Jess Salisbury: SU Presidential Candidate
We spoke to 3rd year Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience student Jess, who is hoping to win the role of SU President next year. Originally from Leeds, Jess has enjoyed her time at Nottingham getting involved with societies such as Night Owls and Equestrian Club. You may have seen her around campus, most likely in Mooch where she may have served you the odd pint… or three.
Can you tell us a bit about what the role of SU President entails?
It entails a lot of managing relationships with people. Relationships with the students, the community and Nottingham Council, the big dogs at the top of the University chain and all of the people working alongside you in the SU. You have to represent the views of the students to all of these people and be able to stand your ground when it comes to fighting for the changes we want.
Why do you think you’d be good at it?
I really enjoy being in a leadership position and working with a strong team of people. If I’m not out there talking to people, I’m not happy. I’m never put off by learning new things and being pushed out of my comfort zone, so I think I’m ready for this challenge.
What part of your manifesto do you think will appeal to most people?
Probably revamping the SU website. Genuinely everyone hates it and it would solve so many of our problems! I don’t understand why it’s taking so long to get sorted, we really need to get ourselves updated online!
Are you expecting any parts of the job to be particularly difficult? Why?
Being told no. I’m very aware that SU President doesn’t have nearly as much power as we’d like, so I’m expecting to find it difficult at times when I’m told we can’t make some of the changes we want. It’s often funding problems, and those battles are always difficult because you never want money to get in the way of positive change.
One of the points of your manifesto was developing staff and tutor knowledge of the welfare services, why do you think this is so important?
Tutors are our first line of defence against welfare difficulties really. They can see our grades and attendance, which tend to be where welfare issues are first noticeable. By improving tutor knowledge of our welfare services we can get quicker, more targeted referrals. It’s the same with other members of staff; if a student asks for help, they need to know the right information to pass on.
QUICKFIRE ROUND
Snog, Marry, Avoid: Obama, Hilary Clinton, Donald Trump? Snog Clinton, Marry Obama and Avoid Trump at all costs… who wouldn’t marry Obama?
Favourite night out in Notts? It’s gotta be a Crisis with my Equestrian faves
Funniest memory of Uni? Having post house party drinks in first year and being interrupted by my housemates at 3am who had gotten lost on campus and carried a 9ft pine tree back to our block in Broadgate Park. We piled a lot of tinsel on it and felt very Christmassy for a while until the wardens spoiled the fun.
Which category are you best at in a pub quiz? Music for sure.
Anything you’d like to add for our readers? Sorry if you’re sick of seeing the colour purple by the end of the week!
Thank you for your time Jess- we wish you the best of luck with your campaign!