Haniya for HEMS! – SU Election 2021

By Haniya Syed

Greetings fellow students!

I am Haniya Syed, I am an MSc Public Health student at ARU Cambridge. I am also the course-rep for my course. For the two months, I was at the uni (COVID right?) I did as much as I could and I enjoyed it. I became the course-rep to address the problems my cohort were having in reference to their academics and it was seen through. During the time I was associated with the course as a rep and as a student, I’ve come across some issues that need to be addressed for the betterment of the students and the university. That is the reason I have decided to run for the VP HEMS. Since HEMS is my faculty and I am more familiar with the workings of the department, I think I am a very good candidate for HEMS and for the students of the university. So! here is a summary of my plan for the faculty of HEMS, otherwise known as the election manifesto.

I have spent most of my course in online classes so believe me I know the situation at hand and these are the main things I would like to improve:

1. Accountability and Transparency :

The faculty has to be brought to account in case students face any sort of issue with the course or any member of the staff in particular. I will provide my full support and make your problem mine. If a student wants to give anonymous feedback, I will respect it and I will be the voice. No student should feel under pressure or stress out because they can’t voice their concern. The university will be transparent with its decisions and accountable to any questions asked by the students. Faculty and student forums to be encouraged and made more public for more participation. 

2. Improved research and innovation opportunities: 

HEMS includes doctors, nurses and scientists; health professionals and social care professionals who work for the healthcare of society and should thus be up to date with the latest research and innovative technology which I would strongly endorse. To bring more research opportunities into the university would not only benefit the students but also would raise ARU as a pioneering research institute. More exposure to modern technological innovations in the field of medicine and healthcare including artificial intelligence would be a major step towards excellence of the students and the university.

3. Prioritising and addressing mental health concerns:

My priority is to reduce the factors affecting the mental health of the students. Providing support for mental health concerns is always there, but I would like to reduce the chances of students getting stressed academically and by university factors. Addressing student concerns and signposting them to the right person can reduce mental health concerns by a margin and I pledge to do everything in my power to make the university experience less stressful.

4.  More financial support, increased temp job opportunities and scholarships:

More financial support and funds to make finance less difficult. Making students aware of the employability options provided by the university and increasing scholarship options.

5. “Meet the heroes”: 

During the current pandemic crises, we saw a lot of people rise above and beyond to protect the country from this dreadful situation. More interaction with the allied health professionals, public health specialists, medical officers, scientists, who made everything that is today, possible. The students can benefit a great deal from their experience and head towards a better future.

6. Tutoring; student-student or student-teacher:

The students in HEMS are not only students but nurses and carers with jobs and of a wide age spectrum. Sometimes these students need a bit of an extra nudge to stay up to date with the studies and the digital technology used for teaching. A session with a fellow student who would volunteer or a student-teacher session can be arranged and set up. Students and faculty can sign up for the programme and can work around the student’s schedule. 

7. “Support system”

Accommodation, food, travel, university issues, study skills, canvas, online lectures, assignments or just a friendly ear, I am here to help in any way I can, particularly for the international students who are away from home and need a friend. University can be a difficult time but hey! THE SUPPORT IS HERE!!

8. Equality:

Bullying, harassment, abuse of any kind or discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, nationality or unfair treatment will not be tolerated and the students can come to me with any problem or if they feel discriminated against. There is no place for such things in the university and I will personally handle such issues and it will be sorted regardless of whether the person in question is a student or a member of faculty. My idea is to turn the university into a place of equal opportunities and well, a fun place to study.

9. Sustainibility: 

I would do my part in making the campus more sustainable and plastic free. I will also organise more community-based projects to endorse the same.

As Margaret Thatcher once said ” you turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning”. So vote for me, Haniya Syed, for the vice-president of HEMS and give your thought a voice. Together we can reform HEMS and the university.

See you on the other side 🙂

Images: Element5 on Unsplash and Haniya Syed.

Dipanshu for VP of Science and Engineering! – SU Election 2021

By Dipanshu Kant

Hii.. I’m Dipanshu Kant.. Current candidate for vice president (science & engineering).. I’m a postgrad clinical psychology student..

I was born and brought up in Delhi, India and have been living in Cambridge for more than a year now.. I was involved in various committees during my undergrad in India and have worked for 2 years as an assistant psychologist in clincal setting in my home country… So you can be rest assured if I say reducing stigma surrounding mental health will be my foremost priority.. These days (especially after covid) there has been a lot of buzz over mental health which has led to many people coming forward to tackle these issues, even those who dont have enough knowledge on this topic.. If I get selected, I’ll try to work from ground up such as by setting up an anonymous student advisor committee.. So I kindly request you to not vote for me if you dont consider me as the right candidate and my manifesto doesnt seem engaging.. I have only included those points in my manifesto which I consider will be achievable for me if I become the Vice President.. Here are some of the other things which I’ll try to accomplish:-

• Night time food/food stalls managed by students
• Dealing with graduate depression
• Freshers week for sept 2020 and January 2021 students
• Worship place in the university
• Anonymous student advisor committee
• Sustainability & Transparency

Images: Element5 on Unsplash and Dipanshu Kant.

Kamlesh for VP of Business and Law – SU Election 2021

By Kamlesh Bhoopal

Hi, I’m Kamlesh Bhoopal and I’m passionate, driven, determined, proactive and approachable, these are all the types of traits you would expect a candidate to say when running in an election? Although this does not tell you why I am running for the role of Vice President(Business & Law). Our Student Union is brilliant in so many ways, but I believe it can be even better. A fresh approach that offers new solutions to our problems, and I’m confident that I can provide this with your support from this election.

WHO AM I?

Currently pursuing my MBA at ARU Cambridge,UK. I am from Bangalore, the silicon city of India where IT and startups have had its greatest boom in the last decade and counting. Having completed my bachelors in Computer Science Engineering I have had real world experience by attending and volunteering in Business/Technical events(Hackathons, Ted Talks, etc…) with a wider business perspective. My curiosity to understand Business at this level grew within. This drove me to pursue an MBA at ARU. After interning within the University for my placement as ’Business Development Coordinator’ for the Faculty of Business and Law, having worked closely with the Student Engagement Teams to ensure students employability for work placement i feel confident with voicing the students on how ARU as an organisation works towards fulfilling students needs. 

I’M HERE TO WORK WITH YOU.

There couldn’t be a Students’ Union without students, so it is essential that your voice and your opinions are at the heart of what the SU does. My passion for ensuring every voice is heard comes from a belief that everything can be improved. If you raise an issue, I will guarantee that it will be listened to and acted upon in the most reliable and helpful manner. 

I’d love to be your Student Union Vice President for Business and Law this year as I want to continue representing the students and make sure that your voice is heard and the overall student experience continues to improve year on year. 

I know that I’ve had an amazing experience here at ARU and want students to be able to have a great experience here as well. Having actively worked within the university and throughout the university to improve the standard of personal tutoring, and currently student employability, I have a strong insight into what needs to be done to enhance student life at ARU. 

WHAT I WILL DO FOR YOU.

Bringing Campus Together – 

• Give you more community mixed campus events.(TOPICS – Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Cryptocurrency and more depending on your feedback.)
• Have a proper Refreshers week. It is easy to miss the boat the first time around with so many things to take in, all the fairs and opportunities available the first time around should be available the second time around.

Incubation Center –

• Adapt incubation stages in order to classify startups and ideas according to progress.
• Increase volunteer opportunities to enhance real world capabilities.
• Creating an Investors’ club for external funding opportunities.
• Build a strong network of creative and strong individuals who can contribute building towards success.
• Awards and Recognition to those students with outstanding contribution.
• Bringing students from all courses to work as one on selected projects(I am a Business student with a Computer Science background and I can tell you more about the benefits of this in the near future).

Transparency and Democracy – 

• Feedback boxes made available around SU building and online questioning space on the SU official website.
• Regular polling of trending students’ opinions. Instead of assuming we know what the student body thinks – let’s ask! This could easily be done online (surveys) or via email.

Beyond the Bubble

• Creating a student ballot for monthly engagement of events and feedback.
• Organising online events and webinars regarding support during the pandemic.
• Intercampus activities (Picked from Student Ballot).
• Online Student Engagement with Industry level experts on trending topics.

 According to Harvey Firestone ‘the growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership’. Your growth and development as a student is dependent on your Education and Welfare. I am determined to ensure your growth and development as a student by ensuring that issues relating to your academic interests and welfare are dealt with timeously, efficiently and effectively.

Vote KAMLESH BHOOPAL for Vice President (Business and Law).

As always, please accept the assurances of my highest regards and consideration.

Looking forward to serving you.

Best regards,

Kamlesh Bhoopal.

Images: Element5 on Unsplash and Kamlesh Bhoopal.

‘My disabled body isn’t why I’m disabled’ – SU Election 2021

By Tiegan-Leigh Everitt – Disability Representative Candidate (Cambridge Campus)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by The Ruskin Journal. The Journal will publish similar submissions from other election candidates that want to get involved. These posts show no bias – the opportunity to post a manifesto with us is open, and has been advertised too, all candidates.

What if disability was less physical, and more of a social issue?

We can currently view disability as a problem within someone’s body, and their disadvantages only exist within the scope of themselves, therefore they must seek treatment to get as close as they can to function like the average person (however defining what this is, is a conversation within itself). This puts a huge weight on the shoulders of disabled people – we are constantly trying to fit the standards of people who are able bodied and neurotypical, and go against the natural functions of our bodies and minds. 

This is somewhat depressing and seems like life will always be an ever increasing uphill climb (hopefully one with wheelchair access) for people with disabilities, the end goal being to emulate something unnatural to us. The good news is, by simply switching the way we perceive disability, life as a disabled person becomes a lot more hopeful.

Disability does not exist in a vacuum. It is directly impacted by the society around us. For example, the ability to function like an able bodied person is much easier to achieve for deaf people when there are subtitles and sign language interpreters present at events and lectures. When these accommodations are implemented, suddenly the deaf person becomes a lot ‘less’ disabled, despite their deafness not changing at all. This is an example of the social model of disability.

Here is perhaps the most easy to understand analogy of this model that I have come across. Imagine that one day, everybody on earth, except you, gains the ability to fly. You are not disabled, despite this, everything is as normal, you can walk to the shops, go to work, and participate in everything society has to offer, as nothing in society has changed. You physically cannot do what everyone else can do, yet you are not considered disabled. However, a while down the line, shopping centres are built into the sky, your workplace moves to a building high in the clouds, that can only be reached by flying, most entertainment venues are up too high and you simply cannot reach them. Now, you are considered disabled. It is near enough impossible for you to work, shop and do anything you would usually do. You have not changed at all, but society did, and those societal changes made you diabled. 

As an autistic woman, most of the time I do not feel too different from my neurotypical peers. However, when there are overwhelming sensory situations, or when I am in social situations with people that cannot accept my autistic traits and I have to mask them, suddenly I feel out of place, and disabled. In my case, if sensory accommodations such as noise cancelling headphones were seen as normal and were easily accessible, and if the people around me were able to understand and accept my autistic traits as natural rather than weird, I wouldn’t be so ‘disabled’, despite me not changing at all.

If our society was more accommodating, if subtitles and audio descriptions were required, if autism traits were portrayed as normal in media, if wheelchair ramps were commonplace and if therapy was easily accessible and affordable, we would find that these conditions that render us ‘disabled’ in our society become less of a hindrance and more of a natural human variation. 

University can be a difficult place for disabled students of all abilities, and if ARU was to adopt this mindset that the setbacks of disability are more social and societal than an inherent flaw in the diabled individual, we could make a campus where everyone has an equal chance to succeed in their education, and equality and inclusivity become the standard, rather than a luxury.

In my campaign for disabled students rep, this is a mindset I would aim to help the whole student union adopt, and prioritise creating a safe, inclusive campus that champions accessibility, helping every student embrace their unique abilities, rather than be held back by them.

To make change at ARU, taking part in democracy is a must! Don’t forget to vote from the 6th of march for the candidate that will best uplift and support your community, so we can all get the very best from our university experience.

Check out @tieganleigharu for more disability advocacy content at ARU, and vote Tiegan-Leigh Everitt for disabled students rep if my campaign values align with your own.

Image: Element5 on Unsplash.

‘It’s okay not to be okay’ – SU Election 2021

By Maddison Taylor– Mental Health Rep Candidate (Chelmsford Campus)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by The Ruskin Journal. The Journal will publish similar submissions from other election candidates that want to get involved. These posts show no bias – the opportunity to post a manifesto with us is open, and has been advertised too, all candidates.

If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Did you know that 1 in 5 students suffers with their mental health? Or that 33% of students often or always feel lonely¹. It is important to recognise that we all have a mental health. By definition, mental health is a person’s cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being². Perhaps you are thinking but why does this matter to me? It matters as we all experience emotions. By developing a greater understanding of our emotions, we can better cope when life throws a curveball at us. Focusing on your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical wellbeing. It is fundamental that there are more safe and open forums for students to discuss how they are feeling and feel comfortable to do so without negative consequence. 

I am Maddison and I hope to be your first ever Mental Health Rep at ARU’s Chelmsford campus. My aim is to guide students to making subtle but positive changes to support their mental health and support other students’ wellbeing. Small changes can be so effective, I hope to share some wisdom from my experience of cognitive and dialectal behavioural therapy.

I am aware that some of the biggest challenges which impact student’s mental health include: relationships, body image, substance abuse, loneliness, anxiety and social media. I would like to tackle some of these concerns by implementing training for students to improve our resilience, coping skills and address a healthy work-life balance. There is an awful lot of stigma attached to mental illness and through more open discussion and education, these misconceptions can be addressed. If you would like to hear more from me and discuss how you can help make changes too, please reach out. I am always happy to have a chat and can ensure you confidentiality and lack of judgement are two of my moral principles when it comes to mental health discussion.

Feel free to follow my campaign on Instagram. My direct messages are open.

Voting opens Saturday 06 March at 09.00am. You can vote by visiting www.angliastudent.com/vote

Source:
¹  https://freshstudentliving.co.uk/2020/04/01/university-student-mental-health-uk/ 

² https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543

Images: Element5 on Unsplash and Maddison Taylor

‘ARU Mental Health Rep’ – SU Election 2021

By Alina Clarke – Mental Health Rep Candidate (Cambridge Campus)

Hiya everyone! My name is Alina clarke and I would love to be the Cambridge mental health rep. I am currently studying biomedical science In my first year at university and would love to be more involved in the community. During my time at sixth form I was also mental health rep for my school, I really enjoyed this job as it felt great to be voicing the problems and stigmas around mental health and how we can best help each other in understanding mental health better. I myself have had my own mental health struggles so I understand how very easily mental health can be misunderstood but I believe it is crucial for us all to be given a chance to be heard. 

I also think this would be a great role for me as it would help boost my confidence and get more involved in ARU, I’d love to try and improve my weaker spots and I feel this would be something I’d be passionate about and really get involved in.

overall I wish to give a better experience at ARU for the students and also provide a voice for us. Wether this is a support group or information hub or fundraisers, I want the student voice as involved as possible so that everyone feels apart of the community.

I hope everyone has a great academic year ,

A x

Image: Element5 on Unsplash and Alina Clarke

‘100 Years of Silence’ – Poetry

By Ciéra Cree

In commemoration of ‘International Women’s Day’ 2021.

Disclaimer: This piece is not published with the intent of pushing any personal agenda.

plagued by her thoughts; an unfamiliar voice
utters words of depreciation
that permeate the silence
 
the depths of her mind etched out
in a cross of grey
smudging her opinion
& craftily painted lips
colour staining porcelain skin
is she worth more than this?
 
she holds a touch that’s feather-light
& sleek as a ballroom floor
a symbol of fragility
encased in a false serenity
 
adorning her heart on her sleeve
as she paces relentless streets
filled with dark corners &
societal mourners grouped in an
atypical fleet
 
protest leaks from the edges
of delicately pencilled eyes
fluttering from the lashes of
an unbound compromise

why should women have to disguise
& present themselves with a mask,
to be a walking “pop of colour” 
with a mind kept
sheltered in the dark?
 
one hundred years of silence
& a proudly retained composure
held together with a smile & the promise
of change creeping ever closer
 
she isn’t just an object
which is easy on the eye
she’s not merely a victim
failed by a system
that doesn’t try
 
to mediate opinion
& value individual worth
 
for this girl is wholly human
& that’s what should be put first

Image: Marina Khrapova on Unsplash

‘Elect Vignesh Periyasamy for Vice President of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences’ – SU Election 2021

By Vignesh Periyasamy – Candidate for VP of AHSS (Cambridge Campus)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by The Ruskin Journal. The Journal will publish similar submissions from other election candidates that want to get involved. These posts show no bias – the opportunity to post a manifesto with us is open, and has been advertised too, all candidates.

Hi students, 

I am VP (Vignesh Periyasamy) running for VP (Vice President) at AHSS Faculty in the  student election this year, 2021. I am currently doing my Masters degree at Anglia Ruskin  University, Cambridge campus.  

About me: 

I try to pursue excellence in everything I do. My university friends know that I always  lend hand when needed irrespective of the faculty, ethnicity and etc…  

I am an extroverted person and am interacting with a load of students on a daily basis  and resolving their issues. I can’t be certain about the number of students I have helped in  terms of accommodation, travel and other university related works. That being said, when I  am helping students even before becoming the VP, think about how much I can help once I  become the face of the faculty and make the right decision.

I will work on, 

1. Increasing Full-time employment opportunities 

• My ideas to make this effective are as follows, 

• Connecting with alumni of the faculty you belong to. 

• Persuading their employers to visit our campus on a yearly basis. 

• Trying to create agreement with potential employers to recruit students  yearly. 

• Conducting LinkedIn workshop for students (Real time growth hacking  workshops for FREE). 

• Creating awareness on ATS (Applicant Tracking System). 

2. Implementing technical support for the faculty and for every ARU student • I have planned to create a platform that gives access to all of the platforms. • The above-mentioned point totally eliminates navigation between multiple  

platforms. Hence, reduces the worry of having to navigate between multiple  platforms. 

• Lobbying to make the timetables available earlier in the trimester.

3. 24/7 Support to Home and International students 

• This continuous lockdown made it tougher for every student including me. • Every student struggle to find the proper accommodation and find it difficult  to travel abroad from home country. 

• I will be creating an online platform and a physical space to drop your queries  irrespective of the faculty. 

• The online platform and physical space will have students responding to your  query at any given point of time. 

• This can be utilized by any faculty and priority will be given based on the  severity of the query raised. 

Voting starts March 6 (09:00 AM) – March 12 (02:00 PM). 

Go to ARU Student’s Union website and cast your vote. 

Connect with me on, 

Instagram: Click me! 

Facebook : Click me! 

Twitter : Click me! 

LinkedIn : Click me!

Vote for me: HERE!

Image: Element5 on Unsplash and Vignesh Periyasamy

‘Shubham for Disability Rep!’ – SU Election 2021

By Shubham Singh – Disability Representative Candidate (Cambridge Campus)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by The Ruskin Journal. The Journal will publish similar submissions from other election candidates that want to get involved. These posts show no bias – the opportunity to post a manifesto with us is open, and has been advertised too, all candidates.

As you all know me, I am Shubham Singh, I am studying in 2nd year B Eng, In my first impression I would like you to start again with, from my father spoke to me that sticks with me for a long time “Don’t let your disability stop your success, make your disability as your strength”. I hope I will be running to be your next Students with Disabilities Officer. For Context, I have a hearing impairment with 100% deafness by birth. I don’t let this break my spirit no matter what. 

However, Despite this range, I am very much aware of the broad of disability, which many of them I have experience dealing with it. My own experiences alone are not enough to adequately represent the range of disabilities students at ARU will have, because of the new country that I am representing for the second time and first time for NUS, which is why I will first of all endeavor to hold feedback sessions and drop-ins a couple of times a month in order to find out if there are any issues which need addressing that I am not aware of. As usual, I would operate in conjunction with the needs of the students I represent, hence why engagement will be one of the priorities for me. Following on from that, I also intend to use my communications and marketing experience from previous society positions back in my home country and working in student media to ensure that my work, campaigns, and assistance is advertised to as many of the disabled student population as possible and hopefully Some of them will work/help me to ensure everything is fine.

Thank you for reading my manifesto, and please vote for Shubham Singh.

Image: Element5 on Unsplash.

‘Re-Elect Fatima for VP of AHSS!’ – SU Election 2021

By Fatima Lakhani – Candidate for VP of AHSS (Cambridge Campus)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by The Ruskin Journal. The Journal will publish similar submissions from other election candidates that want to get involved. These posts show no bias – the opportunity to post a manifesto with us is open, and has been advertised too, all candidates.

I am super active on Instagram and if you cannot make your mind up about me as a candidate please check out my Instagram page @re_electfatima and find out what other students have to say about me as VP AHSS!

This year I am in a slate with Omkar and Em Long. Having worked with them has been amazing and they are truly in support and sincere about their work for students. So please do support them!

Images: Element5 on Unsplash, Fatima Lakhani, Omkar Singh and Emily Long

‘Ciéra Cree for AHSS Faculty Rep’ – SU Election 2021

By Ciéra Cree – AHSS Faculty Representative Candidate (Cambridge Campus)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by The Ruskin Journal. The Journal will publish similar submissions from other election candidates that want to get involved. These posts show no bias – the opportunity to post a manifesto with us is open, and has been advertised too, all candidates.

Arts, Humanities and the Social Sciences are important, intelligent and beautiful areas of study. I am running for the position of AHSS Faculty Representative because of my genuine passion for these areas, as well as my passion for the experience of others in our university.

Ciéra Cree and the launch photo of the 2019-20 Ruskin Journal annual.

I may often be quietly spoken but I’m a person with a loud mind filled with ideas and a great love for creativity. As a person who dabbles in many things that work collaboratively with Media Studies (my chosen course), such as photography, article work and creative writing, I feel I am a good candidate to represent the collective student voice for this broad sector.

It’s vital that we all have the opportunity and comfortability to express how we feel about our courses and class atmosphere, and it would be my aim as a representative to ensure not only that people are able to do just this, but also that areas highlighted for improvement or consideration are brought to the attention of those appropriate.

I campaigned for this position in last year’s Student Election and it was an invaluable experience. It taught me a lot about what it means to put yourself forward as a leader and the importance of properly selling yourself to an audience.

Looking back upon last year, I feel that I should have sold myself better. I am 20 years old and, for a 20 year old, I feel that I have pretty extensive experience in many AHSS areas. I have experience with The National Centre for Writing and spent a year with them under mentoring as a Poet Laureate. During that year I got involved with many things such as commission work, performing and even teaching. I am published in an Australian Poetry Anthology, among many other places, and would be able to provide students who wish with information about the first steps to submitting their artworks and writing to magazines, zines and online platforms. I have also been highly commended by The Royal Society of Literature, have worked with the Young Norfolk Arts group and am a member of the Young Artists In Suffolk Collective.

If you’re interested in radio I have spent two years at university studying radio modules and have spoken on BBC Radio Norfolk in the past. If you’re interested in journalism I have been writing articles for 2 years and have spent the last year and a half running The Ruskin Journal. If you’re interested in blogging, video work or work in regards to social media, I currently work two part-time jobs in these areas. One job involves student life blogs and the other entails the production of content for a social media marketing team. I spent many years studying and enjoying Philosophy, too, and I also took on Sociology as an A-Level at college. Let’s start some conversations and think about networking!

Upon leaving college with an Excellence In Media Award I didn’t know where to go, but deciding to join ARU is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I’ve been doing my best to show gratitude and give back – be that in the form of spending a year as a Course Rep or through volunteering for over 430 collective hours with the Student’s Union so far – but I want to do more.

I know that I would do my best in representing you, and I know that I would work hard to ensure that your voices are heard. I will not let you down.

Images: Element5 on Unsplash and Ciéra Cree

‘Re-Elect Omkar for VP of Business & Law’ – SU Election 2021

By Omkar Singh – Candidate for VP of Business & Law (Cambridge Campus)

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by The Ruskin Journal. The Journal will publish similar submissions from other election candidates that want to get involved. These posts show no bias – the opportunity to post a manifesto with us is open, and has been advertised too, all candidates.

Hello! I’m Omkar, current Vice President at ARU Students’ Union. I’m re-running for VP business and law in this SU elections 2021.

I’m so thankful to all the students who trusted me and elected me as their VP. Since start of my term, I have been working on certain projects which were successful & few others which I would like to accomplish in my next term

1. Incubation centre project: 

I started this campaign in August 2020 with a main motive to boost start-ups and create entrepreneurial ambience on campus. This incubation centre is a physical space in the university where like-minded people come together and network. In other words, this space will bring students from all the discipline & companies, under one roof. I’m happy to share that this project is already got a massive win, and finally accepted by ARU to move forward. This wouldn’t have been possible without all your support and efforts. 

If re-elected: If I’m re-elected, I shall make sure that I’m continuously working on this project and bring incubation centre on campus. This centre is going to change the life of students on campus  

2. Lockdown series:

During second national lockdown, I have created a series of 30 videos to bring awareness on mental health and its importance. The 30 speakers were ranged from members of parliament Cambridge, Chelmsford, vice chancellors to students. This series was well received by students and university all together. I have also done sufficient research in the university to understand all the resources available within, I have always signposted students to the right place. I’m also representing ARU at Citizens UK, to make mental health a priority in the upcoming Council elections.

If re-elected:

Mental health and well-being among students is always being my priority, I would like to enhance support to students by reducing the appointment gap and increase peer-peer support. I’m also keenly looking into adding this as topic of discussion in the curriculum through Ruskin modules.

3. Employment opportunities: I have created placements in the faculty, 5 of the students are working directly with me on the incubation centre project. Students from both the campuses were selected in their placement year. I have also hosted employment session to develop student CVs and provide resources available, called “Employment team with Omkar Singh”

If Re-Elected: Creating placements and employment will be my priority for the next year too, I would like to create more employment in the faculty by internal placements and via incubation centre networking options.

4. Assignment support: I have been working on campaign to support students with their assignments whilst bringing awareness on academic integrity. I have hosted a session with study skills plus to signpost students to the right support. I have been also closely working with union advice team and the university’s director of studies to keep supporting students in every possible manner. 

If Re-elected: I shall keep supporting students and bring campaign on importance of academic integrity, plagiarism.  

Multi-faith space: 

Last year I lobbied for prayer spaces/ multi faith space on the campuses. I accomplished this campaigns by getting a commitment letter from the university. Already plans for Chelmsford campus is started and there is a long term plan for Cambridge campus to have permanent space and Peterborough plans are also in place

If Re-elected: I shall make sure that multi- faith space is delivered on all the campuses and all religions are celebrated by hosting #DiverseARU events and other activities. 

I’m very much excited for next year’s role, I have already made changes and I need one last term to implement all those.

Do vote and support me, your vote matters.

Link to vote : http://www.angliastudent.com/voteforomkar 

I’m re-running with amazing team Em Long for President and Fatima Lakhani for VP AHSS. Do read their manifestos on the SU website

Images: Element5 on Unsplash and Omkar Singh

Barista-Visa: Will Brexit Leave a Bitter Taste for the Coffee House?

By Grace Martin

At last, the government has come together to propose a new post-Brexit immigration system long-touted by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. After the country officially ‘left’ the EU on the 31st of January, the effects of Brexit have, so far, been rather muted thanks to the transition period within which we currently stand. And while the government continues to propose legislation to prop-up their vision of the future for the country, there are those in the hospitality industry – such as myself – that believe that Brexit poses an imminent threat to the humble coffee shop.

A Brief History

The historical relevance of coffee consumption can be tracked alongside the history of foreign influence within our society. From it’s Turkish origins, the ‘coffee house’ has become an essential component of British life. Historically, it’s created spaces for both the middle- and upper-classes to gather and discuss literature, hold intellectual debates, talk politics, and consume the finest liquor imported from the Middle East.

The first documented coffee-house – the ‘Pasqua Rosee’ – opened in London, 1652. King Charles II (b. 1630, r. 1660 – 1685) once banned the coffee-house, believing it to be a place of political gossip and rebelliousness after the Restoration. However, this decree was practically unenforceable, so by the late 1600s and early 1700s, there were as many as 3,000 coffee houses in London alone.

Pasqua Rosee commemorative plaque

This growth of ‘coffee-house culture’ contributes to our understanding of Britain’s larger ethnic, social and commercial history. ‘Coffee-house culture’ led to the emergence of new political philosophers, and provided a space for those more socially-inclined to reflect on the world around them – as did Samuel Pephys, famous for his memoirs (1659 – 1669).

The coffee-house quickly became ingrained within our society, and while present-day coffee shops may not resemble those of history, I believe that they do maintain many of the elements historically associated with them. Even today, people gather to discuss their bright ideas, the important issues of the day, or just what’s been happening in their own lives. Though we live in an age of democracy, so we’re allowed to.

An illustration of a coffee-house of old

Why is ‘Coffee-House Culture’ Relevant to Brexit?

In a word – immigration.

On the 19th of February, the government proposed a new points-based immigration system that’s similar to those used by the likes of Australia, Canada and the United States. It’s expected to come into operation from January 2021, though the reforms will sweep away some of the existing rights that EU nationals currently have when working in the UK. Some date back to January 1973, the month when the UK joined the European Economic Community.

While there will be a number of different processes to go through depending on where the person might be emigrating from, the nine main requirements for skilled workers, under this new system, will require every applicant to score a total of 70 points to be able to successfully emigrate to the UK.

The British Coffee Association (the BCA) estimates that 95 million cups of coffee are consumed per-day in the UK, which is a huge increase from their 2008 calculations that estimated a figure of around 70 million cups. Additionally, the BCA estimates that the coffee industry ‘creates approximately 210,000‘ jobs, 160,000 of which are known as ‘registered baristas’. As a result, the BCA will work with the government to ‘ensure a smooth transition [for] all its members on behalf of the industry’.

However, experts believe that the so-called ‘Barista-Visa‘ will hit hardest for the three major coffee chains in the UK, those being: Starbucks, Cafe Nero and Costa Coffee. This is because the Barista-Visa would only help those deemed to be a ‘very low-skilled worker’, despite the fact that many hospitality-related positions require relatively high-skilled workers to fill them. That, and all three of these companies rely on a workforce that KPMG believes consists of 12.3 to 23.7% EU nationals. Costa Coffee themselves believe that approximately 20% of their workforce are not ethnically British.

And that’s to say nothing of the potential impact on the price of the coffee bean with the proposed import taxes, or of the current shortfall of more than 40,000 baristas that, experts claim, will be exasperated by Brexit going forward.

And what about the smaller chains like Signorelli’s Deli here in Cambridge? Could they be impacted by the new immigration system or the proposed Barista-Visa? Colloquially, I believe so.

Why Does This Matter?

In my opinion, the concern should be focused on smaller, independent businesses and chains that are most at risk from the additional import taxes brought on by Brexit. We should also be concerned with how this newly-minted immigration system might impact the barista workforce, whether that be new applicants or members of the existing workforce.

I’m also concerned about whether we’re relying too heavily on large multinational chains from whom we purchase our coffee. I’m concerned about the local coffee shops who are having to compete with these businesses who can afford to undercut them. And I’m concerned that, with this reliance, comes a dampening of the slightly bohemian image cultivated by the coffee-house over the last 368 years.

And I’m also concerned about what the future holds for coffee shops in general. With the advent of personal coffee machines that boast about their café-quality coffee, what room will there be for the humble coffee shop in the future? I personally believe that coffee is best enjoyed socially, although this is an issue that could be its own article.

With the potential for disruption ever-present, it would be beneficial to see more students filling in the gaps by taking on part-time roles alongside their studies. As an MA student, and a part-time barista myself, I want to open the minds of students reading this to look into the possibility of joining the trade. Coffee shops are an important staple of the high-street, and an important pillar of the wider economy. So despite the trials that might lie ahead for the industry, I would encourage students to try to fill-in that 40,000 worker shortfall, as previously mentioned.

In my experience, most coffee shops offer flexible working hours, respectable wages, and provide a means of socialising, whether it be with other team members, or regular customers. So, when this COVID-19 crisis has abated, why not give it some thought?

Images: Grace Martin & Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Sources

‘The UK’s points-based immigration system: policy statement’ – 2020
‘Avoiding a No Deal Brexit Is Imperative for UK Coffee’ – 2019
‘Barista shortage fears as Brexit blamed for holding back recruitment’ – 2019
‘Barista visa plan does the UK hospitality sector a disservice’ – 2017

Calling All Students: Make Your Voice Heard!

By Joshua Dowding

As I’m sure you know by now, another general election is upon us. Though it seems like an eternity since we last went to the polls, on December 12^th the country will be asked once again to decide it’s future. Some pundits have already branded it as the ‘Brexit Election’, but I feel it’s important to consider some of the wider issues facing the country now, and in the near future. There’s a whole lot more going on in the world right now: climate change, the ongoing refugee crisis, and the rise of the political fringes just to name a few. Of course you should consider Brexit, of course some of these issues bleed into the Brexit debate, but try not to make this election all about one issue. Cast your vote based on a whole range of issues that are important to you, and don’t follow the pack. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard.

What’s at stake?

Every constituency in the country is up for grabs in the upcoming general election. There are 650 constituencies in the United Kingdom, each representing between 56,000 and 72,000 constituency members (depending on where you live), and a single seat in the House of Commons.

How does an election work?

The name of the game is to get a majority, and for any one party to gain a majority, 326 members of that party must first be elected to the House of Commons. Each party tries to field a candidate for each constituency, though sometimes a party may not field a candidate for a particular constituency due to a pact they’ve made with another party, or because they just don’t have enough candidates.

With the first-past-the-post voting system we have in the United Kingdom, the candidate with the most votes wins the constituency, and thus a seat in parliament. However, that candidate may only secure 39% of the total votes cast with the other candidates securing the remaining 61% of votes. What counts is that each of those remaining candidates did not secure more votes than the victor despite amassing more votes than they did in total. For better or worse, the current system favours the person with the 39% mandate, over the people with the 61% lead. To combat this system, you might want to research into ‘tactical voting’. I’ll leave that up to you.

At a national level, the party with the most elected members, or MPs, wins the election. However, since the name of the game is to get a majority, the party with the most elected MPs may still lose out on a commanding position in parliament by failing to gain that majority. This is referred to as a ‘hung parliament’ where no one party has a majority in the House of Commons. At this point, the party with the most elected MPs must try to form a government by either partnering with another party or by forming a ‘minority government’. The former may (I stress ‘may’) prove beneficial if the winning party can find another with similar political views, whereas the latter would mean that the government might find it difficult to pass their legislation due to a lack of a majority in the House.

In advance of the election, each party will release its manifesto outlining what they intend to do should they win the majority – at least in theory. And while it’s easy to dismiss them, they do provide some insight into the party’s priorities and leanings. So they might be worth a skim at least.

It’s important to remember that voters do not elect the Prime Minister themselves. The person that’ll become the PM is either the current leader of the party that wins, or the leaders of the parties that enter into a coalition, or they’re elected by the parties themselves (sometimes after-the-fact).

How do I know if I’m eligible to vote?

It’s not enough to be 18 and over to vote in UK general elections. Voters will also need to be a registered British citizen with a residential address somewhere in the United Kingdom, or – for those living abroad – must have previously registered to vote within the past 15 years. Qualifying citizens of the Commonwealth, the Republic of Ireland (especially if they were born in Northern Ireland), Cyprus, or Malta, may also be eligible to vote as well. However, EU citizens living in the UK on a permit will not be allowed to vote in the upcoming election at all. Again, make of that what you will.

Prospective voters aged between 16 and 17 may also register to vote, though they will not be able to participate in this upcoming election unless parliament decides to extend the franchise to those people. EU citizens are in a similar situation here.

How do I get involved?

You can vote in one of three ways: in-person, by post, or by proxy. Regardless of which you choose, you will first need to register to vote.

• To register to vote, follow this link. The deadline is midnight on Tuesday, November 26^th. It takes a few minutes at most, but don’t leave it until the last minute! It will take some time for your name to be added to the electoral register once you’ve registered.
• To apply to vote by post, follow this link. The deadline date is the same as registration, but the time is slightly earlier at 5 PM. Voters in Northern Ireland can also apply to vote by post, though you’ll need to provide a reason as to why you cannot vote in person in your case.
• To apply to vote by proxy, follow this link. The deadline for applications is the same as voting by post.

If you intend to vote by post, or by proxy, you will need to make a separate application in addition to your electoral registration. These applications must be made in-time – any applications received after the deadline will be rejected even if it was the fault of the postal service that it wasn’t received in time.

How does ‘in-person’ voting work?

Voting takes place at designated polling stations. Before the election, voters will receive a polling card telling you which station you are registered to vote at. These stations open at 7 AM on the day (December 12^th), and remain open until 10 PM. After that, the station will close to the public.

When you arrive at a polling station, the ballot officer will ask you for your name and address so that they can find you on the electoral register. Be sure to have some form of identification on you just in case you’re asked for it. Then you will be given a ballot paper and shown to a polling booth. You are expected to put a cross in the box next to the name of the candidate you wish to vote for. Putting a tick, a circle, or anything else in that box will spoil your vote. Once you’ve finished, fold the ballot paper in half, exit the polling booth and drop the paper into the ballot box. That’s it, you’re done.

The results are declared through the night as each constituency office counts its votes. The count might spill into the following morning depending on how quickly each constituency declares it’s results, and whether there are any recounts.

How does voting by post or proxy work?

If you intend to vote by post, providing that you’ve registered to do so, you will receive your ballot paper in the mail close to the date of the general election. You must fill in the ballot paper as you would at a polling station, and return it in the envelope provided. If you think your postal vote won’t make it in time, you can take the sealed letter to your local polling station instead.

Voting by proxy means that you’d like someone else to vote on your behalf in your absence. Your proxy would vote as normal, though they would receive two ballot papers instead of one. Your proxy of choice must be trustworthy and registered to vote themselves.

Should I get involved?

Yes, absolutely. Every vote counts, literally. It’s a numbers game after all. One vote could make all the difference – that could be your vote. After all, voting is anonymous, so as long as you don’t tell anyone, no one will find out which way you voted. Nobody needs to know.

Lastly, there’s been a lot of talk about the ‘two-party system’ as of late. According to the BBC, every election since 1922 has been won by either the Labour party or the Conservative party. But in the years since the infamous 2016 EU referendum, a number of alternative parties have sprung up in an attempt to disrupt this system. Together with some of the smaller established parties, a credible force could be brewing here to take on the two-party system for the first time in nearly a century. Could be worth a look? I’ll leave it to you.

Last Word

For more information on how to vote – especially if you’re voting from abroad – follow this link to the official government website. Register to vote; make your voice heard!

Sources

‘General election 2019: A really simple guide’ (BBC – 1/11/19)
‘General election 2019: How political parties choose election candidates’ (BBC – 10/11/19)
‘Register to vote’ (gov.uk)
‘How to vote’ (gov.uk)
‘Minority government’ (parliament.uk)

Image: Steve Houghton-Burnett on Unsplash

Has Student Apathy Towards Politics Started to Decrease?

By Elle Haywood

It has been evident for many years now that there is a certain level of apathy within the UK’s youngest eligible voting group: and there are many factors as to why this is. A vast majority of today’s youth do not see the point in voting as many find it difficult to relate to any of the political parties, or perhaps they just haven’t been educated in politics during their schooling years. Some choose to spoil their ballot as a protest to the current political system, with others just choosing to follow suit by voting for who their parents support. An IPSOS study published figures showing that the 18-24 turnout for the general election in 2010 was only 40%, which suggests a high level of disengagement with politics on the whole.

However, this snap-election could suggest that the tides are turning, and there might be a much larger turnout than first assumed. Due to the popularity and constant usage of social media, young people have been able to gain more access and information about all the political parties and their leaders. As a result, politicians are now more than ever being held to account and are forced to be transparent about their policies. Everything from their voting records, to their expenses, are available online – and so people are able to judge them for their actions, and not just what the spin doctors publish in the papers.

This is especially relevant to the younger demographic because this online exposure could encourage young adults to get involved in discussions, debates and voice their opinions as to their democratic right. The 2016 EU Referendum turnout was unprecedented, with 64% of 18-24-year-olds voting according to LSE. Although, this percentage is only from those who are registered to vote, so this figure isn’t as impressive as it seems. Despite this, it clearly shows that even with referendums, young people are starting to display more of an interest.

Although many are not doing the traditional door-knocking and signing up to become members of a party, they are becoming increasingly vocal on social media and attending televised debates to voice their grievances. It is forcing political parties to start paying attention to this demographic, as their turnout could swing the election result. Even on the registration deadline day, over 250,000 young people signed up last minute, which goes to show how important our voices are.

And now it is in our hands. As young adults, and as academics, it is crucial that we exercise our democratic right to vote and have a say in how our country is governed, as this directly affects our future. So if you love Tim Farron’s rhetoric of recalling Brexit, have faith in Theresa May’s plan to tackle terrorism, or are joyous over Jeremy Corbyn’s pledge to scrap tuition fees – just make sure that you go out and vote. Your vote does count, so stand in solidarity with the student population and make sure your voice is heard by voting in the General Election on Thursday 8th June.

Image Credit: Adobe Stock