Your education! Your voice! Your future!
My name is Maria-Delia Olteanu, and I am in my final year studying French and History. This year I have been proud to act as the secretary of the French society which has provided me with valuable insight into the essential work that goes into planning events and collaborating with other societies and the Student Union. As a student in a post-COVID world, I believe the student experience could be greatly enhanced by implementing change within the university, enabling students to reach their full academic potential.
My aims
1. Improvements in assignment feedback:
As Student Officer of Education, I will initiate open discussions about how feedback could be better delivered. Every student deserves timely, constructive feedback in order to reach their full potential and to improve and succeed academically. By ensuring that the feedback is more comprehensive and consistent, students can be empowered to take control of their learning and progress with confidence throughout their degree and beyond.
2. Increased work placements and Career Development:
As a joint honours student, it has become apparent to me that certain facultys make more of an effort to provide and advertise work placement opportunities. These opportunities are essential for helping students gain experience in their chosen fields thus enabling them to advance into their desired careers. As Education Student Officer, I intend to increase the available opportunities for work shadowing and internships by collaborating with local businesses, particularly in relation to the arts, history, and social sciences, which have often been underrepresented. I will ensure that there is an increase in access to career development resources.
In order to do this, the university must also strive to teach its students about AI to prepare them for the real world which is rapidly accepting the utility of Artificial Intelligence in furthering research and increasing work competence. Universities must be dedicated to preparing students to be as ready as possible for the workplace and must play a bigger role in facilitating internships and project-based learning through industry partnerships. Career services departments must demonstrate their crucial role in helping students with their career growth, rather than merely being helpful.
3. Enhanced Student wellbeing:
. As Student Officer, I will advocate for improved support for students, ensuring that concerns are heard and that students are not left behind or let down due to a lack of adequate welfare services. I will work to increase communication between the various departments and their student representatives in order to ensure that all students have access to the support they need to succeed both academically and in their personal lives
4. Recording lectures:
As Undergraduate Student Officer of Education, I will discuss ways the university can become more accessible to its students. Post-COVID, lecturers began recording lectures or allowing students who were unable to attend in person due to illness access through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom. In certain departments, this practice seems to have died out. I believe that by ensuring that all students have access to the full lecture content, the university can help improve academic success and retention rates. Students who may feel overwhelmed by missing class will have a chance to catch up without falling behind. therefore, I will consult with the university and work with IT services to ensure there is sufficient technical support for recording and distributing lectures.
A call to action.
I’m Maria-Delia Olteanu and I’m running to be your student officer of education because I believe every student deserves to have their voice heard. I will fight for better resources and advocate for more support in and outside the classroom ensuring that your concerns are heard by those in the university who hold the decision-making power.
I believe that together we are stronger. Together, we can make a positive impact on our education system, making it more inclusive and accessible for everyone no matter the individuals’ personal circumstances. Vote Maria-Delia Olteanu for Undergraduate Education Student Officer to create positive change and empower our community!
Your education! Your voice! Your future!