👇 MEET THE CANDIDATES
From Monday 7th March, you'll be able to have your say and elect the next SMSU Education President and Student Life President.
Take a look at the candidates' manifesto's below so you can make an informed choice come election day!
📚 Education President Candidates
George Chaplin
Hi, I’m George.
I’m standing for Education President because I want to ensure all students have the opportunity to fulfil their full potential at St Mary’s. This currently isn’t true.
Black students are 11% less likely to achieve a 1st or 2:1. There are still unfair policies in place that disadvantage those with mental health issues and learning difficulties. And we urgently need to do more to keep our students safe and secure by tackling sexual harassment and sexual assault.
As Education President, I will seek to be visible, accessible and accountable, and to listen to the voices of all our students.
Manifesto points
- A fairer extenuating circumstances policy – scrap “fit-to-sit” which creates huge anxiety for our most vulnerable students.
- Scrap the £100 fee for a dyslexia diagnosis.
- Improved online lecture capture rate.
- Give all 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students the option of an alternative to assessed group work.
- Ensure adequate copies of core module texts and resources are available.
- Push the university to establish a “zero-tolerance” policy towards sexual harassment and sexual assault Bystander awareness and consent training for all new students.
- The reduction in security staffing should be reversed immediately, and the university should recruit female security staff.
- Ensuring programmes and university services are inclusive for BAME students and work closely with BAME student groups to address barriers.
- All BAME students to have access to mentoring opportunities.
- Persuade the university to sign up to the University mental health charter Increased roll-out of mental health first aid training.
Jayden Gill
Hi, I’m Jayden Gill.
You may know me as the Student Senior Resident for Wiseman, as well as the Vice-President for the Rugby League team; through these roles I have assisted with an array of issues that students have been subjected to whilst at university and created a welcoming environment so that all can enjoy their time here.
I believe that as your Education President, I will be able to implement strategies that will benefit you, the students, and improve your university experience through my manifesto points below:
A review of the Universities Extenuating Circumstances procedures
52% of Students reported that their mental health worsened because of the pandemic (NUS Survey) EC criteria needs to be adjusted to support student’s post-pandemic.
Lectures and Sport
With the University’s approach to blended learning of online and in-person lectures, utilise online/pre-recorded lectures on Wednesday where possible so that all students that wish to participate in sport or spectate will be able to without penalisation.
Development at St Mary’s
- Increase connections with organisations to support students work placements.
- Support and growth of vital campaigns such as ‘Simmies Girls Can’ and ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’
- Greater advertisement of student services, students can access funding support, counselling and more but aren’t aware that the university provides these services, these are here to benefit you!
- Seek to expand the availability of academic literature on ‘Summon’ to benefit students’ assessments.
- Feedback through programme representatives and programme boards to be implemented extensively.
📢 Student Life President Candidates
Christopher Bryde
Why I am qualified
I am a retired Marine Corps Non-commissioned Officer, with 5years of active service and experience in team leadership. Awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, 3 Certificates of appreciation, including one signed by President Obama, and many others.
I have tens of thousands of hours of experience in volunteer work in different sectors, including 6,000 hours as an NHS Volunteer Responder since the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Have 2 first class degrees – one in General Studies and one in Science – with a Focus Award in Creative Writing and am currently 3rd year in the Creative & Professional Writing programme.
What I will do for you
- I will donate the entirety of my SU paycheck towards improving societies and campus life.
- I will increase support of our sports teams with organised supporter events at games.
- I will install an electric BBQ on campus to be used by societies and clubs.
- I will improve access for disabled students and staff on campus.
- I will create a space which students can reserve for activities like arts, crafts, and tabletop games.
- I will establish a garden space where students and staff can grow their own vegetables.
- I will design a tartan for St. Mary’s and create a supporters’ scarf.
- I will help organize student hiking and camping trips.
- I will increase support for local charities.
Caitlin Finn
Hi! My name is Caitlin Finn.
I'm a final year Primary Education student and SR in Cronin Hall. I have lived in halls for the last 3 years.
Throughout my time at St. Mary's, I have helped students through various difficult situations. I feel that I am a natural leader and a trustworthy representative.
If elected as SLP, my main priorities will be;
Mental Health
Ensuring each student is aware of the services currently available, and working to enhance these valuable services.
Sports
Working with Sport St. Mary's to organise and promote Hall Stars and Simmie Girls Can events at the beginning of and throughout the year, to promote physical and mental health and to encourage all students to get involved. I would also like to introduce a similar scheme for commuting students and those in halls, based on their course of study.
Social Events
Planning Freshers and RAG week, keeping in mind students' budgets to keep costs for events as low as possible.
Enhancing Campus Life
The Refectory is a fantastic service that could be enhanced further in liaison with students. I would encourage students to suggest ideas about their dietary preferences.
I would also be keen to consider ways to provide meals to those who are off campus early in the morning and return late due to placement, as I understand the financial burden this places on students sourcing meals elsewhere.
I would strive to create a safer campus for everyone, including more CCTV on campus, and additional lighting. This is work I am highly passionate about and look forward to continuing as your SLP.
HOW DOES VOTING WORK?
Take a look at our elections timeline for information on how to vote and when voting opens.
