Five candidates are running for the role of VP Activities in the upcoming Lincoln Students’ Union elections.
They will be hoping to take over from Joe Burt, who has filled the role since summer 2013.
Conor Maclellan
Conor is currently in his third year studying sport and exercise science. During his time in Lincoln, he has represented the university’s Rugby League team and has been elected as both the president and captain two years running.
He said: “This has meant that I have acted not only as a team member, but a leader, both on and off the pitch.”
He wants the university’s sports teams to become one by standardising a training attire which would “create a wider sense of attachment with the university, as well as creating a bond between competing societies.”
As well as this, Conor wants to give students Wednesdays off “to allow them to participate in sports,” inspire international students to take part in sports and societies, and encourage the university to subsidise travel and entry fees in competitions/tournaments.
Further details about Conor Maclellan, including his manifesto, are available on the Lincoln Students’ Union website.
Hayley Jayne Wilkinson
Hayley has been a part of the dance society for three years and as a result of this has “witnessed first hand how much more can be achieved whilst studying in higher education.”
She has put herself forward for VP Activities because she has “a lot of energy and commitment to give.”
Describing herself as an “approachable person,” Hayley hopes to set up a program which helps students start their own society as currently “there is a lack of guidance and support from the Students’ Union.”
As well as this, Hayley wants to “acquire new sponsorship to cover the insurance costs for all sports and societies,” encourage students to take part in volunteer work and organise more events to “satisfy interests and appeal to more cultures.”
Further details about Hayley Jayne Wilkinson, including her manifesto, are available on the Lincoln Students’ Union website.
Jessica Ball
Media production student Jessica is the social secretary of the Harry Potter Society and as a result of this, has witnessed that “there is a break down in communication in behind the scenes work.” Because of this, Jessica wants to improve the Students’ Union communication with sports, societies and groups.
Jessica promises to “stand by all sports, societies and groups no matter their size and help them progress further.”
She also hopes to arrange more non-academic trips “for students to relax and take a step back from their studies” and help the Students’ Union have better media coverage.
She aims to “create an environment where problems can be solved in a more efficient manner” and start up drop-in sessions with students.
Further details about Jessica Ball, including her manifesto, are available on the Lincoln Students’ Union website.
Sam Strickson
Currently a third year sports business management student and President of the university’s Men’s Rugby Union society, Sam says that “activities at this university have been an integral part of my university experience.”
As a result of this, Sam believes that “these experiences are essential to the overall university experience.”
If elected, Sam promises to focus on “unifying the sports and societies” by amalgamating kit designs. He also aims “to support and help societies put on events, as well as collating students’ ideas for events through an online suggestions page.”
He also wants to encourage all students to join sports clubs and societies by integrating a student buddy system and work with societies to identify why students cease to participate in societies and their social events.
Further details about Sam Strickson, including his manifesto, are available on the Lincoln Students’ Union website.
Tom Larken
Third year journalism student Tom Larken “wants to improve upon some great foundations already in place.”
Tom hopes to improve on the media foundations already set by the Students’ Union, build on LincTV and potentially create a student publication to “get more students involved and on board with the SU and their activities.”
If voted VP Activities, Tom wants to “help build on Lincoln’s BUCS sport success” and improve student participation as “only a third of university students are currently involved in sports and societies.”
He wants to create more interaction between students and sports teams as “it seems only sports players know what’s happening” and help make Varsity a campus-wide event by “incorporating a wide number of non-sporting students.”
Tom also hopes to create an equal platform for all sports teams: “we are team Lincoln, and I want people to know about us,” he said.
Further details about Tom Larken, including his manifesto, are available on the Lincoln Students’ Union website.