Manifesto for Students’ Union Activities and Opportunities Officer 

Hello, I’m Ramees Nazar, the current President of the Students’ Union at Anglia Ruskin University, and I’m delighted to take on the role of Students’ Union Activities and Opportunities Officer to continue enhancing student life through greater opportunities, stronger student representation, and more engaging campus experience.

As an active member of badminton, volleyball, and futsal, and a former BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) representative for these teams, I have firsthand experience in student sports and societies. I regularly attend campus sports and understand the challenges students face in getting involved. Additionally, as the founder and former president of the Kerala Society, I have built one of the biggest societies on campus—winning Society of the Year in its first year. Having started and led a successful society, I understand the challenges many societies face—whether it’s funding, engagement, or support. I will advocate for the issues you face and work to make societies stronger, more supported, and better connected.

I’m not here to make empty promises. I’m here to take real action. I will listen, campaign, and push for meaningful change to improve student activities and opportunities at ARU.

These are the key initiatives I aim to implement this year:

• Participation Fund – Provide financial support for students with strong sporting potential who struggle financially, allowing them to participate in sports clubs without barriers. I will create a fair and transparent application process to ensure the fund reaches those most in need.
   
• Society Growth & Independence – Give societies more creative freedom while ensuring financial support and incentives through a reward system. Societies will have access to an optional task list, where completing tasks (e.g., hosting events, increasing engagement) will earn them additional funding to help them grow and thrive.
   
• Sports Club & Society Forum – Establish monthly meetings where sports club presidents, committee members and society leaders can discuss challenges, share experiences, and work together to find real solutions, ensuring better support and collaboration.
   
• Interdepartmental & Intercampus Competitions – Expand competitions beyond sports to include arts, music, and other talents, with the best players from each faculty competing against each other and representing their campus.
   
• A More Student-Led Students’ Union – Introducing a wider range of skill-building roles in the Students’ Union to gain valuable experience and earn a fair pay. Advocate for greater student involvement in Student Union policies, events, and initiatives to ensure the Students' Union is shaped by student voices.
   
• More Cultural Events & Inclusivity – Organise more student-led cultural events, festivals, and performances to celebrate ARU’s diverse community and create inclusive experiences for everyone.
   
• Your Voice, Your Union– Talk to Me Anytime! – As SU President, I have extensive experience in education, wellbeing, and international student issues, with strong ties to university leaders to push for real change. Whatever the concern—societies, opportunities, or personal challenges. Come and talk to me at any time. I’ll listen, support, and find solutions to improve your university experience.

Key Accomplishments & The Impact I’ve Made as the SU President:

• Introduced the Food Pantry – A free and accessible resource providing ARU students with essential food, toiletries, and other necessities to ease the financial burden of the rising cost of living. Designed to be a supportive and judgment-free space for those in need.
   
• Created the Campus Compass Video Series – Developed a collection of short, informative videos highlighting all campus services available to students, including health and wellness, academic support, and student life, making vital resources more visible and accessible.
   
• Increased Student Engagement in Sports – Collaborated with Team ARU to boost student participation in campus sports, resulting in a significant rise in student involvement in athletic activities, promoting both physical well-being and community engagement.
   
• Coordinated a Successful Global Week Showcase – Organised an inclusive platform for students to celebrate and share their cultural heritage through performances, creating a dynamic and diverse student community. The event showcased over 20 performances, strengthening cultural appreciation and student unity.
   
• Launched the "One Voice" Campaign to Improve Student Satisfaction – Addressed key student concerns, including unclear communication, inconsistent academic guidance, attendance discrepancies, and slow response times. Took action to improve university communication, enhance staff visibility, refine attendance tracking, ensure clearer grade reporting, and advocate for faster response times—ultimately enriching the student experience and contributing to improved NSS (National Students Survey) scores.

I want to assure you that I am a dependable and optimistic leader. Someone who listens, takes action, and puts students first. I’m ready to continue making a real difference for all students at Anglia Ruskin University.

Let’s shape a better, more inclusive student experience together. Vote Ramees for Activities and Opportunities Officer. Your voice, your union.