Your Union

Elections 2010/11

The Students’ Union has been advertising for students to be nominated for the coming SU election. We are pleased to say we have had a fantastic response and can confirm that a staggering number of 5 students have been nominated for the position of the Union President. As of close of nominations on the 26^th February we had also received nominations for Vice President and 7 of the Executive Officer roles.

These candidates now want to tell you why they are the best person for the role and what it is that they are going to do to make a difference and improve your student experience. The following pages show you who these candidates are and what they have to say. If you want to find out more about their policies then why not come to one of the Candidate Question Times. There is one on each campus, the first being on Thursday 11^th March at 7.30pm in Zee Bar (Chichester Campus) and the second being on Tuesday 16^th March at 7.30pm in MII (Bognor Regis Campus).

You are able to vote from 10am Thursday 11^th March to 5pm Thursday 18^th March, and it’s all online. To vote go to the Portia homepage and click on the Students’ Union Election box which will take you to a secure page. We do not know who you have voted for so it is completely anonymous.

The voting system requires you to put the candidates in order of preference, so the candidate you most want to win you put a number ‘1’ next to them, then your second favourite candidate you put a number ‘2’ next to them, and so on, till there is no more candidates.

You will see a candidate called RON, this stands for ‘Re-Open Nominations’. By voting for RON you are saying that you do not want any of the other candidates to be elected for that role and you would like the Students’ Union to start the process of looking for candidates again.

If you have any questions about the elections please contact Phil Gilks on p.gilks@chi.ac.uk or 01243 816381.

PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

This year we have 5 candidates plus RON running for the position on President, to see what the role of the President is go to www.tinyurl.com/ucsupresident1011

BEN BINDER

People

Wednesday Lectures – There is a national campaign already in place to free up Wednesday for sporting activities, I will work along with the university to try and make sure sports students continue to have Wednesday afternoons off for sporting/society related activities. This is currently not available permanently for non-Sports students, but I will work with the University to try and make sure the timetables are fair for non-Sports Studies students to allow them to play for the BUCS teams.

Education

Individual Course Improvements – I firmly believe all courses should be at the standard of the best one. Why should some areas suffer when others are performing well? Would you be happy if your course was not being treated with the same attention as other courses? If there are any departments where students are not totally satisfied with the status quo or there are reoccurring problems, I will aim to do all I can to rectify this.

Green University – I would like to work in conjunction with the university to put more emphasis on keeping the university ‘green’ so that everyone can benefit from it. This can lead to savings on bills which can lead to funding elsewhere where it is needed.

Social

Organise and sort out Societies – I would like to continue to encourage the set up and management of societies. I will push also for the increase in funding for societies, for I believe that societies are key to student experience at university.

More services to BRC – I would like to make services such as Sports Federation cards and University Hoodies more available to students who live on BRC or in Bognor by bringing them to Bognor on certain days. Bognor does not deserve to be neglected, just because it is miles away does not mean it has to be miles behind.

Improve link with Butlins – more trips on Adult weekends, discounts for students

Transport

Buses – I believe that there are a few opportunities for the buses to become more efficient in both monetary and environmental terms whilst improving the quality of service for users. I will not lie and say if elected I can get the buses free, because in this current economic climate returning to the free bus service would result in unwanted cuts elsewhere. As a student living in Bognor for 3 years, I know the pain of having to commute to Chichester on the bus, and if elected I will strive to do all I can to work with the University to make the service as efficient and worth the money as possible.

PEST – People, Education, Social, Transport

If you want the best, vote PEST – Vote Binder

BRENDAN McCARTHY

In 2009 a vote for Brendan McCarthy:

- Improved the course rep system and initiated new training courses.
- Re-instated the night bus, introduced extra lunchtime services , got a number of BRC Campus based students free bus passes and slashed the proposed daytime charge in half.
- Won all catered residential students the opportunity to eat meals on either campus.
- Campaigned for common room spaces on both campuses
- Developed recreational sports on BRC
- Improved information for societies
- Tackled lighting and security issues in the immediate area outside campus

In 2009 a vote for Brendan and Casper:

- Brought greater engagement with international students.
- Engaged students in campaigning nationally against rises in student fees.
- Gained a commitment to keep the MII bar open and provided a range of diverse events at both venues.
- Provided students with water dispensers in the BOC library

In 2010 a vote for Brendan McCarthy will:

- Improve feedback and assessment methods demanding that students are told exactly when they will get there assessment marks back.
- Introduce a student rep system in halls of residence to encourage greater social interaction and increase the student voice.
- Develop the course rep system further, introducing more training courses and ensuring lecturers know your opinion matters.
- Allow more opportunities for student’s to partake in recreational sport’.

In 2010 a vote for Brendan and Casper will bring:

- A consistent approach to module handbooks.
- A reduction of the late night bus charge

Vote Brendan McCarthy #1 for President
Vote Dale ‘Casper’ Beade #1 for Vice- President

WE AIN’T FINISHED YET

GEORGIE KHALID

Attention All University of Chichester Students.

Hi, My name is Georgie Khalid, and I need your support to become the next Student Union President. For those of you who don’t know me, I’ve been studying Media Production & Media Studies here at Chi for three years and in that time, I’ve been a Course Rep for Media Studies, as well as a Student Ambassador. In my spare time, I like to make films (clean films), organise events for charity such as thirty-two team 5-a-side football tournaments and do a little bit of ring announcing for the world of boxing.

I want to run for the position of Student Union President, because I want to make a difference. I’ve had such a great time here at chi and I want to give something back.

I am never shy to strike up a conversation with a stranger or to stand up for what I know is right. As President I will lead, serve, and represent the student body while listening and acting on the concerns of any and all students. So here is YOUR chance as a student to have an input into the running of the Union. The Future’s Bright, The Future’s Georgie!

MARTIN '$ALZ' SALISBURY

Ez People, My Name is Martin but most people know me as $alz. I am a third year Music Technology and Media Studies student. I have been an active member of Beatfiend society since my 1^st year. Through this I have worked as a DJ/MC/organiser and promoter. These roles have taught me a hell of a lot about how the Student Union operates and what is needed to put on successful events and causes. Much of my work has crossed over different societies and clubs throughout both campuses. In the forth-coming elections I am running as president.   If voted in I will be standing as a representative for you the students. One of the reasons that has really hyped me up for this position lies through helping out you guys and sorting out any problems that arise. I am not going to stand up and promise to carry out ridiculous actions, but know that I will put my heart and soul into supporting you guys. If elected I intend to be approachable throughout out and open to suggestions and comments made by all with an objective to help.   The things that I would change if elected are as follows:

Library
I suggest to have reminders for books that will go overdue to prevent the excessive charges that students incur.

The parking bays outside the library should be permitted for a temporary stop (of 15 to 30 minutes) as it used to be. New charging rules for these bays have deterred students who live off campus to pop in to drop off or pick up books.

Canteens on both campuses

I believe the canteen should provide better food for lunchtimes and to extend opening hours. Students who finish lectures at 2pm regularly find food shortages in the canteen and the café located above at Chichester campus.

Longer breakfast hours, with the intention of keeping the hall open until 10pm.

Joint Students

A stronger link between joint students tutors, especially in their 3^rd years. From personal experience, I ended up doing two dissertations from lack of communication. This flaw is extremely detrimental to students in their third year and I would strive to prevent this,

The community

More ties between students and the surrounding communities. Students are regularly looked upon as a nuisance, however as a whole I believe students have a lot of skills to offer to the locals. I think that students should get involved with community projects. These benefit the students as they gain valuable experience, which they can show on their CV and it also helps to publicise the university in a positive way.

Careers advice

Mandatory careers advice in the form of a lecture for all third year students since this is a crucial time for them to be thinking about career paths

Portia website

Having seen other university websites Portia in comparison is more difficult than need be. I propose to initiate a more simple nd easier to use website so that all students will benefit from not only their course information but also new and relevant issues around the university. Many students find Portia a confusing catalogue, lessons on how to use it would benefit student learning.

Sports clubs and societies

More support for Sports clubs and societies. Since my time here there have been a few new societies and clubs added to the bill. I propose that societies especially try and work together to put on joint events and in this gain a reputation for their work.

More Society events, this can raise awareness for their cause. Putting on events allow societies to fundraise

Course reps.

From speaking to students it is apparent that course reps have not been voicing problems that have been arising throughout certain courses. Course reps are a vital part in communication between students and the union.   If a problem is not spoken out then it will not be solved.

The Student Union

Sort out Zee bars external heaters in the smoking areas.

More outdoor events for the summer

I believe that the union needs to try and alternate their music played on the Skint and Broke nights.   The music played is very difficult to differentiate between different weeks leaving many students un-catered for.

Freshers week

As we all know through our entertainment Freshers week pretty much initiates the rest of the year.   I believe that this all-important time for our new starters could be a lot better.   Many other universities have brought in big name artists or DJs to differentiate between this week and the rest of the year.

As most of you know, my passion lies in the bassier side of life. Music is very important to me and I believe that some aspects need revising in order to keep up with growing social trends.

Now its over to you…
Your vote really does count to me.
DON’T MUG URSELVES, VOTE $ALZ!!!

TORI SIEGLER

I have had three years full of ups and downs but have loved every minute. I’ve loved being on your SU. From helping organise RAG events to sitting on the Student Forum, I have found it all extremely rewarding.

If elected I promise that I will put all my effort and bloody-mindedness into making next year a memorable one. I want this role because I want to ensure that you get the amazing experiences that UCSU has given me.

Vote Tori!

Transport

The bus has been a huge issue this year and rightly so. If I’m elected I will aim to improve the service by:

-          Getting the weekend bus back, especially for Saturdays
-          Getting the bus to stop where YOU want it to
-          Communicating with the bus drivers to avoid disagreements and misunderstandings

Accommodation and Estates

There were lots of changes made by accommodation and the estates departments last year. I think this has raised certain issues which I think can be improved:

-          If the university is not prepared to go back to the old system of block wardens then I will push for Social Wardens to be put into place. These wardens will spend the first few weeks of the year encouraging freshers to go out and socialise which would improve their university experience
-          Accommodation removed the curtains in our kitchens this year. We should be entitled to privacy so if curtains are a “fire risk” accommodation should install blinds
-          Last year there was a huge increase in how much it cost to live in halls. Our rent is now one of the dearest of any university in the country. I will challenge any future increases
-          As the bus is a continuing issue I will try to ensure that students are housed on the same campus as their lectures

Academic

Your Student Union may be separate from the academic side of university but are here to make your university experience as great as possible. Next year your Student Union should aim to:

-          Be available to help with any worries, queries or problems you have with your course
-          Help mediate issues arising between you and your course tutors
-          Try to ensure that rooms are made available for dance and performing arts students to rehearse without discomfort or interruption

Security

Students have expressed their concern this year that they feel unsafe walking home at night. I will try to improve security by:

-          Discussing students’ concerns with Chichester District Council and seeing if better lighting can be provided in densely populated student areas
-          Providing any student who has concerns with a rape alarm. I do not see why these have only been offered to freshers who are mainly on campus

Fun Stuff

As well as working hard we are here to enjoy ourselves and I want to make sure we do by:

-          Getting in touch with the local pizza delivery companies and seeing if, because we are loyal customers, they would consider giving us any special deals
-          Keep the most popular uni events as great as they are – if not better!
-          Getting UCSU more involved with NUS campaigns which, from experience, are really good fun and rewarding

VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

There is one candidate for the position of Vice President plus RON, to see the job description for this role go www.tinyurl.com/ucsuvicepresident1011

CASPER (DALE BEADE)

WE AIN’T FINISHED YET!!

In 2009 a vote for Casper:

- Bettered safety & security on campus by improving the lighting along the pinewood & Havenstoke path & road, as well as a greater physical security presence.
- Provided opportunities for students to engage in & break the student stereotype by volunteering in youth workshops within the local community.
- Gave people the ability to get engaged in campaigns relative to the student experience such as Drink Aware week, Random Acts Of Kindness & Multiplicity. Also organised charity fundraisers for students such as 3Fall Dance & Epic/Beatfiend Society fundraiser.

In 2009 a vote for Casper and Brendan:

- Improved access to the Students’ Union in the form of more informative welcome talks, student advice on a one to one level & provided a greater presence at BRC.
- Provided the dance/performing arts students with a microwave so that they could eat hot meals in between rehearsals.
- Improved Academic Regulations such as assessment submission issues.
- Gained a commitment to keeping the MII bar open & providing a range of entertainment at both venues.

In 2010 a vote for Casper will:

- Continue to improve safety on both campuses.
- Provide more course participation in bar events.
- Create a better level of community engagement

In 2010 a vote for Casper and Brendan will bring:

- A consistent approach to module handbooks.
- A reduction to the late night bus charges.

!!!VOTE CASPER AND BRENDAN!!!

(!!!SEE MANIFESTOS 4 MORE!!!)

INTER CAMPUS LIAISON OFFICER CANDIDATES

This a contested position with 2 candidates being nominated plus RON. To find out more about the role they want to do have a look at www.tinyurl.com/ucsuintercampus1011

OLI HOLLMAN

If elected, I will take the opinions of all students into consideration. I aim to improve the facilities for all campus based students. The idea of a social common room that students can use, watch television, listen to music and relax throughout the day and evening would be something I would campaign for. I hope to be available for student concerns on both campuses and improve the status of the Bognor Regis campus. I wish to make the bus service between campuses more reliable and hopefully free. With your support, I aim to push both the campuses to their full potential and maximise student opinion within any decisions made. I also aim to ensure that students living off campus have good access to information that is often only displayed on campus. Thank you for your support.

Vote Oliver Hollman- A hard working, committed friendly face.

CHRIS ' LIS CHRIS' MOWATT

My name is Chris Mowatt a second year student studying Business studies and running for Inter Campus Liason Officer.

Why me? I am passionate about student life at Chichester at both campuses and I feel that life on campus should be the best experience a student can have and I fee that students on either bognor or Chi campuses should receive the same experience .

My aims are to deal with issues e.g Bus Timetables Access to facilities which are on campus particularly on the Bognor Regis Campus ensuring that students have equal opportunites to facilities and services.

If elected into Office I intend to be approachable and willing to suggestions from all students dealing with campus issues and to see that all students have an equal say in how they want their campus to be like

Chris x

COMMUNITY ACTION OFFICER CANDIDATES

This a contested position with 2 candidates being nominated plus RON. To find out more about the role they want to do have a look at www.tinyurl.com/ucsurag1011

STEFF MOORE

I have always enjoyed organising events as well as promoting and helping others in both the local and wider community. This role will give me the opportunity to make positive changes.

A support team and I recently organised a Fashion Show raising money for two worthy causes. As Community Action Officer I hope to host many more successful events of this nature.

Throughout my time in office I will be enthusiastic, productive will endeavour to be the best Officer I can be. I will listen to your ideas and help you with any projects you wish to pursue as well as having innovative ideas myself. I will bring a fun approach to the job using my creative skills.

I have the potential to be brilliant in this role and hope you will support me in this election! Thank You :) Steff x

ANGELA GOODERSON

I would like the position of Community Actions Officer so that I may make a difference to our chosen charity, through creating fun and interesting events that Chichester University students really want to get involved with.

I would like to get our students to be enthusiastic about fundraising, through many different opportunities. These would include charity sports matches, music gigs where anyone can showcase their talent and making the existing Rag Fest more popular. I also want to continue to make the Bognor Beer Race a date in every student’s calendar to really look forward to.

Since being the photographer for many events, including the naked sports calendar, I have gained vital experience and learned some valuable points of being part of something so integral to the University. I feel that I can bring a new outlook to fundraising by involving students in a more hands on way and making as much money for charity as possible.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER CANDIDATES

There is one candidate for this position plus RON, to see the job description for this role go www.tinyurl.com/ucsucommunications1011

LIZZY PRIEST

I shall continue to develop the quality of the magazine, keeping it a faithful representation of the voice of the students, and focussed on all things exciting, shiny, awesome or otherwise in the interest of students who like stuff that is good. Under my reign of fear, sense of humour will be very important and anyone caught frowning in the presence of the magazine will be given disapproving looks on a sliding range of severity depending on how deep the frown. If I am elected every student shall be issued with a trained monkey capable of typing essays up to a 2:1 standard. (Some statements in this manifesto may not be accountable to accuracy.)

CAMPAIGNS OFFICER CANDIDATES

There is one candidate for this position plus RON, to see the job description for this role go www.tinyurl.com/ucsucampaigns1011

KAT LINK

Hey my name is Kat and I am a 2^nd year on the Childhood studies early years course. I would love this position as I would like to run a number of campaigns around issues such as; Disability awareness, Homelessness, Mental Health, Addictions and the Awareness of Eating Disorders. I feel that I am the best candidate for this position as I am very passionate about the above issues and when I get behind an idea I always give it a 100%. I am an experienced public speaker and have confidently presented to over 250 academics and professionals. I am well organised, fun loving, very vocal and approachable. If there is an issue you want to raise please do not be afraid to give me a shout as I am very open to your suggestions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES OFFICER CANDIDATES

There is one candidate for this position plus RON, to see the job description for this role go to www.tinyurl.com/ucsuequalopps1011

MITCHELL SMITH

As equal opportunities officer I will do my best to make sure students are well represented and equal within the Student Union. I hope to work with the Staff at the Student Union to make sure the needs of all are met. It is my intention to break down the negative social stereotypes to improve the student experience. I also wish to make sure that Bognor Students are equal to Chichester students and that off campus students feel just as much part of this university as the on campus students. A vote for Mitchell Smith is a safe vote. As your Equal Opportunities officer I will ensure that all students are fairly represented in your Student Union.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICER CANDIDATES

There is one candidate for this position plus RON, to see the job description for this role go to www.tinyurl.com/ucsuinternational1011

ELIZABETH TOMOPOULOS

I believe that I am a suitable candidate for the post of International Officer. Why? Firstly, I know how it is living away from home. I have faced lots of difficulties and fought to find solutions to problems arising. In the mean time, I have met lots of new people and have had a good time. So far I’ve also learnt a new culture and how people live and socialise in the U.K.

Secondly, I have good communication skills and get along with people.

Thirdly, I believe that I can introduce new ideas as to how to make new International students welcomed at Uni.

Finally, I have a few new ideas for social events and gatherings to unite International students at Chichester.
The most important thing for someone new in a foreign and strange new place is to be made to feel at ease. This, I believe I can do.

MATURE STUDENTS OFFICER CANDIDATES

There is one candidate for this position plus RON, to see the job description for this role go to www.tinyurl.com/ucsumature1011

JONATHON KAYE

I believe that every student has the right to be supported during their time at University, and that mature student needs as much support, but often in different way, as the student fresh from school and college.

If elected, I will work with the Students Union and the University to promote and support the following:

- Non alcohol centred social activities
- Supporting students with outside commitments such as child care
- Evaluating support offered to the mature student
- Assisting with any matters which arise

I’ll be the Mature Students Voice

SPORTS FEDERATION PRESIDENT

There are two candidates for this position plus RON.

BEN CHAMBERS

Hi Guys and Girls,

I am a second year student studying sports therapy and have been one of the course reps for the past two years. I am also the current president of the University’s ‘Tough Guy’ team and work as a sports assistant at SARC.

By being in the above positions I have gained a good insight into the workings of the Sports Federation from several different angles. I believe this will enable me to develop the excellent work that Lizzie has achieved in the past year as Sports Fed Prez.

If elected, I will work hard and endeavour to get Wednesday’s free for BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) fixtures, push for more funding for the non-BUCS teams, and strive to find an opponent for Varsity! In addition to all this, I aim to maintain the success of the Sports Awards and Tour.

Let me represent you!

TOM PORTER

If elected as Sports Federation President for the forthcoming academic year there are many ideas that I propose that could significantly increase the level of enjoyment and self satisfaction of participating in University sport, whether it be recreational or competitive. Main priorities will include carrying on hard work by aiming to keep Wednesdays free, for all students whether their course be sports related or not. I will also aim to increase the level of sports related campaigns that are backed by the union such as ‘Sport Relief,’ in order for every member of the Sports federation to have the opportunity to give something back to the community. Aspirations also include a weekly magazine or blog where the possibility of match reports and photos can be uploaded. A vote for me as Sports federation president will ensure a smoothly run organisation and a maximum opportunity for all to succeed.

POST GRAD OFFICER

There is one candidate for this positon plus RON.

ALICE WYATT

A fair representation of all post- grad students in academic and social aspects is mandatory; this is what I plan to do.

Some of my goals for September 2010 include making it easier for postgraduate students to undertake paid work alongside their studies, encouraging undergrad students to enrol on post- grad courses, endeavouring to make post- grad bodies feel included in Union organised events and ensuring that I, myself, am accessible to all post- grad students; to listen, communicate and help.

If elected I will strive to be well receptive and make it my priority as Post- Grad Officer to make your life at UC an enjoyable, memorable experience.

If you like what you read or have any more suggestions then I am always open to your input. But firstly, you need to vote for me from 11^th March onwards.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OFFICER

There is one candidate for this positon plus RON.

ALICE FAIRHALL

I would strive to use the three hours allotted to me a week to represent all disabled students. I would like to set up discussion sessions for students to discuss issues they think are relevant to improving students with disabilities experience at the University of Chichester. One are I feel incredibly passionate about is how we are looking at students with learning difficulties and how we are supporting them at this institution.
I want to see a positive change in the attitudes towards these students and also make sure they recieve the financial backing they deserve. Academic support seems to be looking after people in a selective way that leaves a huge bracket of people not being supported, I would look at how this can be changed.
I would want to set up charity events that supported charities looking after the disabled community and would use the afore mentioned discussion sessions to see what events could take place.
I will work to see that a shift occurs in the way people view our disabled community and hope to create relationships that make that possible.

For more information please contact Phil on p.gilks@chi.ac.uk or 01243 816 381 or pop to the offices above Zee Bar.