Sunday, 26 April 2009

Charlotte Roach's Manifesto for the Position of Undergraduate Representative on University Council

VOTE CHARLOTTE ROACH on to UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

AIMS:

Commitment from the University to build the sports centre, to allow donations to the sports centre and to transparently report its position on this topic.

Open access to college specific facilities to all university members, or to openly publish college facility differences. College discrimination is unacceptable, we are all part of Cambridge University and few undergraduates are aware of the differences on application.

Push for the removal of Saturday lectures, as this is out of line with most departments and the rest of the world, which discourages wider student university experience and puts unnecessary additional pressure on students.

Departmental guidelines for supervisors to structure supervisions and set work, often they are irrelevant and time wasting.

Remove the atmosphere of fear that surrounds acceptance to Cambridge, we are allowed to try to introduce change into this age old institution

Why VOTE me:

Experience of a better American system - they out class us on fundraising, facilities and applications.

State schooled second year Nat Sci who openly struggled with the work volume but not difficulty, I would like to represent the many silenced others who feel the amount of work expected is simply ridiculous, the focus should be on quality not quantity.

International cross country runner, mentored by Kelly Holmes.

CUSU’s facilities and catering officer, working with the Hawks and Ospreys.

Responsible for the initiation of the Sports Centre Campaign

Action, Straight Talking and Answers is what I stand for.

Farzin Mirshahi's Manifesto for the Position of Undergraduate Representative on University Council and the General Board


University Council Elections 2009
PLEASE VOTE FARZIN MIRSHAHI AS UNDERGRADUATE REP!
Experience

· As Undergraduate College Representative for the Student-Staff Joint Committee in the Classical Faculty, I am used to putting forward views with senior lecturers, fellows and university staff, as well as engaging with students and gauging their opinions on academic and welfare matters.
· I was president of Cambridge University United Nations Association (CUUNA) – with over 1300 members – from 2008-2009, managing a committee, and organising a portfolio of activities including speakers, campaigns, socials, a trip to Geneva UN Headquarters and a magazine. So I know how to negotiate around student and university politics!
· As president of CUUNA, I liaised with the Vice-Chancellor in producing an invitation for Kofi Annan to speak in a future Rede Lecture, providing me with some insight into how the University Office works.
· I created a society from scratch, the Christ’s Classics Society, and so have a broad knowledge of business and budgeting requirements, as well as honing the art of the proposal!

Aims and Ambitions

· I hope to provide a confident and resourceful undergraduate representation at the meetings and to be persistent and passionate in my proposals.
· To make the processes of the University Council more transparent to undergraduates, and therefore a viable agent of change.
· To create schemes whereby the opinion of the undergraduate can be heard and acted upon.
· Most importantly: TO ACHIEVE RESULTS!

David Lowry's Manifesto for the Position of Undergraduate Representative on University Council and on the General Board

David Lowry for University Council and General Board

The experienced, independent candidate who knows how to get things done.

Why me?

-I have the necessary experience of obtaining real results for students from what seem like old-fashioned institutions.
-I am a truly independent candidate: I won't slavishly follow the line of either CUSU or narrow political factions.
-I don't plan to act as a rubber stamp: representation means always sticking up for students' interests.
-This is a crucial year: I will focus on keeping the fees cap, improving education and pushing for green planning.
-CUSU has great education policy that needs following up on the General Board on libraries, supervisor training, small subjects and exam feedback.
-We need accountability from the UC and the General Board: I will use the press, the CUSU website and CUSU Open Meetings to consult the student body more effectively.
-I am running for both the UC and the General Board because the two frequently overlap and we need student oversight to stop bureaucracy hurting our interests

My Experience

-Jesus College Student Union President & LBGT Rep
-Jesus Amnesty President
-Sit on 6 college committees
-English Faculty Library Board
-Member of CUSU Council
-CUSU NUS delegate

My Successes

-Delivered 3rd lowest rents rise in Cambridge through effective use of negotiation at College Council.
-Secured improvements to student accommodation (more trunk rooms, more free laundry facilities, installation of pinboards and modernised plumbing) through strong representation at committees.
-Prevented college ending Jesus bops by negotiating with the Dean.
-Reformed outdated graduate representation through Open Meetings, negotiation with Senior Tutor and constitutional change.
-Increased the input of ordinary students with new polls and meetings.
-Changed procedures to make student union finance open and accountable.