UEL Students’ Union electionsYour guide to how and why to vote for the Student Officers who will lead the Students’ Union next year

Vote on campus 11:00-18:00 14-16 May

This election is to elect four student officers – president, activities and opportunities officer, education officer, welfare and community officer – to lead UEL Students’ Union for one year from 01 July 2019. You can read about the roles at uelunion.org

Why does it matter to me?The student officers act on behalf of all students, representing students’ views in the University and elsewhere. They work with other student representatives, students, Students’ Union staff and University staff to identify and try to resolve issues affecting students’ lives and success. They also sit on the Board of Trustees of the Students’ Union, helping to set the strategic direction along with the other six trustees and senior staff.Who are the candidates?The candidates are students just like you. It’s hard work being a candidate and they’ve put in a lot of effort just to get to this stage. However, they’re standing for election and you should feel free to question them about their manifestos, but please do so in a respectful manner.We’ve included summaries of their manifestos in this booklet. Longer and video versions are available on our website and Facebook page - facebook.com/uelunionWho can vote?Every student at UEL can vote.

How do I vote?Voting will take place between 11:00 and 18:00 from Tuesday to Thursday. You must attend a voting station in Docklands (East Building), Stratford (CC reception) or USS (reception). You can vote at any station. You’re not restricted to the campus where you’re normally based. You must bring your UEL ID card with you to vote.When you vote, you should rank candidates in order of preference. So vote 1 for your favourite, 2 for your second favourite, 3 for your third favourite, and so on. This means that if your favourite candidate doesn’t win, your vote will transfer to your second favourite and so on. Under this system, every vote counts.Although you can’t vote online, you can view the list of candidates, read their manifestos and watch their videos on our website: www.uelunion.org/elections Election conductThe Students’ Union doesn’t track candidates, so we rely on students to encourage good behaviour and to report bad behaviour. Here are some simple principles of voting to abide by:• You’re not required to vote for teams of candidates. Consider the

candidates in each election on merit and vote for the best candidate in each election.

• You’re entitled to vote for any, some or all candidates in order of preference.

• You’re entitled to vote in private. Candidates are not told who has voted or how they voted.

• You should not feel pressured into voting by anybody. If you believe this has happened, please email su.elections@uel.ac.uk immediately and we’ll investigate.

Hello, My name is Dundigalla Koushik.I believe in the potential of the Student Union to better the lives of Students. Fundamentally, that is what a Student Union should do, work for the interests of its Students.We’ll represent Students to the University and work to connect Common Rooms and Student societies. Above all, I want Students to know that the Student Union will advocate on their behalf.Mental wellbeing is an asset, I aim to promote a healthier lifestyle with regular exercise and partaking of the activities the need for the support will be reduced.Keeping the Student Union Website more active and up-to-date allowing Students to find out about past and upcoming events in one place. This will make sure events are better promoted.Regular email and social media updates allowing societies to promote their events and celebrate their successes with a wider audience of Students including Sporting events, Fundraisers, gigs/performances, conferences and trips.I also think that in order to have plenty of different and useful events, Students need to share their own opinion, ideas and needs. I will be very open to listening and making agreement with everyone in order to have plenty of useful and valuable experiences!Cost should never be a barrier to participating in Sport or Activities.I’ll introduce a Suggestion box for Students where students can leave any comments or queries,that you’d like to discuss- if you include your email address I’ll get back to you as early as possible.ThankyouD KOUSHIK

Koushik DundigallaCandidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer

Hi my names Amna, I’m also your ADI School representative, I’m going to be graduating this year in BA Photography. I’m interested in being the Vice President of Activities & Opportunities because:• It’s a chance for me to bring together students from all different backgrounds/

age etc, in social events.• I want to help students, I would want someone to be there for me, so If anyone

had any problem or wants to do a fundraising event they can talk to me.• I like communicating to people, I want to hear everyone’s voice- opinions as

I think that’s very important for the improvement and growth of the SU and to know what the students want to see.

If I get elected:• I’m going to work on making more opportunities, for a range of visiting speakers

young and mature from the creative industry to speak to the students and to have more of a diverse range of artists/ photographers.

• To have more events where there’s opportunities for students to interact with the president/ vice presidents in a professional environment and out of working hours. As I feel like we are here because of the students, and their voice matters the most.

• And If a society or group of students in general want to celebrate a festival/ plan a trip, make that process more easier and helpful for them.

• I want there to be more opportunities for courses to mix up and collaborate, so students will benefit from building a wider network of individuals.

• I want there to be better, clearly labelled food and more vegan optionsThis would be an amazing opportunity for me if I win and would mean a lot. If you liked my manifesto then please vote for me.Thank you.

Amna HussainCandidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer (subject to appeal)

Note from Returning Officer: This candidate is included subject to the outcome of their appeal against disqualification in the first election. If the candidate’s appeal is dismissed, any votes for this candidate will be transferred to other candidates where a second, third, etc. preference has been indicated. This is why it is important for students to cast preference votes. If no further preferences are indicated, the votes will be disregarded.

Activities and opportunities are two most commonly used words when it comes to planning of one’s future. I Jayraj Samtani have nominated myself as the vice president of activities and opportunities at the Student Union of the University of East London.When I say Activities and opportunities to be the most commonly used word, it means that there comes great responsibility considering the power of future. The activities need not be only limited to parties, social gathering or events but could be more importantly about student and Industry interaction for the respective fields. With opportunities being a vague and subjective concept, I believe to create platforms that could give perspective to respective students to find their own seed for the future.My objectives for this position would be more or less interactions with the university students and organising and managing student interests. Following are the points I would briefly elaborate with respect to my objectives-• Creating multiple student-Industry Interactions.• Organising open house sessions with myself to understand and further integrate

students’ necessities with regards to their opportunities.• Further improving and maintaining the current activities and prospects.• Creating more student-Union interaction for the sole purpose of student growth

which would definitely lead to a great recall value for the university.• Reaching out to the student community making my availability not a very difficult

task.The above written points might seem to be vague and abstract just like my department of nomination, however I believe that actions speak louder than words.

Candidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer

Jayraj Samtani (Jay)

Who am I?My name is Samia Chowdhury; I am currently completing the final year of undergraduate Law course.What I am standing for?I am seeking the position of Activities and Opportunities Officer.Why I am perfect for this position?I am a very hard-working, focused individual who is driven and motivated. I am very considerate and respectful. You will find me very approachable and helpful.I have chosen this position, so I can work along with all the students to ensure that there are opportunities available to students which would make their university life enjoyable. If elected, I intend to perform my roles with the best of my abilities.My Aims• I will aim to increase the number of events held in UEL that celebrate our

diversity and promote tolerance and respect for each other.• I will campaign to get more students involved in healthy eating, sports, by

inviting notable figures from the various field of expertise who would inspire students at UEL.

• I will work with the Student Union and the university to encourage students to set-up more Societies. I will hold frequent societies’ events in all the three campuses to inspire students to join societies.

• I will carry out a detailed survey in the university to determine the activities and opportunities the students want to have in the university.

• Emphasise and encourage peer to peer learning between students with the aim of increasing connections between students leading to an increased sense of belonging.

Samia ChowdhuryCandidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer

Hello Everyone, I am Shiv Venna and I am running for the post of Activities and Opportunities officer for the coming academic year 2019/2020. I believe it is really important to have someone who is extremely concerned with the student activities and dedicated to work for the creation of many opportunities to every student to showcase their talent and network with everyone on and off campus, hence I believe with my past experience as student ambassador in graduation and being communicative with others I think I will be best suitable for this role.As an Activities and Opportunities officer, I want to create more university-wide events and talent shows to give everyone an equal opportunity to participate in extra-curricular events and more volunteering opportunities to increase the networking while studying. I want to make plans for the creation of day time events and also take extra measures for the Women Safety during events. I want to act as a bridge to every society in the UEL to help them organize more events by raising funds from Student Union and get active participation from students to ensure that everyone gets the best possible student experience from fresher’s to graduates. To achieve this I want to become your Activities and Opportunities Officer who will be easy to approach at any time, friendly to share your ideas and opinions, and encourage you for your successful student journey at our UEL.

Shiv VennaCandidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer

Hey guys!My name is Faye Abad, and I have been in this university for 3 years studying Sport and Exercise Science. I grew so much here in university and what other way to give back to UEL and have the privilege to grow with other people like you. Without a doubt, I want to succeed beyond expectation. It’s not just about experience but about heart and hard work and I want nothing but the best for you and your friends.If given a chance to be the Activities/Opportunities Officer, I will ensure that there are activities/events running over the weekend as well as weekdays, so that there is always something to do for you and your friends. I will make sure that these events are promoted well and gets to you. I will also ensure that the events are for everybody and doesn’t limit anyone from joining. This will be done by listening to YOUR VOICE – listening to your suggestions of what events you would like to have.I have endless ideas to make sure that you get the best experience out of activities, events and opportunities we have. I will make sure these will be the highlights of your time in UEL!#VoteforFaye!Thank you,Faye

Faye AbadCandidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer

Hi everyone,I’m Riga Demiri - a final year Anthropology student and I’m running for the position of Activities and Opportunities student officer.Communication, Inclusion and Opportunity.Improve communication between the SU, students, and the university.

Riga DemiriCandidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer

• Work on creating student-led media such as podcasts and video diaries, so that students can have their voices heard across a range of platforms.

• Have the SU desk present at fairs – so students can find out more about how

to get involved with the SU.• Create a platform of communication by

putting up a dropbox in East Building where students can fill complaint cards.

Making sure our diverse community feels like home.• Have a range of activities all year

round for both campuses, at different hours of the day and night.

• Work with students with disabilities, working students and parent students, and listen to demands in terms of

activities and events.• Celebrate our differences, with cultural

week, international students fair, Black History Month.

• Offer opportunities for unconscious bias training.

Offer a range of activities & events. Work with our associations & societies.• Help societies develop and expand

their membership base.• Advocate for fair funding of

associations, societies and sports

clubs.• Offer training and volunteering.• Support sports clubs.• Organise more charity events.

My track record:I currently hold an Associate degree in People Studies.I am a dynamic, resourceful, hard-working and a highly-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate concisely at all levels. I am ambitious, enthusiastic and thrive under pressure.

VOTE #1 Edison MATAJ for Activities and Opportunities OfficerFellow Students,I am Edison Mataj, a final year computer science student and I am running for the position of ‘Activities and Opportunities Officer’.I have been at UEL for 3 years, so I am really aware of what the university lacks in order to accommodate for its students (US). This is the reason why I choose to be a candidate this year. I WANT TO MAKE REAL CHANGES AND NOT BE JUST A FACE ON POSTER!If I get elected I pledge to:• Get more students engaged in the TRANSFORMATION LAB KD 2.28 which I

have set up with fellow students. This is a unique computer lab for students ran by students where 1 to 1 support is available 24/7.

• Represent International students at university• Bursaries for existing students, not only new students.• JOB’s in University for Students only!• Organizing Student of the month award across the campus.• Unite all 3 campuses. I will personally spend reasonable time in all three

campuses making sure you as STUDENTS are supported and listened to.• Organise FREE field trips to Industry specifics.• Increase lab work for each module. (Practical skills) - WE NEED MORE

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE!Thank you for reading my manifesto and feel free to get in touch with me to ask me any questions about my ideas by contacting me at u1536009@uel.ac.ukA VOTE FOR ME IS A VOTE FOR A REAL CHANGE, A REAL UNION!

Edison MatajCandidate for the role of Activities and Opportunities Officer

As Student President it will be my aim to ensure that all students’ voices are heard. My motivation is simple; I believe in this college and through the collective work of the executive committee, staff and the students, we can continue with the great progress that this college is making. Furthermore, I want to be remembered as a student president who pursued the wishes of the students and accomplished many great things. I will be willing to do anything within my power to achieve this as the students are my main concern.As student president, I would bring leadership, commitment and creativity to the role a long with a strong work ethic and a positive mental attitude. Over the next year I want to see more power in the hands of students and this will be an underlying objective of any changes that I make over my term as student president.These little things add up to make a big difference and are designed to improve the learning environment at university of east london. However, I can’t achieve them without your vote so please support me in the student president elections. If you decide to vote for me you will be choosing a leader who is dedicated, focused and committed to improving the lives of all students at this college.Firstly, I will broaden the use of the college email system so students can be notified of staff absences along with cover work that needs to be completed with this new system in place, students do not have to travel to college if it was their only lesson

Candidate for the role of President

Krishna Athukuri

DAOUD ALMUTI is one of the structural engineering school students pursuing a master degree for the last intake. I’m contesting for the president role in this election in order to hold the responsibility you want me to carry.I look forward to:• Help students in achieving their career goals.• Having a meaning full time in their university life.• Expertise software in order to get the experience where firms/institutions are

seeking.• Provide free drop-in session to learn AutoCAD, S-frame, Revit and Tekla.• Increase the Field trips number to warner bros harry potter for Filmmaking

students.• Make dissertation study easier for Psychology students.• Create business cards to students who are doing Quantitative research for their

dissertations.• Aspiring MBA & Law students to have their own website where creative ideas

can star.• Increase in field trips to industrial studios for Filmmaking and arts student’s

students.• Decrease Travel expenses for students live off campus.• Decrease Travel expenses for students who have full attendance records.• Make the UEL highly recognized in terms of full attendance records.• Resit-Exam shoudn’t take place in July.In order to implement and execute all mentioned above, I need to have an essential control which is being the President for the student union in the University of East London.

Candidate for the role of President

Daoud Almuti

Greetings everyone,I hereby take the opportunity to formally introduce myself. I am Saqlain Shadab and I am nominee for the position of President in the Students Union at UEL.I believe that each person in this university has several kinds of expectations from the union, and from the recent years the union has been successfully working on it. However, there is always scope for improving the current position of progress and I would be another candidate who would further escalate the progress and leave a better and comfortable place for the Unions future.As the president of The Union, it ambitiously drives me to introduce my objectives hereby;1. Engaging and spreading awareness among all students regarding the brilliant campuses that university has and its social life2. Improving and maintaining general resources for students by cooperating and coordinating with fellow members of the union and staff.3. Cultivating a UEL culture by promoting and engaging different activities, events, function and celebrations in associations with my fellow union members.4. To stabilize collaboration amongst international societies and groups.5. External support such as engaging with Council and Police in regards to escalate our student’s safety and security.In addition, I would like to add that my objectives are based on a simple principle that of – togetherness for wellbeing. What I intent to express is that its only togetherness that would execute my vision to create astonishing future for the student’s union of UEL.

Candidate for the role of President

Saqlain Shadab

Who am I?Hello, my name is Ismail Mohammed. I am a 3rd year Law LLB student, and I am requesting you to elect me as your President.I want to bring the Student Union out of the current stagnation and make it an active, efficient and accountable student-lead institution. To achieve these goals, I will work tirelessly to implement the following:Accountability• Ensure a more visible presence of the Student Union in all three campuses• Liaise with the university to ensure your interests are not overlooked• Hold regular question and answer sessions where you can hold me accountableEngagement• Tackle the high drop-out rate by increasing your ‘sense of belonging’ by

organising regular award ceremonies, events where student and tutors engage with each other

• Promote integration by celebrating our diversity• I will work to improve the image of UEL with the aim of increasing your

employment prospect after you graduateSo you get your money’s worth• I will campaign to ensure the tutors are given more training to enhance their

speaking, listening and presentation skills so you can get more out of your lectures and seminars

• I will campaign and work with the university and TfL to provide free or subsidised transport passes from Cyprus to Stratford Station.

• I will campaign to have more up to date books in the library and have more copies of the core textbooks to ensure there are enough to go around especially before the exam and coursework seasons.

Candidate for the role of President

Ismail Mohammed

Shane MitchellHi, My name is Shane Mitchell and I am running for the position of President of UEL Students’ Union.I have experienced studying on all 3 campus’ and believe that this has allowed me to understand all students. I have also worked as a Residential Life Scholar for the past 2 years. I am therefore confident in my ability to vocalise students and positively impact our student experience.If elected I would aim to:• Increase awareness of the work of the students’ union and the opportunities we

can provide by regularly updating students through various marketing methods.• Foster communication across the departments, schools and committees to unify

UEL’s day to day operations.• Nurture relationships between students and local businesses by promoting the

work of students.• Work with the mass media to promote your accomplishments! This includes

academic, extra-curricular and sporting accomplishments.• Continue to promote the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion of

students.• Utilise past and ongoing student data analysis to act as a lead spokesperson

for the students of UEL, making sure to retrieve information that matters most to students.

ConclusionMy aim is to unite all students of UEL by taking pride in our university. I am passionate for us find a sense of belonging at UEL and I will work my hardest to accomplish this. My mission is to represent you in achieving this, thus making our student experience the greatest it can be. Feel free to ask me questions by contacting me at u1602153@uel.ac.uk.

Candidate for the role of President

Our interests are for greater development of University of East London and over 17001 students for smooth academic year. We shall collaborate with UEL Management and staff unions to drive the sustainable growth of the Union and University.Standing to be the voice of students by having two-way communication cum informing them about our SWOT and working with the three Sabbatical Officers to form a formidable force in building Union’s profile within and outside UEL.Policies: Our Administration shall drive policies that will reposition the Union as the most vibrant SU in the world.Experience: Tested and Trusted

Pépèr-Hadé ShoyemiCandidate for the role of President

School GovernorNUS Delegate 2016 – 2018NUS Black Student Campaign ExecutiveUniversity of Greenwich BAME Students Officer 2017/2018Founder BAME Network: formed to control lack of integration and participation of our Students.

Coordinator/Initiator National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) UK Chapter: established to listen to yearning and aspirations of our students and to be point of contact with Nigeria High Commission.

Programs: Our programs will seek to balance social and education (edutainment), we shall organise lectures series, sports activities, cultural festival, leadership and entrepreneurship training for self-development of students.Engagement: Establishment of Bureau of Students Complaints (BSC), introduction of hotlines to gather and respond to students’ complaint efficiently and effectively.Our union shall support and engage all societies/clubs from minorities/cultural societies, religious/faith societies, students with disabilities to LGBTQ+, political societies, women groups and international students.Resolute: To make sure placements and internships are truly a stepping stone for students. Campaign vigorously

I am a South African female who embraces positivity in all I do. I am part of a multiracial family of African, Mauritian and European descent. I believe the key to excelling academically is making complex ideas simple enough for everyone to understand. I hold an undergraduate degree in Business. During my time at University, I interned at an environmental organization in Brazil and served on several leadership committees. I was elected as the Vice President of the Commerce Student Council and Education Officer for the Educational Development Unit. I then had the privilege of working at Unilever for 4 years in brand management. I am now completing my MBA at UEL.I aim to promote the following if elected for the role:1. Creating monthly pop-up learning and sharing workshops for students to engage on subjects of their choice.2. Proactively supporting the careers team to promote employment opportunities for all students.3. Ensuring all student feedback relating to education is thoroughly reviewed and suggestions supported in the implementation phase.If elected, I aim to share the following strengths: POSITIVITY, ACHIEVER, DEVELOPER, LEARNER and STRATEGIC in this role. With my purpose statement being “Gaining momentum from the excitement for a task, I give clarity on the main objectives, gaining new skills and knowing the key learnings I need, to develop myself and others, to achieve the objectives, within a positive environment.”Thank you for your consideration. Let us unite as one to ensure we all can excel academically!

Shannon FranksCandidate for the role of Education Officer

TEMMY FOR EDUCATION#TOGETHERWEMOVEHey, I’m Temmy! I’m a Postgraduate student of Public Health, and the first child in my family to attend university. University of East London has influenced me in infinite ways which is a legacy I would be taking forward. In the past one year since being here, I’ve been elected a student representative, working as a curriculum ambassador, an NSS ambassador and other voluntary organisations. Presently, I would like to explore this experience to stand as your Education Officer.If elected, I will• Implement a ‘partnership with students,’ a policy allowing collaboration between

students and staff enabling a more community centred learning experience• Increase practical services for international students through language

workshops, visa support team, placement and internship opportunities.• Develop technology through education by introducing lecture recordings, lecture

videos and a wider range of learning techniques to ensure a quality enhanced and accessible learning environment.

• Continue to support and work with student representatives, placing student concerns at the forefront of our policies

• Increasing the opportunities for career fairs from time to time by introducing employer-led workshops, inviting organisations, publications and freelancers to share skills and advice with students cutting across most disciplines.

• Encourage better quality feedback from tutors on essays and introduce feedbacks on exam performance, particularly e-feedback.

The great aim of Education is not knowledge but action. I know that I am the right candidate to be your education officer, but I can’t move until you move.Thank you for reading my manifesto

Temmy SodunkeCandidate for the role of Education Officer

Hi, i’m Suresh Kumar Pantangi from Msc Computer Science course. i’m contesting as a EDUCATIONAL OFFICER in the upcoming UELSU Elections 2019/20. Therefore I would like to introduce some policies which will be useful for the students.Main areas are to be focused:• I would like to conduct student surveys for every weeks to know their academic

difficulties such that I can find a relevant solution for their issues.• I would like to create a special platform for every individual(website or app)so,

that they can be in touch with me 24/7. can tell their problems and concerned issues it will be between me andd them.

• I would like create a special space in the library for students who are having academic difficulties.

• More better facilities for Library and IT.• Focus will be given to the vision 2028 programe.• Best ideas regarding educational stuff will be monitored during the surveys and

best one will be picked & implemented.• Rewards will be given to the best ideas with the help of UEL staff.• Maximum number of internship programmes are to be conducted with the

support of UEL.• Hopefully planning to have an educational representative in each course will

be choosen by UEL staff and students as well to bring better changes in the university.

Finally, I did what I can do. its not me its you i’m one among you so help me Today by Voting I will stand for you Tomorrow.

P Suresh KumarCandidate for the role of Education Officer

Hello! I am running to be your Education Officer. I am currently in my final year of my undergraduate degree studying education studies. I will be able to work collaboratively with existing and future students to address current issues to ensure that internal structures within higher education function better. If elected, I pledge to champion the idea that education goes beyond the realm of the classroom setting. I want to create a union culture that extensively supports, praises and recognises the work of our multidisciplinary students, our society presidents, and our student media managers. With my own first-hand experience of studying in UEL for the past few years and the passion and progressive ideologies it has instilled in me, I feel I am the ideal candidate for the education officer position. My intentions for this position would be to make adjustments to pre-existing services as well as to introduce alternative provision to ensure adequate functioning within the university. In brief, these include: make accessibility to information easier, reform the assessment deadline schedule system to prevent overlaps, Enhance academic writing services and I will also aim to introduce career development programs ensuring all students receive assistance in finding employability post-graduation. Alongside these key objectives, I also aim to generally improve the educational experience of students by sincerely listening to the student body and responding to issues that are brought to my attention. Student welfare is at the forefront of my agenda as we are the future of this university.

Khadija SimbaCandidate for the role of Education Officer

Naveen PradeepCandidate for the role of Education Officer

“Let your voice be brought into the light”Hi I’m Naveen Pradeep, an MBA student inspired to make UEL a better place. I’ve gained knowledge about the university by working with both management and the students’ union.What do I intend to do?• Placements, Term-time internships and Professional practice will be made

more efficient• Fight for the Post-study work visa would still continue• Introducing the moodle app for improved students experience including online

payments for any fees including printing• Introducing the Kortext for Masters Students & Making the Kortext more user-

friendly for Undergraduate students.• £20 printing credit should be provided for each term• Time Tables should be made available before a month of the term• Setting up a Mock therapist space for the psychology students• As accommodation is based in docklands the library should contain a diverse set

of books irrespective to the location of the schools• Assessment assist team will be set up to provide help for the international

students who has practiced a different education system• Assessment deadline will be spaced out to reduce the stress and overworking• Organising “Feed the uni” every month to directly talk with students which results

in more effective solutionsWe are the students and we make up this environmentMay the power be with us; Let the voice be heard

Vote#1 for Naveen Pradeep

I am a final year law student. My aim is to be elected as the Education officer. If I am elected, I will engage with the decision makers on what matters most to students. I will be playing an active role in improving the quality of the learning resources provided by the university. I will liaise with the programme reps to ensure that more work-based learning, such as placements and internship are created and students are well supported throughout the whole process.From my experience, I know that most students would rather have a hard copy of the core text books. If elected, I would advocate for all core text books for all courses to be provided in hard copies.The recommended text books in the module guides are hardly available in the library in good numbers. I think it is appropriate for the university to have at least one book for every ten students available on the library shelves.I will advocate for all essential facilities in the library to be more inclusive for student with special needs, as statistics shows that 11% of university students in the UK are registered as requiring special needs. I will ensure for instance that Apps with accessibility features are installed in computer for students with sight impairment, such as special keyboard with larger text.I will liaise with the university to ensure that essential facilities are provided for all students so we can all learn in the best possible environment.

Emmanuel StephensCandidate for the role of Education Officer

I’m keyu Patel, student pursuing Msc in Computer science.I am honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the students of UEL. I’ll be one of the contenders to be your next vice president for “Welfare and community “for Academic year 2019/20. I am determined to contribute my ample time and energy to create positive changes for UELSU.My role is to make sure that you are able to feel like part of a community during your time at UEL. I oversees campaigns on issues that affect you as a student such as housing, finance, health, and general wellbeing. Feel free to contact me or come and speak to me at any time.The counselling service can support you through difficulties you are having like health issues, sexual harassment, violence and good service for students.The Disability advisory service provides information and advice on disability issues such as long term health conditions, specific learning difficulties, mental health difficulties and mobility impairments.The sexual harassment and violence support provides confidential & independent support to any student who has been affected by sexual harassment or violence.The student resolution service aims to help in different situations such as accommodation issues, noise complaints, access to resources,research group conflicts & conflict with in a group or society.UEL is a multicultural, multi-faith community that provides opportunities for individuals to maintain &explore their faith and beliefs , we provide a number of facilities for religious communities.-checking people are claiming all the benefits they can

Keyu PatelCandidate for the role of Welfare and Community Officer

I’m Yana Mihova.I am a final year Computer Science student at University of East London. I’m a local & resident in Newham and running to be your next Welfare and Community officer at UEL.Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent and bring student welfare matters to UEL Council & Board of Governors.I am open-minded person with ambitions to make UEL a better place for the students!When elected as your Welfare and Community officer I will:• Support for Home, EU and International students and I will make sure that

Brexit will not affect you during your studying• Provide facilities and support to the students for their course-works and projects at

the UEL Students Transformation Lab KD.28D• Making sure that Mental Wealth Support is available for all students• I also want to run events that focus on student wellbeing as well as collaboration

with other universities• Running stress free sessions with sports clubs and societies• Provide sanitary bins in all toilets and faster Internet connection on-campus

accommodation• Ensure services and facilities are accessible for BAME, and underrepresented

social culture including students with disabilities• As a local & resident in Newham council, I will work on strengthening and

improving the relationships between UEL students and local communities• Organising regular monthly meetings with students about their needsI believe that this could lead to positive changes in the UEL.Vote for better representation for your Welfare and Community officer for next year.We are the future! “Yes-We-Can!”

Yana MihovaCandidate for the role of Welfare and Community Officer

If I am elected by you as the Welfare and Community Officer, I will:• encourage the introduction of fixed fees at point of entry, for international

students throughout their course of studies. Increase would only affect new students and will remain unchanged throughout their course of study.

• encourage more support with getting internships for home, EU and International Students.

• lobby to encourage the re-introduction of tablets for new students.• encourage the University to offer accommodation scholarships or discounts to

students who are unable to afford the cost of university accommodation.• continue work on encouraging the University to increase the bus schedule, to

the benefit of all students.• work to encourage more counselling sessions for students to speak up about

their mental health issues, get needed support and encourage the continuation of the University’s step up to stop hate crime scheme.

• actively encourage wider student participation and increased sense of community, outside their own immediate groups. University is about networking and making life-long friends from different parts of the world. Hence, ensure that this is continuously achieved within the University

• work to ensure more civic engagement within Newham.• continue to ensure affordable lunch and food facilities on campus.Profile

Faridah Olayinka AdeyemoCandidate for the role of Welfare and Community Officer

• Student of Law with International Relations

• Law Programme Representative• President of the UEL Law Society• Mentee enabled by CFSS and UEL

Mentoring Scheme

• Volunteer Adviser at the UEL Law Clinic

• NSS Ambassador• E-Factor Marketing Support• Mentor at IntoUniversity• Volunteer at UKIM• Waiter at Syft

Hello readers,I am Prince Dutt I nominate myself for the position of Vice President, Welfare.As you all may be knowing about the white wall, I intent to whitewash the necessity of the wall itself. When I say this, I precisely mean to eradicate personal, interpersonal and other psychological ailments from within the students. Although there will always be a helping hand for any such unfortunate instances.I would like to introduce my formidable objectives to you, my fellow companions of the university -• My main focus will be on awareness of Mental health, supporting different

societies and communities and welfare of students.• For young carers, I intent to ensure every student receives the maximum

support including; ‘exploring your entitlement to extra travel costs and support’.• I will also aim to stand alongside the LGBT community and bring awareness

of other communities by holding various events and campaigns to show our support to all the communities.

• I will also aim to aid first year’s students, by offering maximum accommodation support.

• ‘Report and Support’ will be a new scheme I entail to make accessible. Whereby I will make the process of reporting incidences such as sexual assault more efficient.

• Financial struggles can also affect the mental health of students largely and I therefore hope to promote jobs within UEL to aid those struggling to find jobs.

• Create focus groups to understand issues surrounding male mental health on campus.

Prince DuttCandidate for the role of Welfare and Community Officer

As a potential officer for UEL’s Student Union, I am not here to set my own agenda of what I alone think is best for students. I am here for you, to make your voice heard because to understand what needs to change to make UEL a more supportive and cohesive community, is to understand and liberate everyone’s voice. With my background as a current third year student studying Clinical and Community Psychology and as the part-time International Students’ Officer for non-EU students, I believe I have the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of Welfare and Community Officer.I will ensure that there is more awareness surrounding the impact of students’ wellbeing on all aspects, whether academically or socially, of their time here at UEL. To ensure students are entering into a safe and supportive environment here at UEL, proactive measures will be taken. This entails: better promotion of the current resources UEL has in place for students who are struggling with mental health issues and more contact with local NHS services; better promotion of the existing societies throughout the academic year; and working with the part-time elected officers representing students who are disabled, international, a part of the LGBTQ+ community, mature, part-time or those who have children to facilitate campaigns promoting the inclusion of these groups of students within the community at UEL. These measures will benefit the welfare of the students by creating a more supportive and cohesive community here at UEL.

Erin DennisCandidate for the role of Welfare and Community Officer

My name is Taiyeb, and I am a third-year law student. I am standing for the position of Welfare and Community Officer for the year academic year 2019/2020. The reason why I am standing for this post is to support the students studying in this university. My objective is to understand the downfalls of welfare and our community and adhere to making improvements.My 5 action plans:Mental Health: Mental health is a hidden issue in the university that is not addressed adequately. If elected I will ensure that people suffering from mental health issues are provided with more support by offering more counselling sessions.Motivation: It is crucial that students are motivated to carry on studying. This can be achieved by having motivational speakers from other organisations attending university and giving speeches.Personal Development: It is important that students have the essential skills for the job market. This can be achieved my providing training and mentorship with employers.Holding a strong community together: Currently, only 41% of the UEL students feel a sense of community.I believe we can hold more traditional events in each calendar month such as Black History Month, Holocaust event, World Peace Day.Student Jobs: More job opportunities need to be created for students on and off campuses. His can be done by working closely with the employment officer.

Muhammad Taiyeb ChoudhuryCandidate for the role of Welfare and Community Officer

The views the elected student officers express and the decisions they take have a direct impact on students, so you should vote for the candidates who you think are most suited to the roles.Who can vote?Every student at UEL can vote.How do I vote?Voting will take place between 11:00 and 18:00 from Tuesday to Thursday. You must attend a voting station in Docklands (East Building), Stratford (CC reception) or USS (reception). You can vote at any station. You’re not restricted to the campus where you’re normally based. You must bring your UEL ID card with you to vote.When you vote, you should rank candidates in order of preference. So vote 1 for your favourite, 2 for your second favourite, 3 for your third favourite, and so on. This means that if your favourite candidate doesn’t win, your vote will transfer to your second favourite and so on. Under this system, every vote counts.Although you can’t vote online, you can view the list of candidates, read their manifestos and watch their videos on our website: www.uelunion.org/elections

As a UEL student you have the right to vote in the Students’ Union elections.