RUSU Elections 2015 - Your Candidates

Your Candidates Vote for your Full-time Officers, Part-time Officers, Student Trustees and Faculty Reps online at rusu.co.uk/elections.

Voting is open Monday 23rd February 10am to Friday 27th February 3pm.

WELCOME

Welcome to the RUSU Elections 2015.

If you have picked up our Elections booklet and reading this then you are halfway to voting!

RUSU’s ambition is to deliver what students want in an accountable, inclusive and dynamic way to enhance the University experience. We want to give you and the other 17,000 members of our Union the best possible experience here at Reading.

So why vote? For our ambition to become a reality we need the membership to decide who are the best candidates to lead RUSU.

Last year we were ranked the 7th best Students’ Union in the UK and we are always looking improve our performance. That’s why this year we want to deliver the biggest elections turnout the Union has ever seen!

To do this we need you…

Remember RUSU runs: Student Activities, Volunteering, Summer Ball, JCRS, FLIRT, Saturday Union, Academic Representation, Campaigns, Elections, Freshers Fayre, Student Media, Advice and so much more… Make sure you have your say and vote today!

CONTENTS

How To Vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 President Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ash Seeborun

Alex Hyams

Jaff Altaie

Matthew Twells

Jake Hawkes

Oli Ratcliffe

Saranya Kogulathas

Shuzhan Li

Laura Richardson

Chris Wysling

Education Officer Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Emma Wise

Niall Hamilton

Heather Cadden

Tash Travers

Rebecca Ratnayake

Hanne Kouwenberg

Welfare Officer Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Siobhan Lovett

Nina Hager

Tommy Snipe

Katie Brown

Kailia Suter

Tianna Shanks

Convenant Ojuade

Community & Development Officer Candidates . . . . 12 Ben Cooper

Kassie Headon

Beth Lucas

Holly Lowther

Kat Parry

Tash Turner

Lihan Sun

Engagement & Communications Officer . . . . . . . . . . 14 Bethan Hastelow

Fenella Ginn

Jordan Woodhead

James Hart

Henry Russell

Natalie Smith

Freddie Mack

Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Officer Candidate . . . 16

Disabled Students’ Officer Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ashley Page

Ethics & Environment Officer Candidates . . . . . . . . . . 18 Jon Gilbert

Diogo Ventura

Marcel Rottmann

Manuel Donini

Karim Helbawi

Simeng Liu

TJ Hiew

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + Officer Candidate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Isabelle Beatrix

Mature Students’ Officer Candidate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Cindy Bei

Women’s Officer Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Chloe Wilson

Natasha Boo

Student Trustee Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Sam Chaher

Karim El-Eita

Roisin Boggan

Cindy Bei

Stephanie Asor

Bukiie Smart

Tarran Sanders

Kim Kopec

Emma Hogan

Undergraduate Faculty Rep Candidates Arts, Humanities & Social Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Kit Lane

Adam Borowski

Daisy Robinson

Hauwa Bage

Manuel Donini

Ariana Poulengeris

Kim Kopec

Rachel Hopley

Henley Business School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Bukiie Smart

Tarran Sanders

Sam Chaher

Karim El-Eita

Life Sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Rhia Patel

Rebekah Mulley-White

International Students’ Officer Candidates . . . . . . . . . 20

Chad McDowell

Mohini Mistry

Cindy Bei

Pip Oppenheimer

Ben Rolfe

Poppy Smith

Emily Jackson

Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Melody Crafer

Cat Maciver

Billy Beaven

Ed White

HOW TO VOTE THE VOTING SYSTEM

HOW TO REGISTER

At RUSU we operate a single transferable vote (STV)

If you don’t have a RUSU website account, you need

system of voting. Under STV candidates don’t need a

to register for one in order to vote:

majority of votes to be elected, just a known ‘quota’, or share of the votes, determined by the number of people who cast a vote and the number of positions to be filled.

Voters rank the candidates in order of preference.

If no single candidate reaches quota after the first preference votes are counted, the least popular candidate is eliminated, and their votes are transferred proportionally to the candidates,

1. G o to https://www.rusu.co.uk/account/register/ and register an account using your 8-digit University number and University email address.

2. Open the validation email that will be sent to your University email account and click on the link to validate.

3. G o to rusu.co.uk/elections and log-in using your 8-digit University number and password.

according to your specified preferences. This is repeated until one candidate exceeds quota.

HOW TO VOTE 1. Go to rusu.co.uk/elections on any PC, Mobile or Tablet. Log-in using your 8-digit University

uploaded a manifesto you will be able to view this

number and password.

by clicking “Read Manifesto” next to their name.

2. Click the red “Vote Now” button to begin voting.

3. You will then see a list of the positions that you are and are not able to vote for. To vote for some

5. Number each candidate in order of preference (1 being your first preference.)

6. Click vote and you will be able to review the order

of the roles in this election you need to self-

of preferences that you have selected. If you are

define. You can do this by clicking on the link to

happy with your selections click the red “Cast

your elections profile.

Vote” button.

4. Click “Start Voting” to see the first ballot paper.

The position you are voting for will be displayed

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at the top, EG Welfare Officer. If a candidate has

7. Keep voting - You will see the ballot papers for each role that you are eligible to vote for in turn.

PRESIDENT

(10 CANDIDATES)

ROLE DESCRIPTION The President is the figurehead of the organisation and is responsible for ensuring that all decisions reached or made by RUSU have gone through the democratic process as laid out in the Constitution and Bye-Laws.

The President is also responsible for leading on all external affairs, overseeing Junior Common Room committees and liaising with the National Union of Students.

Ash Seeborun • Security: Provide safety for students at Union. Ensure security and comfort for those in halls and ease those into the working world.

• Satisfaction: Enhancing the experience for students by improving facilities.

• Spreading word: Publicising relevant programmes that enable students to make better decisions.

Alex Hyams

Jaff Altaie

1. Get the University to join

• Improve the Union in ways

the RUSSELL GROUP OF TOP

noticeable to students -

UNIVERSITIES

Including a student discount

2. LOWER SPORTS PARK FEES or SUBSIDISE PRIVATE GYM FEES FOR STUDENTS. 3. Create a website for the REVIEW OF PRIVATE/ RENTED ACCOMMODATION to hear horror stories before it’s too late with landlords!

at Campus Central and extending Wednesday/ Saturday Union nights.

• Introduce an online feedback system to aid in module selection and course satisfaction.

• Increase communication between societies and sports clubs; providing more joint opportunities.

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PRESIDENT

(10 CANDIDATES)

Matthew Twells

Jake Hawkes

• Knock down to £2.50 card

• More careers fairs and

limit across campus • Give it a Go Week becomes all year • JCR Autonomy increases – they can earn back independence

improved access to visiting speakers for degrees.

• Greater variety of guests and DJs on union nights.

• Promote the creation and expansion of special interest societies.

Oli Ratcliffe

Saranya Kogulathas

• Inclusivity- Have a broader

• I aim to work with

range of employers at

departments for fairer and

careers fayres, catering for

more manageable deadlines

all subject areas and aspirations.

that aren’t close together.

• Fairness- Expand the ‘Rate your landlord website’ and make sure Landlords are held to account • Recreation- Introducing more variety to Wednesday Union nights: Retro Nights, International music nights and themed nights.

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• For safer nights out I pledge to have safety buses after union nights • I will form a campaign to prevent racist, sexist, and homophobic abuse on campus

Shuzhan Li

Laura Richardson

• Better tutors to ensure your

• Introduce a RUSU discount

learning experience and

card that saves students

better career services by

money on societies/sports/

introducing a personal career advisor system.

tickets/Mondial/Mojos/campus shop and helps

• Low food price and more cash machines, more printers and double-sided printers.

• JCRs will meet light and non-drinkers’ needs and better facilities in the lecture room.

keeps prices down • Install a Nap room to help give students a boost to stay alert and concentrated. A short nap is also good for memory!

• More options and support to study abroad

Chris Wysling •

Representation Postgraduate inclusion, extend library opening hours during term breaks, reading list e-resources, national campaigning, enhanced student officer visibility, halls rent setting

• JCRs - Better training, development and diversity, increased transparency and responsibility • Employability - Links with local employers, department specific workshops, diversify careers fayres

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EDUCATION OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The Education Officer will work closely with the Advice & Representation department to coordinate academic and faculty representation, as well as leading on academic campaigns and events such as the RUSU Excellence Awards.

The main aim of the Education Officer is to improve students’ academic experience and maintain strong working relationships with relevant University staff and Course

(6 CANDIDATES)

Emma Wise • Improve quality of teachinglecture capture video recording, enhancement week, module feedback systems and 15 working day feedback.

• Increase learning resources- group study areas, up-to-date library resources & career advice.

• Better communication- with personal tutors, academic reps and departments.

Representatives.

Niall Hamilton

Heather Cadden

• Examination feedback:

• To create a system that

receiving useful and

makes module choices

constructive notes from

simpler by recommending

markers

courses to suit you.

• Faculty specific career fairs • Introducing new facilities to the library e.g. outdoor heaters, extending café seating area, water dispensers on all floors and window blinds

• Lectures and seminars styled to make sure that there is an improved focus on employability throughout your degree.

• Make more connections with foreign Universities to ensure as many students have the opportunity to study abroad.

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Tash Travers

Rebecca Ratnayake

• ACCESS - Engaging learning

• ‘Active participation’: be

with increased resources.

• RESPONSE – Consistent feedback for you and your lecturers, enhanced awareness of Academic Reps.

• NOURISH – Cohesion between the Students’ Union and your schools, extra support at the start of each year, as well as easier tutor-contact via blackboard.

rewarded for attendance and contribution e.g. through feedback forms- another platform to get views noticed • Improve communications for joint, mature and postgraduate students by continuing and improving the successful Course/Faculty Rep system • Look into improving the placements and careers system across the board to increase student’s employability

Hanne Kouwenberg • Improve student representation by improving the University’s feedback system and by increasing information about, visibility of, and improving effectiveness of Course Reps.

• Improve library and IT facilities, increase study spaces and improve communication between lecturers and students.

• Help students get the most from their education.

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WELFARE OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The Welfare Officer is responsible for the development and management of welfare initiatives, as well as taking the lead on welfare related campaigns.

(7 CANDIDATES)

Siobhan Lovett • Introduce a ‘Smash It’ event as part of RUSU Says Relax where students can relieve stress in a fun environment • ‘Reading Uni Nightline’: student volunteers

The Welfare Officer will also meet regularly with

answering calls from students wanting to discuss

the Part Time Officers, offering them support and

any problems they might have

helping to promote and oversee the campaigns they run.

• ‘Right to Light’: improve lighting around campus

Nina Hager

Tommy Snipe

• Improving student safety by

• Introduce an online system

increasing campus lighting

for reporting sexual

and promoting bike safety

harassment and hate crime

• Helping students save bucks by joint campaigns to decrease extortionate housing and halls prices • Ensuring your happiness by making signposts to services clearer and available to all students, as well as reviving the HELPLINE 24/7 phone service

to improve student safety.

• Make health a priority with my ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ campaign and getting non-profit sanitary products in campus shops.

• Ensure that the University experience is inclusive and run campaigns to remove obstacles like hidden costs.

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Katie Brown

Kailia Suter

• Raise UNDERSTANDING

• Aiming to create safe space

of mental health issues awareness is important, but understanding is vital too.

• Highlight the IMPORTANCE of nutrition - educate students on how food impacts our bodies and minds.

for all students.

• The creation of a Buddy system involving students across all years.

• Promotion of the University’s support and healthcare services alongside the creation of an appreciation wall.

• Look out for POSTGRADUATE and MATURE students - ensure there are activities and events appealing to all students.

Tianna Shanks

Covenant Ojuade

• Promoting the equality of

• I have been able to assess

the diverse range of student

how RUSU works i.e. as

groups across the University

a student, as a member

of Reading.

of a culture and faith societies and as a course

• Boosting the feeling of safety and community through a term time, campus wide Safety Awareness campaign.

• Providing opportunity for the student body to have their voices heard and their issues addressed

representative.

• I aim to implement welfare-related campaigns to combat issues such as stress associated with examinations.

• Keep Calm and vote for Covenant!

promptly and efficiently.

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COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The Community and Development Officer works on behalf of students to develop volunteering, RAG (Raising and Giving) and promote RUSU’s relationships with the local community.

This officer will work closely with students, the University of Reading and RUSU to raise the profile and presence of students in the community, as well as collaborating on projects such as green initiatives and student housing.

(7 CANDIDATES)

Ben Cooper • Building links with the communities within and around the University including local schools, charities and volunteer groups.

• Make finding private housing and housemates more efficient and easy.

• Work towards a greener, more sustainable campus.

Kassie Headon

Beth Lucas

Community: On and off campus

• ‘Rate your landlord &

volunteering opportunities

student house’ – creating a

and commending societies

link on UniApp, think Trip

fundraising efforts.

Advisor but for student houses!

Development: More subject specific careers fairs and ensuring the University is developing student’s career paths.

Housing: Use the findings of the ‘Rate my Landlord’ scheme to work with the local council in ensuring students are treated fairly.

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• More links with local enterprises, schools & charities, increasing volunteering opportunities that provide students with experience in specific career paths.

• Mentor scheme – finalists to support first years, helping with any academic/personal issues.

Holly Lowther

Kat Parry

• Launch a ‘RUSU Housing

• Connect local businesses

Advice’ page alongside the

with students who wish to

‘RUSU Find a Housemate’

gain experience for their

page.

CVs.

• Find out more about experiences of student

• Create a ‘Don’t Rush’ campaign to provide

housing and make students aware of landlords

information on housing to prevent students

who have been rated highly.

feeling pressurised.

• Introduce more careers workshops - work with the Careers Centre to increase awareness of their

• Get the local community involved in RAG through events that could be held yearly such as fun runs.

workshops.

Tash Turner

Lihan Sun

• Better workshops on what to look for when choosing student housing, given by students.

• More subject-specific career fayres and improvement of career modules for those without placements.

• Introduction of programmes involving sports and dance societies creating volunteering opportunities at schools in the local area.

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ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The Engagement and Communications Officer is responsible for leading on the RUSU communications strategy, as well as overseeing the social media strategy for the organisation. This Officer also acts as the Head of Student Media; overseeing the publication of media content.

The Engagement and Communications Officer also works closely with Student Activities on sports and society initiatives, with commercial services

(7 CANDIDATES)

Bethan Hastelow • Improving communication within the University, so students and staff know what’s going on.

• Supporting students and committees so they feel comfortable and confident during activities.

• To make all students feel included and accepted by all societies and encouraging them to join in with events.

on events and operations and will lead on Student Forums.

Fenella Ginn

Jordan Woodhead

• Accessibility for All; Making

Improve student involvement

information about RUSU

in sports and societies – help

more visible and intuitive,

make students make the most

to banish confusion and increase meaningful

of University life

engagement for all students.

• Better Value for Students: Accessible democracy and services for a richer University experience • Greater Exposure for Societies: Centralising

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Raise awareness of student media content – support our up and coming stars Promote the union and its nightlife – make sure

promotion of societies’ events to encourage year-

people understand why we’re one of the best unions

round discovery and visibility

in the UK

James Hart

Henry Russell

• Increase Society Integration

• Give students more say and

Will offer more support and

involvement in big Events

different options to each

run by RUSU

committee.

• Develop Commercial Services Tailoring the events and services that take place and are in RUSU with what the students want.

• Create greater involvement in societies to develop student culture • Provide further funding to every society on campus

• Promote Postgraduate Involvement Will improve the size and standard of societies and clubs here.

Natalie Smith

Freddie Mack

Better promote the benefits

• I will create platforms to

of committee roles to allow

increase the exposure

students to learn invaluable

of clubs and societies

skills.

in the University, and promote inter-society

Aim for increased storage space for sports societies.

Get societies more involved with each other and enable them to help and communicate more. This will allow them to support each other should issues arise.

communication.

• I would ensure that all students are involved and enriched by their University experience.

• I will push for the Union to be open until 03:00, and increase accessibility of SU services.

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BLACK, ASIAN AND MINORITY ETHNIC OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION

(1 CANDIDATE)

Rhia Patel

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Parttime Officer (PTO) works to defend and extend the rights of BAME students within the Union and the University.

They campaign for the equality of all BAME students.

PROBLEMS VOTING? If you have any questions about representation and self-definition, please contact RUSU’s Diversity and Integration Coordinator at 16 elections@rusu.co.uk

If you are experiencing difficulties voting online, please contact elections@rusu.co.uk

DISABLED STUDENTS’ OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The Disabled Students’ Part-time Officer (PTO) works to defend and extend the rights of disabled students within the Union and the University.

They campaign for the equality of all disabled students.

(3 CANDIDATES)

Rebekah Mulley-White • Emphasising mental illness as a disability equal to a physical disability • Reducing stigma attached to disability, mental and physical • Raising awareness of mental health on campus and services available to those affected by a disability

Ashley Page • More focus on disabled sports clubs.

• Improve accessibility to University buildings.

• Pragmatic representation.

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ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The Environment and Ethics Part-time Officer (PTO) exists to lead campaigning and awareness raising activities on campus.

(2 CANDIDATES)

Jon Gilbert Campaign for the living wage and against rising accommodation costs.

Working with clubs/societies, to ensure that everyone can play an active role in University activities, without fear of being pressured into things which may compromise their morals/interests.

Tackling food waste by raising awareness about healthy and sustainable eating.

Chad McDowell Work with the University and local area to improve the cycling conditions on campus and in the local area.

Continue to build upon the events held this year e.g. the campus wide switch off.

Push for a wider range of healthier food to be available on campus.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The International Students’ Part-time Officer (PTO)

(6 CANDIDATES)

Diogo Ventura • Higher awareness

works to represent the views and interests of

• Bigger interaction

international students within the Union and the

• More activity

University.

They act as a key point of contact for international students within the Union and provide information or signpost where necessary.

Marcel Rottmann

Manuel Donini

Help international students

1. Make this fantastic

find better accommodation in

University our own so we

Reading.

feel as if at home.

Teach students about individual countries without enrolling in a separate degree.

2. Help us create strong ties amongst ourselves and with the University.

3. Make the University a more cosmopolitan place

Help international students cope with student life in a

to live, study and work, thereby making it a more

second language.

enriching experience for everybody.

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Karim Helbawi

Simeng Liu

Creating a prospering

1. Benefit international

community for the International students at University of Reading.

Making experiences that will last a lifetime for

students 2. Improve myself and gain more experience 3. Make more friends

the students who took large steps to attend this University.

Perfecting a home away from home here at the University of Reading.

TJ Hiew 1. I find it a great pleasure to share University life experiences with other international students.

2. Being fluently trilingual, I’m more than happier to help them in adapting themselves into a new environment.

3. If elected, I will definitely continue carrying out the Language CafĂŠ even during Welcome Week!

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LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER + OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The LGBT+ Part-time Officer (PTO) works to defend and extend the rights of LGBT+ students within the Union and the University.

They campaign for the equality of all LGBT+ students.

(1 CANDIDATE)

Isabelle Beatrix 1. Sex education project to improve student’s knowledge and perspectives on sex related topics.

2. LGBT+ housing meet-up scheme, to help LGBT+ students find like-minded house mates.

3. Accessibility for gender variant students, through looking into IT/Union systems and implementing gender neutral toilets.

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MATURE STUDENTS’ OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION The Mature Students’ Part-time Officer (PTO) works to represent the views and interests of mature students within the Union and the University.

RUSU defines a mature student as an undergraduate student who started their course aged 21 and over. RUSU also considers students who have been financially independent for three

(1 CANDIDATE)

Cindy Bei “Whisper your wants” - Getting every student to share your voice!

“Pave a new road” - Know the system to find a new solution!

“United we stand” - Age is a number. Experience brings us closer.

years prior to the start of their undergraduate course; students with caring responsibilities and those that are care leavers as mature students.

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WOMEN’S OFFICER ROLE DESCRIPTION Women’s Part-time Officer (PTO) works to defend

(2 CANDIDATES)

Chloe Wilson • Passion For Progress

and extend the rights of women within the Union

• Stop The Stigma

and the University.

• Equality Education

They campaign for the equality of all women.

Natasha Boo

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STUDENT TRUSTEE ROLE DESCRIPTION Student Trustees ensure Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) is well governed, well managed and achieves its aims and objectives in accordance with its Vision, Mission, and Values.

Trustees have responsibility for directing the affairs of RUSU with regard to the student perspective and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the students for which it has been set up.

Karim El-Eita • Ensure that students’ voices are heard in all RUSU meetings • Working with Campus Central to provide better value products • Ensuring that RUSU and students alike get the best value out of their NUS memberships

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(2 POSITIONS | 9 CANDIDATES)

Sam Chaher • Represent the views of the student community so that RUSU caters for the needs of all students.

• Cast a critical eye over RUSU’s finances, whilst aiming to deliver value for money.

• Ensure that RUSU remains true to its values as a charity dedicated to improving the experience of students.

Roisin Boggan

Cindy Bei

Stephanie Asor

“Shout your thoughts or whisper

• Commitment to an effective

your wants” - I believe that

and successful Students’

every voice should be heard.

Union

“Understand the system to pave a new road”– I believe that we can make changes, without increasing

• Making a change to your University experience • Impartial decision making

prices.

“United we stand” – I believe that having a committee with diverse beliefs will bring new ideas.

Bukiie Smart

Tarran Sanders

Promote student welfare and

More lectures/classes/tutorials

employability skills (i.e. setting

in HBS.

up a platform for students to communicate with officers/reps concerning welfare and employability) Talk to students; get their feedback, extending it to

Lets get a later start to the day (no more 9am’s).

Improved connections with businesses (bring more businesses into HBS).

the University to enhance the student experience Develop useful strategies to help enhance the student life at UoR

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STUDENT TRUSTEE Kim Kopec

(2 POSITIONS | 9 CANDIDATES)

Emma Hogan

Raising awareness of the Course Rep system International Students Opportunities for students to voice their opinions

PROBLEMS VOTING? If you are experiencing difficulties voting online, please contact elections@rusu.co.uk 28

Include:

Your full name 8 digit student number Email address Phone number Details of your problem

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UNDERGRADUATE FACULTY REP ARTS, HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE ROLE DESCRIPTION Faculty Reps represent the views of students on academic issues in your Faculty.

Faculty Reps work to ensure the student voice is being heard by the University and that positive changes are being made throughout every department.

(2 POSITIONS | 8 CANDIDATES)

Kit Lane Encourage strong and positive communication between students and Reps Ensure the best experience of studying possible whilst at University Voice the opinions of all departments within the faculty (no matter how small)

Adam Borowski

Daisy Robinson • Making it easy for students to have their voices heard - social media polls and feedback sessions within lectures • Making lectures and seminars accessible by introducing a system of recording lectures which can be uploaded onto blackboard • Encouraging staff to organise relevant and interesting activities during enhancement week!

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Hauwa Bage

Manuel Donini 1. Facilitate dialogue between the students and the members of the Faculty.

2. Encourage students to be proactive in their learning experience.

3. Improve the overall University experience for us students.

Ariana Poulengeris

Kim Kopec

• Change

Communication between

• Communication • Increased Support for Joint Honours Students

departments Joint honours and international students Information and resources

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UNDERGRADUATE FACULTY REP ARTS, HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE Rachel Hopley

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(2 POSITIONS | 8 CANDIDATES)

18–24? YOU’RE LESS LIKELY TO BE REGISTERED TO VOTE

To vote in the 2015 General Election you must be registered.

You can now register online at

www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

YOUR VOTE MATTERS MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN

UNDERGRADUATE FACULTY REP HENLEY BUSINESS SCHOOL ROLE DESCRIPTION Faculty Reps represent the views of students on academic issues in your Faculty.

Faculty Reps work to ensure the student voice is being heard by the University and that positive changes are being made throughout every department.

(2 POSITIONS | 4 CANDIDATES)

Bukiie Smart • Have more frequent feedback sessions between students and lecturers to improve the academic experience (i.e. module evaluations).

• Implement an active communication link between course reps and students.

• Create more academic and non-academic activities to bridge the gap between RUSU and students.

Tarran Sanders

Sam Chaher

More lectures/classes/tutorials

• Feedback the views of all

in HBS. Lets get a later start to the day (no more 9am’s).

Improved connections with businesses (bring more businesses into HBS).

Business School students to senior staff members in a clear and diligent manner.

• Strive to ensure that all students are repressed fairly.

• Be available to listen to and address the concerns of Business School students as much as time allows.

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Karim El-Eita • Improving the Enhancement Week experience for students and ensuring that it is truly enhancing and enriching the student experience • Ensure that students are getting the best value for the fees that they are paying • Increase the employability of students through ensuring that course structures and different modules are truly helpful

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UNDERGRADUATE FACULTY REP LIFE SCIENCES (2 POSITIONS | 6 CANDIDATES) ROLE DESCRIPTION Faculty Reps represent the views of students on academic issues in your Faculty.

Faculty Reps work to ensure the student voice is being heard by the University and that positive

Mohini Mistry 1. Improve communication between students and staff, ensuring that staff members listen to our feedback and use it constructively.

2. Increase networking between all reps within the

changes are being made throughout every

faculty to bring new and integrated ideas for

department.

change.

3. I would endeavour to improve the overall student experience by any means possible.

Cindy Bei

Pip Oppenheimer

“Shout your thoughts or whisper

• Ensure problems are not just

your wants” - I believe that

recognised by the University,

every voice should be heard.

but are overcome to the full

“Understand the system to pave a new road”– I believe that we can make changes, without increasing prices.

“United we stand” – I believe that having a committee with diverse beliefs will bring new ideas.

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satisfaction of students.

• Watch for changes at the University and at a national level, so issues are dealt before they even become a problem.

• Continue positive change that benefits the student experience at Reading University.

Ben Rolfe

Poppy Smith

• Engage students by keeping them informed of educational developments. • Maximise the student voice. • Share the thoughts and opinions of students.

Emily Jackson I am approachable, a good listener, and interested in making important changes for our faculty.

I am willing to put forward every view from each degree and let all your voices be heard.

I can communicate issues and opinions coherently, sensitively and most importantly, effectively.

37

UNDERGRADUATE FACULTY REP SCIENCE

(2 POSITIONS | 4 CANDIDATES)

ROLE DESCRIPTION Faculty Reps represent the views of students on academic issues in your Faculty.

Melody Crafer • Accessibility: Making Course/Faculty Reps more available for students to give

Faculty Reps work to ensure the student voice is

feedback about their course/department.

being heard by the University and that positive

• Exam Support: Providing academic support,

changes are being made throughout every

including group revision and essay writing

department.

sessions.

• Pastoral Support: Creating departmental social events and support networks, allowing students to meet other people on their course to talk to.

Cat Maciver

Billy Beaven 1. W e should take every opportunity that comes our way so here I am!

2. Through my work as Mathematics Course Rep I have seen first-hand the importance of staffstudent dialogue in terms of extracting the most out degrees.

3. Summer Internship will give me insight into career prospects.

38

Ed White • Laid back and easily approachable.

• Will ensure real changes happen fast.

• Will ensure we get to consider key decisions before they are made.

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Include:

Your full name 8 digit student number Email address Phone number Details of your problem39

rusu.co.uk /RUSUnews @RUSUtweets

Visit rusu.co.uk/elections to vote

PROBLEMS VOTING? If you are experiencing difficulties voting online, please contact elections@rusu.co.uk

Include:

Your full name 8 digit student number Email address Phone number Details of your problem