Part time officers standing for election
Click on a photo to find out more about a candidate
Liberation officers
widening access officers
school officers
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CANDIDATES FOR Liberation officers
EMMA GREEN - WOMENS OFFICER
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
If you elect me as your Women's Officer, the first thing I will do is work on strengthening female-led communities by advocating for increased student union support and funding for female-led societies, initiatives and events. I will also do this by establishing a Women's Support Network - a safe space for women to connect, share experiences and access peer support. I will ensure intersectionality is at the heart of all campaigns, recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by women of different ethnicities, abilities, sexualities and socio-economic backgrounds.
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
The second thing I will do if elected is to advocate for a Women's Wellbeing Hub within the university, providing resources on women's health, mental health and wellbeing. I will work with local businesses and charities to raise awareness on issues. Women's health issues are often overlooked or not taken seriously enough, and many female students struggle to find the support they need. Issues such as period poverty, endometriosis, PCOS, contraception access, sexual health, mental health, pregnancy support and menopause are still not widely discussed in university spaces. Many women suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn for help and this is something I am planning to change through the Women's Wellbeing Hub and campaigns to raise awareness and challenge stigma and misinformation.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
I'm running for Women's Officer to ensure all women at our university feel supported, empowered and heard. As the social secretary for the Women's Society, I have seen first-hand the power of female-led communities through Reclaim The Night and our events. However, I believe more can be done at university level to address the challenges women face on campus - whether that's access to support networks, women's health awareness, or tackling issues like safety and representation.
SHANNON PRIESTLEY - WOMENS OFFICER
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
work closely with the newly elected SU officers in creating a welcoming and student-focused union!
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
i would like to include more events that bring people together such as sip and paints, bake sales and run clubs
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
I am running again for the second year as a women officer as I am proud to represent the women of the university, making it a safe and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds
CANDIDATES FOR WIDENING ACCESS OFFICERS
BAKI ZEQAJ - MATURE STUDENTS
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
The first thing I will do when I become a student officer is to collect insights from my fellow students regarding their opinions and concerns. I would want to create a platform whereby the student's ideas can be freely shared so that student issues can be loudly voiced and effectively represented.
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
The second thing I do is provide more inclusive and diversification in the extra curricular activities. I wish to layout opportunities for every student to find something they are passionate about, may it be through opening up new clubs, activities, or programs catering to differing interests and backgrounds. Such will not only help the students in developing their interests and capabilities but also promote a wider, inclusive space, where everyone should feel valued.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
I want to emphasise as a candidate that I want to be a voice for all students. I vow to listen to your needs, address the issues that concern you most, and foster positive change within our school community. I strongly believe in the importance of collaboration, and I want to join hands with you students, teachers, and staff, to establish an environment in which everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered. Together, we can ensure that this is the best year for every student, regardless of background and interests.
PIALEE SEN - INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
If I become an International Student Office, the 1st and foremost thing I would do is address the Visa & Immigration Challenges by providing clear guidance on student visa and will work with the university to offer legal support to the visa issues
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
Advocate for more scholarships, bursaries & emergency funds, advocating for more on campus jobs for international students, ensuring university facilities meet international students' religious & Cultural needs
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
Main moto going be- 'Communicate effectively & Be accessible' by set up regular drop-in sessions, providing up to date information on policies & procedures & Enhancing Mental Health & well-being of the students by creating support groups
KATIE-ANN SMITH - STUDENTS' WITH CARING RESPONSIBILITIES
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
Widening Representation and Awareness
- Actively engage with students with caring responsibilities to understand their needs through regular surveys, drop-in sessions, and feedback forums.
- Collaborate with the Students’ Union, university staff, and external organisations to raise awareness of carers' challenges.
- Advocate for increased visibility of carers in university campaigns, events, and policy discussions to ensure our voices are heard and acted upon.
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
Building a Sense of Community
- 1. Establish a peer support network where students with caring responsibilities can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support.
- 2. Organise inclusive social events, workshops, and well-being sessions that cater to the needs of students with caring responsibilities.
- 3. Promote initiatives that foster a culture of empathy and understanding within the broader student community.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
As a student with caring responsibilities, I understand the unique challenges faced by those balancing academic life with caregiving. Whether caring for children, elderly relatives, or loved ones with additional needs, these responsibilities can impact every aspect of student life. I am committed to representing your voice, advocating for meaningful changes, and building a supportive community where all students with caring responsibilities feel heard, valued, and empowered. Why Vote for Me? I bring firsthand experience, passion, and a proactive approach to this role. I will listen, advocate, and act on your behalf to create a university environment where students with caring responsibilities thrive academically, socially, and personally. Together, we can build a community that supports carers and celebrates their resilience. Thank you for your support!
CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL OFFICERS
CHARLIE STEWARD - ALLIED HEALTH & SCIENCES
My Ideas
It is my intention to strengthen our unity as allied health science students by organising a health fair. This event would allow each specialism to share their expertise with the public, promoting the importance of our professions whilst strengthening ties between the university and local community.
I will petition the university to offer complementary or discounted student and lecturer access to the University of Suffolk’s Dental CIC, ensuring more can benefit from its underutilised services.
“Proactive in representing their cohort as course representative. Heavily involved in SU Dental Society and other extracurricular activities. Great ambassador for their course and university as a whole. “ ~ Private recommendation for my application. Beyond the allied health sciences, I will advocate for practical improvements in the university experience, including more affordable parking among other essentials.
JEEVESH NAFRI - ALLIED HEALTH & SCIENCES
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
I would aim to get course integrated trips within allied health and sciences courses.
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
I would aim to be the voice of the allied health and sciences courses and raise course concerns.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
If you vote for me I pledge to be the best officer I could be.
MARS HARDY - SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
Many students I talk to in the SSH school struggle to get support for academic skills, such as referencing, or varying writing styles, like reflective pieces. If elected, I would ensure that every student can knowingly and confidently take advantage of the academic support available to them, whilst also making sure that lecturers are clear with their expectations and providing further guidance when sought after. This can take form in a session run in-module during the start of the first and second year promoting academic development services, reminding students how the library works and other essential information for the smooth running of their degree. This includes aiming for sessions early in the module to explore the assessments for that module, ensuring all students are on equal footing and are fully prepared for their work ahead.
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
It is an essential part of university life to meet different and likeminded people whilst nurturing a rich and diverse network of people you interact with. There has already been work put in to improve networking across the degrees within SSH, so I would like to keep these opportunities open and work to provide chances for all years and degrees to crossover and recognise others in their cohort.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
Using my experience as a course rep, I hope to make the Social Sciences and Humanities as enjoyable and academically productive as possible, working with the necessary people to make changes that are student-orientated and promote wellbeing within university life.
SHANNON PILSWORTH - SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS AND ARTS
My Ideas
The first thing I will do if elected:
Listening and taking on ideas This has been a firm one for me ever since I started my term as TBA officer all those years ago, and I still believe in it now. I still have this strong belief that listening and taking on the ideas of the students in your school cohort, which is a marvellous thing to be able to do and develop, and one that I hope to strengthen and promote if I am voted in for a third term? (Cannot remember how many times I’ve done this now 🤣) As before, I am here if you need to talk about your course, about anything personal, or anything else that comes to mind, I am here for you all!
The second thing I will do or change if elected:
Social Confidence This is still one of my strongest advocates, but being the officer for the school of east over these last few years really has given me a lot of social confidence, as recently I have been looking at ways of reaching more people, working with my fellow officers to achieve this, and supporting them as best I can. But yes, if you need help to hone your social confidence when speaking out about an issue in the TBA school, I am here to help you, and hope to get whatever issue it is resolved! Reflection Reflection in the role of an officer is something else that I believe is very important, as we need to reflect on all that is being done, and know how to make things better for the benefit of the students we look after, which I will always strive to do, as I believe reflection is a key to anyone’s success.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters as a candidate?
Hello everyone! My name is Shannon Pilsworth, and I am officially re-running to be the University of Suffolk’s technology business and arts officer, after a third(?) term in the role! As I believe my continuation and devotion to this role will not only benefit me but the students in this school aswell! Being the east officer over the last few years has really opened my eyes to what I could do, as I’ve organised social events for the uni, and plan to do more if I get re-elected by you wonderful people! I am still following along with my original manifesto points from last time, which I am delighted to share with you all! Change My final idea, Change, again has developed since the last time I was writing this manifesto. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, seeing the change not just me, but many officers and unI officials have put into making sure students are supported during this difficult time is truly tremendous! If you have something that you think needs to be changed, do not hesitate to get in contact with me, I am here to help you feel more able to talk about things, and all that I want as your officer is for you as a student to feel comfortable! and remember: Support for all students, not just in Suffolk, but across the country!!
This page will provide information on all the candidates standing for election. Voting runs from 10am on Monday 10 March to 10am on Thursday 13 March.
If you have any questions, just drop us an email
su.democracy@uos.ac.uk or pop into the SU Social Space to speak to a member of the team.