APRIL 2012
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AUSA ELECTIONS 2012 - Manifesto & Elections Guide
What’s This Elections Malarky All About Then? Beginning of the Summer term, people are out in force handing out sweets, campus looks like a photocopier has spewed all over it – It must be the AUSA elections! What’s the point? I know what you’re thinking – because I was just like you a few years ago – what’s the point? It’s not really that important – student politics, who cares? But what if I was to tell you the lucky 13 who get the most votes out of the 37 candidates on campus this week will be making decisions on various issues which directly affect you; the price of your grad ball ticket, what’s on during freshers week and how much funding your society/sports club gets. Doesn’t grab you? What if I was to tell you, these are the people who, if you fail your degree, will fight your corner, stand beside you when you’re being questioned and argue until you get that degree back!
you want free condoms, accommodation assistance and financial advice? Do you want a cinema on campus? How Two seconds to make a difference about more computers or longer library open hours? What about more training facilities or fewer restrictions on your sports clubs? Cheaper food on campus? Anything you can think of to do with campus, university and AUSA 13 out of the 37 running will have the power to influence that change. I guarantee, in some way, they will affect your university life. Within this publication you will find all the information you need about how to vote, whose running, their manifestos and of course their pictures.
Grab a coffee, peruse this manifesto guide, make a decision, pop online and vote! Two seconds of your time could be the difference between a Influence change performance space or a Still nothing? Ok – do you Union, the pole dancing want Butchart to have society or the H20 society, an alcohol licence? Do a fail or a first. POSTER-GATE: Candidates’ posters around campus during Elections
What The Frank is This Executive Committee? AUSA Executive committee are the trustees of a multi-million pound charity. Most members chair committees that directly affect you, from Welfare to Sports - they put in countless hours to represent you. The Executive Committee is made up of 13 students. Six full time sabbaticals, each of whom receive a £17k+ wage in order to devout their waking hours to working for students. The other seven are volunteers who study
Working for you alongside the hours they put in working for AUSA. They will also be focussing on all the key points from their manifestos, which Accountable are in this paper, for you! These 13 people, for This is why it’s insanely the upcoming year, will important for you to especially be looking – because it’s all at making the Butchart vote about you! building work for you. all here to AUSA is changing through They’re for you, so make a new constitution and the work you vote for the appointment of external sure who is going to trustees, which will make person do this best – for you! it more accountable and approachable to all its members – namely you!
AUSA ELECTIONS 2012 - Manifesto & Elections Guide
STUDENT PRESIDENT
Leo Heydon Lancelot Stockford
Anne-Claire Deseilligny
APRIL 2012
2012 Candidates
Thomas Bywater
Lawrence Perks
Jonathan Kerr
Duncan Russell
Callum Kerry
Gordon Maloney
Richenda Caroline Marianne Leonard
Victoria Anderson
PRESIDENT FOR SPORT
Nye Gordon
Jack Jones
Chris Walters
PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION & EMPLOYABILITY
Josefine Bjorkqvist Fanny Johannson
Adam Khan
Eve Flavell
Vincent Price
Stephen Armitage
PRESIDENT FOR SOCIETIES & STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Clare McWilliams
VICE-PRESIDENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Daphne Heijdelberg
Steven Dale
PRESIDENT FOR CHARITIES
PRESIDENT FOR WELFARE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Shane Johnson
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Vita Zaporozcenko
Caroline Allan
Emma Carlen
VICE-PRESIDENT SOCIETIES
Xander Brouwer
SPORTS UNION TREASURER
Marc McCorkell
Rob Henthorn
Hamish McKenzie
Yasemin Guven
Sean McNally
Gemma Riddell
VICE-PRESIDENT EDUCATION
Hannah Louise Smith
Megan Dunn
ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS OFFICER
Joanna Wilson
Alan Moore
Elect Leo Heydon Lancelot Stockford for Student President
P
FINANCE
Bursaries are essential in these difficult times. I want to find financial help for RUK students, and postgraduates in particular. I want to protect the Arts and Humanities, subjects which cannot rely on private financing.
SOCIETIES
Student Societies do a great job as it is, but they could do with a lot more support from AUSA. This is why I want to reform the Societies’ Committee
y n g i l l i e
s e D
e T r i N a -Cl SIDE
e PRE n n A
EMPLOYMENT
My name is Anne-Claire and I am a 4th year Politics and IR student. I have decided to run for Student President as I want to ensure that new students will receive the same support I have benefited from throughout my time at university. I want to continue to improve our range of services and support for students.
MY POLICIES ACCOMODATION
The cost of accomodation in Aberdeen is amongst the highest in the country, and something needs to be done . I will aggressively campaign against rent hikes in university accomodation. I will put pressure on the City Council to lower the cost of HMO licenses. I will organise an accomodation fair in Hillhead to help First-years in their search and give practical and legal advice.
THOMAS BYWATER STUDENT PRESIDENT
I will stand by you. As Student President I will put forward your views and the motions that will ensure we continue to attract the best professors, facilities, and thoughts. With more presence than an Aberdonian seagull, I am here to open the University to you. From arts to academics, sports to societies, University is an event of many disciplines. I will be there, FOR THE STUDENT, FOR THE UNIVERSITY, FOR THE JOURNEY,
Bywater.
FOR THE STUDENT More Pastoral Care- The introduction of an ‘Academic Parents’ mentoring system for new students, to help avoid “I wish I’d known that in first year” syndrome. Festivals & Culture, emphasis on exhibitions, showcasing the university’s historic treasures and contemporary arts. Performing Arts Space. More access to facilities for societies. FOR THE UNIVERSITY Openness –Transparency in university policy and finance; letting you know what’s going on in your University. More Accountability for Advisors- introduction of post exam meetings, to keep studies on track! Support for International and RUK students – more comprehensive support in securing bursaries and study visas. FOR THE TRADITION More Publications - establishing online journals and e-publications making sure the best and most contemporary thoughts are associated with Aberdeen and the University Press. Emphasis on Events observing the high points of the university’s calendar. Your time at university- encouraging more opportunities and freedom to make your mark in the university’s long history. Over the last couple of years the University of Aberdeen has gained an award-winning library and a premier sports centre, but amongst these stands the crown of King’s College –testament to Aberdeen being at the forefront of higher education since 1495. While these are tough times for Universities across the UK, at Aberdeen we are still laying the flagstones of institutions that will serve to be our educational ‘rock of ages’.
THOMAS BYWATER, BY FAR THE BEST CHOICE.
We need to preserve, update and expand Joblink to help students find appropriate part-time work during their time at university. I would also like to work with the Careers’ service to ensure that students’ needs are met on an individual level.
EDUCATION
Have exams in December, but make sure that students get a revision week. Make sure that all students have access to Erasmus and foreign exchange programmes, particularly in the case of joint-honours students. Better feedback and more advisors’ meetings. Clarification of the Honours’ system at the beginning of 3rd year for each student.
I want to make it their job to create a database of all existing societies and to publish this as widely as possible, so that students can join any society whenever they want. I would like to make it their job to organise inter-society events on the model of what the Sports Union do.
SPORTS
Minibus booking needs to be clarified and simplified. When you book a bus you should get a bus, no matter what your team is. Give extra support to small teams in their search for sponsorship from local businesses.
WELFARE
University is quite often a challenging and stressful time. I want to raise awareness about the support AUSA can provide when you have problems, particularly relating to drugs and alcohol. AUSA should make more of an effort to reach those who are most at risk.
Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter: @AnneClaireD1
EXPERIENCE The Gaudie: Current Co-Head Editor Two years as Arts Editor
Four Years: Experience in Communications, Marketing and Translation
Heavily Involved In: Centre Stage, Debater, Franco-Belarussian Association and Equal Opportunities Campaigns.
Jonathan Kerr #1 for Student President!
My name is Jonathan Kerr and I want to be your Student President. I believe the SA and the University need to be shaken up, and I feel I have the passion and enthusiasm to do so. I've been involved all over the Association, and the highest point has been Fresher's Week - it's a brilliant opportunity to showcase the SA to new students and I want to really build on that.
VOTE
DUNCAN RUSSELL FOR
STUDENT PRESIDENT
Vote JK for The Heart of the Association!
The heart of the Students Association is YOU! Too many students don’t know enough about their SA. Some don’t even know they’re a part of it!
Vote JK for Sports for Credits!
Commitment to a sport shows skills unobtainable in tutorials and lecture theatres: I want the university to offer sports as accredited courses, to encourage students to take part .
Vote JK for an Accommodation Forum and Database!
Students going on ERASMUS or medics on placement for six months face enormous difficulty in finding accommodation for the other half a year. I will put in place a database within the Student Advice Centre which will pair up students who need a flat for only six months.
Vote JK for Exam Dates!
Exam timetables are available a month before exams. For those of us who don’t live in Aberdeen and want to go home over the holidays, this is unacceptable.
Vote JK against Hidden Costs!
It’s a disgrace to think that the University believes it can blackmail you with hidden costs. I will force the University to come clean about the real costs of a degree, and fight to reduce them.
Vote JK for Longer Library Opening Hours! The current sabbatical team is pushing to keep the library open until midnight. I don’t think that’s late enough
Vote JK for Butchart!
I will commit the Students’ Association to investing money into the improvement of the Butchart Centre to its full potential!
Vote JK for YOU!
STEVEN DALE For
STUDENT PRESIDENT
Who am i? My name is Steven Dale. I am a fourth year Property student. During my 4 years at university I have been extensively involved in the Aberdeen Students’ Charities Campaign through the annual Student Show. This year will be my 4th show, having been Administrator last year and successfully leading the show to a record amount of over £56,000 raised for local charities!
What can I do for you? Represent YOU and all students by tackling the issues that concern YOU. This is after all your Students’ Association. In order to make it better we need your input! Some of the issues that concern me are: - Raising awareness of the students’ association within the student population – lets get more students involved! - Better feedback on exams – would you like to see your exam paper after it has been marked? - Exams in December – would you prefer to have your exams before Christmas then relax with friends and family over the festive season? - A local forum / networking group for students who may not be living in halls – helping all students get the most from the university experience. - The continued development of the Butchart facility – we have this excellent space – lets do more with it – more events – particularly in the evening. - Computer and printing facilities within Butchart – giving you more reasons to be here! I have the commitment and experience to be successful: - Last year my work for Student Show and the Charities Campaign was recognized as I received the ‘Most Committed Individual’ award at the annual Students’ Association dinner. - I have worked on reception at AUSA for the last 2 years – this has allowed me to gain valuable insight into the workings of the Students’ Association and build up excellent working relationships with all of the staff. - I have a ‘can do’ attitude and very much believe actions speak louder than words! Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto.
DALE OR NO DALE? You decide – please VOTE!
Vote for Duncan Russell if you want to: • Extend library opening hours • Have exam results sooner and provide more feedback, allowing you to see your exam paper • Additional bursaries for students • More recycling bins on campus and Foresterhill to work towards a greener university • More water fountains, saves you money and it’s green • More bike sheds • Improve energy efficiency around campus Unlike other candidates, I have not made promises that cannot be kept. Vote for Duncan Russell, the realistic choice.
The state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-‐being, or prosperity <must look out for your own welfare>. How are you supposed to look after your own welfare when you have a University course to study for or you don’t have the time, or you are not confident enough to talk about your problems? Welfare can come in many forms, and from many sources like organisations or individuals, I believe that I am the right guy to run the welfare in this organisation and hopefully you will agree too.
My name is Vincent Eric Price and I am a third year psychology student and also a first year English and film student. I have worked in a number of societies including comedy, anthropology and I have been a committee member of the Aberdeen Radio Station. I’m also a dead actor. I believe that the Aberdeen University Student Association has lost its way in a mire of red tape and bureaucracy. I believe that they have lost sight of the fact that they should be there to support the students and to help give them the best experience possible whilst at university. If voted in I will be looking to achieve these things:
To end AUSA’s war on fun and to promote the enjoyment of students at the university Pronounce NUS as noosse To support all students in their lifestyle regardless of what it may be and to give them as many opportunities as possible To stop Dr NO To not interfere with the positions of the other sabbaticals by getting overly involved with their work Employ robot crows To try and lessen the complicated paper work and red tape that appears to defeat and move for more fun Withdraw British troops from Vietnam Send Kim Jong Un more cake To have more, and vastly improved, AUSA events To make more ties with groups outside the university to help give students support Give support to ugly ducklings in their time of need and onwards whether they become swans or just ugly ducks To encourage fun as well as learning To better support those student groups such as the newspaper and the radio station who do not fall under the societies umbrella To rename AUSA To have the University prepared for any potential visitation by aliens To support the independence of the moon from earth rule
These are the main points of my campaign though more than this I promise to listen to the students, even if this means arranging talks in lecture halls where they can voice their opinions. I am not running for the position for my gain but for the gain of others. Because of this I will also be looking to donate a sum of my pay back into AUSA as I feel the current sabbatical pay is too high. On top of this as an example of some of the more fun interesting things I intend to do I am looking to invent some new traditions for the university. This university is one of the oldest and could do with some silliness. Often people describe university as the best years of our lives. It is my honest intention to help make this true for every student no matter the cost.
‘SAFE STUDENTS’ ‘Safe Space’ for students; anti-bullying and anti-racism
More lighting on campus Transport – affordable night bus
Safe Accommodation; HMO license review, AUSA letting agency, “lock and key week’’
Welfare Wednesdays & Campus Welfare Wall –
additional Welfare information on campus which is easily accessible
‘HEALTH FOR HAPPINESS’ Better Sexual Health Education – raise awareness of STD’s
Healthier Eating on Campus – improved food choices on campus and a joint welfare/sport event
Increase Mental Health Awareness – a more
VOTE
GORDON MALONEY
PRESIDENT FOR WELFARE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES I'm the current Environment and Ethics Officer and over the last four years I've done everything I can to make the University a better place. I believe the Students' Association needs to take on the issues that matter and change students' lives and I'm running for President for Welfare and Equal Opportunities because I want to make that happen.
targeted approach with different mental health disorders
VOTE CALLUM KERRY PRESIDENT OF WELFARE AND EQUAL OPPS ‘EQUAL OPPS FOR ALL’ Improved Disability Support International and EU student support Mature Students Campaign Stonewall Diversity Champion Dedicated office space for LGBT, Black, Mature, EU, International, Disabled & Women’s officers
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch! Find me on Facebook or give me a ring on 07903700751
Vote Vicky #1 for President of Welfare and Equal Opportunities!
A REAL ADVOCATE FOR STUDENTS
Why should you vote for me?
I’ve been involved with AUSA for 2 years.
I’m a active member of the Welfare committee, AUSA’s LGBT society and the disabled students’ forum.
I’m passionate about providing support to students.
I am a friendly and outgoing person who is always happy to help people in need.
Why I am running: I’m running for President of Welfare and Equal Opportunities because I am committed to ensuring that students have the best experience at university and have all the support that they need. Campaigns for awareness and change are critical to ensuring that students have this and challenge issues that need reform: I’m a firm believer in students first not politics.
My experience: I have always been committed to promoting all round welfare and promoting equal opportunities. In my previous school I was on the LGBT committee where we promoted a zero-tolerance approach to homophobia. This year I have been a committed member of the welfare committee participating in various awareness campaigns including: Money Matters, S.H.A.G. week, Mental Health Week and I will be volunteering in Autism awareness month.
My Pledges:
Improving support available through the students’ association and university for those who suffer from eating disorders and mental health problems.
Increasing awareness of the availability of Student Support Services and how to them.
Work more closely with societies that represent various faiths and cultures in order to improve support for those groups.
Work with NUS to create bigger, better and further reaching campaigns to raise awareness of welfare issues and issues of inequalities within the university and AUSA.
Increase the Welfare and Equal Opps presence on campus especially around key times such as Freshers’ and Refreshers’ week.
access
RE-ELECT JOSEFINE President for Education and Employability
As President for Education & Employability, what have I done this year? Improved student representation by training a record number of Class Representatives, increasing awareness of School Convenors and getting more students onto University committees Improved the timeliness of exam results Worked with library staff to extend opening hours during exam time and to ensure that student feedback on the University library is taken into consideration Lobbied against the increase in tuition fees for students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and pushed for bursaries to cover living costs Worked with the departmental societies and encouraged them to put on study groups prior to exams Worked with students to organise the first ever PhD Journey Conference in the UK. The aim of the Conference will be to provide support to future and current PhD students Worked with Exchange ABDN to create an accessible website for ERASMUS students
If re-elected, I will: Create a learning experience the way students want it by: 1. Encouraging courses that are purely exam based to look into using continuous assessment 2. Extending library hours till midnight Monday to Friday 3. Encouraging the University to allow exceptions from class for crucial sporting competitions 4. Continue to work with DIT to improve wireless access on campus 5. Getting a new website for the Students’ Association 6. Actively encouraging lecturers to put lecture recordings online to improve YOUR studying 7. Exam results or assignments not back in 3 weeks? Creating a text-a-sabb service so you can let us know within a minute 8. Free bus travel to Foresterhill for Postgraduate Research Students 9. Start a national campaign to lobby SAAS to fund living costs for students doing their law diploma and to extend their services to Postgraduate Taught students 10. Actively working with local schools to promote and encourage young people to continue on to University or College Making students at our University employable by: 1. Making internships more accessible by encouraging the University to provide more scholarships 2. Opening up ERASMUS and International Exchange to 3rd years in order to increase the number of students studying abroad 3. Giving students the opportunity to do an internship alongside their ERASMUS experience 4. Work with the Careers Service to create a Study Abroad Centre where you could go for all your study abroad needs and queries 5. Make the Careers Service more accessible to Postgraduate students
To view my manifesto in Gaelic or to see my extended manifesto contact me at josefine.bjorkqvist@abdn.ac.uk or find me on Facebook at Josefine Emilia Björkqvist
A medical centre for students on campus. Anti-Bullying Policy and Booklet: Formalising AUSA policy and publishing this produces a framework from which to tackle this issue. First Bus- challenging high prices. Lobbying against increases in the costs of student accommodation. More visible, campus wide campaigns: Campaigns are critical and need greater awareness in the student population. Better awareness of who your liberation officers are. Bi-monthly work reports from your liberation officers to ensure productivity and accountability. Trans* awareness – pronoun training , gender neutral spaces, and Trans* training for Sports Clubs, Societies and staff. Post Grad Representatives on Welfare and Equal Opportunities Committees: ensuring better representation in AUSA.
Vote for Fanny I will work extensively WITH the university to enhance your Education
President of Education and Employability
What I want to change:
Knowledge is power – I will work to keep students informed of their rights and responsibilities regarding coursework etc., and of the support available to them. I will continue to inform Staff members about the role of School Convenors, and about how School Convenors and Class Reps can benefit the departments. I will also continue to support the wider implementation of the Peer-Mentoring scheme for a more effective learning experience. Communication is the key – As President of Education and Employability, It is not my job to say what I think the students want, it is my job to find out what the students want, and work with them and the University to accomplish this. I intend to increase the communication between students, AUSA and the University by further utilising the system of human contact through Class Reps and School Convenors as a link to students, both for information and feedback.
As President for Education & Employability, what have I achieved so far?
Transparency - I support the publication of Student Council material online prior to Council meetings, so that you have a chance to voice your opinion before decisions are made about your education. To make the most of this, I intend to set up monthly open forums as well as working through Facebook groups and the Education Committee Blog.
Why you should vote for me I’m the current School Convenor for Divinity, History and Philosophy; I sit on the School Teaching and Learning Committee, Student Council and University Senate, and therefore have knowledge and experience of working with University officials. I have been involved with the New Library project from the planning stage, voicing student opinion with the staff and informing students of plans and possibilities throughout the building process. I have the work-experience of eight years in café/bar management and of running independent projects. I’m fluent in Finnish.
Because Education and Employability NEED Fanny
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What I’ve done so far:
•
Captain of the Men’s Lacrosse Team 2011/12 Member of the Aberdeen Sports Bursar Programme
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Coached an u15’s development team in Aberdeen • • • •
Received Blues from the Sports Union for representing Aberdeen while playing for Scotland’s Senior National Lacrosse Team
What I will do for Aberdeen Sport: Campaign to limit classes on Wednesdays even further, no more clashes with away fixtures!
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• • • • • •
Provide more opportunities for you to represent Aberdeen, lists of national and county trials in every sport!
• • • • • • •
Regular face-to-face time with all sports teams, no matter how big or small, as running a club while at university isn’t easy! !
needed improved customer service from Kukri campaign for a flood-lit grass pitch
President for VOTE MCWILLY for better publicity for sporting events Sport so you know what’s going on 2012-2013 Clare McWilliams VOTE MCWILLY for training times that you need
Determined to introduce and help new sports in your Sports Union Committed to working with Student’s Association to create successful intra-mural competitions Eager to create new sporting pathways for students with disabilities
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Regularly updated lists of events in Aberdeen, because home support makes all the difference!
Don’t be silly!
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More control over your club’s training times, more flexibility and different options!
More intra-sport socials like the Sports Ball, more often and open for all sports!
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Vote McWilly!
Caroline Allan Candidate for The University of Aberdeen President for Sport As President for Sport, I would encourage all the clubs to continue the hard work and commitment they have shown in past years, and also push them to improve every aspect of their club. I would hope that this year, a review could be undertaken into the way in which finances are given out to clubs in order to make it fairer. The size (i.e. the number of members/teams), the annual outgoings, and the need for equipment, would all be taken into consideration in the review. I would also encourage fundraising within each club, as I have seen from personal experience that one event can increase the clubs bank balance by more than five-fold with minimal effort from all involved. As President for Sport I would be more than willing to help with fundraising events given the opportunity. I have also observed that many clubs are keen to receive more coaching, as some clubs do not have, and have never had, coaching other than from members within the club. Whilst this is not a bad thing, and gives ordinary members, sports students and the like, a chance to exercise their skills and attend coaching courses, sometimes an outside perspective is useful. In view of this, I would hope to arrange with the clubs that desire it, coaches to be organised for as many sessions as possible. Clubs which have a better record of attendance and commitment are obviously more likely to obtain coaches who want to help them and so I would encourage club captains and team captains to motivate their team to attend training as often as possible. In conjunction with this, I would like to enlist the help of Physiotherapy students to work with our clubs to give them a variety of experience and keep our teams on top form. It has also been brought to my attention that clubs feel that minibuses are not available enough. I would hope to work with the Sports Union Committee to work on an online booking system or availability schedule, so that clubs can see when and how many minibuses are available. They should also be made aware that minibuses are generally unlimited in number if asked for well enough in advance. Minibus drivers are also in demand and so perhaps with encouragement from myself and club captains, more people would be willing to take the course. An e-group may also be set up to allow club captains to be kept up-to-speed with any changes that may be relevant to themselves, and where they can easily contact other members of the Sports Union and other clubs for help, whether they require a minibus driver, help obtaining referees/umpires, contacts in other sports unions or any information that I may be able to supply. Although we have a number of separate clubs, I feel it is important to remember that we are all part of one larger Sports Union and should make the effort to help each other reach our goals. We are a university to be proud of after all.
My Goals Give new societies the help they need by providing a
New Society Pack, giving information from room booking, to applying for grants, all in one place Aim for extended
opening hours in
Butchart and Alfie’s during evenings and weekends for Students, Societies and Student Activities Enhance the AUSA
website with direct support for all committee
positions and encourage the implementation of
personalised hand-over packs for all societies, securing successful continuation and running of each society for many years to come
Student Festival
– a fortnight jam-packed with events, so that if you’ve missed out during Freshers week you have another easy chance to enjoy a new society
Renovate the back hall in Butchart to a fully-functioning space for Societies
Increase promotion of society events
accessibility to society pages and events Offer maximum
Introduce the Aberdeen
Increase recognition for exceptionally hard working societies and society individuals Greater focus on RAG
Week for societies, getting
societies together and involved, showing off their skills, passion and raising money for charity
My Experience President of Dance Society 2010-2012: winners of Society of the Year two years in a row, attracting major sponsorship from companies such as Lufthansa and Aberdeen Airport. President of Psychology Society 2010-2011. Involved in various societies and committees since 2008. 1 year on Societies Committee. Winner of Most Dedicated Society Individual: with over 3000 hours currently devoted to the running of societies, meaning you won’t find a more dedicated candidate for this position.
Why vote for me? I am incredibly driven and passionate about what I do and I never do anything without 100% focus. I am experienced, hard-working, and I bring a fresh set of ideas to the table due to my involvement in a wide range of societies on campus and I will offer a sense of approachability to the Societies Committee, for students and societies alike.
VOTE EMMA for:
EXPERIENCE COMMITMENT APPROACHABILITY IMPROVEMENT
Eve Flavell for President of Charities
About Me: I am a fourth year undergrad and I have been involved in charity work and volunteering since first year. I am an active member of the Dirty Weekenders society which is a volunteering society that does charity work throughout the community with around 120 members. I became a committee member in second year and President in forth year. I joined the Charities Campaign committee in the same year motivated by a passion for charity work and I have found it deeply rewarding and I hope to be able to continue this in the future. Through my experience, I believe I have the vision, leadership potential and fresh ideas really help the charity committee grow.
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Taking the Charities Campaign forward into 2012-13.
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Support for international charities in an international university alongside our excellent local community work. Broadening of Charities activities - getting involved in events like Comic Relief and the Marie Curie Cancer Appeal Greater involvement from societies and students – Particularly other charity societies such as UNICEF and Marrow which would benefit from the administrative support a Sabbatical Officer can provide. Introduction of a Charities Christmas Ball Introduction of an AUSA societies intramural football tournament to raise money for the Campaign Promoting the place of volunteering in student life and encouraging more students to take part, with more open meetings, better publicity and helping students apply for awards such as the MV award and the Star award. Making our established events, such as the Fashion Show and Jailbreak bigger and better publicised. More intermural events, such as an interhall fundraising competition. Continue Rag Week and get more sponsorship and activities organised.
fb.com/groups/eve4prescharities/
Vote Chris Walter #1 VP For Equal Opportunities - Ensure that the university provides unisex facilities in each building, where possible. - Lobby the university to provide affordable accommodation for students, including those with families. - More variety and cheaper food on campus, including vegan options. - Work with sports clubs to make them more inclusive. - Better lighting on campus at night.
I Will: Ensure that Volunteering at the University becomes a top Priority - Raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering for every student and ensuring that the process is as accessible to as many people as possible, and providing training where it is needed to ensure that volunteer applications go smoothly
- Promote safe cycling.
Help societies to integrate fundraising and support for chosen charities - Ensure that societies are aware of the assistance available for them should they want to show support for a chosen charity , and enable them to raise money in many different ways.
Experience: - Trans* Officer for Ab-Fab Society since October. - Worked as a young carer before coming to university. -
Recent
campaigning
to
stop
the
university
from
raising
accommodation costs.
Vote Daphne Heijdelberg for . Equal Opps VP Bring new life into the International Students Campaign Have regular Forum meetings with students from equality groups Create a safe and inclusive ve campus environment
Experience AUSA Women & Gender Officer NUS Scotland Women’s Committee
Vote Adam Khan as YOUR President for Charities! I have the energy, drive and enthusiasm to make sure that AUSA and the ASCC disburse more money to charities than EVER BEFORE!
I Will: Implement a unique, effective system for dealing with international Emergencies - Ensuring that in times of crisis around the world, students at the university can feel that they are contributing at the forefront of the rescue effort, and lending a helping hand to those that need it. Improve the standard and quality of the Torcher Parade - Increase the allocated amount of time and materials provided for building the floats for the Torcher Parade to ensure that it’s one of the best that Aberdeen has ever seen
For the past year I have been on the Education committee, gaining the relevant experience I feel is required for this role. I have actively campaigned for more, more for YOU, the students! I have done this by voicing opinions on the Education committee, council, the AGM and the University Senate, all to make a change. I have worked for better feedback, improving the library, working with ASPIRENorth to help widen access, helping the academic year working group, talking to staff and students and hearing what you want done by FISHing then fighting for it! Now I want to do even more. I want to work with you, for you!
I want to bring AUSA to the students. Helping you to get more actively involved and know what we are doing, doing more on campus to let you see us. Helping you get the most from your time at uni.
I want to hold regular informal surgeries so you can come and talk to me about what is going well, and not so well for you, on both the Old Aberdeen and Foresterhill Campuses.
I want to continue strong links with university staff, students and the students’ association. They need to know we take our education seriously and that we will fight for it all the way!
Allow you to feel like you can ask anyone for help wherever, whenever. I want to make Class Reps more accountable to you and their School Convenors. I want you to know who they are and what things they have been actively doing for you!
I know that I have the time it takes to fulfil this role to the full potential and give it all the attention it needs and deserves. I am passionate about making a change! Communication is key. So if you see me on the go, stop me, say hi and talk to me! And remember…
Alan Moore, Running for Vice President for Education, After having the privilege of sitting on the Welfare Committee for the last year I have seen the real and meaningful changes that can be achieved through AUSA. Later on in this academic year I found that I had a number of ideas which could well improve our education here at Aberdeen, and managed to sit in on a meeting of the Education committee and thoroughly enjoyed it. My polices are designed to ensure that we can challenge the structure which can sometimes limit and restrict us at University, which is a place where we should be able to determine how we are taught and what we are comfortable with. I want to push for fairer assessment in courses which have low allocation for coursework. I believe this rewards hard working students and gives us all an incentive to maintain study levels throughout the term. I also want to campaign for improved advising for students in choosing courses, I feel this is of extreme importance. I aim to do this by encouraging students who have completed courses to pass on their advice to students who are considering the various courses on offer to them. I also want to encourage the University to offer a greater selection of courses to honours students. I would also be interested into looking into an alternative to the CAS marking system which I as well as many student I’ve spoken to find needlessly confusing. I want to be in a position so I can listen to all students’ views on education matters, and from my experience as a class representative I have first-hand experience of the difficulties facing students in their studies. I am excited about what we can achieve as a Union. Thank You.
Joanna Wilson #1 Environment and Ethics Officer • Recycling o More recycling points Raising Awareness o Green Week Festival o Beds for Bees Campaign • Ethical Accountability o Awareness of University plans for tuition fees and other big issues
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Reform of the unallocated expenditure system ensuring fairing allocations Lobby for additional Alumni Funding to provide club development Maximum student input into the new Aquatics Centre Strengthening links with University Sport and Exercise team Lobbying the University to provide funding for additional minibuses Events to widen access and encourage more students to get involved in University Sport Provide effective support for AUSA via the Executive Committee Training and support for club treasures in finance issues
• Sustainability o If it’s not Green, it’s not right
trade • Fair-trade o University to live up to trade city Fair-trade
Options offered at honours levels should be varied enough to give students real choice Making sure students know who to talk to about any academic issue. Power point slides made available in advance for all courses.
Megan Dunn For
Vice president Education
Help students to engage with the community and go into local schools and encourage students there to continue their education International and postgraduate students need to be informed earlier of their fee levels for the following year so that they can make the necessary arrangements. All students need to be informed of the loans and bursaries that are available to them, so that financial difficulties don’t affect your education.