This week sees the UEA Students Union officer elections 2018 take place at Norwich’s largest educational institution. The Norwich Radical contacted all candidates in the election for comment on why they’re running and what they stand for. This article and the others in the series are intended to offer an insight into the current and future state of the union and of the UEA more broadly.
UEA students can vote in the elections at uea.su/ueavotes until Tuesday March 6th.
The statements of those candidates for the position of Postgraduate Education officer that responded by the deadline are presented here, unedited, along with their manifestos. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Martin Marko
[Candidate did not submit a manifesto image to uea.su]
Why Im running:
Very simply: there’s nothing else I’d rather do.
What I will achieve:
I aim to improve the quality of basic services on campus which are mainly accommodation and food provision. I’m very ambitious regarding the events PGSU can organise next year, as this is entirely within its capacity: unlike the UEA-managed residences and eatery. More volunteering opportunities and better deals for PGs at the sports park are also my aims. Sustainability and enterprise are not embodied in my policies directly, but both represent my personal identity, which will be showcased through my endeavours. The union council already approved my sustainability-focused policy proposals to the NUS conference, even in my absence at the meeting (mustve been a funny one – it was my first though) and I wish I was there, but couldnt get time off work that night. Oh yeah, employability; I wanna work with UEA to provide more work for PGs and integrate placements into more courses. Theres loads I wanna do and I could talk about it a while, but first need to get the post, so let me go campaign now and many thanks for this opportunity – theres really nothing else Id rather do.
Michael Kyriacou
My name is Michael Kyriacou and I’m running for the role of Postgraduate Education Officer. I’m a fourth year PhD student in PPL. I also did my undergraduate and masters degree here. In terms of experience I’ve sat on the Postgraduate Committee for the last two years and I’ve also worked and organised within the HUM PGR community and with the GSSF to get better workspace for postgraduates.
I’m running on a manifesto centred on four key areas: Postgraduate Mental Health and Wellbeing, Associate Tutor Rights, Postgraduates within the Student’s Union and Looking at Placements, Part-Time and Small-Cohort Masters Programs. These aren’t intended as an exhaustive list but rather some areas I think that need development both from the University and the Student’s union.
I should be your officer because the Postgraduate Community here at UEA is something I am deeply committed to. I would love to have the opportunity to improve students’ academic and social postgraduate experience. As your education officer I will make sure that the Student’s Union fights to give every postgraduate a fair, vibrant and enjoyable postgraduate experience both academically and socially.
Pavithra Selvakumar
[Candidate did not submit a manifesto image to uea.su]
Vote For Pavi and Voice For Post-grads
Few things about me:
-MSc Environmental Assessment and Management student.
-International Student Ambassador for India.
-Active member of Enactus UEA and UEA Dance Squad.
What I want to achieve
-More enhanced career opportunities for post-grad students
-Greater and more frequent recognition of student achievements, such as by implementing awards like club/society of the month.
-Increase student feedback through socials in order to provide a service more tailored to what students want, through drop-in sessions, suggestion boxes, email surveys and face-to-face contact.
Why vote for me
I have a wealth of experience as a post-graduate student, and I have your interests at heart. With your voices behind me, I can use the knowledge to best represent and implement your ideas. So if you like what I hope to achieve, I would be most appreciative of your support!
Featured image credit: UEA SU
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