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VOTE ONLINE VIA BLACKBOARD OR VOTE IN THE SU OFFICE Elections open 9th June 2016 and close 16th June 2016

DO THEY HAVE WHAT IT

TAKES TO...

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The President is a full time, paid, student

representative who is elected by the student body.

Students intending to stand for the position are expected

to take a years break from their studies (or at the end of

their course before moving onto their next course or

career) with which to fulfil the role on behalf of the

Students’ Union. The President is responsible for making

decisions on and influencing the direction of the Students’

Union and are accountable to cross

college Student Council. If over the age of 18 the

President will also be a trustee of the organisation, with responsibility over the financial transactions and status of

the Union. If under 18 you are still able to stand for election as the President but will not be eligible to be a

trustee due to financial regulations. The term of office for the President is one academic year

and any student standing for the position must be

available for the entirety of this term (July 1st 2014 –June

30th 2015) There will also be a handover period of one

month before the student leader team elected in June fully

come into office. Any current standing

President may rerun for the post only once and therefore

may only hold office for a maximum of two years.

For the term in office 2014/15 the President will be paid

£12,000 (before tax/NI) for fulfilling the role.

President of the SU

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The President is a full time, paid, student

representative who is elected by the student body.

CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THIS POSITION ARE:

Dwayne foster

Michael Francis

Lakhshmi Pawar

Risdon Sharp

Dan Wood

Re open nominations

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If elected I will:

If elected student union president I will continue to fight for equality for all stu-dents regardless of Age, Gender, Race, Disability, Religion or sexual orientation through a RESPECT campaign across all campuses helping students to feel empow-ered and comfortable with their own identity

Work with local organisations such as mind, Dudley Council to help promote men-tal health and sexual health to young students by reinstating a sexual health service called s.h.a.g (sexual health advice and guidance) and hosting a regular mental wellbeing drop in which will act as a sign posting service as well as a safe space with regular activities like art therapy and yoga

I will continue to actively promote learner voice and encourage class reps to en-gage and get involved with student union activities by hosting class rep only events to better create cohesion between them and helping them to feel valued in there role

Host a wide range of trips, events and training opportunities to empower student and offer a great student experience within the college.

As president I will continue to work closely with NUS to fight for student rights on a national level as well as run to represent the views of students in further education one of the available committees

I will work closely with bite the ballot and votes at 16 to continue to promote politi-cal education and voter registration to better get student ready for the outside world of politics. As well as campaigning to get automatic voter registration added to enrolment forms

As part of my events I will work closely with the performing arts department to host a music festival as well as promote any activities and events as there are a lot of talented people across the college who miss out on opportunities to showcase their talent

I will also continue to work with hope not hate to continue to fight the oppression

of the far right who have used our town to stage there demonstrations by hosting

workshops to educate and promote equality and community cohesion

DWAYNE FOSTER manifesto

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Personal statement

As a long standing member of Dudley college student union I have al-ways been passionate about the student movement and student rights. I have seen the terrible way the government has dismantled our right to an education and taken away so many opportunities such as EMA, the raising of tuition fees, privatisation of HE, Pushing for academies and this year the area reviews, which limit the prospects of students especially in an area with such a diverse group of people and low eco-nomic background. Because of this I have already been at the forefront of the student moving in Dudley college and over the years have had the chance to work closely with some great organisation such as the BBC where I was a part of the general election campaign generation 2015.

I have also worked with the TUC where I was one of a small number of young people who led their Youth unemployment rally in London and helped put together a Youth unemployment rally.

I am standing for this role as i feel i have a wealth of knowledge and the experience of student politics and the issues students face

I feel I am a good leader and will lead Dudley college students union to

greater things than we have already achieved

DWAYNE FOSTER manifesto

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If elected I will:

Student Showcase: Dudley College offers a wide variety of course and with many course often consist of many talents and exceptional skills. I think it would be great we could praise these students and offer them a talent match. We need to encourage students to get work experience in what they love to do. Because at the end of the day it’s better to be qualified and experience, rather than just having a certificate or diplo-ma. Culture and Faith Awareness Although there haven’t been any major cases about culture and faith issues, we don’t have to think of this topic as a negative. In other words students can be given the opportunity at least one day per school year to express, exhibit and entertain others about their faiths and cultures. This can be done by having a fairs where stu-dents can bring in cultural foods and clothing and presentation about their faith. I would say allow students to have different faith and cultural clubs, but sometimes clubs tend to separate people. Part-Time Job Fair Many students are struggling with finances and most of the time these student are taken for granted. There are even cases where students with high predicted grades are struggling with finance. Although we may be doing our part in the Student Fi-nance to assist them, I think we can do more by having a Part-Time Job Fair. Local companies both big and small could join with Dudley College to offer available spaces, for students who are ready and willing to work while they study. Health Check Day Lots of student consider going to the local GP to get a health check is a task. Majori-ty of the students are teenagers who are sometimes more comfortable about crossing the road while texting, than sitting in a room full of people waiting to check there blood pressure. I think we need a confidential space once every two to three months where students can get a health check. This could help students have an idea or be aware of what’s going on in their bodies, which could lead to them making life changing but beneficial changes. Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you. Unofficial Sport Events/ Club There are many students who enjoy the thrill and enjoyment of participating in sports, but they aren’t interested in pursuing professional career. Instead they pre-fer to play sports as a way to socialize and have fun, or even as a means to keep fit. But such activities are only available to students enrolled on sports related course. On-Campus Child Care Services During my final year of college I’ve been raising my daughter alone. This had a neg-ative impact on my grades and productivity. I think this could have been prevent if the on-campus child care service were put back into place. It could be a win-win situation for both the single parent students and students enrolled on a child care

course. Single parents will get back more time to focus on their studies. While Child Care students can expand their studies and gain a bit of work experience, which could even help them get a job.

MICHAEL FRANCIS manifesto

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Personal statement

My name is Michael Francis. I am a British – Caribbean Graphic Design

student who finds pleasure in doing my part to make the world a better

place for someone. I have been involved in many youth groups as a

leader and inspirational speaker. I stand my ground when I know am

right and educate myself when I am wrong, so I can come back with a

better argument. This means I will always be ready to fight for your well

-being, rights and education. I am passionate about personal develop-

ment and constantly give credit to an individual where it is due. We the

student may not own the college but without you there is no college, I

will do my best to make sure you get the treatment and education you

deserve

MICHAEL FRANCIS manifesto

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If elected I will:

Some of the improvements I would like to implement whilst being President are – Improved communication between students and lecturers For example, at the moment, sometimes classes are left unmanned by an authorities figure whilst the students are left to their own will. If a teacher is unable to attend, notify the class via the class rep and provide an assistant to cover the class in case there is any help required. Cheaper healthy foods A portion of chips is £1.00, but a healthy salad/pasta is nearly double that amount for half the portion size?! If Dudley is considered an obese town, why is the college not educating the cooks to make that difference? More social events for young and mature students There are not many events for young students during college breaks and not any events for mature students that they can bring their children to. Provide something fun for the younger students and organise family days for the mature students. Re – enforce equality and celebrate diversity We all think and look different from one another, so let’s learn from one another instead of causing conflict?! Make it possible to let everyone’s voices to be heard and help and assist those who need additional support. Celebrate diversity by holding open events at college for all students to come together and understand each other. Possibly celebrate religious festivals to make al feel accepted?! More funding for disadvantaged students Many people drop out of college for various reasons but the most common reason is usually having financial restraints. Provide more funding for those students who need this help. Additional funding could be raised by holding ticket only events maybe?! More exposure to work/employment/further education for all The employment part of the college need to interact with students on a regular basis so that the message of employment/further education is made important. Improved interaction between Student Union and students Through the class reps, and the executives, ensure all students are aware of the Students’ Union and that they are informed of its ability to act on behalf of them. Effective delegation for maximum results!

LAKHSHMI PAWAR manifesto

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Personal statement

My role as a student and as a class rep at Dudley College re – educated

me about the standards needed to get excellent grades for

assignments, and be an unbiased voice for the rest of the students on

the course. My work history has predominantly been ruled by sales so I

am driven and ready to represent Dudley College in and out of hours. I

aim at networking far and beyond the borders so that the links to

college could benefit the students, staff and improve Students’ Union

Services.

LAKHSHMI PAWAR manifesto

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If elected I will:

I believe that students should vote for me, because I will not only strive to identify the needs of students, but also strive to find effective solutions for them. I hope to use my people skills and problem solving skills, to bring all relevant par-ties to an understanding of one another and to find common ground in all situa-tions, that we might all grow to be more inclusive; that we might grow to be more understanding of different perspectives and that we might all find the Dudley Col-lege experience, to be even more fulfilling. I will strive to represent the students and the college in a respectful and honoura-ble fashion. I hope to bring energy and charisma to all situations, that people might easily find themselves investing their attention to any matter at hand or the student union itself. I hope that I will be given the opportunity to be a bridge between people and peo-

ple and between people and their goals.

RISDON SHARP manifesto

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I am a well-spoken, charismatic, natural-born leader. I find it very easy to operate with and around people. I am a high-level thinker and a problem solver. I know how to listen to other and appreciate their perspectives, their skills and anything they may have to offer, that may help in any way. I am well-mannered and reasonably well kept. I find people interested and therefore I take interest in their needs. I have public speaking experience and am comfortable addressing peo-

ple.

RISDON SHARP manifesto

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If elected I will:

If I were to be elected into the position of president I will ensure that: Student’s opinions shall be voiced, their opinions will be at the heart of every decision made, and I will make the best choices based on what the students have told me. The current number of class reps are maintained. However, I will ensure there is more collaboration between other class reps from different courses to gain a broader view of the problems facing Dudley College students. To maintain and try to secure more facilities around all the campuses, for example; fixing computers that are not working, I will notify the IT department so they can locate them & get they working rather than they being unusable! I will campaign against government policies that affect the college and the students, and try and get the best possible alternative. I will campaign for extra car parking spaces to be added around college as people are already experiencing difficulties finding a space! I will organise different events throughout the year for the student union to allow them to come together and have fun! I will voice that students on their last year of college would like the option to have more assistance from their tutors in where their next step is from college, not just help for people going to university. I will have one to one’s with students from all around the college, so I can gather their experience with college first hand, not just from the class reps. I will make sure that if they have any matters they have a problem with, I will help them understand the situation, or if I can, try to solve their issue(s). I will address the WI-FI problems that the college is facing so it will not reduce the rate of which the students can work. I will campaign for more bike shelters to be added on the Broadway campus and to make sure they are covered by CCTV to ensure their safety! I will Also for evolve, I will get more seats in the building to address the lack of seating for students at break times. I will aim to get more facilities installed in the HND room, such as a microwave & kettle to save students money! In Wolverhampton St. I will aim to improve the overall security of the building.

There are many more issues I would like to address all of great importance that I have run out of words for, just ask for more details!

DAN WOOD manifesto

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Personal statement

I am a passionate, dedicated and motivated individual who would work

hard to complete my objectives for the year. The decisions that I will

make are strictly for the students benefit only! Students are always at

the heart of every decision.

DAN WOOD manifesto

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T! Even if you don’t apply for a

position - Elections are still important!

You may not want to run for a position yourself but

being a student here at Dudley College/Sixth it is your right to have your say in who will be representing you

this academic year.

The Elections are a key opportunity for you to get your voice heard!

Voting in the Students’ Union elections is EASY!

Simply visit the Students’ Union Office any time during

open hours to cast your vote, alternatively there will be

floating ballot box at different campuses during

the week.

You can also vote online via Blackboard which is mega

simple and easy to follow.

Voting is open from 11am on Thursday 8th June

until 3pm Thursday 13th June The results will be

counted and announced on Tuesday 18th June at 5pm.

The count will start at 3.30pm in the BASE, Broadway

Campus. All candidates and their representatives are in-

vited to view the count.

For more information about the SU, what we do, how we

represent you and how you could get involved please see:

Find us on Facebook/

Tweet at us on Twitter @DudleySU

Like our page DUDLEY SU

Pop into the office for a chat –B4 Broadway Campus

Call: 07904680733/01384363412

Email:

studentunion@dudleycol.ac.uk

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