Ram for Education Officer: A Manifesto for Change at ARU

As the current President of the Business Society at ARU and a Centre for Student Success Associate in the Faculty of Business and Law, I have had the privilege of working closely with students, understanding their concerns, and advocating for meaningful changes. My role in student success has given me firsthand experience in identifying academic challenges and developing initiatives to support students. Now, I am standing for the position of Education Officer in the Student Union to enhance the academic experience for all students. I believe in a system that is fair, inclusive, and student-focused, ensuring that everyone at ARU has access to high-quality education and support. Here’s my plan for a better academic environment:

1. Ensuring Consistent and Reliable Teaching Delivery

• Implement a system that guarantees uninterrupted course delivery by ensuring a pool of qualified adjunct lecturers who can step in when needed.

• Establish a clear communication channel for students to report concerns about teaching gaps and get timely resolutions.

• Advocate for more transparent faculty planning to prevent sudden cancellations or disruptions in lectures.

2. Inclusive and Equitable Assessment Practices

• Address the attainment gap among BAME students by ensuring assessments are fair and inclusive.

• Promote the use of the Good and Inclusive Assessment (GAIA) tool to create unbiased evaluation systems.

• Work towards a feedback mechanism that allows students to voice concerns about assessment fairness and grading policies.

3. Enhanced Student Success Initiatives

• Expand academic mentoring and peer support programs to help students struggling with coursework.

• Provide additional career development workshops and networking opportunities within the Faculty of Business and Law and across all faculties 

• Advocate for more tailored academic support services to ensure all students have access to the resources they need to excel.

4. Enhanced Mental Health Support

• Expand Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to more faculty, staff, and student representatives.

• Improve awareness campaigns about the availability of mental health services at ARU.

• Advocate for additional funding and resources to ensure timely support for students facing academic stress.

5. Promoting Race Equity and Inclusion

• Actively support and implement ARU’s Race Equity Strategy to address racial inequalities in academic performance and student experiences.

• Push for more representation in faculty, student leadership, and curriculum to reflect the diverse student body at ARU.

• Strengthen reporting mechanisms for harassment and discrimination, ensuring all students feel safe and valued.

6. Enhancing Campus Culture and Social Inclusion

• Foster an environment that encourages open dialogue, respect, and constructive discussions among students and staff.

• Organize workshops and forums that educate students on diversity, inclusion, and conflict resolution.

• Advocate for an academic environment where all students feel welcomed and valued, free from social exclusion and bias.

Why Vote for Me? I am dedicated to making ARU a place where every student receives a quality education, fair assessment, and the necessary support to succeed. My leadership experience as Business Society President and my role as a Centre for Student Success Associate have given me the skills to work with students, faculty, and university administration effectively. With your vote, we can bring real change to ARU and create an inclusive, supportive, and academically enriching environment for all students.