Today we met Harry Copson, SU Presidential Candidate 2014. The 2nd year Geography student from ‘the middle of nowhere’ (or just outside Oxford) graciously let us grill him on his manifesto and the challenges he thinks he might come up against. He also revealed a pretty impressive party trick and a secret love for The Hoff…
Tell us what’s involved in the role of President?
In my opinion, there are three major facets to it. Firstly, you’re responsible for leading the whole team of Student Execs in the Union. There’s obviously a lot of overlap between the President’s manifesto and the manifestos of the other candidates, and one of the major parts of the role is making sure that the team works properly.
The next one is the functional role: making sure the things on my manifesto and the things that students want to see done, get done. This includes advertising and making sure that students know what is going on within the SU.
The third element is representation, both on a national level and within the university. I think that the focus needs to be more in favour of the students at Nottingham; the national representation is important but I would hate to be a President who does a great job on a national level but doesn’t affect students’ personal, day to day lives. So being a voice for UoN students!
Talk us through the key parts of your manifesto.
I think it’s important to reach all parts of the University. There are a lot of people at the university who don’t feel much of an SU presence at the moment, for example some of the self-catered Halls. We also need a SU presence in Lenton because of the sheer size of the student population. The idea there is to create a sort of ‘Student Hub’ in Lenton – somewhere we can go to socialise (because no second or third years will specifically go to Mooch when they could go to town!) and also for more practical things like printing. It’s inconvenient for students without a printer to have to go to campus just to print something – and it’s a problem that’s easily fixed.
The next big thing is transport. It’s something that has improved a lot recently but there are still issues. For example, the Hopper buses and the 34s are single decker at peak times; this problem just needs a bit of rejigging and it’ll make a huge difference.
The Student Oyster Card scheme will make better use of our Student Cards, which at the moment are primarily used for getting in to the Library! The technology is already there – catered halls students use it, so I see no reason why other students can’t too. I want to eventually reach the point where students can top up their cards and use the money for anything they want: food, a bus journey, printing, etc.
Another element I think is really important is implementing the role of a JCR exec, who will basically act as a line manager for first years JCRs. This will hopefully give JCRs more power to make changes as they’ll have a more experienced authority to help them in their role. It will also mean that the individual needs of on-campus and off-campus halls can be met; at the moment they are dealt with together and their needs are standardised, but my idea for a specific off-campus JCR exec will mean students’ problems could be better resolved.
You’ve got some great policies there! But which do you think would be the most difficult to implement and why?
When I was deciding the policies, I made sure that they were things that students would actually want, but also that they were realistic. I spoke to Ellie, the current SU president, and she made sure that they were doable! I didn’t want to make any false promises.
Probably the most challenging things to change will be what I touch on at the end of my manifesto; things like equality and representation take a bit longer to implement because it’s not just a matter of putting some technology in place. It’s the things that I believe in – things like improving the SU’s relationship with the students – which will take time. But they’re still achievable!
Who do you consider to be your biggest rival this year?
All of them! The way the voting system works means that it doesn’t really pay to know your opposition, so I’m really just focusing on my own campaign.
So what makes you right for the job over the others?
I think it’s more my personal skills than my manifesto. Anyone can write a manifesto, but I think it’s the fact that I like to put in the effort to speak to students personally and find out what they think. I care about everyone within the student body – there’s no specific group of people I’m aiming to please and there isn’t anyone that I won’t stand up to if it means benefiting the students.
Do you think the lecturer strikes have changed what students are expecting from the SU in terms of their education?
That’s a really interesting question. Yes, I think since the fee rise, students are expecting more from their education. Understandably people get annoyed when their lectures are cancelled or they hear that their papers may not be marked – you think ‘what am I paying £9000 a year for?’
Rightfully so, students turn to the SU because that is their voice for change. It’s a difficult one because obviously the university isn’t getting more money than they did before whereas students ARE paying more – the SU needs to mediate between both whilst making sure that the students are getting what they deserve from their education.
How do you feel about taking a year out of your studies to be President?
I’m happy to; I would much rather take it this year than next. Partly because of my course – I’d find it hard to juggle producing a decent dissertation as well as being President, whereas this year it isn’t a problem. And also – it sounds really ‘YOLO’ – but I just wanted to do it this year! I feel like circumstances are right at the moment. I feel involved in the SU now which gives me a good basis for starting the job.
QUICKFIRE ROUND:
Ocean – yay or nay? 100% yay!
Dream job? When I was a kid I wanted to be a footballer, but didn’t everyone! I would have loved to organise the London Olympics.
What did you have for breakfast this morning? Weetabix – because there was finally some milk in the house.
Personal miracle hangover cure? Resolve – it’s sort of like Barocca.
Are you a spender or a saver? Both – I always have savings but I’m not the kind to hoard money away!
If you were an animal, what would you be and why? Tiger – without a doubt! I like that they start off really cute and end up ferocious.
Snog, marry, avoid – Cher Lloyd, Rebecca Adlington, Miranda Hart.
I don’t think I could marry Miranda Hart – she’s great but she’d be too much! I think I’d marry Rebecca Adlington, snog Cher Lloyd (even though I don’t really like her) and avoid Miranda. That was difficult!
Well you could have had The Hoff, Harry Styles, or Spencer from Made in Chelsea if you prefer?
Oh, I’d definitely avoid Spencer and marry The Hoff.
Wouldn’t we all? Got a fun fact about yourself, personal claim to fame or special talent?
Well I can play the guitar behind my head.
Well, or just adequately?
Adequately. I’m also missing a tooth – lost a baby tooth and the next one never grew back! Oh, and I’ve also played tennis against Tim Henman. My mum entered a newspaper competition when I was younger and she won!
Anything you’d like to add before voting kicks off?
I’ll try to be as un-annoying as possible when everyone’s trying to get to Hallward! And excuse my cheesy tagline, but…
The Future’s Bright, The Future’s Harry.
Check out Harry’s campaign page and manifesto, and don’t forget to vote from 6th March!
Edited by Luisa Parnell