Student Representative President Candidates

Student Representative President Candidates

The SRC President works with the other officers to represent the views of students to the University at is highest level, liases with the National Union of Students, Chairs the Student Rep Council meetings and becomes a Student Governor of the University. Work closely with the other Officers to lead and direct the Students’ Union

Simon Botterill

Personal Statement

Hey, I’m Simon and I’m running for SRC President. In my time at UWE, I’ve noticed a thing or two and I feel now is a perfect opportunity to move this University towards where it should already be.

I’m positive, a good listener and a nice guy. I’m also determined and honest in everything I do. This University DESERVES a hard-working President to get your problems and solutions heard and sorted. University has provided me with an awesome 3 years; let’s do the same for everyone… And in the words of the great Terry Tibbs,

TALK TO ME,

VOTE ME.

Manifesto

“I’ve got LOVE for you if you were born in the 80’s.”

Hey, I’m a firm believer in REWARDS, prizes, achievements. Students deserve REWARDS.

This University came top 5 in teaching this year. Did you know that?

How would you feel if UWE started coming top 5 in everything, better yet, Top 1 in everything?

Would that make you proud? It would make your degree mean more to employers; it would make students want to achieve more at UWE.

I’m PROUD to say I’m getting my degree from UWE and now is the time to make this University the only University worth studying at.

The transportation UWE provides is improving too slowly. Overall ULink has done more BAD than good. The drivers need to worry more about sticking to timetables than chin-wagging on each other’s buses. I aim to address the cost of travel to get students where they need to go at the LOWEST of prices and provide a cheaper, bigger, more reliable service.

UWE under-spent £699,000 on Student Bursaries last year, the highest in the country. I will make UWE PROMISE to use its budget on its bursaries and if they can’t then the money WILL get used for something else, something important.

NO increases in Tuition Fees!

Students need better support academically to improve and get the most out of their degree.

MORE FEEDBACK, BETTER FEEDBACK and more REWARDS for students who work hard.

“I’ll do MORE for you if you were born in the 80’s, YEAH!”

Bullet Points

• TRANSPORT – needs sorting: poorly maintained car parks, unreliable bus services, expensive travel options to UWE.
• MONEY – Fixed Tuition Fees, no over-spending and using UWE’s wealth on who really matters, YOU.
• ACADEMICS – HLSS get 10% free for attending 80% of classes, reward students for BEING students.
• ACCOMODATION – Student Village -> cheaper. Closer, CHEAPER, more appropriate housing for 2nd and 3rd Years.
• ENTERTAINMENT – Better, cheaper, more appealing events. A Student Union Venue to facilitate YOUR needs.

George House

Personal Statement

Hi, I am a final year economist, having studied at both St Matts and Frenchay and have worked in the SU bar for two years. I believe we should have an active and accountable student union, providing information and services, and representing our views. If elected I will represent all students across all levels and campuses. For the last two years I have put this into practice as SRC Student representative, BBS chair, and as an academic board member. I am a friendly face, easy to talk to, and will maintain an open door for every student. VOTE GEORGE!

Manifesto

I have had three fantastic years at UWE, and I believe that if elected I could make UWE an even better place to study

What will I do for you - if elected?

• Transport: we now have a University run bus service: the U-link. Through the consultation of students, and use of Student Representatives, we can continue to tell UWE how best to improve this valuable service.
• Parking: After mocking the state of the university car parks for the duration of my course, I will protest to UWE and demand improvements to the current parking facilities across all campuses. This would include seemingly small issues such as line painting and general repairs.
• Academic issues: Our primary reason for being at UWE is to study. The Student Union should be ensuring that everyone has equal access to education. Therefore, issues such as timetabling, assessment procedures, UWE Online and general educational facilities need improvement via pressure on the University.
• The Student Representative system is an effective in providing student feedback to the university boards – telling UWE what we want. However, I will ensure there is a two-way flow from the Presidents and all student reps - introducing accountability.
• The Student Union should be at the heart of our student experience; I will raise awareness of the services the union offers via the UWESU media channels, develop feasible environmental policies and continue the constitutional review, bringing our Student Union into the 21st century.

Vote George!

Bullet Points

• Transport: Promote and encourage sustainable transport – and advise UWE on how to develop the U-link.
• Parking: Demand improvements to parking facilities
• Academic Issues: Ensure a fair education to all UWE students
• Student Representation: Develop the rep system so it can communicate to all students
• Student Union: Engage with all students – putting the student back in student union!

Florian Mertens

Personal Statement

I’m Florian Mertens and for the last two years I worked on the Student Representative Council. While I took this post I studied Information Systems at CEMS and I worked at a marketing company as the single web developer for a year.

I was responsible for organizing the World of Dance event and running the Technology and International Students Society. I run the Diversity show on the Hub Radio, and organize slideshows in IMAX style 3D. I regularly take pictures in 3D on UWESU fairs and I have been the photographer of Crunchie nights.

www.VoteFlorianMertens.co.uk

Manifesto

As I am the current President of two Societies and been on the Student Representative Council, I have all the necessary knowledge and experience to be Student Representative Council President. This year I raised awareness nationally through my work with the NUS International Students Campaign, and I campaigned on a number of issues that have a major impact on students’ lives such as student fees, transport, the regulatory framework and improving our union constitution.

With this foundation, I raised the standing of the Union in the eyes of its members and the University, and I seek to consolidate the Union’s status and improve your lives further with the following aims:

To ensure that student views are given priority among councils, committees and boards of UWE's main and satellite campuses.

To strengthen cross representation among the Student Union’s Councils and build better postgraduate networks across UWE to help them make the most out of their University experience.

To support student campaigns coming from our students or NUS, and overview that the accuracy and truth of the student voice is coming out of the student written submission to the QAA.

To enhance bus transport services further and improve the parking nightmare at campus sites.

To discuss representative issues to equal, fair and open debates that are accessible to all students.

To develop policies and fight any form of bullying, racism or other way of discrimination.

Vote Florian Mertens for the Representative President #1 !

www.VoteFlorianMertens.co.uk

Bullet Points

• A better representation and engagement across councils, reps and students.
• Support campaigns initiated by our students or NUS for postgraduate, disabled, diverse or mature students.
• Act on the current bad state of car parking, bus and sustainable transport services.
• Continue the constitutional review for better networks, a stronger union, and improve our student lifestyles.
• Good IT facilities, clear websites, timely and accurate timetables and extended library services.

Dom Passfield

Personal Statement

My name’s Dom and I’m your current President and Chair of the Student Representative Council (SRC). Last year I stood as I was convinced that UWE is a great place and I still genuinely believe that. I have kept my promise of being there for ALL UWE students, and the experience of the last year in office has given me the confidence and ability to keep fighting for us, the students. I am simply a friendly, open, honest guy. I’ve achieved so much in such a short time, but there are still masses to do ‘It’s Time to re-elect Dom!’

Manifesto

Ok then, why re-elect Dom? What have I done so far? And why give me another year? Well in my short time as President I have achieved a huge amount for UWE Students and fulfilled all my campaign promises from last year. The environment is now at the forefront of everything we do. We held the biggest and best Freshers Festival and Snow Ball ever. More money has been invested into student media and post-grad, international and part time representation is at its’ best. But there is still so much to be done. Car Parking is still a monstrosity, the Union needs to start campaigning more on this issue. The Ulink bus service needs a proper kick to run on time and when students need it and UWE cycling facilities need more focus. Academically, I have brought assessment feedback and timetabling issues to the forefront of the University’s agenda, but the need for personal tutors, more computer facilities and a reduction in the cost of student halls accommodation all need more attention. Also being a multi-campus university makes us great, but all the UWE campuses need the same level of investment. UWE treats us students as just a number and the powers that be are so concerned with research, business and image they forget about their 30,000 students. I have bought the UWE ‘student voice’, your voice, to the forefront of what your Students’ Union does, re-elect me and I will make it its foundation.

It’s time to re-elect Dom

Bullet Points

• Continually focus on bringing your ‘student voice’ to the centre of the University’s thinking.
• Better and improved learning and social spaces for ALL UWE students on ALL UWE campuses.
• An improved, revamped transport system for all students and fight the disgraceful car-parking facilities.
• A complete review of your assessment feedback and a focus on practical, student friendly timetabling.
• An improved recycling program for UWE, it’s so important for us & our future offspring!