Name: Grace Winpenny
College: Vanbrugh College
Year: 3
Subject: Music
Campaign in three words: Inclusive, Fun and Creative!
What’s the most important part of your manifesto?
The most important part of my manifesto is the importance of providing students with life-long skills to improve well-being at University and beyond. This will be relevant to a diverse range of students, because University isn’t just about getting a degree – University is an experience. I want to improve students’ independence to give you the confidence to flourish in challenging situations whilst offering support through YUSU.
How do you differ from the other candidates?
My range of experiences gathered in my time at University makes me stand out – I have been involved not only in Colleges but also in societies and academic representation. I have also volunteered at several YUSU events during my time at York, including Summer Ball and Live and Loud. This has given me great opportunities to meet students not only from my Department or College, but from all across the University. I feel in touch with a diverse range of students. Experiences gathered from my degree, part-time work, volunteering and my involvement with societies help to set me apart from the other candidates.
What was your favourite thing the previous officer did and why?
George Offer has done a brilliant job so far and his recent ‘Call It In’ Campaign was very strong and relevant. It was great that he worked alongside the police and student societies to increase awareness of Crime in a sensitive way. 1 in 3 students fall victim to crime at University, so hopefully people will find it useful and help safeguard them against being victims of crime at University and further afield.
What’s the most important thing about the role you are going for?
The Welfare and Community Officer serves a major role in representing students in a massive range of areas, including (but not limited to) sexual health, safety on and off-campus, alcohol awareness. I believe the most important thing is for the Welfare and Community Officer to be approachable and go out of their way to communicate with students and listen to what they want – they are who the are representing after all! The person in this role needs to be someone who students can trust and confide in.
How are you campaigning?
As I feel the Welfare and Community Officer needs to know the students they are representing, I am going to speak to as many students as possible, in person, through email and social media. I want to get as many students’ opinions and suggestions as possible, so you feel you can trust more in YUSU and in me as your Welfare and Community Officer. There are some extra surprises that will be hitting campus during my Campaign, so keep an eye (and maybe an ear…) out for it!
What do you like the most about York?
York is small enough to feel safe and get to know well but it has a fantastic range of activities on offer, both on and off-campus. There are some fantastic deals on offer to students residing in York, in particular the annual Residents’ Weekend, where any York Card holder can go to York attractions for free or at a fraction of the normal cost. On-campus there are always so many events, and opportunities to get involved in the diverse range of activities.
What’s the best slogan you can think of for your campaign?
Want to Walk on Sunshine? Vote Winpenny for Welfare!
What do you think about York Vision?
Vision are great because you’re not afraid of writing about controversial issues relevant to York students. I also enjoy the efficiency of the Scene team in getting Performing Arts reviews published.