VP of Welfare: Ledys Sanjuan

Where are you from? What are you studying?

I’m from Bogota, Colombia. I am doing an MA in Critical Global Studies and did my undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh in International Relations.

How are you feeling about running for VP of Welfare and Community? What are you hoping to do if you win?

I feel very excited that issues of student debt, the quality of education, intersectionality and mental health can be put to public discussion for all students to engage with.

If I win my main focus will be equal access and equal opportunities.

Student debt is the main obstacle for equal access to education and meaningful involvement in campus life. I want to make accommodation, on and off campus, affordable and safe. Since the University wants more students to live on campus throughout their studies, we need to ensure this housing is affordable and caters to students financial needs. For Off campus students, I want to push for the completion of the guild landlord registry and enhance the reach of the Guild Advice Unit.

Moreover, student debt is only worsened by the fact that it is now GBP 9,000 a year to get a degree for a UK resident and GBP 12, 600+ for an international student; there is no way to get around the fact that this puts an enormous amount of pressure on students. I want the Guild to lobby the university to give more bursaries for students of poorer backgrounds and to cap international student fees. I also want our guild to join the NUS and other student unions to campaign for free, fair and funded education.

I want the guild to stand up for equal opportunities; this means recognition that we need an intersectional framework in place  to ensure that all guild staff and society presidents are trained to deal with issues of sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, transphobia and ableism. Recently the university has received negative press coverage on these grounds, and we as a student body have to address that; we need to make an effort to reflect the fact that this is a diverse campus in which every student should feel safe. I am confident we can do that.

Finally, student welfare needs to reflect awareness of the increase in student suicide rates; the special needs of minoritised students (people of colour, LGBTQ+, women, disabled, among others). I want the university to invest in mental health awareness and services so people can and are able to participate in their studies with the support they deserve.

In sum, no student’s ability to participate meaningfully on campus life should be impaired by who they are, or how much money they have.

Have you voted in all the past Sabb elections? Why do you think it’s important to vote?

In my previous university I participated in all elections, either running myself or helping other people. I think it is very important to vote, but I think it’s even more important that we vote for policies. A lot of people have told me –indifferently- that this is a popularity contest. In the current economic climate and the increasing erosion of students’ wellbeing in the face of mounting debt, I don’t think we can take the luxury of not voting. It is our duty, as a conscious student body, to vote.

What sort of music do you like? Who is the best band you’ve ever seen live?

I have a lot of love for Scottish indie, post rock, drum and bass, jungle and nu cumbia. The best artist I have seen live is BB King at Glastonbury in the summer of 2011, it was an amazing opportunity to see one of the best bluesmen live on stage.

Will you be attending the Vote Fest events?

I will be and so will my team. We will be the ones wearing red, please come and see us if you have any questions and suggestions for the campaign!

Any final thoughts for our readers?

The role of Welfare and Community Sabb is to fight for students’ rights. I don’t think we should have to choose between paying rent and joining a society, I think we need to tackle student debt and stand collectively for a university that can proudly say it has equal access and equal opportunities for its diverse and ever growing campus.

VP of Participation and Campuses: Emma Ollis

How have you enjoyed your time here at Exeter? What are you studying? 

I'm a third year drama student keen to ensure that students enjoy their time here as much as I have. Getting involved with a variety of societies and activities over the past three years has not only provided me with a nice break from studying. It’s allowed me to make many great friends, has been lots of fun and has given me great experience for my career on top of my degree.

What are you hoping to do after university?

I want to go into Events Management, so this role would be very good experience for my career. My aim is to further my training through an internship or graduate scheme and then work my way up!

What made you decide to run for VP of Participation and Campuses? What’s the plan if you win?

Knowing how much I have enjoyed getting involved makes me want to ensure that students are given the facilities and opportunities to ensure they can have the best time here. I really want people to see the benefits of joining a variety of societies and running for committee positions. With the rise in tuition fees, students should grab hold of any opportunity they can!

If I win, I want to find bigger and better ways to promote the activities and volunteering happening here, increasing the exposure of the XMedia’s and the publicity of events happening each week. There are then three things I want to accomplish that effect students’ directly. Firstly, I want to address the loss of the St. Luke’s community feel. I also want to make sure all students are given a voice and given the support they need to ensure inclusion. Finally, I want to ensure societies are given the support and advice they need to thrive by listening to their wants and needs. In terms of collaboration, I wish to initiate ‘The Big Society Swap’. This would involve societies trying out each others’ activities, which will also help to further our relationship with the AU. I also wish to improve our collaboration with the Exeter Northcott, providing opportunities for work experience and performances better suited to student audiences.

How are you feeling about campaigning? 

The standard answer: ‘I’m nervous but excited.’ I really think it’ll be good fun; it's a great group of people so I'm looking forward to getting started. I know it’s kind of inevitable, but I really don’t want to annoy people. I just hope students see that I’m effectively campaigning for the chance to help them!

What sort of music do you like? Can you tell us your top five favourite bands?

I will happily listen to pretty much anything. I’m not sure I can say my top 5, but Foo Fighters, Muse and Alt-J are definitely up there. I’m definitely not a Charts person, but I still find myself singing along to everything.

Can students expect to meet you at the Vote Fest events?

Definitely, I will be at both!

VP of Participation and Campuses: Abbe Cooper

Tell us about yourself. What are you studying?

First of all, HELLO!  I am Abbe Cooper and I am currently a third year LLB Law student. I really hope to get to know a lot of you during campaign week. You shall see me all over campus running around with a big smile on my face and if you hear a Welsh accent, that’s definitely me telling you all about what I hope to achieve if elected.

What sort of things have you been involved with while you’ve been here at Exeter?

Being a first year student seems so far away now, but from the first weeks at University and becoming a FREP (first year representative) for RAG, to currently being a third year and holding the position Vice President of Bracton Law Society, my University experience has been completely packed.
Not forgetting all those things in between like; the Children in Need ‘task and finish’ group raising over £5000!!; being an Activities and Volunteering assistant (Yes I am one of those people you see sitting behind the desk in the A&V Hub); working in the Guild Bars; Lemon Grove and the Ram serving you curly fries, and the most amazing week of Welcome Team, this year including a position as Senior Team member.

Why did you decide to run for VP of Participation and Campuses?

The main reason I decided to run was down to the University experience that I have had myself.  Having participated and having jumped into every given opportunity, I have been able to meet so many different people that have completely made my last 3 years here at Exeter. It all boils down to seeing some changes within the Guild that I feel are important, and ensuring that I can make EVERY student  feel as involved as possible, and enabling them to have an amazing student experience too.

What are your plans if you win?

There are lots of exciting plans in the pipeline. All plans include all campuses and I will give you four sentences to sum it up

-SOC-CESS
- A BETTER FORUM....?
- VOLUN-TIER-ING
- FOR EVERY STUDENT

What’s the best band you’ve ever seen live?

The best band, now that’s a hard one! I listen to all different types of music but I can tell you that I recently went to watch Benjamin Francis Leftwich, who I absolutely loved! But I hear Kaiser Chiefs are coming to the University soon so snapping a ticket up for that is on my post election  to-do list!

Any final words for our readers?

If you want to find out more, head to the Guild Website to read my manifesto, follow me on twitter or find me on Facebook.  I will be around all week, and am one very excited candidate!!
VOTE COOPER FOR PAC!

VP of Participation and Campuses: Jak Curtis-Rendall

Can you start with telling us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? What are you studying?

Hi I’m Jak Curtis-Rendall, and I’m from Weymouth down in Dorset. I’m a 3rd year student studying Geography. Apart from my degree I am also the Societies Officer & a Guild Activities & Volunteering Assistant, and have been a key committee member for events such as Children In Need, and the upcoming National Student Television Awards & Conference. There is always so much going on here and I have absolutely loved my time at Exeter, and hope it continues! There’s also nothing like good night outs!

What’s the plan for life after university?

Leaving Exeter is something I haven’t fully considered yet! Obviously my priority is to represent all the students here as VP PAC. After University though I would love to go travelling, as it’s something I never really did before University, and I feel it’s an amazing experience I missed out on. Australia & New Zealand are definitely top of my list after a short visit last year! Job wise Management Consultancy and teaching are top of the list currently, but working in the Students Union sector for a while would certainly be enjoyable!

You’re running for VP of Participation and Campuses, why do you think it’s so important for students to get involved in things outside their studies?

I think it’s really important for students to get involved outside of studying. The opportunities and activities we can get involved with while here need to be seized, as in most cases we will never get close to such fun, enjoyable and memorable activities and events again post-Exeter. Getting involved and participating also makes you more employable – while having fun, so it’s a win, win situation.

What are you hoping to change if you win the election?

If I win the election I really want to make sure Guild & University services and facilities are improved to make the student experience as enjoyable, fun, diverse and supportive as it can be. I want to create a new Entrepreneurs Hub, and get their products in our student shops. Music needs to be more at the heart of what the Guild does through new, dedicated space and greater support, while society support, funding and online resources all need dramatic improvements – the Sign-Up procedure needs to be given back to them too. Introducing RAM Breakfasts & Desserts, and putting in new big screens for sports & events are other plans for me! Lukes is also really important to me. I’m passionate about halting the growing experience gap between Streatham & Lukes, and hope a new Love Lukes Activities & Events Fund will achieve this. International, Postgraduate & Mature students are also at the heart of my manifesto – so a lot of work, but I’m dedicated to putting in the work to make the student experience the best it can be!

Will you be coming to the Vote Fest events to meet some potential voters?

Yes! I’ll certainly be at Vote Fest to meet voters and listen to some great live music. It’s a fantastic new event that the elections really needed. I’ve also got some friends playing at Vote Fest so I’ll definitely be coming to both nights. I think lots of students will come, as more Live Music on campus is something students really want. It’s also going to be a great opportunity for potential voters to engage with us, and a great opportunity for us as candidates to chat and listen to potential voters and what they want.

What sort of music do you like? Have you been able to go to many gigs here in Exeter?

My music taste is pretty varied – ranging from very cheesy if I’m in the right mood for it, to Jazz, Reggae & Indie. I really do enjoy live music and try to get to gigs at Exeter, such as Timepiece Battle of the Bands nights & Sunday Firehouse. It’s amazing just how many students are involved in music, and the range of talent we actually have here, from Beats & Bass nights at Cavern to the ExTunes nights. I’m also a big fan of EUJOs gigs!

VP of Welfare: Sam Sayce

Can you start with telling us a bit about yourself?

My name is Sam Sayce and I’m a 3rd year student at the university. I am currently studying Drama which suits me perfectly as I am very much a people person. I am a fun loving, sociable person and enjoy being around large groups of people and forming new friendships. I believe these are qualities that will be beneficial to both my campaign and my suitability to the role of VP of Welfare & Community.

Have you been involved in much at the university outside of studying?

Being a drama student I naturally have a keen interest in theatre and the arts in general. I have been involved with a number of the theatre societies on campus and have carried out a number of production and onstage roles. These have included acting in productions, stage management and most recently, directing. Last summer I also, along with 17 other Exeter students, took part in a charity Kilimanjaro climb raising thousands of pounds for Dig Deep Africa.

Why did you decide to run for VP of Welfare and Community? 

I decided to run when reflecting back on my three years here at Exeter. I have had the most incredible time and would love to be a part of making sure that other students get the same. The guild is there to help students get the absolute most out of their degree and their time in the city and I felt that I had a couple of strong ideas that I could put into action to help achieve this. I also felt that the caring, helpful nature of the job was well suited to my personality.

How are you feeling about campaigning? Any strategies you can tell us about?

Although I am slightly nervous about campaigning, I am very much looking forward to the actual week itself. It will be a completely new experience for me and I have a great team working with me which gives me a huge boost in confidence. I know that, whatever the result, I will gain endless amounts from the campaign experience. In terms of strategy for the actual week, I believe that you need to talk to people face to face in order to really connect with them and have a team that is as well informed on your manifesto and policies as you are.

Have you managed to go to many gigs while you’ve been here in Exeter?

I’ve managed to catch a couple of gigs whilst I’ve been here. I saw Zane Lowe in the Lemmy in my first year and DJ Fresh earlier this year. The highlight for me though was being lucky enough to catch Joss Stone performing at Mama Stones last year which was incredible.

Will you be coming to the Vote Fest events to meet some potential voters?

Of course I will. I’m a big believer in that to get the votes, you need to get yourself out there and talk to potential voters. It also sounds like a fun and exciting event.

VP of Welfare: Chris Rootkin

Tell us about yourself. What are you studying?

Hi, I'm Chris, a third year Biological Sciences student. I take part in a number of societies ranging from break-dancing to boxing to ultimate frisbee, and I'm on the committee for BioSoc. I captain three intramural football teams, and I'm General Coordinator of the student nightline, Voice. I live with eight friends that I've known since day one of university from my flat in halls and my favourite colour is blue.

What made you decide to run for VP of Welfare and Community? Why do you think it’s an important role?

I decided to run for VP Welfare & Community a while back. Aside from running Voice, I've spent a lot of time in the Guild and I also work for the Advice Unit. These roles have given me a taste of helping student welfare, and I feel it's something I'd like to continue in order to give something back to the student body.  I've been lucky enough to have three amazing years at Exeter, and I want to use my experience to give other students the best chance possible to have the opportunities I've had. Student welfare is paramount for a good University experience, and I see VP Welfare & Community as the vital link between the student body, the Guild and the University which can see the changes that students want put into action.

What’s the plan if you win the election?

Please have a look at my manifesto for a more detailed plan, but there are a few things I want to do if I win:
I want to expand the SenseExeter website; its role would be expanded from a site solely about student safety, to include local information on events, opportunities and chances for students in Exeter.
I would use the advertising space around the Forum and the University in general more evenly, to publicise the support services available to students. The Guild and the University offer a lot of support, so it's up to me to make sure students know about it.

I'm also keen to run a social media risks awareness campaign. This is a very current topic, and I want to make sure students aren't disadvantaged by sites such as Facebook when looking for employment, for example.

Can students expect to meet you at the Vote Fest events?

Students can meet me at both Vote Fest events. I'll be there with my campaign team, so if there's any questions you'd like to ask, please feel free to come and talk to me!

What kind of music do you like? If you could have any band play in your back garden who would it be?

My music taste is really diverse; I like a bit of everything. I think if I could have any band play in my back garden it would be Oasis. I might be a bit late for that now, but I used to listen to them loads when I was younger, and was fortunate enough to see them in one of their final gigs.

Any final words for our readers?

My only final words would be to please come and talk to me this week! I care about student welfare, and I want to make sure student views are heard, and acted upon, within the Guild. It would be great to meet you, so please come and say hello!

VP of Academic Affairs: Alex Phillips

Have you enjoyed your time at Exeter so far?

I can without a doubt say that Exeter has been some of the best years of my life and I'm not ready for it to end yet! I've met so many people that have affected my life and inspired me to do things that I didn't think I was capable of before. I have really grown as a person and had great fun on the way! My involvement with the Guild up to this point, through academic representation and societies, has really enhanced my student experience and makes me proud to be an Exeter student.

Why did you decide to run for VP of Academic Affairs?

I believe that my background and experience in Academic Affairs puts me in good stead for the position. I have been a member of the Psychology Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) for all my three years at Exeter including being elected for the second year running as Subject Chair. In this time I have seen SSLC's across the University thrive and believe this is just the start of what is a great system of feedback and improvement, enhancing the way the Guild and the University can work together. I am also President of Mind Your Head Society as well as Mental Health Rep for the Guild, two roles which have shown me the way Wellbeing and Academia are interlinked. Academic Affairs is something I'm really passionate about and believe that my enthusiasm will enable me to effectively represent students if I were to be elected. Above anything I am friendly and approachable, two qualities which are vital for listening and responding to students' needs.

What are you hoping to do if you win the election?

After I have got over the initial excitement and gratitude to all those who voted I intend to really knuckle down and fight for what students really want and need. I will introduce MACE feedback in Week 6 so that students can give more real-time feedback about their course and so that staff can improve it efficiently. This way students' feedback will be having a direct effect on their module in their year. Secondly, ALL students should have a break from all academic commitments such as lectures and seminars in Week 6. This will be Opportunities Week, when all students will be given a multitude of employability opportunities ranging from workshops, to talks to one on one sessions. In a recent Guild survey 49% of students identified they wanted to improve employability and this will really enhance all students' employability prospects. This will be available to all students, in all years and courses. There is often not enough desks available in the library. Therefore I want to introduce an online system available via the Exeter App that allows students to see when rooms in academic buildings are free for private/group study. These are just three of my points I outline on my manifesto. Please take a look and see what else I would implement. Above all I want to increase participation and engagement of students by ensuring effective publicity of all the opportunities both the Guild and the University have to offer.

Why do you think it’s important for students to vote in the Sabb elections?

It is important for students to vote in the Guild Elections so that they have the person they want representing their views. Students need someone who will stand up for students' opinions and really fight for change. I believe I would do this effectively.

Have you been able to catch much live music while you’ve been here in Exeter? Any stand out gigs?

I went to see Jakwob at the Lemon Grove which was a really fun night. The live music at this year's Safer Sex Ball was also really good! It was great to see so many students performing too and really showcasing their work and talent.

Will you be coming to meet potential voters at the Vote Fest events?

I'm so excited about Vote Fest events running alongside campaign week. It adds a whole new and exciting element, really engaging all students. I will certainly be at all the events and I am very much looking forward to meeting potential voters and getting to know as many students as possible. There is nothing better than a good chat to get to know someone!