Manifesto points:
- Reduce barriers to academic success and improve accessibility measures so that you can reach your full potential.
- Enhance the social life on campus and ensure students’ future prospects so that you access the career of your dreams.
- Make representation effective and collaborative for problem-solving so that your voice is heard.
For SUPPORT EMPLOYABILITY REPRESENTATION: Vote Hannah for Academic Officer! (IG hannahforacademic)
Who am I? I’m Hannah, a third year Economics student. I want to be Academic Officer because I thrive on problem-solving and want to create meaningful change. This year I’ve juggled treasuring and running the coffee mornings for the York elderly; being a department rep and being on the Academic Committee. I grew up in France, so I understand what it’s like to be far from home. I really believe in building strong support systems on campus so that students can develop academically and beyond.
What will I campaign for as Academic Officer?
1. Reduce barriers to academic success and improve accessibility measures by…
a. Fighting against hidden financial costs of academia and improving the affordability of studying. (e.g. no more calculatorgate)
b. Implementing a learning based support system and making current support processes easier to access. (e.g. improve communications and access forms)
c. Advocating for fairer and more inclusive assessments, feedback, and learning experiences. (e.g clearer guidelines for staff)
d. Pushing to expand student support services such as skills workshops and well-being support.
e. Promoting inclusive practices for international students to prevent gaps with home students. (e.g. cultural adjustment and hidden curriculum support)
2. Ensure students employability and support cost of living measures by…
a. Pushing for more investment in study spaces, career services, internship access and library resources.
b. Creating a space for entrepreneurship and ingenuity and increasing networking and opportunities. (e.g. startup incubators, new committee)
c. Increasing the amount of social events for undergrad, postgrad and alumni to create lasting friendships. (e.g. coffee mornings in every department)
d. Supporting projects that increase curriculum diversity such as guest speakers, broader content, and decolonisation initiatives.
e. Implementing flexible academic policies to support part time work and providing clear guidelines on student work rights.
3. Make representation effective and collaborative for problem-solving by…
a. Creating an academic hub so that students, reps and staff can communicate better online and in person.
b. Hosting in person drop-in sessions to discuss academic concerns and maintain an open-door policy for student issues.
c. Creating a common system that utilises module reps more and enables them to represent students “in the field”.
d. Empowering representatives of invisibilised students on key academic committees.
e. Ensuring that all student reps are well rewarded for their efforts and commitment (e.g. stipends, paid hours, vouchers, and references).
What have I already accomplished as a rep? As a department rep, I worked to make learning easier for everyone and spoke up for students struggling with the changes brought by semesterisation and modularisation. To help those who didn’t have a good place to study, I planned a new study space. On the Academic Committee, I spoke up for students when the university decided to stop providing calculators. I also created a Learning Support Plan to help students catch up on missed classes and make support more accessible. I’ve gained a lot of experience resolving student issues and would love to do it full time.
The manifestos appear here exactly as they were submitted to us. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of York Vision.
Don’t get us wrong, the York SU elections are very important. But so much of the election process is formal and serious…which means it can also (at times) be a little bit dull.
But we don’t think it has to be like this. So alongside their manifesto, Vision asked each candidate a series of light-hearted, get-to-know-you type questions. This should give you a little dive into the individual personalities of the candidates:
What would be the theme song for your campaign?
It would have to be Super Trouper by Abba cause it just gives off cool funky campaign vibes and I love a good Mamma Mia sing along watch party.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be?
I’ve actually got an emotional support plushy mascot. She’s called Squishy because she’s very squishy and very pink. I might bring her around campus during campaign week. It’s a bit soppy of me but I bought her in first year so she has to be a part of my campaign.
If I could create a new degree program at York, I’d introduce a research based degree in Sustainable Innovation. I think it should blend engineering, science as well as business and policy. I think these areas are critical for tackling the world’s biggest challenges, like climate change and economic inequality. It would be in a similar vein to triple E (Environment, Economics and Ecology) which was a degree I was really interested in doing. I feel like it would help students turn their ideas into start ups or social enterprises post-uni. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I would have applied for that degree in a heartbeat if it was available.
* Hypothetically * if you could create a new degree at York what would it be and why?
If I could create a new degree program at York, I’d introduce a research based degree in Sustainable Innovation. I think it should blend engineering, science as well as business and policy. I think these areas are critical for tackling the world’s biggest challenges, like climate change and economic inequality. It would be in a similar vein to triple E (Environment, Economics and Ecology) which was a degree I was really interested in doing. I feel like it would help students turn their ideas into start ups or social enterprises post-uni. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I would have applied for that degree in a heartbeat if it was available.
We gave the candidate a word, and asked them to think of what the question would be:
Answer: Chat GPT
Candidate Question: What can be both a great tool and a hindrance to student success?