Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper
December Issue 2017 Issue No. 266 FREE
@SerenBangor
seren.bangor.ac.uk
PHILIP PULLMAN
VISIT DUBLIN
FESTIVE TUNES
Your Chance to Make Change as UNDEB Nominations Open
by EMMA JEWKES
T
he sabbatical officer nominations for the Students Union Sabb team 2018-19 officially opened this week, giving Bangor University students the chance to put themselves forward as candidates in March’s Sabbatical Officer Election. Those who are interested in running have until 26th January 2018 to put themselves forward and all Bangor students are being encouraged to think about running for one of the five Sabbatical Officer positions. The positions up for grabs are President, UMCB President, VP for Education, VP for Sport and VP for Societies and Volunteering with
nominations opening on Monday 11th December. Current President of UNDEB, Ruth Plant, said: “With nominations opening soon it is really important to think about what you might want to do and whether being an officer is for you! There are lots of pros and cons to being an officer. “Being able to make an impact around Undeb, sitting on committees as the student voice and running campaigns that you are passionate about are just a few of the pros however it isn’t all plain sailing and if you are planning on running make sure you have a strong network behind you.” Reflecticing on her own time as UMCB President, Mirain Llwyd said: “Although it is hard going from the student life to still be surrounded by
students but working a 9-5 job my experience as President of UMCB for the last year has been amazing. “As a first proper job it’s great because the staff of the union offer so much support and the experiences I have will make my CV so full of unique opportunities. I can only take this time to thank UNDEB Bangor and to encourage all of you if you’re even considering going for any of the Sabbatical roles to go for it, I will never regret the decision to apply for this role!” Last academic year, 15 candidates put themselves forward for the 5 Sabbatical Officer positions with a record 2,145 votes being cast in the final election in March which saw a whole new team in place save for the one returnee as VP for Education, Helen Marchant
As the only Sabb not eligible for reelection having served the maximum two years, Helen urged those who might not ordinarily run to put themselves forward. She said: “This year I would love to see students from all different backgrounds running for the role. “our student body is so diverse and it would be great for that to be reflected in the union. If you have the slightest interest in any of the roles, don’t be put off. Come and chat to us- we’re here to support you on that journey. Even if you only have the slightest inkling about it, it’s worth pursuing.” Reflecticing on her own reasons for running in 2015, she continued: “I put myself forwards to be a sabb simply because I had ideas that I wanted to see developed in the union. I was quite a
quiet student and I definitely wouldn’t say I was the stereotypical well known ‘popular’ student to run for a role- I just wanted to make a change. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s one of the most worthwhile ventures I’ve ever taken on. You grow so much, and learn so much and that’s the whole point of the job. You’re not expected to be an expert in the field, just to have an enthusiasm for the role. If you have ideas that you’re passionate about, that’s half the battle.” Those who wish to run for election should head to www.undebbangor. com/voice/elections/sabbelections in order to put their name forward. They should also check out the election timetable for further information about important dates and advice sessions.