Cassie, a former English and American Studies student, is the current SU Education officer, running for re-election in this week’s SU elections. Here’s why she thinks you should support her…
Why did you want to re-run for Education Officer?
Ultimately, it takes longer than a year to do anything. There are projects that I’ve started this year and carried on from my predecessors that I want to both continue and complete. I believe the students need continuity and I can provide that.
What are your manifesto highlights?
Half of my manifesto involved continuation from this year…
- Continue lobbying for free graduation
- Continue seeing through the lecture capture policy (due to start in September)
- Continue supporting Wednesday afternoons becoming free because teaching (even if it’s not compulsory) is beginning to encroach on this, putting those involved in sports and societies in a difficult position
The other half focuses on introducing new policies…
- Addressing hidden course costs (e.g. reading lists and parking/petrol costs on placements) and putting support in place for costly elements of the course that are compulsory
- More information and better module descriptions for optional modules to help students make more educated decisions
- 24hrs between exams to help support students’ mental health and encourage them to be productive by giving them time to rest and recover as well as looking at the assessment timetabling in general to avoid clashing coursework deadlines
- Making maps of all campuses to signpost specific student amenities, including gender neutral toilets, microwaves and water fountains to better inform all students (but especially new students) of campus facilities
What makes your contribution unique?
I already have a year’s experience in the role but have also been involved in the university for 4 years. I was a Course Rep and an Education Rep, representing both my department and the faculty throughout my time as a student. I was also Team Leader of the Events Team, running events more widely within the Students’ Union. I’ve already established good relationships for making change, which usually take months to build, so I’m one step ahead for this coming year.
Do you prefer Crisis or Ocean?
Ocean (even though last year, I would have said Crisis!) because Ocean is more happy-go-lucky and it feels like more of a family.
What has been your favourite moment of the campaign so far?
Doing the splits in Ocean (as captured by NSTV)
What has been your least favourite moment of the campaign so far?
The snow – it’s a joke in March!
Check out her Facebook page for more information here