Who am I?
I am Samia Chowdhury; I am the current Activities and Opportunities Officer. I am urging you to re-elect me so I can continue to represent you and improve your University experience.
What I did for you so far:
- Almost TRIPLED the number of Societies: When I started my role, there were only 22 societies; however, I have increased this to 61 societies! Increased number of societies allowed more of our students to take part in activities they enjoy, gain new skills and make new friends.
- Created NEW Associations: Under my leadership, for the first time ever, we have created 3 associations. This allowed our students to be part of a pioneering initiative and take a break from the stress of studies.
- Organised MORE events and activities for students: Working with my colleagues, I have helped to successfully organise 43 events in Welcome Week in September 2019 (within 12 weeks of my term in office). I have also organised many other events and activities since July to help students increase their sense of community and belonging and ensure that our students have the best possible time while they are studying at the University.
What I will do for if you re-elect me?
If you re-elect me, I will continue to work for you, organise more events and activities and reach out to all our students:
Societies
- More support for existing societies: I will continue to work with the existing societies and associations provide them with support, resources and funding that will allow them to organise more activities and events and increase their members.
- More academic societies: I will work with University to encourage students to set up more academic societies and focus groups. This will allow our students to organise group studies and learn from each other.
Associations
- I will create a BAME Association to reduce the BAME attainment gap. This association will give a voice so many of our vulnerable students and allow them to celebrate their achievements.
- I will create a Mature Students and Parents Association which will support our sizeable mature student population. It will be an avenue for our mature students to raise their concerns and share their stories and experience.
- I will create a "Care Leavers Association" to ensure that there are opportunities available to some of our most vulnerable students, and they have access to essential support so they can successfully complete their studies.
- I will introduce an “International Students Association" so they can make the best of their time in the UK.
More events and activities for students
- More events on all campuses: I know that many of our students are time poor; they have many personal responsibilities and commitments. Therefore, I will organise more events in all the 3 campuses at different times so all our students will be able to take part.
- Free events for students: I know many of our students are struggling financially. I will make sure the Students’ Union organises more free events that are fun and exciting.
More opportunities for students
- Free gym access for our students: I will campaign for our students to have free access to the gym and other university facilities. Many of our students cannot afford the expensive gym membership. Allowing free gym access will enable more of our students to engage with the University (something the University desperately trying to do).
- More frequent shuttle service between campuses: The current shuttle bus service is inconvenient for our students. I will campaign for more frequent shuttle service between campuses.
Challenges faced by residential students
- Heating issues in the residential buildings: I am aware that students living in the residential building are suffering from heating problems. I will ensure the University deals with this problem urgently and ensures all our students living in the residential buildings (and paying eye-watering rent) are getting value for money.