Name: Jemima Busby
College: Langwith College
Year: 3
Subject: Social Policy
Campaign in three words: Cheaper, easier, safer
What’s the most important part of your manifesto?
The development of a strategic plan for welfare and community engagement.
We need to make it easier and cheaper for students to connect with all services, from sports to health. We need to support students in making safer decisions, when it comes to what house to rent or whether or not to walk home or get a taxi from a night out.
Policy and attitudes need to change in order to get greater numbers of students using the resources on offer at York and in the community.
How do you differ from the other candidates?
I believe that my insight into both sides of welfare and student services makes me stand out. I have experienced the difficulties behind connecting students with services, but I also know the challenges and the courage it takes to access support while at uni.
What was your favourite thing the previous officer did and why?
The medical centre feedback group. I have loved being on the panel discussing the medical centre and giving them feedback about the service. Without student engagement and recommendations these services will not connect with students in the way they need to.
What’s the most important thing about the role you are going for?
For me the most important thing about the role is the attitude the person in that position has. It is vital that the Welfare and Community Officer is open and easy to approach, but they also need courage to bring about change and not be afraid of standing up for students.
How are you campaigning?
I will be attempting to engage with as many students at York as possible, hearing more about what they need from their Welfare and Community Officer.
What do you like the most about York?
My time at York Uni has taught me that nothing is impossible, the university and student body are so open to hearing about new things, new campaigns, meeting new people and changing assumptions. That has given me real confidence when approaching staff and students to discuss ideas and what we think needs to change around the uni.
What’s the best slogan you can think of for your campaign?
Well, when you’ve got a surname that sounds like buzzbee you are slightly limited in how creative you can be! So for my campaign I shall be embracing the humble bumblebee: ‘Jemma gives a buzz about your welfare and the community you live in!’
What do you think about York Vision?
I think its great we have an active student media on campus.