Candidates for Social Sciences and Arts Officer

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

My main motto is to unite everyone and to solve the issues and to make comfortable choices among all.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

By seeing my parents I grew up and learned how to take care and protect my family neighbourhood and society in those tough situations .I'll do my best to give the positive attitude to each and everyone and send everyone smiling back whoever comes to me with any problem/issue.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• University communications
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Student employability

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Upon to my notices everything is fine

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

I am a 2nd Year Animation Student determined to be elected as an Education Officer. What inspired me to apply for this position is wanting students to confidently have no regrets in choosing their course. As a student, I am fully aware of the frustrating situations we all have to deal with. My class has a group chat and would often converse about topics. However, I see negative feedback on the course about having doubts and uncertainty about their future, which heavily degrades their well-being. I wish to contribute to making changes, not only to my course but to others.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I am a committee member for the Artistic Allies Society, a social society that provides crafts for students to have a break from their studies - being creative and having the comfort company of others. During this role, I was trained for EDI (Equality, Diversity, Inclusive) to ensure that society is safe from discrimination and promotes fairness. I want to actively listen to troubles and generate solutions to make students feel as valued as they should be. Everyone deserves support and encouragement for choices that can be beneficial and reassuring.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Sandwich placement support
• University communications

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

SSA includes a wide variety of disciplines in their modules. However, due to the content format, students are restricted to focusing on popular sectors. I think they should have more flexibility over elective modules. I would work on organising optional online classes to broaden student's knowledge and passions.

Many students struggle to juggle their placement alongside other commitments. These include finding a placement, researching, tailoring applications and studies and seeking financial support. If you elect me, I will ensure proper classes and space for you to receive the support you need. To be confident in managing these hardships.

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

I want to be elected as Education Officer to ensure that all students within the College of Social Sciences & Arts have access to the support they need to succeed. As a student with a learning contract, I fully understand the difficulties that come with getting the right support and the barriers people face. My work as President of the LGBTQ Society has strengthened my commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all students, regardless of background or identity, have equal opportunities to thrive. I am dedicated to advocating for accessible services, and creating a more inclusive academic environment.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I have spent the last two years on the LGBTQ Committee, first as Treasurer and now as President. These roles have strengthened my teamwork, leadership, and project management skills. Overseeing finances and leading initiatives has honed my decision-making, organisation, and ability to work under pressure. I have experience coordinating events, managing responsibilities, and ensuring effective communication within a team. These skills, along with my dedication, adaptability, and commitment to inclusivity, make me well-suited for an Officer role where strong leadership and strategic thinking are essential.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Cost of living
• Anti-racism at HSU
• Community, belonging, and academic societies

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

I believe two key issues should be prioritised in this role. First, improving access to modules is crucial. The current system sometimes requires students to attend in person for an hour a day, which isn't accessible for those working or commuting. Offering more flexible learning options, such as online or hybrid formats, would help. Second, there should be a focus on the experiences of Liberation groups at university. It's important to acknowledge how their experiences may differ from their peers and ensure they have the support to thrive. Addressing these challenges will create a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

Having worked for 10 years across the world, balancing studying at the same time, I understand the need to harness our education to achieve on our professional journey. A vote for me, is a choice to get the most from SHU as your progress to your next steps.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I have experience improving the student experience throughout my education, including creating societies and setting up inter-collegiate competitions, always acting selflessly organising charity events for various causes and tailoring teaching to the preferences of the students.

I will bring this background of working in the student environment for your benefit as I do everything to bring about a better educational experience for you.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Timetabling
• Cost of living
• Student employability

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Remote-student Integration

As a large cohort of students take classes online, it is important for them to feel integrated into Hallam life as much as in-person students. I will push for equal treatment in all respects and all their individual knowledge and talent to benefit the student experience for all.

External Experts

The most inspiring part of studying is often hearing first-hand from external experts, providing an understanding of how to apply the knowledge and skills from our courses to achieve in the wider world. I seek to bring about more chances for more students to benefit from these.

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

I would like to be Social Sciences and Arts Officer, because I am passionate about students' voices, and would love the opportunity to represent my college and push for positive change that supports all students, whether that is by improving social networking across courses to support mental health, fighting for equality and advocating for better support for all student in the current cost of living and mental health crises.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

At Hallam, I have been an active course rep, campaigning for changes around support with placement and timetabling, by listening to your feedback and presenting them to push for positive change. I co-founded and ran the largest academic society at Hallam as president of the Education Society. Through this position, I have continued supporting members and students by putting their opinions and feedback to department leaders and campaigning for better support. I have also run campaigns around, supporting underrepresented groups within education, to strive for positive inclusive change across university life.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Community, belonging, and academic societies
• Cost of living
• Mental health and wellbeing support

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Many students find placement challenging, whether that's finding a placement, or support whilst on placement with mental health and academic tasks. If elected, I would work on improving support in finding placements and ensuring there is appropriate and accessible support for all whilst on placement.

Across the college, I have noticed many students don't know about the other courses in their department and often feel isolated. If elected I would work on improving the social connections between courses, by running socials and networking events, that support both mental health and making new friends, in addition to networking, and future careers.

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

It is important to me that everyone's voices are represented and heard, including neurodiverse and disabled students, I want to prioritise accessibility and mental health support. As well as encouraging lecturers to provide detailed constructive feedback on assignments. I would love to be an Education Officer as this will allow me to support and give back to the university that has supported me for the past four years, I would love to get more students involved in the SU and the extracurricular opportunities they offer like societies, as this helped me to develop my own skills.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

During my presidency of Hallam Psychology Society, I developed leadership and teamwork skills, organised 17 events, a common room and study group. I strive to create an inclusive, supportive environment for students. As a course rep, I gathered feedback and advocated for improvements. Throughout my placement at Roundabout, I engaged with policies and supported volunteer inductions. As a Peer Advisor, I support with assignments, university anxiety, and mental health resources. Enhancing my understanding of student barriers, equipping me to advocate effectively. With experience in leadership and student support, I'm dedicated to ensuring every student's voice is heard and their academic experience enriched.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Community, belonging, and academic societies
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Sustainability

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

University offers a variety of support for neurodivergent and disabled students; refinement is required to make learning more accessible. Including attention to invisible disabilities, tailored resources for specific conditions and access to hybrid learning. It's vital to address the mental health challenges experienced by students to ensure access to education without barriers. I will advocate for more constructive feedback on assignments, it's common for feedback to lack suggestions for improvement. I will aim for detailed timely feedback as a requirement, allowing students to develop critical thinking skills, as well as opportunities to discuss feedback to create a more supportive environment.

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

I am excited to run for Education Officer for College of Social Sciences & Arts because I believe every student deserves a supportive, inclusive, and enriching academic experience. With leadership experience as Youth President in my church and Public Relations Officer/Director of Socials at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, I have developed strong communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills all essential for effectively representing and supporting students. If elected, I will prioritize academic feedback improvements, student well-being, cost-of-living support, inclusive curriculum development, ensuring lecture recordings are available to improve learning for all Hallam students.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

As an experienced leader, I have excellent communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. My experience as Youth President in my church and Public Relations Officer/Director of Socials at the University of Nigeria Nsukka has equipped me with strong leadership, teamwork, and student engagement abilities. I have successfully organized student-focused programs, liaised with stakeholders, and ensured student opinions were heard. These experiences have prepared me to listen, represent, and advocate for students effectively while working with university leadership to drive meaningful change. I am confident that my passion, commitment, and leadership experience make me the ideal candidate for Education Officer.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• University Communications
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Cost of living

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

As an aspiring Education Officer-College of Social Sciences & Arts, I believe two key issues affecting students in our college should be prioritized:

1. Inclusive Curriculum and Decolonization: Students have expressed concerns about the lack of diversity and representation in course materials. I aim to work with academics to review and revise curricula, ensuring they are inclusive, diverse, and representative of all students.

2. Academic Feedback and Assessment: Students often express concerns about delayed feedback, unclear assessment criteria, and lack of academic support. I will work with academics to improve feedback mechanisms, ensure transparent assessment processes, and provide additional academic support.

Why do you want to be elected as Social Sciences & Arts Officer?

I am passionate about enhancing student representation and ensuring all voices are heard.

As a course rep, I have actively advocated for my peers and helped shape our academic experience.

As a student trustee, I have contributed to key decisions, gaining valuable leadership and governance insights. Now, I want to take the lead - acting on students' needs, not just approving changes.

I thrive in problem-solving environments, never shy away from speaking up, and am committed to fairness and inclusivity.

My goal is to foster a strong student community and ensure feedback leads to meaningful improvements.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I have strong leadership, advocacy, and communication skills, developed through multiple representative roles.

As a course rep and student trustee, I've worked closely with university staff, ensuring student voices are heard in key decisions.

Elected as an NUS representative, I gained experience in national student advocacy, debating policies that impact universities across the UK.

My role as Social Secretary for the PR & Journalism Society strengthened my ability to engage students and organise initiatives.

Additionally, working at American Express, a multinational company, gave me valuable experience in problem-solving and handling diverse customer needs - skills crucial for representing and supporting students effectively.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Student employability
• Community, belonging, and academic societies

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

- Enhancing Peer Collaboration & Skill Sharing

I want to explore ways to help students connect and exchange skills, facilitating collaboration and hands-on experience. This would help students struggling with projects by enabling them to find peers with relevant expertise, enhancing their CVs through verified experience endorsed by the university or SU.

- Improving Employability and Volunteering Fairs

Current fairs often lack relevant employers for our courses, limiting students' opportunities. I will advocate for more tailored events with clear role descriptions and course alignments, ensuring students can connect with the right organisations, save time, and access meaningful career and volunteering opportunities.