SPRING
Elections
Divers
ity Office r
Full-time Officer Candidate Q&A
Before you vote it’s important to understand what you’re voting for. Below is the summary that the candidates were given before nominating themselves. Take a second to read the description so you can understand the context of the questions asked to candidates. Remember, you’re voting for the person that you think will best represent your views so take the time to ask the candidates questions on the issues that are important to you! Diversity Officer This role has been created to improve the Unions’ effectiveness at representing our diverse student population. Their remit will prioritise engaging with several core demographics that can often feel underrepresented. These student groups include but are not limited to: • International students • European Union students • TNE students • Black, Asian, and minority ethnic students • Disability and liberation groups The officer will lead on any projects or campaigns that are specifically aimed at supporting these student groups such as the BAME Summit, Black History Month, International student events and liberation events such as LGBT+ History month. This will help encourage students who may not stereotypically engage with us to get involved in the services we offer.
2
Contents
4 6 8 10 3
How would you represent students from a range of different backgrounds?
How would you further support student parents?
How would you better engagement and represent part-time students?
How would you work with the University to raise awareness of the BAME attainment gap?
How w ould y ou re prese stude nt nts fr om a range of dif feren t bac kgrou nds?
4
Being from an African background I am seen as a minority in the society, this didn’t stop me from reaching for my goals. I stand for those who believe in achieving their goals regardless of circumstance. Ik Mirembe
By maintaining a good relationship with students from different backgrounds. By communicating with students and listening to what they have to say it will make it easier for me to represent them. I have a tutoring business where I deal with clients mainly related to Immigration and it has allowed me to learn the necessary skills needed to Rupok Aminuzzaman
communicate with people from different backgrounds.
I recognise that “different backgrounds” means more than just culture, and that treating students fairly doesn’t always mean treating them the same. I will work to ensure that regardless of background, all students are treated fairly when engaging with the university, and promote awareness of the various processes and support mechanisms available to help with any issues. I will always be approachable to students, and will work to raise awareness of the specific issues affecting key groups at any given time, Dale Bennett
so as to ensure a better understanding of their needs across all areas of the university.
I would ensure that services that the university offer are equally accessible for all students. I would make sure that all groups of students are well represented; some examples would be engaging students in different activities and events happening throughout the year. I have experience working within homecare, this role influenced me into wanting to work with all different people and learn more about equality. I Dee Newman
would engage and work on different cultural events such as Black History Month, with this as an example students can learn about why this month became an important part of history.
5
How w ould y ou furth er su pport stude nt pa rents ?
6
Need to provide an environment that allows the parent and child too feel comfortable, if their child is comfortable they would be able to focus more on their studies. Providing a more child friendly environment. Ik Mirembe
Being a married person myself, I realise the complications faced by many mature students. Being a parent is even harder. Therefore I would approach the students and help them get the necessary support needed to make their lives easier. For example, I would spread the information of the support they are eligible to. If any new support is Rupok Aminuzzaman
needed, I will work my best to achieve it.
I will campaign for better consideration when creating timetables, with more lectures starting later than 9am. I believe that there should be more “child-friendly” spaces in the SU and Learning Centres, and that more financial advice should be made available so that Student Parents are better informed. I will help to create a Parents Network, and work with the Community Officer to source childcare options, particularly during school holidays. I will also oppose any Attendance Monitoring measures that place further Dale Bennett
stress on Student Parents who can have difficulties attending every lecture.
Being a student is a very difficult time, so being a parent as well as a student can be even more difficult. I would like to encourage students with children to come and speak to the help within the Students’ Union; I would make services such as the ‘Little Scholars Nursery’ known by all families. I would also like to engage with students to find out how attending university has affected their family and how students would like to be Dee Newman
7
supported by the university.
How w ould y ou bette r eng age a nd repre sent p art-ti me stude nts?
8
As a part-time student you can’t help but feel disengaged from events and activities happening around university due to external commitment. Going the extra mile by making sure that they stay up to date will all the latest events via email for example. Ik Mirembe
As it is difficult for part-time students to spend enough time on campus, most students are not well acquainted with the facilities available to them. To facilitate their needs and requirements for their better student and social lives, it would be my duty to approach and provide them with the essential information so that the students have a better Rupok Aminuzzaman
understanding about the university as well as the support provided.
I believe that part-time students should be considered in the planning of events, and that more evening activities are available to reflect that part-time students belong at the university too. I will campaign for better access to student support and services for those who attend outside of “normal� hours, as at the moment Student Centres, Faculty Offices, Careers and most of the catering facilities close during evenings and weekends. I will also work with the Academic Officer to promote alternative methods of teaching across Dale Bennett
the university, such as online lectures, workshops and webinars.
I would encourage students to look at the opportunities there is studying as a part time student such as the lower tuition fees. Part-time students still get the same degree as full time students; however get the opportunity to fit university around either their family life as well as work commitments. Studying part time whilst working is a great opportunity to save money as well as learn in the field that interests the individual. Dee Newman
9
How w ould y ou wo rk with t he Un ivers ity to rai se aw arene ss of the BAME attain ment gap?
10
With a significant gap between white and BAME, it’s time the university consider increasing its pool of minority academics. Ik Mirembe
I myself belong from the minority group. Therefore I am well aware of the difficulties the students go through. As a student at Wolves, I have noticed that this university is very much diverse. The university itself aims to eliminate the undesirable gap. I will work closely with the BAME and LGBT groups and help them to overcome any hurdles they face in the university. As I am very friendly and open minded person, I believe that it Rupok Aminuzzaman
will be more comfortable for the students to communicate with me and it will be my privilege to work with the SU for a good cause.
I will work with the university to widen participation of BAME students and recognise the different journeys taken to get university, so that students of all backgrounds can feel like capable, equal and important members of the student body. I will also work to ensure that teaching is less “mono-cultural�, and where possible contains more options and materials that are relevant and reflective of the diverse student population. I also believe that better advice should be available regarding careers and postgraduate study, so Dale Bennett
that as students we can all make informed choices about our futures.
I would work with the university by engaging with current students and students thinking about joining the university to find out how the students feel the university could do more for the BAME community, as well as this I believe it would be a good idea to hold talks with current students that are passionate about learning about different cultures. People often feel like they are being under represented but at University of Wolverhampton I would like to ensure all students and staff feel they are being treated Dee Newman
11
equally.
For more information on the elections go to:
www.wolvesunion.org/elections