www.ausa.org.uk/elections

Beginning of the Summer term, people are out in force handing out sweets, campus looks like a photocopier has spewed all over it – It must be the AUSA elections!

I know what you’re thinking – because I was just like you a few years ago – what’s the point? It’s not really that important – student politics, who cares? But what if I was to tell you the lucky 14 who get the most votes out of the 29 candidates on campus this week will be making decisions on various issues which directly affect you; the price of your grad ball ticket, what’s on during freshers week and how much funding your society/sports club gets. Doesn’t grab you? What if I was to tell you, these are the people who, if you fail your degree, will fight your corner, stand beside you when you’re being questioned and argue until you get that degree back!

Still nothing? Ok – do you want Butchart to have an alcohol licence? Do

you want free condoms, a c c o m m o d a t i o n assistance and financial advice? Do you want a cinema on campus? How

about more computers or longer library open hours? What about more training facilities or fewer restrictions on your sports clubs? Cheaper food on campus?

Anything you can think of to do with campus, university and AUSA 14 out of the 29 running will have the power to influence that change. I guarantee, in some way, they will affect your university life.Within this publication you will find all the information you need about how to vote, whose running, their manifestos and of course their pictures.

Grab a coffee, peruse this manifesto guide, make a decision, pop online and vote! Two seconds of your time could be the difference between a performance space or a Union, the pole dancing society or the H20 society, a fail or a first.

What’s the point?

AUSA ELECTIONS 2013 - Manifesto & Elections GuidePAGE 2 APRIL 2013

The Executive Committee is made up of 13 students. seven full time sabbaticals, each of whom receive a £17k+ wage in order to devout their waking hours to working for students. The other seven are volunteers who study alongside the hours they

POSTER-GATE: Candidates’ posters around campus during Elections

What’s This Elections Malarky All About Then?

Influence change

Two seconds to make a difference

AUSA is changing through a new constitution and the appointment of external trustees, which will make it more accountable and approachable to all its members – namely you!

They will also be focussing on all the key points from

their manifestos, which are in this paper, for you!

This is why it’s insanely important for you to vote – because it’s all about you!

They’re all here to work for you, so make sure you vote for the person who is going to do this best – for you!

Accountable

Working for you

What The Frank is This Executive Committee?AUSA Executive committee are the leaders of a multi-million pound charity. Most members chair committees that directly affect you, from Welfare to Sports - they put in countless hours to represent you.

put in working for AUSA.

These 14 people, for the upcoming year, will especially be looking at making the Butchart building work for you.

2013 CANDIDATESAPRIL 2013 PAGE 3AUSA ELECTIONS 2013 - Manifesto & Elections Guide

STUDENT PRESIDENT

MEGAN DUNN LAURA SIVULA JAMES VALENTINE

PRESIDENT fOR WELfARE & EqUAL OPPORTUNITIES

BRIGHT AMPONSAH CONOR RIORDAN JOANNA WILSON VITA ZAPOROZCENKO

no photo

JENNY WILSON HAMISH MACKENZIE DAN MCCROSKRIE LILI NAGY EVA NOHE

PRESIDENT fOR CHARITIES & COMMUNITy

ADEOLA ADELAKUN JAMIE DOUGLAS ROB HENTHORN

PRESIDENT fOR EDUCATION & EMPLOyAbILITy

VICE-PRESIDENT fOR CHARITIES

JENNY WATERS

VICE-PRESIDENT EDUCATION

GESINE MAERKER ZOE MCKELLAR

VICE-PRESIDENT fOR SOCIETIES

GEMMA RIDDELL HUGH TOPPING

PRESIDENT fOR ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS

EMILY BEEVERNICOLA BRUNI

GIULIO SEGANTINI

PRESIDENT fOR SPORT

FORBES GAULDROBYN KINNIBURGH-

CLOUGHMARC MCCORKELL EMMA STRACHAN EMMA CARLEN

PRESIDENT fOR SOCIETIES & STUDENT ACTIVITIES

KADRI VILGATS

VICE-PRESIDENT fOR ENVIRONMENT & ETHICS

THERE ARE CURRENTLy NO CANDIDATES fOR THE POSITIONS Of: VICE PRESIDENT fOR EqUAL OPPORTUNITIES, VICE PRESIDENT fOR SPORT OR fORESTERHILL CONVENER

THESE POSITIONS WILL bE CONTESTED VIA by-ELECTIONS DURING THE STANDING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS IN MAy 2013

Leadership “I believe our Students’ Association needs CLeArer dIreCtIon and fIrmer LeAderShIp. An executive team that can work together. A team able to put aside personal ambition to get things done. A team willing to aim high, to mAke tough deCISIonS, to start important CAmpAIgnS, and to implement the ChAngeS that our university and our Association needs.”

CommuniCation“I believe the Students’ Association is failing to engage students properly. It doesn’t promote services, events or the opportunities the university and the SA can offer well enough. It doesn’t listen properly to the opinions of the majority of students, making SA policy guided by a few. I believe the executive Committee and Student Council should strive to be ContACtAbLe and ACCountAbLe to all students at Aberdeen, so AuSA and our university can understand what the true Student body wants.”

representation“I believe we can make sure our Students’ Association represents ALL Au StudentS. giving equAL voICe to foresterhill and king’s, Sports clubs and Societies, Student Activities, Liberation Strands, undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time Students, mature Students and Student parents. With the right attitude and determination, I believe we can achieve this and have true repreSentAtIon for a true StudentS’ ASSoCIAtIon.”

facebook.com/jrvalentine@jamesrvalentine

2013 V TE VALENTINE

STUDENT PRESIDENT

Leadership • CommuniCation • representation

sports CLubs

soCieties & aCtivities

ForesterhiLL

aCCountabiLity

CommuniCation

ausa

eduCation

aCComodation

WeLFare & equaL opps• Create a part-time students forum. • Make sure AUSA has a disability information and support pack for members.• Improve mental health support on campus.

• Provide term time listening forums and weekly off ice hours open to all students.• Provide info on welfare, study skills & Association services outside the library and study areas during exam periods.• Make monthly halls visits to inform students campaigns and services.• Students shouldn’t be expected to ‘come to AuSA’. AuSA should be reaching the student.

• Ensure student activities are protected.• Agree long term budgetary agreements between student media and AuSA. • Facilitate better communication between societies and clubs.

• Improve AUSA’s and the University’s accommodation services. • Create an online accommodation forum. A place students can go to f ind f latmates and f lats, with all the information they need on living in Aberdeen.

• Preserve Wednesdays for sport.• Make sure clubs have lit pitches.• Help clubs (and societies) get more respect from the bank of Scotland, with easier committee change overs and freedom to access their accounts eff iciently.

James valentine history 4th year.gaudie, october 2010 - present. news editor, deputy head editor, 1.5 years as Co-head editor.ASr, radio Show.Class rep, 2nd and 4th year history.

A more IntegrAted Student CommunIty for A Student Led StudentS’ ASSoCIAtIon.

• The Students’ Association should be transparent and accountable to all students. • Launch ‘AUSA Motions’ and other reforms for a more representative system for Student Council. • Launch an ‘How AUSA impacts you’ video campaign.

I will work with the other off icers to:

• Increase and raise awareness of post-assessment support. With exam dates published earlier, and allowing students to receive back exam papers. • Encourage better explanation of CAS marking system.• Eliminate hidden course costs and if it's essential to your course it should be free.• Commitment to widening access, campaigning for more recorded lectures.

• Improve contact, support and services reaching foresterhill, whilst acknowledging the role and preserving the independence of foresterhill societies. • Spend one day a week at Foresterhill. • Campaign for an area for AUSA and university Student Services in Suttie Centre.

• AUSA needs students back at its heart, big decisions should not be made by unaccountable and unelected managers.

SUPPORT Some students have come a long way to study here in Aberdeen. Whether they've traveled thousands of miles, or just around the corner, every student has their own journey. As Student President I would continue to campaign throughout campus and local community to ensure that our University will support widening access in the future. International students are far too often ripped off by the University with high tuition fees and have to put up with false expectations and lack of support while at University. International students are not piggy banks. We need to make sure that if things go wrong there is a safety net to fall to. I want the University to take ethical responsibility seriously. Students are not just numbers – we are humans who bear the consequences if something goes wrong. As a Students’ Association we need to ensure that all students at the University of Aberdeen get a fair deal. Too many students are paying way too much for their education and not getting enough back. We need to make sure that students will get back what they deserve – a quality degree with support from the University in a safe and enjoyable city. I will:

Lobby for better deals for international students.

Campaign for wider access and enabling support services.

Make sure the University makes teaching and learning their highest priority.

STRUCTURE We need to offer every student the opportunity to get involved. The majority of students do not know enough about how to get into active student roles; whether it is being a Class Rep, society or sports club member, member of the Student Council or a volunteer. It needs to be easy and accessible, not enough positive minded students are getting involved. The University of Aberdeen is an ancient institution, but the curriculum does not need to be ancient. As Student President I would take an active role in University committees and make sure that the courses being taught to us are contemporary, interesting and offer us the skills we need in working life. We need to work on the internal structures of our Students’ Association to make sure that we are transparent when it comes to democracy and decision making, and we are able to offer student groups resources to become successful. Reforming our representational and democratic structures is necessary in order to make decision making more accountable and making space for a more representative body of students who are involved. I will:

Create welcoming and exciting opportunities for students to get involved.

Make sure there is increased student input when the University plans its curriculum.

Ensure that decision making at our Students’ Association will become more transparent and accountable.

Work on making our democratic structures more representative.

SUSTAIN ABILITY

Societies, sports clubs and student groups need more income. We need a Students' Association that is far more independent from the University. Expanding our commercial services would generate more income for students and would enable us to sustain the support services we offer. So by investing more thought on the commercial side we could have more money to support student activities. We need to build a culture of student involvement. Our Students’ Association needs to have presence on both campuses and Hillhead – not only in Butchart. You should not have to come to us – we should be there for you in the first place. I will:

Work towards expanding the commercial services our Students’ Association offers and make sure the generated income goes back to the students.

Help build a positive student culture at our University, involving all students.

Leave behind a positive legacy for future student generations.

www.laura4president.com @LauraSivula #laura4president facebook.com/sivula.laura

We need to focus on the issues students face at the University of Aberdeen every day. We need to build a strong Students' Association, which encourages and supports all students. Whether

you're an undergraduate at King's College or Foresterhill, a postgraduate student or a part-time distance learner - you deserve to be represented by your Students' Association. Would you give

me a job representing you?

LAURAFORSTUDENTPRESIDENT2013

Aberdeen Wide Action on the Environment

Working with the City Council we could make sure that students and AUSA has a bigger say in how our city tackles issues on cli-mate change and the environment. This year the Council has earmarked 10% of its budget for environmental projects, I would like Aberdeen University to be part of the conversation on how to spend this money. I would also like us to work closer with RGU and Aberdeen College on environmental issues, bringing in events like “No Car Days” across Aberdeen and lobbying to-

gether for lower bus prices.

Carbon Neutral Campus

Currently both AUSA and the Uni-versity’s carbon footprints are far too big, I will work to bring this down and launch a campaign to get Aberdeen University to become carbon neutral. A move towards renewable sources of energy, more energy efficient buildings (insula-tion and double glazing) and offset-ting carbon will help achieve this. I want to build on the work of exist-ing campaigns and launch a “Car-bon Neutral Campus Campaign” to try get our carbon emissions to 0, which will save money for AUSA and the University as well as the en-

vironment.

Lobbying the University

In the past the Environment and Ethics Committee have had suc-cesses with lobbying the Universi-ty; I feel this can go further. While the University offers an ethics course there is no single ethics policy. Recent successes should be reinforced by the adoption of a policy, to ensure ongoing com-mittment to proper ethical stand-

ards within the university.

Creation of Ethics Repre-sentatives

The creation of the new Ethics Committee gives us a fantastic opportunity to look at how AUSA approaches these issues. I will set up a system of individual repre-sentatives to raise awareness of Religious, Moral, Political and all other ethical issues. This is good practice that is followed by other committees and could really be useful for the Ethics Committee.

Discussion Forums

I would like to start monthly discussion forums on a range of ethical issues, inviting members of interested societies and student groups, where people can discuss issues that are troubling them. I will also create an impartial list of places and student groups that students can get advice on a variety of

issues.

VOTE HAMISH MACKENZIE #1 PRESIDENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND ETHICS

facebook.com/hdmackenzietwitter@hdmackenzie1990

If you would like any more information, or my manifesto in a more accessible format; e.g. Braille, high contrast ,

Gaelic or any other format please contact me at :

Experience AUSA Societies VP for 2 years.Founding President of the Comedy Society.Kings Award Winner.

First Gaudie Features editor.successfully lobbied Tarbat

Community Council for bet-ter recycling facilities

Reverse Vending Machines

I believe that AUSA would benefit from being part of nationwide trials to get reverse vending machines, machines that give you money, or vouchers, when you recycle! They are already common, and hugely successful, in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe and are slowly being introduced to Britain. Grants from the Green Investment Bank and negotiations with the Scottish Government can make this recycling

method a reality in Aberdeen University.

VOTEEVA NOHEPRESIDENT FORENVIRONMENT & ETHICS

GETTING AROUND Aberdeen by bus is expen-sive and inef�cient, and not everybody has their own bike. I will• Set up a free short-term bike rental to

connect Hillhead, King’s College and Foresterhill.

• Organise bike safety workshops and press the council to improve bike lanes.

• Lobby First buses for cheaper student discounts.

FOOD CHOICES on campus are dull and expensive. I will• Transform Al�e’s to offer healthier, ethi-

cal and locally sourced choices.• Extend the Vegbag scheme to Hillhead

and Foresterhill.• Set up a permanent food cooperative that

makes buying organic affordable.

• Call for more healthy and inexpensive food options across campus.

WASTE should be treated as a resource rather than refuse. I will• Make sure you can recycle cardboard,

glass and plastic in all buildings.• Push through paper-free submission of

assignments - this will reduce waste, save you money and improve feedback!

• Create a composting cycle that takes care of organic waste right on campus.

We’re WASTING lots of ENERGY heating up spaces that are already too hot, and lighting empty corridors. I will• Urge the university to install thermostats 

in all buildings to ensure a comfortable temperature.

• Introduce timer switches in corridors and bathrooms where light �ttings need replacing.

• Collaborate with the engineering depart-ment to harvest energy from the ASV’s gym equipment.

It’s hard to make ETHICAL choices all by yourself. I will• Push for accessible water fountains in all

university buildings.• Make sure AUSA sticks to its fairtrade

procurement policy in all areas.• Bring transparency to the involvement of

Oil & Gas with the university’s curriculum.

If you would like to know more or have any ques-tions, contact me on e.nohe.10@aberdeen.ac.uk, or find me on facebook (Eva Entually)

Launch a Pay to Recycle Scheme Less than 40% of waste was recycled in Aberdeen last year. I want to launch a ‘Pay to Recycle’ scheme to get more students recycling whilst putting money back into your pockets.

Create AUSA Green Zone Create an online Green Zone where students can find out how to save energy and save money too along with finding out what our environmental societies are getting up to.

Energy Transparency at AUSA If elected, I will publish an annual AUSA energy statistics report showing how much energy we are using, where we have saved on energy and where we need to improve on.

Award Students for Low Energy Use Student’s right across campus should be rewarded for saving energy in their flats. If elected I will create

an award for the students who save the most energy in their halls of residence.

Fight Against Pay Rises for Failure If our University falls below the high standards we expect from it, I will actively campaign against the increases in pay for top university staff. Failure should not be rewarded with success.

Go Local on Campus I will work to ensure AUSA sources as much of its food and drink products from local businesses as possible and campaign to get more students to buy local. We need to support our local businesses.

Lobby for Sanctuary Status Affiliate AUSA to CARA (Council for Assisting Refugee Academics) and lobby the University to do so too, attaining Sanctuary status for qualified refugee or asylum students to gain placements at Aberdeen.

Experience School Convenor for Social Science 2010-11 Member of the Societies Union Committee 2011-

2012 Member of the Employability Committee 2012-13 President, Vice-President and Treasurer of

three different student societies. Vice-Chair of Friends of Seaton Park 2012-13

FIND ME ON… FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/giveadan/ Twitter: #giveadan &

GO TO votejoanna.co.uk FOR MORE INFOIf you require this manifesto in another format, please contact joanna@votejoanna.co.uk

“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I onlywish I’d realised it sooner.” – Colette

Wellbeing is an essential component ofbeing happy at University and my‘CAMPAIGN FOR HAPPINESS’ willenhance this vision. This initiative willcomprise of ‘LOVE YOUR BODY’ topromote body confidence and severalcampaigns associated with health, suchas ‘MOVE YOUR BODY’, ‘WALK ITDON’T BUS IT’ and ‘GOOD FOOD’.With these campaigns I will promote

alternative ways of keeping activeand improve food provisions

on campus, as well ascookery classes to

promote healthy,local and organic

cooking.

YO

UR

WELLB

EING

U n i v e r s i t yaccess shouldbe determinedby ability andpotential, not byfinancial means orsocial background. Iwill continue the workagainst Aberdeen’s notoriouslyhigh RENT PRICES and hidden fees.I’ll raise awareness of the obstaclesfacing students with INVISIBLEDISABILITIES and review how theseissues are dealt with by the University.I’ll also lobby schools to provideRECORDINGS FOR ALL CLASSES.Furthermore, I will provide andencourage MENTAL HEALTH ANDEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TRAININGfor society presidents and sport clubcaptains in order to ensure studentactivities are accessible to all.Y

OU

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CC

ESSI

BIL

ITY As President

for Welfare &Equal Opps, I

will work towardsbreaking down

social barriers andprovide support for the

AUTONOMOUS EQUALOPPORTUNITIES FORUMS.

I will also promote the campaigns thatare voted and decided upon by AUSA’sself-defining groups. I want to lobby theUniversity to BUILD EQUALITY ANDDIVERSITY INTO THE CURRICULUMin order to raise awareness of liberationissues through a variety of measures.This will include modules, assignments,or essay choices. This will mean that bythe time students graduate, they aremore aware of the issues faced bymany of their fellow classmates.

YO

UR

LIBER

AT

ION

Student life is at the heart of theStudents’ Association and my aim is tobring about a more RESPONSIVEAUSA and build BETTER LINKSbetween the student body and theStudents’ Association. My intention isto provide REGULAR UPDATES on theprogress of campaigns and the generalhappenings of AUSA. I also plan tohold frequent FORUMS to stayconnected to student opinion anddesires. In light of the success of‘Societies Weekly’ I will start a‘WELFARE WEEKLY’, be it avideo, activity, event or anewsletter. This, at itscore, will engage andmore importantlyinvolve everyone.

YO

UR

OP

INIO

NS

Please contact me if you require an alternative format using `Contact me` form on the website above.

ExpEriEncE - Ability - DEsirE

#1 prEsiDEnt for WElfArE AnD EquAl opportunitiEs

VotE VitA

MEMbEr of EquAl opportunitiEs coMMitttEE for 3 yEArsVicE-prEsiDEnt EquAl opportunitiEs 2011/12MEMbEr of EDucAtion coMMittEEActiVE MEMbEr of VArious sociEtiEsrEcipiEnt of KinG`s AWArD WitH Distinction

Anxiety awareness - According to the Mental Health Founda-tion, anxiety and mild depression are the most common mental health problems in the UK. Students are very likely to suffer from anxiety, especially due to exams, deadlines and assessments, such as, presenta-tions in front of large groups. I will work to improve the awareness of anxiety and educate students on what effects it can have on people and how to deal with it through, for example, the use of puppy room and meditation workshops.Counselling Services and Student Advice Cen-tre - Both of these are currently running at their full capacity. I would like to investigate options to increase their volume especial-ly due to the changes to the academic year outline. This change is likely to cause more students wanting to use the already over-stretched services.

tackling the welfare issues – In addition to anx-iety awareness, there should be more done toward the issues of alcoholism, eating disorders, sexual health and housing, including the issue of student homelessness. As the committee is cur-rently not set up to have specific officers, the individuals primarily responsible for these campaigns and any other additional campaigns should be decided upon from the very beginning of the year.

wELFARE

Part-time students and widening access – Currently AUSA does not have a rep-resentative for part-time students, including distance learners. I will create the position of Part-time Students` Officer within the Equal Opportunities committee.

Awareness campaign timetable – My team and I will decide on a timetable of one to two week-long periods in which each liberation campaign will be responsible for organising at least one event related to their campaign. This will ensure that each of the campaigns organise at least one event and make sure that other officers are able to help out those whose campaign weeks are the closest.

Taking campaigns even further - i will make sure that liberation strand forums become more frequent, bigger and better. I will encourage continuation of events such as LGBT History Month, Black History Month and Sign-Language workshops amongst others.

Putting the UoA students first! - NUS and NUS Scotland are fantastic at training and networking opportunities! However, recently, the campaigns that have been spearheaded by these or-ganisations have taken precedence over the needs and interests of Aberdeen students! I believe that this should change so that we look at what Aberdeen needs and only then assess whether there are any NUS resources that we can use to facilitate this process.

More publicity! – Services such as Niteline and events organised by the Welfare and Equal Opportunities committees are a crucial part of what AUSA does. In the past there has been little done to promote these services to the wider student population leaving the advertising to the volunteers, who are already dedicating large amounts of time to these services. I believe that AUSA should be more active in promoting these services and events.

working with outside organisations! – AUSA Welfare and Equal Opportunities campaigns have in the past worked with organisations, such as Grampian Regional Equality Council, to deliver better quality campaigns. This should continue and increase to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information on support available.

EQUAL

OPPS

more

?

additional iNFO: http://vita4weo.blogspot.co.uk/

Tweet me:@vitazapo

...to do the job and do it well

MAKING HALLS A COMMUNITY:

I want to create specific events tailored for those living in Halls, to help create a more inclusive community feeling in the different student accommodations. In order to achieve this, I will be working closely with the new Hall Reps.

MAKING THE CHARITIES CAMPAIGN SUSTAINABLE:

I want to establish a series of recurrent fund-raising events, such as bucket collections in front of supermarkets and in pubs and a Charities Christmas Dinner. I also aim to profoundly improve existing events such as the Fashion Show and the Torcher Parade, in order to enable the Charities Campaign to raise more money for local charities. At the moment, they are completely reliant on donations from the Student Show and BookEnds, which is too shallow a pool, and should, as well as could, be widened.

IMPROVING VOLUNTEERING AND MAKING IT MORE ACCESSIBLE:

I want to provide more volunteering opportunities within AUSA and reward our volunteers. The introduction of recurrent fund-raising events, sports tournaments, and better organized school collections will give more people a chance to help. I wish to introduce a reward scheme for the volunteers involved in the Students’ Association. I also wish to improve the direct relationship and communication with the Charities Campaign, so as to enable volunteers to be more aware and contribute more directly.

COLLABORATING WITH SOCIETIES FOR FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

I want to provide logistical and practical help to charitable events run by your societiy! I also want to establish a societies sports tournament, where all societies would be welcome, a project which I’ve already begun this year. This would allow for money to be raised in a more inclusive way!

N I C O L A B R U N I F O RC H A R I T I E S A N D C O M M U N I T Y

P R E S I D E N T

IMPROVING BOOKENDS FURTHER:

I want to market BookEnds further, increasing its visibility throughout the university. I also want to continue making it more efficient, specifically by ensuring that they offer a bigger and better stock of relevant textbooks.

My name is Nicola Bruni and I’m a 4th year MA History student. I’m BookEnds Deputy Administrator and part of the Societies Committee. Since I started volunteering for AUSA I have achieved more than 1,300 hours.

Adeola Adelakun

For President of Education & Employability

Mentors – The Careers Service runs a highly competitive career mentoring programme where alumni mentor students interested in their field of work. This needs to be expanded so that all students can benefit from having a mentor. Putting in place a mentoring programme to match course seniors to course fresher’s with sector based career trips will also help students to think more about their careers at an earlier stage and help them know the steps they need to take.

Career Opportunities – build a clear calendar of career events so that everyone from students in first year to postgraduate students know when career fayres, internship deadlines and where skills workshops are coming up that can cater to their needs during career intensive periods of the year.

CAS Scale – change the outdated and confusing CAS scale. Students really struggle with under-standing the CAS scale, and it means little or nothing when you go abroad or speak to your family or employers. Our CAS scale is more demanding than the equivalent grade spectrums used down south which could disadvantage our students. It’s time to introduce a new grade spectrum!

Greater investment in Study Spaces – we’ve seen great investment go into building the Sir Dun-can Rice Library and opening hours were recently extended for this library but we need to invest in other areas of the university too. More access to MacRobert computer room during the day, longer opening hours for Taylor library and a complete refurbishment of the Medical Library to make it a better space for students.

Founder and President of the AU African & Caribbean Society for 2 years

AU Student Ambassador for over 3 years Student Council member at Loreto college First ever legal intern at Google UK Limited First ever legal intern at GlaxoSmithKline

(GSK)

EDUCATION

EMPLOYABILITY

Vote Jamie Douglas

Education and Employability

For an extended manifesto go to www.votejamie.tk

Find me on twitter @JamieDouglas_ Or find me on Facebook

Marc McCorkell

@MarcMcCorkell

www.ausa.org.uk/vote

Resolve Minibuses shortages – There is some difficulty to obtain a minibus, in particular on a Wednesday. I will seek to negotiate new contracts with vehicle suppliers so that we may potentially increase the numbers in service from the current numbers.

Sport and Academia – Currently students are penalized for missing required attendance on courses which conflict with Sport Wednesdays, notably 6th Century course issues. Academic studies are important, as after all, for many, it is the primary reason for attending university. However if elected, I would want to be the main key figure to whom students can liaise with regarding these issues and can help negotiate any issues between course coordinators and students

“GO FOR GAULD”

Being Actively involved - Involved in meeting not only Club Captains but also members of the clubs themselves. Discussing issues that arise from all members and to take on-board any suggestions that they may have to improve club participation.

Raising Awareness of Student Sport – For example, getting students to be aware of what’s happening on game days through having TV notice boards on campus which highlight key fixtures that day/week.

Increase profile of Student Sport and how it is a key highlight of student life

Upgrade in Sporting Facilities – It has been recently announced that Balgownie pitches have been sold and may be lost in 12 months time, therefore there is a need to look now for alternative facilities for future students and sports clubs. If elected, I will try my best to ensure that the reduction of student participation at Aberdeen does not occur.

Proposed “Brand New” system of club budgeting – Currently some clubs face large deficits in their club accounts due to successes in leagues and cups during the season. A new club budgeting system would allow clubs at the beginning of the term to meet with the President and finance administrators to determine what grant allocations/ funding structures can be provided to help grow their club and sustain their participation in sport.

Quicker bank access for sports clubs – In my experience, sports clubs have had difficulty in obtaining quick access to club accounts. If elected, meetings will be held before the end of the academic year to discuss the transfer of off account holder signatures so that clubs can access funds from day number one of the next academic year.

VOTE FORBES GAULD FOR SPORTS PRESIDENT

Continue campus-wide promotion of Societies through

Videos, Articles and Newsletters

Increase student participation with AUSA

Push for more events in Butchart, such as live

music nights, pool tournaments and comedy nights

Greater focus on Student Activities (such as ASR, Bookends and Gaudie) by offering more support, promotion and recognition Complete our student media outlet by introducing

AUSA TV

Improve the Student Festival for its second year

running by introducing more days, more events and even more fun!

I have been your President for Societies and Student Activities this year. I had two main goals when I was elected: 1) Better promotion of Societies and 2) More events for students. During my first year in office, I have increased promotion for societies through a series of articles and videos as well as weekly newsletters to students. The Gangnam Style Flashmob involved hundreds of students and has reached over 23,000 views on YouTube. This year I also introduced the Aberdeen Student Festival and am also in the process of introducing a new Society Handbook to make life a little easier for society committees and newly started societies. During my year in office I have achieved many wins for students and I would love the opportunity to continue striving forward next year. During my time as a student I have been President for the Dance Society for two years and the Psychology Society for one year, as well as held several committee positions. I am reliable, hard-working and extremely passionate about what I do, and I would be honoured if you would give me the chance to continue my work for students for another year.

Get a PUPPY ROOM on campus

for the exams!

Why me?

Clubs:

- within the Sports Union through the provision and advertisement of fixtures and important dates for all the clubs, establishing and encouraging more support at home ground events. This would also benefit travel to away matches, where costs for the individual club and the sports union could be reduced if clubs were to travel together, which could also result in better support (where possible) for away matches. Fundraising opportunities could be improved by better links between clubs creating bigger and better events at sponsors’ venues.

- -

Attendance at some training sessions and support at matches making the sports president more accessible. This also allows for the sports president to witness first hand both the successes of the club and any problems that need to be addressed.

- A regularly updated system in order for clubs to see when transport is available, in order to aid better organization of transport.

- Giving the clubs the time and space needed for training.

Participation in sport:

- To achieve higher participation in sport and access to the benefits of participating in club activities.

- In the wake of the success of the Olympics and the Paralympics, this

would be in in order to improve awareness of disability sport and the possibility of more integrative training sessions.

External contributors:

- . To provide additional training in the form of grouped club sessions improving

important aspects of fitness and strength key to optimizing performance. - To review whether to renew,

and to at least reconsider the terms of agreement as part of the contract with Kukri.

You want to be represented more efficiently?

I believe this position enables me to make your learning experience the best it possibly can be.

Push for publishing exam dates well in advance ● keep YOU more flexible through booking flights earlier ●plan in advance, reduce costs, accept internships earlier

Continuous lecture recordings in all schools and all years ●to help you get the most out of YOUR course ● equal chances to international students which first language is not English

Keep Class Reps more engaged with and accountable to you ●in order to keep YOU informed of who represents YOU and what they can do to improve YOUR learning experience

Find alternative ways of assessments for courses with currently 100% exams ●balance YOUR work load over the academic year

Improved advising on course options (especially for Joint Honours) ●improve the cooperation of advisors from different schools to attune their advice for YOU

Why me? I gained valuable experience in representing you and voicing your opinion as a Class Representative and as a School Convener in various Committees such as the Education Committee, Senate and Student Council.

You want to be represented more efficiently?

I believe this position enables me to make your learning experience the best it possibly

can be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOTE ZOE MCKELLAR FOR

VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION

• Students need to know where, how and when to get financial help

•My Aberdeen isn’t being utilised to its full capabilities – more can be done to get departments and staff on board

• Hidden course costs are increasing – the University needs to be upfront about the financial implications of a course, and offer support to students and departments to ensure accessibility for ALL students

• The CAS scale is poorly understood by students, and on occasion misused by staff. Clearer guidelines need to exist to ensure fair marking.

VOTE ZOE #1 VP EDUCATION

I’m a Third Year BSc Geology-Petroleum Geology student. For the first two years I was a Class Rep in Geology before taking on the role of School Convenor for Geosciences this year. It has been challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Before being Convenor I was an active member of the Welfare Committee. This experience has enabled me to hear and try to help a wide variety of issues from students over the past three years

What can I do for YOU?

I think societies are the best part of AUSA and I want to make it easier forthem to get even better. Here’s what I want to do:

IMPROVE SOCIETY FINANCES

Explore bringing society bank accounts and finances in-house so that societiescan save VAT.

Negotiate bulk discounts for societies on essential expenses like poster printing.

Increase the frequency of pay outs from AUSA’s online sales system.

FOSTER COLLABORATION

Form working groups for similar societies so that they can identify their specificneeds and present a united case to AUSA for getting things sorted.

Encourage societies to collaborate on events and helping each other out.

Get someone from every society MIDAS trained, and create a database ofeveryone who’s certified to drive so it’s easier to find someone when societies need it.

SUPPORT SOCIETIES

Get AUSA to give marketing advice so that society events can reach their fullpotential.

Lobby the University for a better room bookings system so societies get whatthey need.

Install a keycard access system in Butchart so that multiple societies can usethe building at weekends while keeping it secure.

Provide resources to help get a new society off the ground, with one-on-oneattention from AUSA.

Vote Gemma Riddell for VP Societies TO DEVELOP THE SOCIETIES UNION

I have been involved in societies and the students association since my first year. Here at the University of Aberdeen we are lucky to have so many diverse and active societies. Being part of a society has been the highlight of my University experience and I’d love to be able to give something back. Having had roles as First Year Rep, Treasurer and President of the AB-FAB Society I believe I have the experience and knowledge of what a society needs to function.

Get sponsorship for the Societies Union that matches what the Sports Union currently gets = more money for your society.

Create an AUSA Banter Team - a group of AUSA volunteers/helpers for society events which will also include a group of MIDAS drivers.

Create a buddying system with each society so new potential members who may be shy or curious have a direct contact person.

A ‘meet our members’ feature along with the Societies Weekly videos so your members can spread the word of your society.

Have proper training for society committees on how to use the new website effectively.

Improve training and support for our society Presidents. Treasurer meetings once a month to go over finances

FOR IMPROVED TRAINING AND SUPPORT

BETTER RECOGNITION AND VISIBILITY

Continue to strengthen and improve the Kings Awards including the criteria, nominating and selection process.

Open up a specific Kings award for dedicated first year/ one year on committee members.

Replace Refresher’s week with the hugely successful AUSA Students’ Festival

Have more emphasis on the work societies are doing to prospective students. Events being held during applicant days.

Hold a consultation for societies on what they want for a new AUSA building

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