of LSESU, including the Environment and Ethics Officer and the Sabbaticals, with the Finance Committee, and push to change the Ethics Code to re-instate compliance with sustainability issues. Vegetarian, halal & kosher options. I will meet with catering services to increase the variety of food options in LSE dining facilities.
HARRY MAXWELL HMRC - HARRY MAXWELL, RIGHT CHOICE - Invite high profile environmentalists, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, to talk at LSESU.
sion of kosher food on-campus as well as hot, healthy lunches.
- Propose a business case for a Houghton Street Smoothie Shack, promoting organic and fair trade, and oversee a trial process and its implementation.
- Campaign for all media group publications (like The Beaver) and LSESU promotional material to be printed on recycled paper.
- Make Green Week a bigger deal with awareness raising parties planned every night in conjunction with societies like the AU. - Continue to lobby LSE following the hard work and UGM motion passing of LSE Divest.
Ethics: a must, not an option.
- Work with LSE Catering to provide the provi-
- Explore the possibilities of LSE Estates only supplying recycled paper for printers. - Conduct and execute a full investigation into campus energy usage and make recommendations accordingly. - Encourage societies to stop making social media attacks on one another.
the part timers: what the jobs involve part 1... Anti-RacismOfficer
BMEStudents’Officer
Disabled Students’ Officer
LGBT+Students’ Officer
Womens’Officer
The person appointed to this role is part of the Union’s Student Executive, who having been elected by the student body, represent LSE students and shape the Union’s decision making. Specifically, this role addresses all issues surrounding anti-racism. As well as representation and campaigning, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in other LSESU events.
To represent members and to campaign on issues that relate to BME liberation.
The student appointed to this liberation role is part of the Union’s Executive Committee, who having been voted in by the student body, represents LSE students and shapes the Union’s decision making. Specifically, this role addresses all issues surrounding disability. As well as representation and campaigning, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in other Union events.
The student appointed to this liberation role is part of the Executive Committee, who having been voted in by the student body, represents LSE students and shapes the Union’s decision making. Specifically, this role addresses all matters surrounding LGBT+ issues. As well as representation and campaigning, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in other LSESU events.
The student appointed to this liberation role is part of the Executive Committee, who having been voted in by the student body, represents LSE students and shapes the Union’s decision making. Specifically, this role addresses all matters surrounding women’s liberation. As well as representation and campaigning, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in other LSESU events.
Key responsibilities:
Key responsibilities:
Key responsibilities:
To lead the Union on delivering students’ general and political priorities related to disability.
To lead the Union on delivering students’ general and political priorities related to LGBT+ issues
To be an active member of the Student Executive Committee.
To be an active member of the Student Executive Committee
To lead the Union on delivering students’ general and political priorities related to women’s liberation.
To be accountable members
To be accountable members
Key responsibilities: To lead the Union on delivering students’ general and political priorities related to anti-racism To be an active member of the Student Executive To be accountable members
to
your
Key responsibilities: To lead LSESU on delivering students’ priorities related to BME issues. To open up relevant dialogues and debates related to BME issues. Discuss ideas and run campaign. Organise and coordinate initiatives to create an environment that is inclusive and free from discrimination To be an active member of the Student Executive Committee To hold regular assemblies or student meetings to feed back actions to students. To update students regularly via emails, blog posts and other methods. To attend Student Executive meetings and other LSESU and LSE meetings
to
your
to
your
To be an active member of the Student Executive Committee To be accountable members
to
your
lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
24
Democracy Committee CHOUDHRY AZIZUDDIN
NO TAGLINE SUBMITTED
No manifesto submitted.
GEORGE BURTON DO YOUGM!?
As a regular ugmer and member of several student societies if elected to Democracy Committee I will: Campaign for UGM for all, where this time is protected and all students are able to attend and there are no lectures and classes at this time, Aim to make it easier to submit a motion to the union general meeting, Help societies set up their constitutions,
Increase awareness of Student Union policy, Encourage greater turnout at UGM, including working with liberation officers to ensure everyone feels supported in getting involved with the SU, Get more people involved in the elections process, including increasing participation, Make sure everyone is emailed when a motion goes online for voting, Attend every UGM.
JAKE FRYER
NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME As a member of the democracy committee, I’d hope to widen participation and amplify the voices of those who are less represented. Having past experience setting up a society, and also working as part of the Labour society committee, I have first hand experience in understanding the workings of
the SU, and societies within it. My main three goals would be too: – amplify – widen – and make the SU more inclusive Nothing will be the same. Shout to Drake
KATIE FLYNN
FRASER BELL
BACK BELL FOR DEMOCRACY COMMITTEE My name is Fraser Bell and I am a second year Government and Economics student passionate about improving our SU. Here are my main policies: ACCOUNTABILITY Ensure students know who they are voting for, how to vote, and what it means for them. Make sure process is run fairly and efficiently INNOVATION Make UGMs more visible using Facebook and Twitter. They need more publicity, especially
HARI PRABU
IT ALL STARTS WITH A UGM I will deliver a more accountable, engaging and accessible Student Union democracy. Accountability Ensure that course and hall representatives are meeting with the students they represent and are taking account of their views and problems. Make the attendance of elected Union officials at Union General Meetings compulsory. Mandate the Sabbs’ priority campaign through an online vote on a shortlist of campaign options. Engagement Have only three UGMs each term. Hold each on an evening,
GET FLYNN IN!
I’m Katie and I’m a second year International History student. I believe I would make an excellent member of the Democracy Committee, and if I am elected I will help improve the work done by the committee by: – Striving to include and engage students with the democracy process by maintaining and improving social media presence, making UGM motions known to as many students as early as possible – Encouraging students from liberation groups to engage
with the electoral process through interaction over the year and working with liberation officers, potentially running work shops for interested unrepresented candidates – Increasing attendance of UGM by especially targeting first years that show a political interest via LSE’s various societies, as the UGM’s are currently attended by predominantly second and third year students. GET FLYNN IN! Vote Katie #1 for Democracy Committee!
online. I’ll make this a priority. Continue the use of online voting. ENGAGEMENT Get more people interested in SU politics and decision making. Help replace the cliquey perception and get new proposers of UGM motions and new candidates in SU elections to come forward. For more information or to discuss these ideas with me visit www.facebook.com/fraserdbell or contact me at f.bell@ lse.ac.uk
debate up to four motions and create a social atmosphere alongside the serious business of policy-making by serving nibbles and drinks. Promote Union democracy directly to societies’ members at their first meetings and on Houghton Street in the week in which any UGM takes place. Accessibility Create an online form with a built-in template for policy motion submissions. Produce a simplified, plain English version of our constitution and bye-laws to increase students’ understanding of Union procedure.
JOSHUA IP
I WANT THE D! DEMOCRACY. • It is time for everyone in the world to SAY WHAT YOU WANT, whatever you believe in IRRESPECTIVE of your religion, sexuality, gender, your skin colour the list goes on and on. I know that it is difficult. Let’s not give up and reach our dream together! • Have the right to BE WHO YOU ARE. Nobody, nobody should judge you by what you wear, what you look like
• LIFE IS SO IMPORTANT. Make sure everyone around you, you love them and they love you for who you are. Not who they want you to be, and not what they’re trying to make you. Just make sure you are happy. • BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE. VOTE FOR JOSHUA IP and we can step forward to our world of REAL DEMOCRACY. • I want the D! Democracy.
25
lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Democracy Committee Continued...
Net Chittmittrapap
NO REGRET, VOTE FOR NET
We are blindly voting for policies we only understand based on face-value. We have NO IDEA why some people argue for and against them. Around 50 students out of 9,000 LSE students attend the UGMs! LSE is diverse, but are the body of representatives? How can rules be fair if elections and policy are passed illegally? Vote for me and I will change this. There will be more TRANSPARENCY in the policy- debating
and imposing processes. More people will vote. Policies will represent TRUE DEMOCRACY not just 0.5% of the students. There will be more DIVERSITY within the representatives body. Voices of people from UNDERREPRESENTED BACKGROUND will be heard There will be FAIR and ACTIVE ENFORCEMENT rules and regulations Election and policies will be passed according to the laws of LSE. NO REGRET, VOTE FOR NET!
ZEUS PATEL
TRANSPARENCY. INCLUSIVITY. CHANGE. I am running on the following three key points: Transparency - making a genuine effort to ensure that the SU is transparent in all its undertakings. Inclusivity- attempting to increase the student participa-
tion in the SU decision making process. Change - attempting to enact positive change within the SU in all ways possible so as to ensure a properly functioning, efficient and accountable SU.
TIMOTHY ASPIN
LET’S TAKE THE SU FOR A SPIN Tim for the win. UGMs happen.
Trustee Board HARRY MAXWELL
NADIA RASLAN
HMRC - HARRY MAXWELL RIGHT CHOICE
TRUST ME FOR TRUSTEE * I’m Nadia and I’ve been the SU’s Environment and Ethics Officer this year so I have experience in liaising with the Union and staff at the School to act in accordance with students’ demands: Ensure the Students’ Union uses their finances responsibly and with student’s interests at heart Boost
greater
transparency
between the Union and students. I will promote channeling resources towards empowering students in welfare and political campaigns, welfare services and representation support. Ensure the integrity of the SU’s governance procedures by holding the Sabbatical Officers and Senior Management to account.
Make LSESU’s disciplinary decisions more transparent. They impact everyone and this needs to be crystal clear to
students. And that, my friend, is why Harry Maxwell would be the right choice. @HarryMaxwell
FRASER BELL
NO TAGLINE SUBMITTED Does not want to submit a manifesto for Trustee Board, just for Democ Committee
what the jobs involve... Democracy Committee
Trustee Board
TRANSPARENCY. INCLUSIVITY. CHANGE.
Ensure that LSESU functions in a democratic way, in according with the Constitution
Ensure that everything LSESU does benefits students
• Agree dates, rules and regulations pertaining to elections and referenda
I am running on the following three key points:
tion in the SU decision making process.
• Assist with promoting elections, Union General Meetings and other democratic structures
• Ensure that LSESU remains in good financial shape, including approving the annual budget
Transparency - making a genuine effort to ensure that the SU is transparent in all its undertakings.
Change - attempting to enact positive change within the SU in all ways possible so as to ensure a properly functioning, efficient and accountable SU.
ZEUS PATEL
Inclusivity- attempting to increase the student participa-
• Attend meetings approximately twice per term • Attend UGMs • The student who receives the most votes has first refusal as UGM Chair • The Returning Officer (with responsibility for elections) is also selected from the Committee
• Ensure that LSESU does not break any laws or regulations • Interpret the Constitution, Articles and Byelaws • Attend all Trustee Board meetings • Read relevant reports and papers prior to meetings
lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
26
Athletics Union President BILLIE SELBY
JULIA RYLAND
SELBY FITS THE BILL
CROWN JULES YOUR AU PRESIDENT
The AU should be more about S.P.O.R.T: Socials: A new AU-card that will be used for more AU-wide options, including meal deals, discounts on bowling, Zoo Bar and partnerships with venues whose main theme isn’t alcohol! Participation: Including more Post-Grads and International Students by offering them an additional AU welcome fayre. Opportunity: I’ll include new sports and teams – an American Football Team in partnership with the USA Society perhaps?
Reputation: I’ll involve PhotoSoc for more sports journalism – using the Beaver to highlight weekly Hall of Fame members from each Club, more celebration of/publicity for LSE team and individual successes. Also, starting a weekly AU Blog Online. Transparency: The AU Code of Conduct and complaints procedure will be publicised for better accountability, with emphasis on zero-tolerance for sexual harassment. Club Captains will be provided with previous budget information. I will work with the SU for more clarity on potential Club sponsorship.
Your AU President should be experienced, inclusive, approachable and make positive progress. As Club Captain of Women’s Rugby, I’ve shown I can do this. I can do it again for the AU. A UNITED AU –Dedicated outreach officers for every club will build links with societies, liberation groups and other clubs. –Regular club captain meetings so each club – small or large – gets the support it needs. INCLUSIVITY –A wider variety of socials, not exclusively on Wednesdays (eg post-grad specific, or non-alco-
hol events). –Coordinated, more frequent, give-it-a-go sessions to encourage wider participation. –I’ll lobby to free Wednesday afternoons for Post-grads. CELEBRATING SPORT –Let’s focus on sporting successes. –A university-wide AU newsletter that will create awareness of events and matches and celebrate the achievements of clubs and individuals. –Facilitate supporting each other’s teams in competitions. LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THE SCHOOL AND THE SU PROUD OF OUR AU!
Athletics Union Engagement Officer AHMED CHEEMA Hope, Change, Inclusivity Vote AU Cheemtivity LSE students come from diverse backgrounds and play various sports. I believe the AU has the potential to provide a platform to unite us and ensure our experience at LSE is memorable one. If elected, I shall endeavour to: Secure more funding for clubs that promote inclusivity, accessibility and diversity. Work with the SU and LSE Sports Ambassadors to increase participation in sports via ‘touch’ sessions, intra-department & staff vs student matches. Hold monthly meetings with AU clubs to resolve any problems they face.
Increase participation by female, minority, LGBT+ and disabled athletes. Set up a student run charity and work with RAG to raise more funds for Liberation campaigns. Invite professional athletes to share their experiences at seminars with AU clubs. Organise intra-club events e.g. wine tasting, to increase interaction within the AU. Reform and democratise the AU by holding referendums to resolve issues that impact the student body.
JENNY JOHANSON Vote for a JENuinely inclusive AU As an international student with experience from leading a minority sport (women’s football) as the club captain, I JENuinely want to ensure a more inclusive AU through the following measures: organising open discussions and forums to encourage positive and mutually beneficial relationships across the different areas of LSESU Sport and the LSE Student body actively engaging with the wider LSE community, such as societies, liberation groups, part-time officers and staff, to increase inclusivity and diversity in the Athletics Union breaking down barri-
ers that prevent students taking part in the AU by ensuring a welcoming Freshers’ Fair encouraging clubs to organise multiple trials and taster sessions, arrange non-alcoholic events and inter-club socials, and further collaborate with the ActiveLifeStylE programme to increase participation in sports at LSE further extending the ‘AU for ALL’ campaign and run other sports related campaigns on campus, to encourage underrepresented groups to join the AU @jenhovjoh
the part timers: what the jobs involve part 2... AUExecutive
AUPresident
Environment and EthicsOfficer
International Students’Officer
RAGPresident
This person will have to:
This person will have to: Represents all AU Club Members
Work with the Activities & Development Officer and SU to develop sport at LSE
Work with the Activities & Development Officer and SU to develop sport at LSE
Support AU Club Captains and Club Execs
Support AU Club Captains and Club Execs
Lead the organisation of AU events
Lead the organisation of AU events
The student appointed to this role is part of the Executive Committee, who having been voted in by the student body, represents LSE students and shapes the Union’s decision making. Specifically, this role addresses all issues surrounding international students. As well as representation and campaigning, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in other LSESU events.
This person will have to:
Represents all AU Club Members
The student appointed to this role is part of the Executive Committee, who having been voted in by the student body, represents LSE students and shapes the Union’s decision making. Specifically, this role addresses all matters surrounding environmental and ethical issues. As well as representation and campaigning, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in other LSESU events.
The President chairs the weekly Exec meeting
The President chairs the weekly Exec meeting
Key responsibilities:
Key responsibilities:
Manage a committee of 17 students
Liaises with the SU on all large AU activities and events
Liaises with the SU on all large AU activities and events
To lead the Union on delivering students’ general and political priorities related to environmental and ethical issues.
To lead the Union on delivering students’ general and political priorities related to inernational students’ issues.
Act as the main point of contact for charities looking to fundraise with LSESU
To be an active member of the Student Executive Committee.
To be an active member of the Student Executive Committee.
Provide support to any LSE student who is undertaking fundraising for a charitable cause
To be accountable members.
To be accountable members.
Take the lead on organising RAG Week
to
your
to
your
Facilitate and support student fundraising within LSESU by leading RAG Facilitate events such as Freshers’ Week events, RAG Band, Welcome Ball and the Postgraduate Ball as well as challenges such as the Mount Kilimanjaro trek
27
lsesu elects 2015
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Election facts and figures Top 10 Voting Nations at LSE 1. British
2. American
3. Chinese
4. Malaysian
5. German
Somewhat predictable given that the British make up the largest nationality grouping at the LSE with 3074 students last year. That works out at 46% turnout – well above the overall turnout for elections last year which was only 27%.
Although they are the 2nd highest voting nation at the LSE, the total number of registered American students at the LSE last year was 844. This works out a small 19% turnout.
Contrary to common LSESU political stereotypes, the Chinese constituency is the 3rd largest in absolute numbers. Having said that, there were 1098 Chinese students at LSE, equalling 10% turnout.
The Malaysian vote at LSESU is one of the highest in absolute numbers, and also in terms of proportion of this constituency voting. 33% of all Malaysian students (312) voted last year. Represent Malaysia.
Coming in at 5th are the Germans. Given that there were 490 Germans at LSE last year, this represents a comparatively below average turnout at 19%.
6. Indian
7. Singaporeans
8. French
9. Pakistani
10. Canadian
Below average turnout by 6 percentage points on 21%, the Indian vote is still crucial for hopeful Sabbatical candidates. If you’re an Indian student, you can also register to vote in the UK General Election, don’t forget!
Singaporeans are more actively engaged in SU democracy than the average student, statistics show. Last year, 29% of Singaporeans voted, that’s 79 out of 268.
Our friends across the Channel make up our fair chunk of the student population, with 343 French students at LSE last year. However, only 22% of them voted
One of the best voting constituencies of the Students’ Union, 44% of all Pakistani students’ voted last year, that’s 44 students out of a total of 111. That’s well above the SU average of 27%!
Rounding off the top ten are our Canadian students with a below average turnout of 19% of Canadians voting last year, that’s 46 out of 242.
1403 voted last year
84 voted last year
159 voted last year
79 voted last year
110 voted last year
102 voted last year
75 voted last year
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
49% of all undergraduates voted in 2014. This is the exact same percentage of undergrads that voted in the previous year
Only 10% of postgrads voted in 2014. That’s 670 postgraduates out of a whopping 6186.
Accounts for most voters
BUT, this percentage fluctuates widely. In 2013 it was considerably higher at 836 postgrads voting (that’s 14%), but in 2012 it was considerably lower at 482 postgrads voting (11% turnout)
Postgrad Taught
Postgrad Research
Only marginally better than research students in percentage terms, 11% of postgraduate taught students voted. In absolute numbers, they vastly dwarf research students with 632 votes to their 42 votes.
Only 5% of postgrad research students vote, the lowest turnout of all types of LSE students. This is slightly higher than the 4.6% of research students who voted the previous years, but in actual numbers, that’s 2 votes more.
female voters in 2014, 24% voted Of 5501 eligible
Turnout 2008-14
Voting by year of study
male voters in 2014, 28% voted
Low turnout
However, undergrads account for 76% of all voters last year. Last year, 2172 undergrads voted, the highest number in the last 3 years.
Lower turnout
Of 5150 eligible
46 voted last year
Lowest turnout
Voting by level of study
Voting by gender
49 voted last year
92 voted last year
First years
Second years
49% of all undergraduates voted in 2014. This is the exact same percentage of undergrads that voted in the previous year
Only 10% of postgrads voted in 2014. That’s 670 postgraduates out of a whopping 6186.
54% voted last year
However, undergrads account for 76% of all voters last year. Last year, 2172 undergrads voted, the highest number in the last 3 years.
49% voted last year
BUT, this percentage fluctuates widely. In 2013 it was considerably higher at 836 postgrads voting (that’s 14%), but in 2012 it was considerably lower at 482 postgrads voting (11% turnout)
Third years
29% voted last year Only marginally better than research students in percentage terms, 11% of postgraduate taught students voted. In absolute numbers, they vastly dwarf research students with 632 votes to their 42 votes.
For even more statistics, go to:
lsesuelects.co.uk
lsesu elects 2015
lsesuelects.co.uk facebook.com/lsesuelects #lsesuelects