VP Education Candidate Interview

Why did you decide to apply for the role of VP Education?

I’ve become more and more interested and involved in academic representation since joining university. Running for VP Education seemed the perfect way to apply the experience I’d gained and make a difference to the student body.

What would be the aim of your role?

My aims as VP are quite broad, and cover a wide range of areas of representation. Consistently across my manifesto is a desire to digitalise more services, from submitting assignments to receiving feedback, as well as improving communication from the Union and University about the wide range of services and opportunities available for students.

What would be your main objective for the year?

If I could only do one thing from my manifesto it would be increasing the number of working power plugs in the Hartley Library and other work spaces. In a time when most students work from their laptops or other devices it seems counter-productive for there to be desks without plug sockets.

What problems do you see in SUSU that you think need to be solved?

I think a key problem that is present in the Union, and the University too, is communicating available services. There are many great things in place for students, from extra seminars to special considerations, but I’ve found in my experience that many students aren’t made immediately aware of these. Improving this is key to helping students get the most out of their degrees.

Seeing as you’re the only nominee for this role, what previous experience do you have with SUSU or any other committee you’ve been involved with?

In terms of experience I’ve been both the Academic President and a Course Rep for Archaeology. In these roles I’ve gained experience representing students to the staff body and mediate between the two groups, as well as general experience working in SUSU’s Education Zone. Aside from this I’ve sat on the Archaeology Society committee for two years which has helped me understand the needs of student groups and what students want to get out of their academic societies.

What would be your perfect night in?

Cooking a nice meal for myself or a few friends, bit of wine or beer, and some good old fashioned Netflix.

What would be your perfect night out?

Jesters hands down every time. In my opinion the best night in Southampton. It just seems to take itself a lot less seriously then other clubs and I always feel it’s a lot easier to have a good time.

Finally, if you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one thing with you, what would it be? 

Probably my saxophone, as if I was stranded with nothing else to do it’d force me to actually practice it rather then just use it as a decoration in my room.