Vote for a voice. Vote to be heard.
This year communication has been more important that ever. As School Rep for Biological Sciences I have worked every day to improve communication between staff and students, and to facillitate engagement, focusing on improving student representation for the benefit of all within my school. I have worked closely with our faculty and have raised concerns at every level of the University - even as high as stressing to the Pro Vice Chancellor that lecture recording should continue in the future, and advising the Faculty of the need for more staff to better handle and support the larger cohorts! My suggestions have led to faculty-wide surveys being conducted in semester 1, and now in semester 2 they have got the ball rolling for a review into the effectiveness of the Personal Tutor system. Currently I am actively supporting the Students Deserve Better Campaign, rallying support and lobbying the powers that be for fair assessments after such a disrupted year!
I have worked really hard this year for the students of my school, but my work is not done! I feel I can make change at a higher level.
The last few months I have been building connections within the University and the Student's Union. I have been learning how things work and how to get things done. I have also stepped in to attend many Faculty Meetings throughout the year when the current Faculty Rep has had other committments so I know exactly what the role entails. I therefore feel that I am the best candidate to be Faculty Rep next year, as I have the experience, the contacts and the proven drive to make a difference. All of this will be crucial next year, as we transition back to a face to face learning environment across the faculty.
One of the main things I will be pushing for is for all lectures to be recorded. The University have put it off for years, but this year has proven that it is a benefit to all students to be able to go back over the content. I also aim to strengthen students' relationships with their personal tutors (which currently is very inconsistent across the Faculty!) so students have somewhere to go for references, CV advice, and pastoral care. I will do this by pushing for timetabled sessions for all years in all Schools. I will work with the Schools and the Students' Union to improve the placement experience, and to ensure all students get the uni experience they deserve.
Vote Ashlin to have your voice heard!