www.ausa.org.uk/elections
APRIL 2013
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AUSA ELECTIONS 2013 - Manifesto & Elections Guide
What’s This Elections Malarky All About Then? Beginning of the Summer term, people are out in force handing out sweets, campus looks like a photocopier has spewed all over it – It must be the AUSA elections! What’s the point? I know what you’re thinking – because I was just like you a few years ago – what’s the point? It’s not really that important – student politics, who cares? But what if I was to tell you the lucky 14 who get the most votes out of the 29 candidates on campus this week will be making decisions on various issues which directly affect you; the price of your grad ball ticket, what’s on during freshers week and how much funding your society/sports club gets. Doesn’t grab you? What if I was to tell you, these are the people who, if you fail your degree, will fight your corner, stand beside you when you’re being questioned and argue until you get that degree back!
you want free condoms, accommodation assistance and financial advice? Do you want a cinema on campus? How Two seconds to make a difference about more computers or longer library open hours? What about more training facilities or fewer restrictions on your sports clubs? Cheaper food on campus? Anything you can think of to do with campus, university and AUSA 14 out of the 29 running will have the power to influence that change. I guarantee, in some way, they will affect your university life. Within this publication you will find all the information you need about how to vote, whose running, their manifestos and of course their pictures.
Grab a coffee, peruse this manifesto guide, make a decision, pop online and vote! Two seconds of your time could be the difference between a Influence change performance space or a Still nothing? Ok – do you Union, the pole dancing want Butchart to have society or the H20 society, an alcohol licence? Do a fail or a first. POSTER-GATE: Candidates’ posters around campus during Elections
What The Frank is This Executive Committee? AUSA Executive committee are the leaders of a Accountable multi-million pound charity. Most members chair committees that directly affect you, from Welfare to AUSA is changing through Sports - they put in countless hours to represent you. a new constitution and the appointment of external The Executive Committee put in working for AUSA. trustees, which will make is made up of 13 students. it more accountable and seven full time sabbaticals, These 14 people, for approachable to all its each of whom receive the upcoming year, will members – namely you! a £17k+ wage in order especially be looking to devout their waking at making the Butchart Working for you hours to working for building work for you. students. The other seven are volunteers who study They will also be focussing alongside the hours they on all the key points from
their manifestos, which are in this paper, for you!
This is why it’s insanely important for you to vote – because it’s all about you! They’re all here to work for you, so make sure you vote for the person who is going to do this best – for you!
AUSA ELECTIONS 2013 - Manifesto & Elections Guide
APRIL 2013
PAGE 3
2013 CANDIDATES STUDENT PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT FOR ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS
no photo
MEGAN DUNN
LAURA SIVULA
JAMES VALENTINE
JENNY WILSON
JOANNA WILSON
VITA ZAPOROZCENKO
NICOLA BRUNI
President for SPORT
FORBES GAULD
ROBYN KINNIBURGHCLOUGH
VICE-President for charities
JENNY WATERS
MARC MCCORKELL
DAN MCCROSKRIE
President for CHARITIES & COMMUNITy
President for Welfare & Equal Opportunities
BRIGHT AMPONSAH CONOR RIORDAN
HAMISH MACKENZIE
EMILY BEEVER
President FOR Education & Employability
ADEOLA ADELAKUN
JAMIE DOUGLAS
ROB HENTHORN
President for SOCIETIES & STUDENT ACTIVITIES
vice-president for environment & ethics
EMMA CARLEN
KADRI VILGATS
EMMA STRACHAN GIULIO SEGANTINI
VICE-PRESIDENT EDUCATION
GESINE MAERKER
EVA NOHE
LILI NAGY
ZOE MCKELLAR
VICE-President for societies
GEMMA RIDDELL
HUGH TOPPING
there are currently no candidates for the positions of: vice president for equal opportunities, vice president for sport or foresterhill convener THESE POSITIONS WILL BE CONTESTED via BY-ELECTIONS DURINg the standing committee elections in may 2013
We need to focus on the issues students face at the University of Aberdeen every day. We need to build a strong Students' Association, which encourages and supports all students. Whether you're an undergraduate at King's College or Foresterhill, a postgraduate student or a part-time distance learner - you deserve to be represented by your Students' Association. Would you give me a job representing you?
SUPPORT
STRUCTURE
Some students have come a long way to
We need to offer every student the
study here in Aberdeen. Whether they've
opportunity to get involved. The majority of
traveled thousands of miles, or just around
students do not know enough about how to
the corner, every student has their own
get into active student roles; whether it is
journey.
being a Class Rep, society or sports club member, member of the Student Council or
As Student President I would continue to
a volunteer. It needs to be easy and
campaign throughout campus and local
accessible, not enough positive minded
community to ensure that our University will
students are getting involved.
support widening access in the future. The University of Aberdeen is an ancient International students are far too often
institution, but the curriculum does not
ripped off by the University with high tuition
need to be ancient. As Student President I
fees and have to put up with false
would take an active role in University
expectations and lack of support while at
committees and make sure that the courses
University. International students are not
being taught to us are contemporary,
piggy banks. We need to make sure that if
interesting and offer us the skills we need in
things go wrong there is a safety net to fall
working life.
to. We need to work on the internal structures I want the University to take ethical
of our Students’ Association to make sure
responsibility seriously. Students are not
that we are transparent when it comes to
just numbers – we are humans who bear the
democracy and decision making, and we are
consequences if something goes wrong.
able to offer student groups resources to
SUSTAIN ABILITY Societies, sports clubs and student groups need more income. We need a Students' Association that is far more independent from the University. Expanding our commercial services would generate more income for students and would enable us to sustain the support services we offer. So by investing more thought on the commercial side we could have more money to support student activities. We need to build a culture of student involvement. Our Students’ Association needs to have presence on both campuses and Hillhead – not only in Butchart. You should not have to come to us – we should be there for you in the first place. I will:
Association offers and make sure
As a Students’ Association we need to ensure that all students at the University of
Reforming our representational and
Aberdeen get a fair deal. Too many students
democratic structures is necessary in order
are paying way too much for their education
to make decision making more accountable
and not getting enough back. We need to
and making space for a more representative
make sure that students will get back what
body of students who are involved.
they deserve – a quality degree with support from the University in a safe and enjoyable city.
the generated income goes back to the students.
Help build a positive student culture at our University, involving all students.
Leave behind a positive legacy for future student generations.
I will:
Work towards expanding the commercial services our Students’
become successful.
Create welcoming and exciting opportunities for students to get
I will:
involved. Lobby for better deals for
international students.
student input when the University
Campaign for wider access and enabling support services.
Make sure there is increased plans its curriculum.
Make sure the University makes
Ensure that decision making at our Students’ Association will become
teaching and learning their
more transparent and
highest priority.
accountable.
Work on making our democratic structures more representative.
LAURAFORSTUDENTPRESIDENT2013 www.laura4president.com @LauraSivula #laura4president facebook.com/sivula.laura
2013
Leadership • CommuniCation • representation
V TE VALENTINE
STUDENT PRESIDENT Leadership “I believe our Students’ Association needs CLeArer dIreCtIon and fIrmer LeAderShIp. An executive team that can work together. A team able to put aside personal ambition to get things done. A team willing to aim high, to mAke tough deCISIonS, to start important CAmpAIgnS, and to implement the ChAngeS that our university and our Association needs.”
CommuniCation
facebook.com/jrvalentine @jamesrvalentine James valentine history 4th year. gaudie, october 2010 - present. news editor, deputy head editor, 1.5 years as Co-head editor. ASr, radio Show. Class rep, 2nd and 4th year history.
A more IntegrAted Student CommunIty for A Student Led StudentS’ ASSoCIAtIon. I will work with the other officers to:
“I believe the Students’ Association is failing to engage students properly. It doesn’t promote services, events or the opportunities the university and the SA can offer well enough. It doesn’t listen properly to the opinions of the majority of students, making SA policy guided by a few. I believe the executive Committee and Student Council should strive to be ContACtAbLe and ACCountAbLe to all students at Aberdeen, so AuSA and our university can understand what the true Student body wants.”
representation “I believe we can make sure our Students’ Association represents ALL Au StudentS. giving equAL voICe to foresterhill and king’s, Sports clubs and Societies, Student Activities, Liberation Strands, undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time Students, mature Students and Student parents. With the right attitude and determination, I believe we can achieve this and have true repreSentAtIon for a true StudentS’ ASSoCIAtIon.”
aCCountabiLity
eduCation
• Preserve Wednesdays for sport. • Make sure clubs have lit pitches. • Help clubs (and societies) get more respect from the bank of Scotland, with easier committee change overs and freedom to access their accounts efficiently.
• The Students’ Association should be transparent and accountable to all students. • Launch ‘AUSA Motions’ and other reforms for a more representative system for Student Council. • Launch an ‘How AUSA impacts you’ video campaign.
soCieties & aCtivities
CommuniCation
• Ensure student activities are protected. • Agree long term budgetary agreements between student media and AuSA. • Facilitate better communication between societies and clubs.
• Provide term time listening forums and weekly office hours open to all students. • Provide info on welfare, study skills & Association services outside the library and study areas during exam periods. • Make monthly halls visits to inform students campaigns and services. • Students shouldn’t be expected to ‘come to AuSA’. AuSA should be reaching the student.
• Increase and raise awareness of postassessment support. With exam dates published earlier, and allowing students to receive back exam papers. • Encourage better explanation of CAS marking system. • Eliminate hidden course costs and if it's essential to your course it should be free. • Commitment to widening access, campaigning for more recorded lectures.
sports CLubs
ForesterhiLL
• Improve contact, support and services reaching foresterhill, whilst acknowledging the role and preserving the independence of ausa foresterhill societies. • AUSA needs students back at its heart, • Spend one day a week at Foresterhill. big decisions should not be made by • Campaign for an area for AUSA and university Student Services in Suttie Centre. unaccountable and unelected managers.
aCComodation • Improve AUSA’s and the University’s accommodation services. • Create an online accommodation forum. A place students can go to find flatmates and flats, with all the information they need on living in Aberdeen.
WeLFare & equaL opps • Create a part-time students forum. • Make sure AUSA has a disability information and support pack for members. • Improve mental health support on campus.
VOTE HAMISH MACKENZIE #1 PRESIDENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND ETHICS
Launch a Pay to Recycle Scheme
Less than 40% of waste was recycled in Aberdeen last year. I want to launch a ‘Pay to Recycle’ scheme to get more students recycling whilst putting money back into your pockets.
Energy Transparency at AUSA
If elected, I will publish an annual AUSA energy statistics report showing how much energy we are using, where we have saved on energy and where we need to improve on.
Reverse Vending Machines I believe that AUSA would benefit from being part of nationwide trials to get reverse vending machines, machines that give you money, or vouchers, when you recycle! They are already common, and hugely successful, in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe and are slowly being introduced to Britain. Grants from the Green Investment Bank and negotiations with the Scottish Government can make this recycling method a reality in Aberdeen University. Lobbying the University In the past the Environment and Ethics Committee have had successes with lobbying the University; I feel this can go further. While the University offers an ethics course there is no single ethics policy. Recent successes should be reinforced by the adoption of a policy, to ensure ongoing committment to proper ethical standards within the university. Creation of Ethics Representatives The creation of the new Ethics Committee gives us a fantastic opportunity to look at how AUSA approaches these issues. I will set up a system of individual representatives to raise awareness of Religious, Moral, Political and all other ethical issues. This is good practice that is followed by other committees and could really be useful for the Ethics Committee.
Experie AUSA S
Carbon Neutral Campus Currently both AUSA and the University’s carbon footprints are far too big, I will work to bring this down and launch a campaign to get Aberdeen University to become carbon neutral. A move towards renewable sources of energy, more energy efficient buildings (insulation and double glazing) and offsetting carbon will help achieve this. I want to build on the work of existing campaigns and launch a “Carbon Neutral Campus Campaign” to try get our carbon emissions to 0, which will save money for AUSA and the University as well as the environment.
nce
ocietie s VP fo r2 Found years. ing Pre sident the Co of medy Society King First G s Award Win . au ne success die Features r. e Comm fully lobbied ditor. unity C Tarbat ouncil ter rec fo rb ycling facilitie ets
I would like to start monthly discussion forums on a range of ethical issues, inviting members of interested societies and student groups, where people can discuss issues that are troubling them. I will also create an impartial list of places and student groups that students can get advice on a variety of issues.
Aberdeen Wide Action on the Environment
in a more accessible format; e.g. Braille, high contrast , Gaelic or any other format please contact me at :
Award Students for Low Energy Use
Student’s right across campus should be rewarded for saving energy in their flats. If elected I will create an award for the students who save the most energy in their halls of residence.
Discussion Forums
Working with the City Council we could make sure that students and AUSA has a bigger say in how our city tackles issues on climate change and the environment. This year the Council has earmarked 10% of its budget for environmental projects, I would like Aberdeen University to be part of the conversation on how to spend this money. I would also like us to work closer with RGU and Aberdeen College on environmental issues, bringing in events like “No Car Days” across Aberdeen and lobbying together for lower bus prices.
If you would like any more information, or my manifesto
Create AUSA Green Zone
Create an online Green Zone where students can find out how to save energy and save money too along with finding out what our environmental societies are getting up to.
facebook.com/hdmackenzie twitter@hdmackenzie1990
Fight Against Pay Rises for Failure
If our University falls below the high standards we expect from it, I will actively campaign against the increases in pay for top university staff. Failure should not be rewarded with success.
Lobby for Sanctuary Status
Affiliate AUSA to CARA (Council for Assisting Refugee Academics) and lobby the University to do so too, attaining Sanctuary status for qualified refugee or asylum students to gain placements at Aberdeen.
Go Local on Campus
I will work to ensure AUSA sources as much of its food and drink products from local businesses as possible and campaign to get more students to buy local. We need to support our local businesses.
Experience
School Convenor for Social Science 2010-11 Member of the Societies Union Committee 20112012 Member of the Employability Committee 2012-13 President, Vice-President and Treasurer of three different student societies. Vice-Chair of Friends of Seaton Park 2012-13
FIND ME ON… FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/giveadan/ & Twitter: #giveadan
VOTE
EVA NOHE PRESIDENT FOR ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS
GETTING AROUND Aberdeen by bus is expensive and inefficient, and not everybody has their own bike. I will • Set up a free short-term bike rental to connect Hillhead, King’s College and Foresterhill. • Organise bike safety workshops and press the council to improve bike lanes. • Lobby First buses for cheaper student discounts. FOOD CHOICES on campus are dull and expensive. I will • Transform Alfie’s to offer healthier, ethical and locally sourced choices. • Extend the Vegbag scheme to Hillhead and Foresterhill. • Set up a permanent food cooperative that makes buying organic affordable.
• Call for more healthy and inexpensive food options across campus. WASTE should be treated as a resource rather than refuse. I will • Make sure you can recycle cardboard, glass and plastic in all buildings. • Push through paper-free submission of assignments - this will reduce waste, save you money and improve feedback! • Create a composting cycle that takes care of organic waste right on campus. We’re WASTING lots of ENERGY heating up spaces that are already too hot, and lighting empty corridors. I will • Urge the university to install thermostats in all buildings to ensure a comfortable temperature.
• Introduce timer switches in corridors and bathrooms where light fittings need replacing. • Collaborate with the engineering department to harvest energy from the ASV’s gym equipment. It’s hard to make ETHICAL choices all by yourself. I will • Push for accessible water fountains in all university buildings. • Make sure AUSA sticks to its fairtrade procurement policy in all areas. • Bring transparency to the involvement of Oil & Gas with the university’s curriculum. If you would like to know more or have any questions, contact me on e.nohe.10@aberdeen.ac.uk, or find me on facebook (Eva Entually)
YOUR OPINIONS YOUR ACCESSIBILITY
Wellbeing is an essential component of being happy at University and my ‘CAMPAIGN FOR HAPPINESS’ will enhance this vision. This initiative will comprise of ‘LOVE YOUR BODY’ to promote body confidence and several campaigns associated with health, such as ‘MOVE YOUR BODY’, ‘WALK IT DON’T BUS IT’ and ‘GOOD FOOD’. With these campaigns I will promote alternative ways of keeping active and improve food provisions on campus, as well as cookery classes to promote healthy, local and organic cooking.
As President for Welfare & Equal Opps, I will work towards breaking down social barriers and provide support for the AUTONOMOUS EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORUMS. I will also promote the campaigns that are voted and decided upon by AUSA’s self-defining groups. I want to lobby the University to BUILD EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY INTO THE CURRICULUM in order to raise awareness of liberation issues through a variety of measures. This will include modules, assignments, or essay choices. This will mean that by the time students graduate, they are more aware of the issues faced by many of their fellow classmates.
YOUR LIBERATION
University access should be determined by ability and potential, not by financial means or social background. I will continue the work against Aberdeen’s notoriously high RENT PRICES and hidden fees. I’ll raise awareness of the obstacles facing students with INVISIBLE DISABILITIES and review how these issues are dealt with by the University. I’ll also lobby schools to provide RECORDINGS FOR ALL CLASSES. Furthermore, I will provide and encourage MENTAL HEALTH AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TRAINING for society presidents and sport club captains in order to ensure student activities are accessible to all.
“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realised it sooner.” – Colette
YOUR WELLBEING
Student life is at the heart of the Students’ Association and my aim is to bring about a more RESPONSIVE AUSA and build BETTER LINKS between the student body and the Students’ Association. My intention is to provide REGULAR UPDATES on the progress of campaigns and the general happenings of AUSA. I also plan to hold frequent FORUMS to stay connected to student opinion and desires. In light of the success of ‘Societies Weekly’ I will start a ‘WELFARE WEEKLY’, be it a video, activity, event or a newsletter. This, at its core, will engage and more importantly involve everyone.
GO TO votejoanna.co.uk FOR MORE INFO If you require this manifesto in another format, please contact joanna@votejoanna.co.uk
VotE VitA
#1 prEsiDEnt for WElfArE AnD EquAl opportunitiEs
Anxiety awareness - According to the Mental Health Founda-
tion, anxiety and mild depression are the most common mental health problems in the UK. Students are very likely to suffer from anxiety, especially due to exams, deadlines and assessments, such as, presentations in front of large groups. I will work to improve the awareness of anxiety and educate students on what effects it can have on people w and how to deal with it through, for example, the use of puppy room and meditation workshops. E L Counselling Services and Student Advice Centre - Both of these are currently running at their full capacity. I F would like to investigate options to increase their volume especialA ly due to the changes to the academic year outline. This change is R likely to cause more students wanting to use the already overstretched services. E tackling the welfare issues – In addition to anxiety awareness, there should be more done toward the issues of alcoholism, eating disorders, sexual health and housing, including the issue of student homelessness. As the committee is currently not set up to have specific officers, the individuals primarily responsible for these campaigns and any other additional campaigns should be decided upon from the very beginning of the year. E Part-time students and widening access – Currently AUSA does not have a repQ resentative for part-time students, including distance learners. I will create the position of Part-time U Students` Officer within the Equal Opportunities committee. A L
O P P S
Awareness campaign timetable – My team and I will decide on a timetable of one to two week-long periods in which each liberation campaign will be responsible for organising at least one event related to their campaign. This will ensure that each of the campaigns organise at least one event and make sure that other officers are able to help out those whose campaign weeks are the closest. Taking campaigns even further - i will make sure that liberation strand forums become more frequent, bigger and better. I will encourage continuation of events such as LGBT History Month, Black History Month and Sign-Language workshops amongst others.
Putting the UoA students first! - NUS and NUS Scotland are fantastic at training and networking opportunities! However, recently, the campaigns that have been spearheaded by these organisations have taken precedence over the needs and interests of Aberdeen students! I believe that this should change so that we look at what Aberdeen needs and only then assess whether there are any NUS m resources that we can use to facilitate this process. o More publicity! – Services such as Niteline and events organised by the Welfare and Equal r Opportunities committees are a crucial part of what AUSA does. In the past there has been little done to e promote these services to the wider student population leaving the advertising to the volunteers, who are already dedicating large amounts of time to these services. I believe that AUSA should be more active in promoting these services and events. ? working with outside organisations! – AUSA Welfare and Equal Opportunities campaigns have in the past worked with organisations, such as Grampian Regional Equality Council, to deliver better quality campaigns. This should continue and increase to ensure that we have the most upto-date information on support available. MEMbEr of EquAl opportunitiEs coMMitttEE for 3 yEArs VicE-prEsiDEnt EquAl opportunitiEs 2011/12 MEMbEr of EDucAtion coMMittEE ActiVE MEMbEr of VArious sociEtiEs rEcipiEnt of KinG`s AWArD WitH Distinction
ExpEriEncE
-
Ability
additional iNFO:
http://vita4weo.blogspot.co.uk/
Tweet me:
@vitazapo
-
DEsirE
...to do the job and do it well
Please contact me if you require an alternative format using `Contact me` form on the website above.
N I C O L A B R U N I FO R CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY PRESIDENT My name is Nicola Bruni and I’m a 4th year MA History student. I’m BookEnds Deputy Administrator and part of the Societies Committee. Since I started volunteering for AUSA I have achieved more than 1,300 hours.
IMPROVING BOOKENDS FURTHER: I want to market BookEnds further, increasing its visibility throughout the university. I also want to continue making it more efficient, specifically by ensuring that they offer a bigger and better stock of relevant textbooks.
COLLABORATING WITH SOCIETIES FOR FUNDRAISING EVENTS: MAKING HALLS A COMMUNITY: I want to create specific events tailored for those living in Halls, to help create a more inclusive community feeling in the different student accommodations. In order to achieve this, I will be working closely with the new Hall Reps.
I want to provide logistical and practical help to charitable events run by your societiy! I also want to establish a societies sports tournament, where all societies would be welcome, a project which I’ve already begun this year. This would allow for money to be raised in a more inclusive way!
IMPROVING VOLUNTEERING AND MAKING IT MORE ACCESSIBLE:
MAKING THE CHARITIES CAMPAIGN SUSTAINABLE:
I want to provide more volunteering opportunities within AUSA and reward our volunteers. The introduction of recurrent fund-raising events, sports tournaments, and better organized school collections will give more people a chance to help. I wish to introduce a reward scheme for the volunteers involved in the Students’ Association. I also wish to improve the direct relationship and communication with the Charities Campaign, so as to enable volunteers to be more aware and contribute more directly.
I want to establish a series of recurrent fund-raising events, such as bucket collections in front of supermarkets and in pubs and a Charities Christmas Dinner. I also aim to profoundly improve existing events such as the Fashion Show and the Torcher Parade, in order to enable the Charities Campaign to raise more money for local charities. At the moment, they are completely reliant on donations from the Student Show and BookEnds, which is too shallow a pool, and should, as well as could, be widened.
Adeola Adelakun
For President of Education & Employability
Founder and President of the AU African & Caribbean Society for 2 years AU Student Ambassador for over 3 years Student Council member at Loreto college First ever legal intern at Google UK Limited First ever legal intern at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Vote
Jamie Douglas Education and Employability
EDUCATION
CAS Scale – change the outdated and confusing CAS scale. Students really struggle with understanding the CAS scale, and it means little or nothing when you go abroad or speak to your family or employers. Our CAS scale is more demanding than the equivalent grade spectrums used down south which could disadvantage our students. It’s time to introduce a new grade spectrum!
Greater investment in Study Spaces – we’ve seen great investment go into building the Sir Duncan Rice Library and opening hours were recently extended for this library but we need to invest in other areas of the university too. More access to MacRobert computer room during the day, longer opening hours for Taylor library and a complete refurbishment of the Medical Library to make it a better space for students. EMPLOYABILITY
Career Opportunities – build a clear calendar of career events so that everyone from students in first year to postgraduate students know when career fayres, internship deadlines and where skills workshops are coming up that can cater to their needs during career intensive periods of the year.
Mentors – The Careers Service runs a highly competitive career mentoring programme where alumni mentor students interested in their field of work. This needs to be expanded so that all students can benefit from having a mentor. Putting in place a mentoring programme to match course seniors to course fresher’s with sector based career trips will also help students to think more about their careers at an earlier stage and help them know the steps they need to take.
For an extended manifesto go to www.votejamie.tk Find me on twitter @JamieDouglas_ Or find me on Facebook
VOTE FORBES GAULD FOR SPORTS PRESIDENT “GO FOR GAULD”
Resolve Minibuses shortages – There is some difficulty to obtain a minibus, in particular on a Wednesday. I will seek to negotiate new contracts with vehicle suppliers so that we may potentially increase the numbers in service from the current numbers. Sport and Academia – Currently students are penalized for missing required attendance on courses which conflict with Sport Wednesdays, notably th 6 Century course issues. Academic studies are important, as after all, for many, it is the primary reason for attending university. However if elected, I would want to be the main key figure to whom students can liaise with regarding these issues and can help negotiate any issues between course coordinators and students
Being Actively involved - Involved in meeting not only Club Captains but also members of the clubs themselves. Discussing issues that arise from all members and to take on-board any suggestions that they may have to improve club participation.
Raising Awareness of Student Sport – For example, getting students to be aware of what’s happening on game days through having TV notice boards on campus which highlight key fixtures that day/week.
Increase profile of Student Sport and how it is a key highlight of student life
Upgrade in Sporting Facilities – It has been recently announced that Balgownie pitches have been sold and may be lost in 12 months time, therefore there is a need to look now for alternative facilities for future students and sports clubs. If elected, I will try my best to ensure that the reduction of student participation at Aberdeen does not occur.
Proposed “Brand New” system of club budgeting – Currently some clubs face large deficits in their club accounts due to successes in leagues and cups during the season. A new club budgeting system would allow clubs at the beginning of the term to meet with the President and finance administrators to determine what grant allocations/ funding structures can be provided to help grow their club and sustain their participation in sport.
Quicker bank access for sports clubs – In my experience, sports clubs have had difficulty in obtaining quick access to club accounts. If elected, meetings will be held before the end of the academic year to discuss the transfer of off account holder signatures so that clubs can access funds from day number one of the next academic year.
Marc McCorkell @MarcMcCorkell
www.ausa.org.uk/vote
Clubs: -
within the Sports Union through the provision and advertisement of fixtures and important dates for all the clubs, establishing and encouraging more support at home ground events. This would also benefit travel to away matches, where costs for the individual club and the sports union could be reduced if clubs were to travel together, which could also result in better support (where possible) for away matches. Fundraising opportunities could be improved by better links between clubs creating bigger and better events at sponsors’ venues.
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Attendance at some training sessions and support at matches making the sports president more accessible. This also allows for the sports president to witness first hand both the successes of the club and any problems that need to be addressed. A regularly updated system in order for clubs
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to see when transport is available, in order to aid better organization of transport. Giving the clubs the time and space needed for training.
Participation in sport: To achieve higher participation in sport and
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access to the benefits of participating in club activities. In the wake of the success of the Olympics and the Paralympics, this would be in in order to improve awareness of disability sport and the possibility of more integrative training sessions. External contributors: . To provide additional training in the form of grouped club sessions improving -
important aspects of fitness and strength key to optimizing performance. To review whether to renew, and to at least reconsider the terms of agreement as part of the contract with Kukri.
Continue campus-wide promotion of Societies through
Videos, Articles and Newsletters
Festival for its second year days, more events and even more fun! running by introducing more
Greater focus on Student Activities (such as ASR, Bookends and Gaudie) by offering more support, promotion and recognition
Complete our student media outlet by introducing
AUSA TV
Increase student participation with AUSA ďƒ Push for more events in Butchart, such as live music nights, pool tournaments and comedy nights
Improve the Student
Get a PUPPY
ROOM on campus
for the exams!
Why me? I have been your President for Societies and Student Activities this year. I had two main goals when I was elected: 1) Better promotion of Societies and 2) More events for students. During my first year in office, I have increased promotion for societies through a series of articles and videos as well as weekly newsletters to students. The Gangnam Style Flashmob involved hundreds of students and has reached over 23,000 views on YouTube. This year I also introduced the Aberdeen Student Festival and am also in the process of introducing a new Society Handbook to make life a little easier for society committees and newly started societies. During my year in office I have achieved many wins for students and I would love the opportunity to continue striving forward next year. During my time as a student I have been President for the Dance Society for two years and the Psychology Society for one year, as well as held several committee positions. I am reliable, hard-working and extremely passionate about what I do, and I would be honoured if you would give me the chance to continue my work for students for another year.
You want to be represented more efficiently? I believe this position enables me to make your learning experience the best it possibly can be.
Push for publishing exam dates well in advance ● keep YOU more flexible through booking flights earlier ●plan in advance, reduce costs, accept internships earlier
Keep Class Reps more engaged with and accountable to you ●in order to keep YOU informed of who represents YOU and what they can do to improve YOUR learning experience
Find alternative ways of assessments for courses with currently 100% exams ●balance YOUR work load over the academic year
Continuous lecture recordings in all schools and all years ●to help you get the most out of YOUR course ● equal chances to international students which first language is not English Improved advising on course options (especially for Joint Honours) ●improve the cooperation of advisors from different schools to attune their advice for YOU
Why me? I gained valuable experience in representing you and voicing your opinion as a Class Representative and as a School Convener in various Committees such as the Education Committee, Senate and Student Council.
VOTE ZOE MCKELLAR FOR VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION
I’m a Third Year BSc Geology-Petroleum Geology student. For the first two years I was a Class Rep in Geology before taking on the role of School Convenor for Geosciences this year. It has been challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Before being Convenor I was an active member of the Welfare Committee. This experience has enabled me to hear and try to help a wide variety of issues from students over the past three years
What can I do for YOU? • Students need to know where, how and when to get financial help •My Aberdeen isn’t being utilised to its full capabilities – more can be done to get departments and staff on board • Hidden course costs are increasing – the University needs to be upfront about the financial implications of a course, and offer support to students and departments to ensure accessibility for ALL students • The CAS scale is poorly understood by students, and on occasion misused by staff. Clearer guidelines need to exist to ensure fair marking.
VOTE ZOE #1 VP EDUCATION
I think societies are the best part of AUSA and I want to make it easier for them to get even better. Here’s what I want to do:
IMPROVE SOCIETY FINANCES Explore bringing society bank accounts and finances in-house so that societies can save VAT. Negotiate bulk discounts for societies on essential expenses like poster printing. Increase the frequency of pay outs from AUSA’s online sales system.
FOSTER COLLABORATION Form working groups for similar societies so that they can identify their specific needs and present a united case to AUSA for getting things sorted. Encourage societies to collaborate on events and helping each other out. Get someone from every society MIDAS trained, and create a database of everyone who’s certified to drive so it’s easier to find someone when societies need it.
SUPPORT SOCIETIES Get AUSA to give marketing advice so that society events can reach their full potential. Lobby the University for a better room bookings system so societies get what they need. Install a keycard access system in Butchart so that multiple societies can use the building at weekends while keeping it secure. Provide resources to help get a new society off the ground, with one-on-one attention from AUSA.
Vote Gemma Riddell for VP Societies TO DEVELOP THE SOCIETIES UNION
I have been involved in societies and the students association since my first year. Here at the University of Aberdeen we are lucky to have so many diverse and active societies. Being part of a society has been the highlight of my University experience and I’d love to be able to give something back. Having had roles as First Year Rep, Treasurer and President of the AB-FAB Society I believe I have the experience and knowledge of what a society needs to function.
Facebook.com/Riddellio Follow @Riddellio #Gee4VP
Get sponsorship for the Societies Union that matches what the Sports Union currently gets = more money for your society. Create an AUSA Banter Team - a group of AUSA volunteers/helpers for society events which will also include a group of MIDAS drivers. Create a buddying system with each society so new potential members who may be shy or curious have a direct contact person. A ‘meet our members’ feature along with the Societies Weekly videos so your members can spread the word of your society.
FOR IMPROVED TRAINING AND SUPPORT Have proper training for society committees on how to use the new website effectively. Improve training and support for our society Presidents. Treasurer meetings once a month to go over finances
BETTER RECOGNITION AND VISIBILITY Continue to strengthen and improve the Kings Awards including the criteria, nominating and selection process. Open up a specific Kings award for dedicated first year/ one year on committee members. Replace Refresher’s week with the hugely successful AUSA Students’ Festival Have more emphasis on the work societies are doing to prospective students. Events being held during applicant days. Hold a consultation for societies on what they want for a new AUSA building