Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Monday, 21 March 2011
Sunday, 20 March 2011
It's happening!! The Fun and Fear of it All!!
So, voting has been open for 3 days now! Eeek! It is great being out and about and having the opportunity to talk to so many students and to hear their opinions.
People obviously ask 'why should I vote for you'. My answer to this is I have a vision. I have a vision which includes changes I want to see within the university and changes I want to push forward within the Guild. And, more importantly, I have a vision which includes YOU. It is not about me up in the office but being there, avaliable for you to talk to and to share concerns you have about your course and ideas you have for your Guild. If elected, I am in a great position to be leading the mobolisation of the student body, to get people involved and to ensure that there is communication with the students we are there to represent.
I want to ensure that there is value for money, both in the academic aspects and the student life aspects. We are not merely a statisitc and I want to be the person that you will see striving to improve parts of uni life which you are not happy with so you feel valued and not a ignored number. I want to work for and with you.
Energy, commitment and dedication to YOU and to lobbying for the changes that need to be seen is what I can promise. You will see my presence across campus. You will see me to talk to and you will see the fight I will give to make the changes.
If you vote for me, I will make things happen. I will bring a buzz to the role which won't leave me until I achieve what I set out to do and until my time is over.
Let's make things happen!
It's a kind of Maggie.
Vote Maggie Hayes #1 Guild President
Vote Millie Kidson #1 Student Trustee
People obviously ask 'why should I vote for you'. My answer to this is I have a vision. I have a vision which includes changes I want to see within the university and changes I want to push forward within the Guild. And, more importantly, I have a vision which includes YOU. It is not about me up in the office but being there, avaliable for you to talk to and to share concerns you have about your course and ideas you have for your Guild. If elected, I am in a great position to be leading the mobolisation of the student body, to get people involved and to ensure that there is communication with the students we are there to represent.
I want to ensure that there is value for money, both in the academic aspects and the student life aspects. We are not merely a statisitc and I want to be the person that you will see striving to improve parts of uni life which you are not happy with so you feel valued and not a ignored number. I want to work for and with you.
Energy, commitment and dedication to YOU and to lobbying for the changes that need to be seen is what I can promise. You will see my presence across campus. You will see me to talk to and you will see the fight I will give to make the changes.
If you vote for me, I will make things happen. I will bring a buzz to the role which won't leave me until I achieve what I set out to do and until my time is over.
Let's make things happen!
It's a kind of Maggie.
Vote Maggie Hayes #1 Guild President
Vote Millie Kidson #1 Student Trustee
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Value for Money. Valued as Students.
In my last post I looked at the vision I have for the Guild and the student body and they way in which they should be included and represented...
I promise to take the same level of energy when dealing with the univeristy and lobbying on your behalf. I want to know what issues face you and the concerns you have about your course and academic experience. It is harder and harder for graduates to find work and therefore it is crucial that the academic quality is as best as it can be. There is always room for improvement and I will stand up for you to make this happen. We are not statistics, we are integral to this univeristy and should be treated as such. Value for money and Valued as Students.
-More resources: Core books are not readily avaliable and the costs of them are not appreciated enough by schools. I propose more e-books and hours whereby tutors have the core books avaliable so students can pop in and look at relevant material etc. This is part of the increased communication with tutors that will make students feel more valued and engaged with their course rather than a number. I also think that each school should have a database set up whereby books can be sold and bought to help in any way possible the costs students have to fund.
-I want to fight for a mentoring system like that implemented in some schools as I beleive that it is an invaluable way for students to help each other and for some to help when moving to university can feel very lonely. Knowing students from other years can be very reassuring. This is particularly important in regards to international students where a buddy system for those interested could help with integration which will firther unite the student body.
-I will fight for more contact time or flexibilty in which tutors can be visitied. Students frequently comment on the lack of exam feedback and contact hours. This might not align with the vision of traditonal univeristy study but if enough students are reporting it as a problem then changes need to be made. We need to be consulted on our academic experience and I will fight for this dialogue and the changes you want to be seen.
-Additional costs which are not made clear prospective students is not on. Students with families are not supported enough and it is far too commonly thought that student loans cover all these costs. THEY DO NOT. Universities should offer much more support to those who have to fork out for such costs. Books, equpiment, travel expenses really affect students and there should be greater appreciateion and help concerning this. This is especially so if the 9k fees are introduced yet the teaching budget for some subjects has been cut by 75%. The uni needs to step up and think carefully about the packages they are going to be offering. Education has been made a market by the Con-Dems but our university has a sense of responsibilty to their students and so will I if elected. This is why I will fight, this is why I will try to dampen the effect that it is to have on students.
-Library opening hours at the weekend still seem to be problematic for students. This will be a point I will want to discuss with the university, expressing how hard it is when deadlines are on Mondays for example and the lib opens at 12 and closes at 9! The vending machines being empty when you are on an all nighter provides no motivation either and something I want to see changes in.
These are aspects I see where there needs to be improvement and things I will automatically lobby on.
BUT this is not a list that cannot be changed or added to. I will represent you and therefore open forums, meetings and chats with YOU are crucial so that my views are as representative as possible.
Feel free to comment away and come and see me during the campaign.
Also you can email maggieannehayes@hotmail.com
Peace
Mags
x
I promise to take the same level of energy when dealing with the univeristy and lobbying on your behalf. I want to know what issues face you and the concerns you have about your course and academic experience. It is harder and harder for graduates to find work and therefore it is crucial that the academic quality is as best as it can be. There is always room for improvement and I will stand up for you to make this happen. We are not statistics, we are integral to this univeristy and should be treated as such. Value for money and Valued as Students.
-More resources: Core books are not readily avaliable and the costs of them are not appreciated enough by schools. I propose more e-books and hours whereby tutors have the core books avaliable so students can pop in and look at relevant material etc. This is part of the increased communication with tutors that will make students feel more valued and engaged with their course rather than a number. I also think that each school should have a database set up whereby books can be sold and bought to help in any way possible the costs students have to fund.
-I want to fight for a mentoring system like that implemented in some schools as I beleive that it is an invaluable way for students to help each other and for some to help when moving to university can feel very lonely. Knowing students from other years can be very reassuring. This is particularly important in regards to international students where a buddy system for those interested could help with integration which will firther unite the student body.
-I will fight for more contact time or flexibilty in which tutors can be visitied. Students frequently comment on the lack of exam feedback and contact hours. This might not align with the vision of traditonal univeristy study but if enough students are reporting it as a problem then changes need to be made. We need to be consulted on our academic experience and I will fight for this dialogue and the changes you want to be seen.
-Additional costs which are not made clear prospective students is not on. Students with families are not supported enough and it is far too commonly thought that student loans cover all these costs. THEY DO NOT. Universities should offer much more support to those who have to fork out for such costs. Books, equpiment, travel expenses really affect students and there should be greater appreciateion and help concerning this. This is especially so if the 9k fees are introduced yet the teaching budget for some subjects has been cut by 75%. The uni needs to step up and think carefully about the packages they are going to be offering. Education has been made a market by the Con-Dems but our university has a sense of responsibilty to their students and so will I if elected. This is why I will fight, this is why I will try to dampen the effect that it is to have on students.
-Library opening hours at the weekend still seem to be problematic for students. This will be a point I will want to discuss with the university, expressing how hard it is when deadlines are on Mondays for example and the lib opens at 12 and closes at 9! The vending machines being empty when you are on an all nighter provides no motivation either and something I want to see changes in.
These are aspects I see where there needs to be improvement and things I will automatically lobby on.
BUT this is not a list that cannot be changed or added to. I will represent you and therefore open forums, meetings and chats with YOU are crucial so that my views are as representative as possible.
Feel free to comment away and come and see me during the campaign.
Also you can email maggieannehayes@hotmail.com
Peace
Mags
x
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Pictures and the words they tell and don't tell.. My Values
Hey.
So, they say a picture can tell a thousand words and whilst I hope this is true and that you are able to decipher something from me and my values from the array of purple posters around campus, I want to write a little baout what each of them mean, and what I mean!
I will look at the ideas in the context of the three bullet points on the poster:
-Guild representing all across campus
-Campaigning central
-Keeping Wednesday afternoons free
as well as looking at the others aspects that form part of my vision for our Guild.
1. GUILD REPRESENTING ALL ACROSS CAMPUS
I believe in a student body that is united. I believe in a Guild that is united and is at the core of uniting and bringing students together. I would want by door open to students anytime and specific open office hours for students so that they are not scared to approach us. But, this must not be the only means by which students' views are relayed back to those there to represent them. There has to be more face to face with students. The Guild and power and unity of a students' union is not about the building it is about the presence across campus so people feel part of something.
Im an advocate for extra curricualr activities and involvement withinn societies as it has utterly enrinched my uni life and I want the same for others. But, if you make the informed descion not to be involved that should be repsected. This does not mean that you don't still deserve and need to be represented. You still have a say. I want students to be as informed as possible as to what options there are for them and then for there to still be communication.
I would want open forums across campus and lecture shout outs, for example, about coming and talking and expressing your views..
ALL students deserve to be represented and valued.
2. CAMPAIGNING CENTRAL
Passion. Here liess a lot of mine. I want the guild to be a place in which campaigning is at its centre. The power and potential of the student body is inspiring and we should took much greater advantage of this within our Guild. I would keep up-to-date with campaigns that are happenig locally, nationally and interantionall and ensure that the Guild is at the forefront using all those people who want to be part of the change. I want it to be inherent and create the climate in which we are a union that stands up and with those fighting for change. I want people to be able to come forward and I will harness those and make things happen in our union, with our student body. Annual events such as Red Nose Day should be bigger and better and an inherent part of the organisation. I believe in this so much because as I said it is so easy to do within student communities and engages so many people, especially when they are fun and accessible to all. This is why I would want colloboration between affecting change societies so they can work together on similar goals and aims. The more the merrier is certainly the attitude and one which helps create a united student body across campus. Likewise, I think there should be an easier communication process for all societies so working in the Guild is much easier and the untiy is stronger.
3. WEDNESDAY'S AFTERNOON OPPORTUNITIES
I included this since I think it is an example of where more people can be engaged with Guild life as well as giving structure to the Guild. Most have Wednesday afternoons free because sports fixtures are played then. I think this is a perfect opportunity therefore to have things happening in the Guild or something that we as a union organise or support for all those not involved in sport or want to try something different. These things could include quizzes in the bar, karoke, film showings, offers on food as specials for then, outreach organised volunteering options. It is a great opportunity to create a structure where people know that if they don't have other plans 'they can pop into the Guild'. This could be a time when plans are shared for those wanting to develop projects. I want their to be as much interaction as possible between students and their officers with direct, personal contact.
Now, this is not the end of my vision by any means. In fact, it is only the beginning- oh yes!
One thing I'd like to say here is that I have ideas, beliefs and thoughts of how things can be improved both in regards to the university and the Guild yet one thing I stand by is that I am not there to be a dictator. This is about YOU. I can't say I know all the problems that affect you but I can promise to listen to you share them and to fight for you to make your voice heard and to make things change for the better! I want to work for you as much as with you. My energy will be from the motivation I have from representing you.
So, they say a picture can tell a thousand words and whilst I hope this is true and that you are able to decipher something from me and my values from the array of purple posters around campus, I want to write a little baout what each of them mean, and what I mean!
I will look at the ideas in the context of the three bullet points on the poster:
-Guild representing all across campus
-Campaigning central
-Keeping Wednesday afternoons free
as well as looking at the others aspects that form part of my vision for our Guild.
1. GUILD REPRESENTING ALL ACROSS CAMPUS
I believe in a student body that is united. I believe in a Guild that is united and is at the core of uniting and bringing students together. I would want by door open to students anytime and specific open office hours for students so that they are not scared to approach us. But, this must not be the only means by which students' views are relayed back to those there to represent them. There has to be more face to face with students. The Guild and power and unity of a students' union is not about the building it is about the presence across campus so people feel part of something.
Im an advocate for extra curricualr activities and involvement withinn societies as it has utterly enrinched my uni life and I want the same for others. But, if you make the informed descion not to be involved that should be repsected. This does not mean that you don't still deserve and need to be represented. You still have a say. I want students to be as informed as possible as to what options there are for them and then for there to still be communication.
I would want open forums across campus and lecture shout outs, for example, about coming and talking and expressing your views..
ALL students deserve to be represented and valued.
2. CAMPAIGNING CENTRAL
Passion. Here liess a lot of mine. I want the guild to be a place in which campaigning is at its centre. The power and potential of the student body is inspiring and we should took much greater advantage of this within our Guild. I would keep up-to-date with campaigns that are happenig locally, nationally and interantionall and ensure that the Guild is at the forefront using all those people who want to be part of the change. I want it to be inherent and create the climate in which we are a union that stands up and with those fighting for change. I want people to be able to come forward and I will harness those and make things happen in our union, with our student body. Annual events such as Red Nose Day should be bigger and better and an inherent part of the organisation. I believe in this so much because as I said it is so easy to do within student communities and engages so many people, especially when they are fun and accessible to all. This is why I would want colloboration between affecting change societies so they can work together on similar goals and aims. The more the merrier is certainly the attitude and one which helps create a united student body across campus. Likewise, I think there should be an easier communication process for all societies so working in the Guild is much easier and the untiy is stronger.
3. WEDNESDAY'S AFTERNOON OPPORTUNITIES
I included this since I think it is an example of where more people can be engaged with Guild life as well as giving structure to the Guild. Most have Wednesday afternoons free because sports fixtures are played then. I think this is a perfect opportunity therefore to have things happening in the Guild or something that we as a union organise or support for all those not involved in sport or want to try something different. These things could include quizzes in the bar, karoke, film showings, offers on food as specials for then, outreach organised volunteering options. It is a great opportunity to create a structure where people know that if they don't have other plans 'they can pop into the Guild'. This could be a time when plans are shared for those wanting to develop projects. I want their to be as much interaction as possible between students and their officers with direct, personal contact.
Now, this is not the end of my vision by any means. In fact, it is only the beginning- oh yes!
One thing I'd like to say here is that I have ideas, beliefs and thoughts of how things can be improved both in regards to the university and the Guild yet one thing I stand by is that I am not there to be a dictator. This is about YOU. I can't say I know all the problems that affect you but I can promise to listen to you share them and to fight for you to make your voice heard and to make things change for the better! I want to work for you as much as with you. My energy will be from the motivation I have from representing you.
Friday, 11 March 2011
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