Leadership Elections 2020 by BCUSU

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the results and our reward releases across every campus! /BCUSU @BCUSU @yourbcusu

Decide who leads BCUSU next year... You Have the Power! BCUSU is run by our students for our students, and each year we ask you to choose those students who you want to lead us into the next academic year, during our Leadership Elections. The students you choose will form our Executive Officer team, who represent you and make decisions on your behalf, both within your Students’ Union and also with the University. By using your voice and telling us who you want to be elected into the officer roles, you get to make a difference to how your Students’ Union and University is run. From Thursday 20th February, it really is important that you vote for one candidate in each position who you believe will represent BCUSU and your views, and who will ensure you get the most out of your experience as a BCU student.

President Meet the Candidates on Pages 4 & 5 Responsible for leading the Officer team and also tasked to represent the views and needs of BCU students at all University Board of Governors and Senate meetings.

Vice President Academic Experience Meet the Candidates on Page 6 Responsible for everything to do with academia and the way that you are taught during your time at university.

Vice President Equity & Inclusion Meet the Candidates on Page 7 Responsible for ensuring BCUSU is representative of all our students and that they get the support that they need.

Vice President Opportunities & Community Meet the Candidates on Pages 10 & 11

Voting opens 20th February, 9am Voting closes 26th February, 2pm

Responsible for our societies and sports teams, as well as developing student skills and employability.

How to Vote

Visit www.bcusu.com or talk to one of our ‘Voter Champions’ in the blue t-shirts Vote for who you want to lead your Students’ Union, next year

Open camera and hover over to vote at bcusu.com

Receive a ‘Thank you for voting’ email Keep a look out for when we’ll be announcing some great rewards to thank you for voting Visit the ‘Reward Station’ at a campus near you and be in with a chance of walking away with a great thank you gift!

Problems Voting? Make sure you’ve opted in to be a member of your Students’ Union on MySRS. For further help, please visit your nearest BCUSU Rewards Station with your Student ID or email: voice@bcu.ac.uk

Vice President Student Voice Meet the Candidates on Pages 12, 13 & 14 Responsible for looking after the democratic structures of your Students’ Union.

Nus Delegate Meet the Candidates on Page 15 Responsible for attending NUS conference and representing the views of BCU students at a national level.

I’m Ivona Hadzhiyska, your outgoing President…. This time last year, your vote gave me the opportunity to lead a great team of BCUSU Student Officers into changing and improving things that matter most to you. Now you have the opportunity to choose who will lead your Students’ Union into the next academic year. BCUSU is a democratic organisation, meaning every vote really does matter! You have the power to ensure your Students’ Union develops in the way you want it to! From Thursday 20th February, it is important you vote for the candidate in each position who you believe will represent BCUSU, your views, and who will ensure you get the most out of your experience as a BCU student. All candidates have different aims and objectives in their campaign, but please take the time to read and listen, ensuring you make the right decision. As I prepare to leave my post as President, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing me to lead BCUSU – your Students’ Union – it’s been a truly unforgettable experience. I wish the future leaders of BCUSU every success and I sincerely hope they enjoy the experience as much as I have. Ivona Hadzhiyska President 2019/20 Union.president@bcu.ac.uk

A note about manifestos:

Each candidate has been asked to write a manifesto, where they set out what they would do if they are elected. We are not allowed to change anything in a manifesto, apart from any mention of ‘BCUSU’ or ‘your Students’ Union’. When the candidate has written more than the allowed word count, their manifesto is cut. Also, any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors have to remain.

Elections Results Night:

Join us from 6pm on Friday 28th February, as we find out exactly who will be leading your Students’ Union next year! You can either watch all of the action live as it unfolds via Facebook, or join us at our City Centre campus. Check out www.bcusu.com for more details.

This year, you’ll also be able to vote for RON (Weasley) If you don’t believe any of our actual student candidates should be elected into a position, then why not vote to Re-Open Nominations, or RON? This means that if RON wins, nominations are re-opened and you’ll then be able to vote for a more suitable candidate at a separate by-election. Disclaimer: Ron Weasley is NOT actually standing in our Leadership Elections as he is NOT a student at Birmingham City University! He went to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, so is unable to stand in the BCUSU Leadership Elections!

Elect your President Victoria Bennett-Salvador My Top 3 Goals

• Set up a suicide prevention committee focused on delivering one university wide campaign a year. • Ensure a 3-5 step process is created for reporting and supporting victims of sexual violence and hate crimes on and off campus. • Welcome Lounge at City South Campus: a social forum bringing a platform for voices at City South to be heard throughout the university.

My Manifesto

A poem of a Future President, As February looms and elections set in, We ask ourselves – Who are the SU? Again…. It’s a rush of people, Why do we vote? What they promise might not get done, Plus, I’m a third year – seems pointless hm? I’m here to tell, Yes VABS, that’s me. Presidency is something that’s been a dream to me. To make real change and stand-up strong, For the students around me who’s voice is drowned out. I represent you, The party, the study, the late-night cigarettes, The family focused, the supporting friend, the one who’s constantly busy, the one that just needs of a friend. I represent you.

My Experience

Over 4 years at BCU I have witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly. In my 2nd year, Women’s Officer (2017), I learnt the value of team collaboration and developed my public speaking skills at events where I represented student’s voice. This year I had the privilege of being the President of the first protected Women’s Society at BCUSU and the gained knowledge of the current student climate will allow me to develop future progress in all aspects of university life. My previous achievements will seem small to the flourishing change I can bring to the students of BCU

Bilal Hussain

George Coates My Top 3 Goals

• Easy access - breaking down barriers faced by students in accessing support systems in the university. • Let’s get personal - promote more discussion of sensitive issues which impact many students. Enabling the provision of appropriate support. • Equal chances – ensuring that students from all types of backgrounds have the same access to opportunities. Ensuring students from all different backgrounds have the same access to opportunities which help them succeed.

My Manifesto

BCU is home to a diverse community, made up of many different backgrounds. The experience of university should be the same regardless of these differences. Often, it may be those students who need support the most, who face the most difficulty in accessing this support. In addition to this all students have the same rights to resources and opportunities. University can be one of the greatest experiences, but it is also important to acknowledge what may hinder this experience. Encouraging people to be more open to talk about these experiences, can help us to detach any stigmas associated to some of these more personal issues. Altogether, these main goals aim to contribute to the representation of not just students, but the problems that students may face during their time at university.

My Experience

Throughout my time at BCU I have been involved in the representation system. As a School Rep and working with the Student Voice team, I was able to gain a lot of knowledge around issues that students feel strongly about. As well as those which impact students but are spoken about less. From my own experiences, both inside and outside university, I have also become familiar with some of these issues. Altogether providing me with experience in successfully representing students and good knowledge around what impacts students.

My Top 3 Goals

• To represent all students of BCU, no matter what their opinions, beliefs and circumstances. • To express as much appropriate honesty in what we do for the Students’ Union and BCU, in order to ensure students are satisfied with what we do and what they have available. • To allow all students to be as happy and as comfortable as possible, using the above two goals, leading and allowing for a diverse Students’ Union for the students.

My Manifesto

I aim to: • Lead and represent the SU and the Vice Presidents, with utmost honesty, to ensure all students that they are in our best interests. • Take into account all opinions, mediate and attempt to resolve issues and affairs within the university and my power, by providing help, support and practical solutions. • Connect with societies to create even more beneficial academic and social opportunities for all students to take part in. • Bring opportunities involving charity and humanitarian work to connect students with the outside world. • Allow for more comfortability to speaking out about mental health and any issues that affect students as a whole, aiming for student betterment. • Bring in programmes for student volunteering/mentoring in the majority of courses to help students struggling in academia using flashback revision and other effective methods by connecting with academic staff. • Reduce fares for public transport and parking to ease commuting students that attend.

My Experience

• Charity work with Remembering Srebrenica by travelling to Bosnia for 4 days and hosting a football tournament with my sixth form colleagues. • Co-run the Criminology Society as the Vice President to ensure we can bring the world of Criminology to interested students. • Volunteered at my secondary school’s library for 4 years and managed a team of students. • Volunteered to listen to secondary school children with inabilities to read for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. • Take and address student feedback as a Level 4 Student Academic Leader to ensure student satisfaction. • Tutor first year students struggling with their academic knowledge.

Jauffrey Onkani My Top 3 Goals

• Improve students experience studying at BCU. • Focus activities that will increase students’ performances in university. • Be the voice to the students enquiries and bring the solution from the upper ladder to the students inquiries.

My Manifesto

The improvements made by the university and lectuters has inspired me to want to be a part of that innovation. I am dedicated and my integrity qualifies me to be the leader of such operation because I have the drive to deliver what the people want.

My Experience

I have worked at numerous places as a humble worker to know what the people want. I am currently a student academic leader because I genuily want to help in being the voice of the students to the university. I have volunteered for British heart foundation in the past.

Elect your President Casey Rooney Parvez Pathan My Top 3 Goals

• Identify, promote and campaign for student’s effective health management, safety and environmental risk, as a positive enabler for students and for university. • Promote Equality and Inclusion between all students and support all minorities like Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME), LGBT+ and disabled students. • Listening to your voices by being an active member of your university life, taking dynamic measures to initiate the changes you want to see!

My Manifesto

• Listening to all the student voices regarding academics, university life and tackling all the problems to make their experience better at BCU. • Ensure to improve communication between administrative and student bodies to tackle problems in relation to mental health, student safety & job opportunities at all campuses. • Work on offering students affordable prices on stationary, print credits, food and drinks at all BCUSU affiliated shops. • Ensure that one of the Sabbatical Officers works at City South campus attending to all the issues of our students. • Working closely with all the protected societies in order to support equality and inclusion for all minorities. • Increase involvement of students at City South campus in university events and activities by ensuring that together with the university societies too organise their events at the City South campus.

My Experience

• Currently acting as President of International Society, working on #SafetyOnCampus #WeAreInternational campaigns. • Representing People of Colour Society as an International Officer and organised Black History Month. • As a Beatfreeks Youth Steering Committee member, I make significant decisions along with offering learning opportunities for youths. • Campaigned for post study work visa at Nottingham University. • During my student life I have actively volunteered to support new students settle in Birmingham through International Activities Week. • Helped Indian, Pakistan, African, Italian, Bollywood Societies and International Office to organise successful events like Diwali, Nigerian Independence Day, One World Festival, Christmas Lunch and Iftar on Campus.

My Top 3 Goals

• I want to create a safe-space for students during Freshers which consists of events focusing around an alcohol free lifestyle, giving students the chance to socialise without having to feel pressured. • I want to raise awareness of mental health in students and make sure students know about the resources available. • I want to be able to make sure all of the students feel that the University environment is the best it can be.

My Manifesto

I’m Cas and I feel that the lifestyle at University can be a lot to take in. The pressure of alcohol and clubbing often glosses over students who struggle with substance abuse, alcohol related trauma or distaste to alcohol. As somebody who has empathy in this regard, I want to create a safe-space for students who feel the same. I want students who suffer with mental illnesses to feel that they matter and they can use the University as a support system in the same way I do. I want to make sure every student is enjoying their time at University, knowing they can talk to me about any problems they are experiencing and I will try my best to find a resolution. I want to be involved in the constant progressive change at BCU.

My Experience

I am currently the student rep for English as well as a Student Academic Leader in Welcome Week. I love being able to interact with students and finding out how the University can be improved.

Lucky Uddin My Top 3 Goals

• To try to increase commuter engagementEVERY student deserves to have the chance to access all opportunities on offer. • To give students a voice- EVERY opinion counts. • To create change that will benefit EVERY student- Inclusivity is key

My Manifesto

Termed ‘The True Sabb’, I was the first and youngest person in BCU history to take a sabbatical year and work as Vice President Student Voice and now I plan to return as President. I have developed my knowledge and leadership skills in the time that I’ve been off and I intemd to put these into good use as BCUSU president. I believe that I am the best candidate for the role as not only have I seen things from a student point of view, but also staff point of view therefore I am able to represent everyone’s views equally.

My Experience

Throughout my sabbatical year, I gained leadership skills managing the representation system; I plan to put these skills into practice again but as BCUSU president. I stayed in the SU loop by being a scrutiny group member and a welcome week volunteer. Not only this, but I worked as a member of The Point where I was kept up to date about all the changes in the SU. I’ve worked on the Assessment Handbook for the School of English in order to make it student friendly. In the two years after my term of office, I’ve still been helping students.

Don’t believe any of these candidates should be elected? SELECT RON (Re-Open Nominations). If RON wins, nominations are re-opened and you’ll be able to vote for a more suitable candidate at a by-election.

Elect your Vice President Academic Experience Syed Jafri

Polly Jones

My Top 3 Goals

• Student - Teacher Interactions Transparency Program. A huge number of students are hesitant to share their problems with their teachers due to various reasons.

• Online Lectures & Further learning: Push for the normalisation of filming lectures to be uploaded online, and enable you to attend other seminars out of interest.

• Undecided Pathway Programs. A lot of students who join University for a certain course and then loose interest over the years and decide to switch courses, some manage to do it and others are stuck with it.

• Better Travel: Improve travel links between City Centre and other Campuses (such as City South) to ease accessibility & make it easier to attend societies.

• Internalisation Program.

• High Achievers Recognition Scheme for all: Expand HARS to all courses, allowing you to push your learning & employability.

My Manifesto

My story begins long ago when I was in school, studying for my GCSE’s and figured out that I would want to be a part of the education system. As a student, I somehow always had an eye for looking out at the problems that different students were facing, I developed and understanding that many students were not able to communicate their difficulties to the teachers and the admin board at the school that efficiently. That is where I decided that I want to build my career in the education industry and want to become an educationist. Education is not an only about studies, it’s about creating a visionary/goal-oriented mindset as well. With my experience in BCU for 3 years now, I have interacted thousands of students and understood the difficulties faced. The role of ‘VP Student Experience’ appeals to me and I stand convinced in achieving my goals.

My Experience

I got the opportunity to work as an Education Counsellor at a student counselling firm right after I completed my Alevels, my job role consisted about getting to know different students and assist them out with different programs to choose for their careers. I became a part of the BCUIC Student Council in my first semester when I joined the University. My experience of becoming a part of the student council taught me a lot about BCU student experience. My team and I managed to successfully create different clubs like the breakfast club and the literacy club which wasn’t done

My Manifesto

It’s vital for us to expand our transport links between campuses to enable all of us to interact, connect and attend events & societies with ease. We can achieve this by campaigning for the £1 bus-hop between campuses, Belgrave View and student-heavy-areas, or implement frequent shuttle-busses specifically for us. We can improve the Disability Support offered here by campaigning to improve communication between lecturers and Disability Support, improve accommodation capabilities, implement hearing loops & braille in all lifts & setup volunteer positions to help those who need it. This will enable you to focus fully on your studies without having to always ask for extenuating circumstances or looking for help when it should be provided. We can improve your experience by making HARS available for everyone. This will allow you to improve employability, offer optional further studies, and CV masterclasses specific to your area, boosting your capabilities ready for graduation.

My Experience

I was the elected student governor of my college, and acted both as a student body president as well as stood on the board of governors. This enabled me to help push for increased wheelchair accessibility within the buildings, increased raising and giving activities within the college, and more trips abroad, to name a few items. At college I also was the head of the LGBT society where I organised fundraisers, film screenings and educational classes. I am currently the managing editor of the Student Magazine Polygon – where I help organise our print schedules as well as occasionally write.

Denis Shakir

Zeenat Bhayat

My Top 3 Goals

• Be humble. • Be patient. • Be kind

My Manifesto

When I was a kid, I have always been made fun of for my big dreams. I really do not understand why would people have such a strong opinion on what is possible and try to limit themselves of achieving something greater, something they deep down want but for some reason suppress. My ultimate goal is to break that mindset and see people achieve their wildest dreams. I am happier when the people around me are truly happy and I am closer to my dreams when the people around me are working towards their dreams. Life is sometimes simple, and you are what you surround yourself with.

My Experience

This is my 3rd time running for a VP Experience, believe it or not :D and I have always made a video about it. I really enjoy doing those videos and this year I am making another one ^-^ Last year I used the £25 budget to buy food and cook for homeless people and it was one of the most rewarding experiences, which motivated me to do so much more. Here is how I lost the elections last year: https://youtu.be/DQavjDD2jzU. Or if easier: https://tiny.cc/VPexperience

• Encourage cross-campus/faculty inclusion/engagement within campuses to ensure that students are able to tackle various issues quickly (stress, mental health, discrimination etc.) • Create a sense of community for students at City South and the Jewellery Quarter campuses that allows them to feel included and engaged in events – allowing students to enjoy their university experiences. • Ensure the protected societies feel included and able to engage effectively with the student body: encourage other societies to increase their outreach.

My Manifesto

I aim to increase cross-faculty/campus inclusion by working closely with students and staff members to provide students with more opportunities to actively engage with events and societies. By differentiating and considering student needs I’m confident that I can not only increase engagement but also ensure that our protected societies are being heard and, are able to actively engage with other students and societies. As VP I will be an advocate for inclusion and equality within the university – I will ensure that student needs are met and that they feel included. I will be an advocate for diversity and work to celebrate the diverse range of students that the university has through talking to students and organising events for them.

My Experience

As a BCU student I’m currently a school representative for HELS, I work closely with Student Voice to collect feedback and create action plans with relevant staff members in my faculty. At my last job I actively worked with team leaders to create a better sense of inclusion and engagement among staff – I helped organise events to raise money for various charities. I’m active with student voice and have taken part in Represent week recently – I was able to engage students in discussions and allow them to feel included in what was going on.

Elect your Vice President Equity & Inclusion Iris Bliss

Mojtaba Noori

My Top 3 Goals

• Inclusion: SU activities need to expand beyond City Centre. Not all our students are based there, but the vast majority of SU activity is focused there. • I’d like to broaden the scope of SU events. • Equality: I’d like to improve links between the various protected groups within BCUSU in order to ensure our liberation is intersectional.

My Manifesto

The changes I’d like to make can be summed up in three words; Inclusion, Equality, and Welfare. Inclusion, to me, means ensuring that all students can enjoy the university experience. Part of the quintessential uni experience is participating in the SU, and many students are restricted from doing that because most events take place at the City Centre campus. I would like to broaden the SU’s horizons, bringing events to all our campuses. Equality underlines my support for BCUSU’s Protected Societies. I would like to bring together faith groups, racial and ethnic groups, the LGBTQ+ community, and all other protected groups, in the hopes of ensuring liberation and justice for all. With regards to welfare, being a student is hard. Life is hard. I firmly commit to a comprehensive review of the SU’s mental health support structures, and to better publicise what support is available for those that need it.

My goals would be : • to unite different ethnic societies together to promote social harmony. We should see past race, religion and gender and to strive as one to flourish freedom and peace. • Encourage societies to promote the freedom of choice ,create an environment in which everyone they don’t feel degraded or segregated. • Empower societies to reach out to new students from foreign countries who are vulnerable to feeling alone and segregated and help them.

My Manifesto

Hello, my name is Mojtaba Noori and I’m a final year Business management Student. I’m running to be a vice president of equity and inclusion as I believe I have the right skills and experience necessary. I’m part of a society already and I believe there’s much more that we can do to unite these different ethnic societies together. I believe that societies are crucial to the university and it boosts the encouragement of social harmony and freedom and getting the right support could help them reach their full potential. Therefore, If I was elected, I would help them to achieve their full potential by providing the support they demand and need from the university. Working together is always more powerful than alone and I would encourage societies to have joint events so that people can understand each other’s background cultures and history.

My Experience

Wilfred Odior

Jinal Shah

My Top 3 Goals

I’ve spent my three years here pushing for the change that I believe in, and now I want to take a leading position advocating for that change. I’ve held numerous committee positions during my time, including serving on the LGBTQ+ Society committee for three years, two as President. This has given me experience in running campaigns, and inside knowledge of how the SU functions. I have a good relationship with important individuals within the SU and am friendly with other Birmingham universities. All these factors put me in a strong position to advocate for the changes you, the students, deserve.

• To ensure transparency and equality of opportunities, are available to all students. • To champion the welfare and growth of all students, through a dedicated day for one to one clinic sessions. • To assist the team with ensuring good governance and accountability; in delivering policies and effective use of resources in the best interest of all stakeholders.

My Manifesto

Hi everyone, my name is Wilfred Odior; currently studying the MSc. Construction Project Management. I am running for the position of the Vice President - Equity and Inclusion. Once elected, i will help to support and promote all societies; equally, fairly and make the same resources available to everyone. With my experience working for the international office; I would look to help improve on the current accommodation challenges faced by international students. This can be achieved by soliciting and establishing good relationship with more Agents and Student Accommodation Services; making sure that this information is made available to international student through the admissions office, before the students leaves their home country. I will help to facilitate more effective dialogue between the University, the societies and students. In order to foster growth in this great institution.

My Experience

I have been opportune to take on some roles throughout my time here. I was a Student ambassador (Working closely with staffs to deliver on-campus events and activities; aimed at promoting the University to a future cohort of students at events such as Open and Applicant Tester Days),Head of event and planning – Nigerian Student Society, Currently-Vice President – International Students Society and President/founder of the African Students Society (Which I believe is now well structured, with the current strong team across City South and City Centre campuses – working closely with the SU/University in planning events to promote the society/University).

I’ve done voluntary work for local charities to help the poor and weak. We raised money for the Syrian refugees by selling baked cakes. Taken part in the rough sleeper’s challenge where you sleep outdoors in the town centre to live a day in the life of a homeless person. Created societies for minority race groups and helped them create events and campaign. I’ve ran for local charities that raise money to fight against illnesses and diseases such as Just giving and Cancer Research.

• Initiate a number of campaigns involving issues of Equity and Inclusion; Examples of this would be promoting Black History Month, campaigning during anti-bullying week and raising awareness during World AIDS Day. • Work alongside with societies of the Students’ Union which represent minority groups (for example Mature, Commuter, BAME, LGBTQ+); support them in letting their voices be heard, allowing equal opportunities for them and raising awareness with them. • Enhance the communication between the Students’ Union and the University’s Equality and Diversity Department to ensure that students’ equal rights are represented in all areas of their university life.

My Manifesto

My objective is to create an environment where diversity is celebrated. I CAN I WILL -: * Ensure that we are approachable and accessible as a point of contact for students, working together with other Sabbatical officers regarding queries concerning equality and diversity issues within the Union. * Hold an Equality and Diversity Week which would center around the protected areas, working with the other sabbatical Officers, as well as regular events throughout the year. * Raise awareness of the Equity and Inclusion Officer and their role by having a stall at Freshers’ Fair. * Uphold the No Platform Policy throughout the university at ALL shows and a review minimum of 3 events per month. There are 9 protected causes that we will champion as your Equity and Inclusion officer this year: Age, Disability, Transgender, Marriage, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion, Gender, Sexual orientation.

My Experience

Following are the highlights of my previous experience and achievements -: • Founder of BCUIC Society and led the society into different university levels. • Achieved Gold Award from Graduate plus which reflects my aspirations and willingness to work for the community. • I was in Student Ambassador and Student Representative role where I helped and guide diverse range of student body and awarded as outstanding Student Representative and outstanding Student Ambassador from BCUIC 2018-2019. • Became Buddy Captain and Achieved Best Buddy of the year and Buddy’s Buddy award during International orientation week 2020. • Got nomination in Extra Miles Award for the Student Representative of the Year 2019.

Get involved bcusu.com

Elect your Vice President Opportunities & Community Terri-Anne Fell My Top 3 Goals

Harras Ali My Top 3 Goals

• Provide opportunities and access to Extra Curricular Activities to a diverse audience (Equal Opportunities). • Make a positive contribution and difference to societies and communities. • Provide a memorable experience for students both domestic and international

My Manifesto

I am a passionate individual who is self motivated, resilient and is always striving to better himself by stepping out of my comfort zone. I have gained leadership, resilience, empathy, team work and networking skills, from a variety of work and voluntary experiences.

My Experience

I have worked previously as a Volunteer Mentor within a secondary school, made a difference and supported those who are less fortunate and are pupil premium children. I have three years worth of work experience alongside my studies. For instance: I currently work in the Security Industry, I have worked as a client payments representative and worked in sales and marketing.

Stanley Gibson My Top 3 Goals

• To build a stronger community between sports teams and societies. • To improve the accessibility of sports and societies to all students, e.g. commuter students. • To increase the awareness within the university of sports teams and societies.

My Manifesto

Hi, I’m Stanley Gibson and I’m currently studying (BA) Business at BCU. I’m also President of the BCUSU Extreme Sports Team, a passionate member and advocate of sports and societies. Being involved in a sport or society is to be part of a family and embodies student life. Despite this there is more we can do to unify the separate sports and societies together and build a stronger community. A massive proportion on student here at BCU are either part time or commuters, I aim to create a greater opportunity for such students to get involved. A large number of students are unaware of the vast number of sports and societies available to them. If elected I will utilise university media to promote sports and societies to all students, allowing everyone the opportunity to join the BCUSU community as well as enabling sports and societies to reach their full potential.

My Experience

Before university I spend a few years in business and sales where I worked as a team coordinator and account manager giving me the vital skills required successfully develop BCUSU. Whilst at university running the Extreme sports team I have been able to utilise student engagement and feedback to, with the help of my committee, run lots of amazing trips and events and help the society excel. Together I believe we can make university work for all of us, and BCUSU the most amazing community to be involved with!

• Improve the inclusion of other campus’ within societies and see how all campus’ can use societies to enhance their university experience. • To ensure students get the most for their money when participating in Students’ Union/Sport activities. • To strengthen communities within university, by creating more opportunities for lesser recognised communities at university to ensure they get the most out of their Students’ Union.

My Manifesto

I would like to ensure that no student feels “left out” of their student experience when engaging with the societies and activities put in place by the Students Union. If elected, I would endeavour to create opportunities for less recognised communities to get involved with Students’ Union activities. I would do this by: Ensuring all campus’s get the most out of their Fresher’s week by organising events at each campus suited to campus timetables. Organising engaging Fresher’s Week events for students who don’t want to go clubbing/drink alcohol. Creating a society fair so students at every campus know of the societies that exist within the university, and how to create their own. Re-evaluating each society & sport’s membership fee, ensuring students get the best experience for their money.

My Experience

During my time at BCU, I have been a part of many societies, either as a member or on committee. As a current committee member of Scratch Radio, I’ve been able to experience first hand what it takes to run a society and get it off the ground. Outside of university I volunteer with a local community radio station, which has enabled me to work on projects and events that have brought communities together. I’ve also spent 2019 being a trustee of a local arts charity, and had lots of fun doing it!

Amir Iqbal My Top 3 Goals

• Provide assistance and guidance to societies’ committees in organising their events and campaigns. • Helping students with budgeting and money managing workshop. That will give knowledge to students about managing the limited funds they have and avoid unnecessary debts. • During major festivals organise events for home and international students where they can come across each other and share their cultures.

My Manifesto

Hello! I am Amir Iqbal and I’m running to be your Vice President Opportunities and Community next year. I want to give something back by working alongside you to help your societies grow and help you gain new skills. Variety is the spice of life. I was part of multiple societies at BCU, not restricted to one and I saw first-hand how being active in a variety could enrich your life. I’m looking to give a voice to every society and club so every student is aware about what they do and how they can enrich everyone’s life. There are a lot of volunteering opportunities at our University. These are amazing for creating a more fulfilled life and building skills to show off to employers. I shall be looking to expand these opportunities and I will organise regular workshops where you can gain essential skills to be successful in life.

My Experience

As the President of BCU Italian society I have created a great community for Italian students and even students with a general interest in Italian. I have organised inclusive events for our members and even introduced Italian lessons on campus. In the International society I have represented European students, hosted informative events about Brexit and ran campaigns to tackle issues faced by international students. As the Head of Events of Pakistan Society I have planned several events about the Pakistani culture. I have worked alongside the International office to provide a safe space to socialise for international students.

Elect your Vice President Opportunities & Community Muhammad Ismail My Top 3 Goals

• To ensure that more societies are created, to give every student to get involved. • To help students develop useful and relevant skills which will actually help them with their career goals. • Ensuring that the opinions of students are ALWAYS taken seriously and acted upon.

My Manifesto

YOU are BCU. And you should be given the opportunities, representation and support that you deserve. As a current student, I understand the challenges and concerns of students. I understand how frustrating it can be to feel like you aren’t being taught the skills that will help you achieve your career goals, how it feels when there are no societies which represent your interests and how it feels when your opinion isn’t being taken seriously enough. That’s why, if elected, I will make it my absolute priority to help students access extra-curricular activities which are relevant to their careers. I will also aim to create more societies, so that every student has an opportunity to feel represented and get involved and, finally, I will do my best to ensure that the voices or students are taken more seriously - that your concerns will be heard and acted upon. Students are

My Experience

In addition to being Social Media Ambassador for the BLSS faculty, I also act as a Student Academic Leader - already doubt my part to ensure that the voices of students are heard. I have volunteered at a number of university events and participated in a summer school in Brazil. I have been fortunate enough to take advantage in many of BCU’s existing opportunities, I want to ensure that every student is made aware of the opportunities which are relevant to them and to create more opportunities, so every student has an opportunity to develop, grow, network and experience more

Selina Jahangir My Top 3 Goals

• Develop and launch a leadership scheme to empower all students. • Help Develop an all-inclusive program of events that tailor to the diversity of students especially sports and societies. • Help support societies and sports by making them successful and stronger and to create a beginning fund for them at the start of term.

My Manifesto

Students being able to feel more involved with the Union.Increase funding by creating a beginning fund for societies and sports. I will sort out room bookings for societies/sports. I will build stronger societies and sports. I will do a workshop on motivation to help students.

My Experience

I worked as a VP in the SU I have helped build societies & sports. Developed Varsity. I did campaigns that were great. I Organized first BCU holi in city centre campus in 2017. I was a president of BCU bollywood society.

Elect your Vice President Student Voice Runcie Chidebe

Ebad Ehsan

My Top 3 Goals

• To make every student a voice at BCU and sustain the multi-cultural vision of BCU. • To speak and act for the students’ challenges through engagement, meetings and innovative surveys. • To focus on the solutions and help students and the University to promote our ideals of solving the world’s most pressing problems.

• To bring positive changes

My Manifesto To make a difference

My Experience Student leading

My Manifesto

1. YOUR VOICE: All students’ voices (their needs, challenges and desires) are important whether freshers, refreshers, international, undergraduate and otherwise; everyone is important. I will focus on using the most effective ways of ensuring that every students’ voice is heard while aligning to our #IamBCU vision. 2. ACTING ON YOUR VOICE: In many situations students’ voices are heard, but acting on those voices could be slower. Hence, I will focus more proactively on acting on students’ voices. 3. ACCESSIBLE BCUSU: I will promote an accessible SU for all, through the promotion of BCUSU societies and academic leaders. 4. BUSINESS OF ACADEMIC: Students’ core priority at BCU is to learn, research and work towards solving the world’s most pressing problems. Which is the business of education. I want to do what I can to attend to student’s businesses while helping the University in attending to all our businesses.

My Experience

Last year, I joined BCUSU to represent BCU at the City of Birmingham under the ONECITY Forum. In this forum, we discussed students’ challenges and what we can do to speak with one voice. After this forum, I saw the need to contribute more to BCUSU. Also, as an advocate and human right supporter, I have spent a greater part of my life working and volunteering for humanity in over 10 countries including the United States, Ghana, Portugal and Nigeria. I will bring this global citizen experience to BCUSU and work for students to achieve their goals.

Abdullah Hamed

Dani Hawkins

My Top 3 Goals

• Listen to students concerns so I Can address the problem the problem and allow the student to get the best experience in university. • collaborate and take action to empower students whatever their situation so it can improve the students outcome. • Act on issues that really matter in the university so it can have a positive impact and students so they are happy.

My Manifesto

My name is Abdullah Hamed and I am in my 2nd of studying Computing and Information technology and in my second semester. The thing I want to do when I am elected is to help students to get problems solved by them speaking and giving us their concerns. I want to let the students engaged and listen to them so we can take action on what issues they are putting out. Once the student’s concerns are given are heard about, then we take action to improve and resolve it and manage it properly to satisfy the needs of the students. In addition, we will work with students to make their experience in the uni the best it can be and I would like students to take part in debates to get students involved and improve their experience in the university.

My Experience

In the past, I started demonstrating for the first-year students and supporting them from their module and guiding them so they know what they expect from them. This helps the student get a sense of idea on what to do and give them a positive attitude towards learning which will enable them to do good in their module. It’s always important to have dedication towards your learning and by interacting with the students and motivating them and giving them words of wisdom it will impact the student in a positive way and set him to be successful.

• Ensure Students feel comfortable submitting feedback to; student reps, online on the BCUSU website or to myself and that feedback is followed up with an action plan. • Develop a continual and relevant SU presence at campuses other than City Centre to ensure students feel included and heard. • Ensure all campuses have fair SU representation and access to their SU by assessing the value of School Reps/SAL G12 how this could be improved.

My Manifesto

As Student Voice, I will ensure that all students; whichever campus, whatever degree type or level and whether you are a distance learner, commuter or international student that you have a way to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions. I will help School Reps become more visible and identifiable to students to enable them to feel more confident and comfortable approaching them. I will also ensure that the ways feedback and issues can be submitted are varied and versatile so that everybody has a voice and it is representative of all – I will do this by implementing an online system alongside the School Reps to ensure

My Experience

As a PR student, I have experience in creating engaging campaigns to implement change. Being able to make strategic decisions and implementing them is something I’m confident in doing. I’m Head of Communications for Scratch Radio. My role is to communicate to and on behalf of our 90 members, dealing and rectifying issues and keeping members informed. I’ve worked with businesses and charities as part of my degree and assisted them with their public relations to ensure the needs are met. I won a BCU award for my work with one of my placements for ‘Best Student and Placement Collaboration’

Elect your Vice President Student Voice Yashoda Palankar

Niecekiel Robinson

My Top 3 Goals

If I would be elected: • I would do feedback sessions with students every week on social media and twice every week face to face so that no voices are left unheard. • Strive to improve the relationships between the university and Students’ Union, with a view to combining academic studies with interactive co-curricular activities as a motivator for success. • I would like to improve the Student Voice system to cater to more support for school representatives. I would like to create a platform where school representatives interact directly with student voice officers and work alongside to resolve problems in regards to student voice across the entire campus of BCU.

My Manifesto

Students are the most important part of the education, yet are often least heard. Student’s voice allows students to share who they are, what they believe in and why they believe what they do. My main motivation is to ensure that all the students feel that their voice is no ordinary voice, their voice can make a big difference and all they need is a person to speak an I want to be that person that wants to make them believe that their voices and concerns are powerful enough to ignite a change. I believe I am capable of making it possible as I’ve been an event presenter for the last 4 years I know how to be heard and how to listen to.

• Secure Cheaper travel for all University students. • Introduce a new lecture feedback system to improve academics at BCU. • Create more opportunities for all BCU students to improve employability.

My Manifesto

As Vice President of Student Voice I will tackle the main issues students face, which is high travel costs and employability. I will ensure every student whether it’s by reduced parking, train, or bus will have the opportunity to learn at a reduced cost. I will increase the amount of student academic leaders we have and create placements opportunities specific to BCU students. I plan on making it easier to communicate with your lecturers to feedback on how you feel your own academics can improve. #VoteNiecekiel #MakeADifference!

My Experience

I am a member of numerous societies in BCU and engage in the Students’ Union. I run my own family dog walking business in my spare time, so I am accustomed to making decisions. Most importantly I am running to make a change for the University and change the role of student voice, as the students are the true voice of the university. Together we will achieve the goals and changes everyone wants to see within the university.

My Experience

I have been spreading awareness to students by presenting every Tuesday’s lunchtime show at the scratch radio station by delivering news to the students and letting them know about their surroundings. I have voluntarily, hosted the launch of BCUSU’s FACT society launch. I have been into the event industry for 4 years and have hosted more than 500 shows which highly defines my oratory skills.

Elect your Vice President Student Voice Varinderdeep Singh

Abbie Smith

My Top 3 Goals

• Organise informational events for new students. • Increase awareness about issues faced by students, for example, discrimination and racism. • Organise regular social events so student can feel included

My Manifesto

I’ll respect all the students nd help them in every situation. For international students i will arange speical day and give knowledge about the campus and clear the doubts of them.

My Experience

I’ve been an active participant at school and college events and an event organiser

• I would like to make life for first years much easier, with more events to do with courses etc. • I would also like to enable all students of different ages/courses to mingle with each other using such events. • Finally, I would like to ensure that students have access to the best resources and help needed for them to achieve their target grade, no matter the level. I would do all of these things by creating

My Manifesto

I am currently a first year law student and have spent my first year getting to grips with university life. I found balancing social, work and university aspects to be challenging, so I want to try and help as many students as possible make their transition easier. For higher years, I want to help their progression further through more accessible resources, such as setting up an online assessment centre where students can learn new skills such as essay writing. This will be particularly useful for students who commute.

My Experience

I have been a student rep for the past year and have had much success with my forums. In addition, I regularly attend extra workshops and speak to many people to allow myself to grasp an understanding of several different aspects of university life.

George West My Top 3 Goals

• Grow our Democracy - Develop new ways to build a fairer Students’ Union for all by reforming BCUSU voice structures. • Greener & Cleaner BCU - Kick start a green revolution across BCU by empowering students to lead the fight against the climate emergency. • Fight for your Rights - Protect student rights on all levels in a post Brexit UK

My Manifesto

As your VP Student Voice, I will work tirelessly to transform our Students’ Union into one that truly represents all of our students. Whether you’re from the Conservatoire or the School of Law (or anything in-between) I will make sure your voice is heard and properly represented – on all levels. This will be done by building more localised democratic structures that puts your input at the heart of BCUSU. In addition to this I will ensure we commit to fighting the climate emergency at every opportunity and build a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Students’ Union through tree planting, better waste management and local and national lobbying for cheaper public transport. As your VP Student Voice I promise to fight to protect your rights as students, lobbying NUS to fight to keep the Erasmus scheme and make sure our international students feel safe, welcome and protected whilst at BCU.

My Experience

I have represented BCU students on a school, faculty and national level as a School Rep for the past two years, this has allowed me to share my peers voices and create school and university wide change. As an NUS delegate I represented BCU at a national level and voted to save our NUS. Finally, as your Student Voice Facilitator I have enabled students to create positive change through the Student Advisory Panel and made sure your elected officers have been held to account. I have the experience and knowledge to enact meaningful change as your next VP Student Voice.

Elect your NUS Delegate Oliver Earl My Top 3 Goals

• I want to provide a voice and express the interests of all BCU students at the national level. • I want to ensure that PGCE and postgraduate students and their issues are equally represented at NUS as I have found them to be woefully underrepresented. • I want to ensure the NUS and its officers are held to account during the most critical transitioning period in its lifetime

My Manifesto

For the vast majority of students at BCU, the NUS feels somewhat irrelevant and out of reach for their everyday issues. Many students aren’t even aware of its existence. By taking on the role of NUS Delegate, I would be able to ensure that students views and concerns are represented at the national level, and that the campaign work conducted by their national union is appropriately fed back to the student population. PGCE and postgraduate students are underrepresented at the National Union, with the majority of delegates being sabbaticals and those fervently involved in student politics. As an ordinary, hard-working, and involved student here at BCU, I hope to be a relatable and approachable representative of what students here want. The NUS is in an important transitive period of its lifetime a a result of severe financial hardship. With your vote, I can help keep it to account.

My Experience

At my time at BCU, I’ve been involved in SAL-level academic feedback, and committee members for both Education and Esports Societies, all whilst working as a trainee teacher on a PGCE course. Prior to that, I have spent my undergraduate and Master’s years representing students to the NUS at conference and have a wealth of experience doing so. Furthermore, I have been extremely invested in student welfare projects, including hundreds of hours

Other Candidates also Running for this Position: (see previous manifestos)

Harras Ali Victoria Bennett-Salvador Zeenat Bhayat Iris Bliss George Coates Ebad Ehsan Stanley Gibson Dani Hawkins Bilal Hussain Muhammed Ismail Syed Jafri Mojtaba Noori Jauffrey Onkani Parvez Pathan Casey Rooney Abbie Smith Lucky Uddin George West