The presidential candidates for this year’s elections are looking into communicating with student media and how cut backs in funding will hurt students. The race for the president’s job in this year’s Students’ Union elections suddenly became a two-horse race as Dan Clewley and Scott Pack withdrew. Neither of them responded to The Linc’s questions, but meanwhile we asked hopeful Lucy Alborough and incumbent Chris Charnley about their manifestos and their accountability to the students.
Age: 20
Course: L3 Advertising and Marketing
Hometown: Nounsley Green, Essex
What are the two main issues you want to tackle from your manifesto and how you would achieve them?
Firstly, DART centre is very important, and a good source of support for students. It’s not about labelling or segregating students, it’s about giving students the best opportunities. To achieve this would be a case of allocating students a specific tutor, allowing sufficient time for work to be moderated giving the best opportunities and guidance. It is important that that percentage feel the extra support that they might need.
Also I feel that tutor/student communication must be improved. I feel that a way to tackle this would be that the tutors have set time periods where students can go and discuss as well as email tutors their problems and misunderstandings.
How do you set yourself apart from the current SU president?
I stand out from the other candidates, in the sense that I am a driven and empathic person who is approachable by both sexes, spending time with not only students in athletics but also other socials.
How do you plan on being accountable to students, considering their tuition fees to the university would be paying your wages?
I plan on being accountable to the students, by being there making myself accessible to them and finding out what they want, and finding means to put that into practice. I will be a voice and an activist on their behalf.
Age: 23
Course and level: Public relations graduate
Hometown: Wynard
What are the two main issues you want to tackle from your manifesto and how would you achieve them?
I believe that my hard work this year with the University will help minimise the impact of cut backs on students. I’ve constantly reminded senior members of the University that students need value for money — cuts backs shouldn’t be made around areas that impact on teaching and learning. I believe I could move this forward to benefit all students and very much feel it’s a job I’ve started and would like to finish.
Reductions in student funding and finance means that students need more part-time jobs to aid financial worries. I will help the Union enhancing its opportunities for students, with initiatives such as *Bullet Magazine* and Media Crew. Having spent two years working on *Bullet* as a student, I feel that I have the insider skills to develop the *Bullet* brand to appeal to a wide range of students across Journalism, Media Production, Photography, PR, Business, Advertising and Design.
Why do you think this year’s presidency was successful enough for you to re-run?
As President, I’ve constantly had students’ best interest at the heart of all my decisions. The union has, and will, continue to work tirelessly for students at all levels.
Looking at some of my achievements this year, I’ve been able to- develop the level of student representation across the university, develop student council, lobbied for a 24/4 library, the driving force behind the opening of a university Shop (Monday, 8th March), stopped the closure of Greestone and Riseholme services and more recently I’ve been able to secure next year’s student bursaries.
There’s a lot more that needs to be carried through as more cut backs are made across the university, the officer restructure needs to be supported along with the development of the accommodation accreditation scheme. I personally feel that students would benefit significantly if I was re-elected as President having established solid working relationships with senior management and academics.
Why does nobody cared enough to run for the satellite campus officer roles?
The main problem is the style of studying at these campuses, as Hull and Holbeach students are part-time, distance learners or those on day release. Looking at it from another level I feel that having spoken to these students, there’s been a real issue with the promotion of elections at these campuses, with such a different demographic of student marketing requires a different approach. I don’t feel that it’s been successful – the standard, stick up posters and send an email approach hasn’t engaged students and I’m not surprised.
However, if re-elected I plan on shaking up the way in which the union communicates, along with helping students to stand for these vacant roles to ensure these campuses have a stronger voice.