Zoe Mackenzie is a 3rd year Geography student running for the Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer in this week’s SU elections. Here’s why she thinks you should support her…
Why did you want to run for Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer?
I’ve been in involved in welfare volunteering since my first year. I was a Welcome Mentor at the start of my second year and I was also involved in Nottingham Night Owls and did some publicity work for Student Minds. My involvement with Nightline has been a constant throughout my university career, first as a listening volunteer and then on its committee for two years. I was also Welfare Coordinator for the Welcome Committee this year and I’m on the Welfare Network Committee. It’s been newly introduced this year but we’re hoping to develop it further next year, which is exciting.
What are your manifesto highlights?
Support
Introducing a Welfare in Societies Committee (much like the Welfare in Sports Committee), created to support all societies, but particularly course-based societies, and combat exam stress as well as supporting those who are in charge of welfare within committees.
Wellbeing
Reviewing contracts with Crisis and DG taxis over bouncer and driver conduct to ensure that our students are safe and making sure we are working with the best companies out there.
Accessibility
Reviewing accessibility across all campuses, looking at the entrances to buildings, toilet accessibility and parking spaces etc. because there is currently inconsistency in this area, which could be improved.
Collaboration
Working with the university to increase funding to the university Counseling Service but also to promote other options when wait times are longer, such as Nightline.
Information
Posting information about the support available at university to new students before they arrive here to increase awareness and put them at ease.
What makes your contribution unique?
I’m really passionate about improving people’s experiences at university. I understand how easy it is to adopt a negative headspace about university but there are so many different options available to students to improve their experience. Knowledge about that is so important. I also want to set up the university as a place where people feel comfortable finding support or changing that support if they need to. Because of my experience in this area (especially through Welcome and Nightline), I have a really good understanding of how the Students’ Union works and who to talk to achieve and change things. I believe that all of my manifesto points are achievable and realistic and I know what needs to be done to achieve them.
Do you prefer Crisis or Ocean?
Ocean, obviously!
What has been your favourite moment of the campaign so far?
Campaigning at Ocean on Friday!
What has been your least favourite moment of the campaign so far?
Having to decide between my wonderful campaign team for who to take to the Election Results Night.
Check out Zoe’s page here to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeTheWelfairy/?ref=br_rs