For International & PGR Officer
Stronger Support. Greater Engagement. A Student-Led Future.
I’m Gawdham Krishna Melath, your Vice President of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and I’m excited to stand for the role of International & PGR Officer!
For the past one year, I’ve worked hard to support students, push for change, and make university life better for everyone. I believe small actions can create bigchanges, and I will continue to be your voice in the Students’ Union.
What I’ve Achieved So Far:
1. Fair International Student Fees – Led a campaign that gathered 800+ student signatures, pushing for transparent and fair fee structures.
This campaign is now progressing towards real change, with a new proposal to change the international tuition fees structure from upfront 60% + 2nd instalment 40% to 60%+ 20% + 20%, ideally making it possible to work part-time and pay fees.
2. Increase Student Engagement in SU Events – Worked to encourage more student participation, making events bigger, more inclusive, and more
engaging. Helped organise Global Week and ARU’s Got Talent, creating successful and diverse celebrations for all students.
3. Housing Campaign & Student Rights Advocacy – Collaborated with officers to push for better student housing policies. Met with MPs and been to Parliament, attending All Party Parliament Groups (APPG) to advocate for fairer housing rights.
4. “One Voice” Campaign – Worked on improving communication between students and the university, ensuring concerns are addressed more effectively.
5. "Our Space, Our Bar" Campaign (Cambridge Campus) – Currently fighting for better student spaces in Cambridge, ensuring students have a dedicated,welcoming space to socialise and relax.
6. Key role in Democracy change – Helped improve the Students’ Union’s democratic processes, ensuring students have more power in decision-making.
Key priorities as International & PGR Officer:
1. Representing & Supporting Students from 185+ Countries: -
• ARU has students from 185+ countries, but not all feel included. I will work to make sure all cultures are celebrated and represented.
• Work with the Activities & Opportunities Officer to create more cross-cultural events, bringing students together.
. • Ensure international students have equal access to opportunities and support.
2.Improving Support for International & PGR Students: -
• Create networking sessions for PGR students, helping them share research, build connections, and support each other.
. Pushing for more PGR representation in university decision-making.
• Work with the Welfare & Liberation Officers to improve mental health support for international and PGR students.
3Campaign Against Rising Tuition Fees:-
• Work with NUS and collaborate with SU President to fight unfair tuition fee increases that affect international students every year.
• Demand greater financial transparency on how student fees are used, advocating for more scholarships and financial aid options for students in need.
4. Fairer Student Housing & Stronger Support: -
• Continue working with NUS and MPs to push for better rental policies and no-guarantor options.
• Provide clearer tenancy guidance and support for students struggling with housing issues.
5. Fighting for Better Student Spaces Across All Five Campuses:-
• Continue working on the "Our Space, Our Bar" campaign in Cambridge, ensuring students have a dedicated, inclusive, and student-friendly space.
• Ensure that across all five campuses, student needs are addressed based on feedback and democratic processes, so every campus gets the changes it needs.
6. A Truly Student-Led Students’ Union:-
• Introduce a feedback system for international & PGR students, making it easier to raise concerns.
Why Vote for Me?
I am dedicated, experienced, and passionate about making ARU a better place for all students. I have already delivered real change, and with your support, I can continue
fighting for your rights, wellbeing, and success.
Vote Gawdham Krishna Melath for International & PGR Officer
Stronger support. Greater engagement. A student-led future.