After being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) have rescheduled the annual SU elections to this week.
We were lucky enough to sit down with each of the candidates for President of the Students’ Union to find out why you should vote for them.
Benedict Wills
Tell me about your time at NTU.
I’m a final year Law student at NTU and during my time here, I’ve been incredibly social, getting involved in everything at the SU that I possibly could. My life at Gill Street South in a flat of 11 made sure I was constantly expanding my branches, and going to SU events twice a week made sure I was always busy. I’ve also attended union meetings as well so I can properly understand people’s struggles too. In the end, I’m society based, as I’ve been heavily involved with NTU Drama so the SU has always been a big thing for me.
Why did you decide to run for President?
For me, I’ve always loved the way to Students’ Union has been run, with the amount of transparency it has and I’d love that to stay. I’d really like to help international students and first years adjust to university life here, because it’s a huge change! Lots of international students don’t know about the things we do, so getting a diverse group of students involved in the SU is one of my top priorities.
What changes would you make to NTSU if you’re elected?
Back in 2015, 26,000 students nationwide dropped out of University in the first eight weeks, so I want to help them integrate into University life quicker. I think that the SU should have a key and central part in that. I want to help students with housing and independent living, and enable all student voices to be heard. At the moment, I think a lot of students feel disconnected from one another, so I want to work closely with other Students Unions and Confetti so we can all work together to build a stronger community.
What’s your favourite thing about NTU?
I really love the community feel of the University – being able to interact with everyone, and be friendly, in such an inclusive environment is something I really appreciate and want to continue.
Conor Naughton
Tell me a bit about your time at NTU.
My NTU experience began all the way back in 2016 which feels like a lifetime ago now! I study Sport Science at Clifton Campus. When looking at different universities, I went to lots of Open Days all over the country but when I came to NTU, as cheesy as it sounds, I just knew straight away that this was where I wanted to be. One of my best friends from home was already here and all I ever heard was how amazing it was from the social aspects to the different facilities on offer. Once I visited Clifton Campus and had a look around the city I was sold! Since starting at NTU, the University and SU have just got better and better and itās been amazing to be a student here during a time of such growth.
Why did you decide to run for President?
After having such an amazing time at NTU myself and squeezing the most from every opportunity that has come my way from DJing, working for the SU to volunteering in Fiji twice, I wanted to use my positive experiences to give those same opportunities to fellow students. My main motivation was to help students with issues that directly affect them and to build on the excellent work of the current Exec Team. I have always been passionate about representing student issues in order to bring about change and solutions, having done this as President of my SU at college, and as Course Rep at NTU.
What do you believe sets you apart from other candidates?
For me it is experience. Iāve done just about everything there is to do at NTU and NTSU and with that Iāve gained great experience of what works well and what doesnāt, which I can use to develop those areas for NTSU. From working for the SU in the āEntsā department, being a Course Rep, DJing, volunteering both in Nottingham and internationally, to playing Futsal, or working on events like Varsity to being on the Vice Chancellorās Teaching Awards.
What changes would you like to make to NTU/NTSU?
If elected, I want to introduce a new fair and affordable outfit hiring system putting an end to overpriced graduation costs. Another thing I want to improve is mental health support. I will do this by increasing our voice on mental health provisions that NTU offer students to ensure every student is supported fully.
I would also work to freeze bus pass prices, reward Freshersā team members with free T-shirts and meal tokens, and ensure that every student has access to the same opportunities. To do this I would make sure NTSU work with NTUās leading CenSCE team to reach all students.
Conor Judge
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Conor Judge and Iām a 4th Year student at NTU, finishing my studies in Digital Media Technology. Through my time, I have been part of a variety of Sports Clubs which include Ultimate Frisbee, Rowing and 4 years with Dodgeball. This has given me the opportunity to give back and support my societies as social wellbeing officer, Secretary and President.
I first chose NTU for itās outstanding recognition for education, student engagement and comfortable environment. NTU is my second family away from home with the memories forged, invaluable experiences and open arms it welcomes every student.
Why did you decide to run for President?
I’m running for NTSU President to make real change for our University and provide students with Opportunity, Experience and Education. Having a main goal to build an inclusive student body with positive change for everyone. Creating better communication and opportunity for the student voice in NTU. Forging a stronger student community with a focus on Connectivity which is structured through my Manifesto. Working through various committee roles has inspired me to run for this role and make a change.
What do you believe sets you apart from other candidates?
I feel with experience working as a committee member and leading a club through various roles including President, I bring valuable interpersonal skills which would build and lead a strong NTSU Exec team into 2020/21. Having built a strong visual connection with students through several societies, sports teams and NTSU events, I am able to relay and connect with their voice for NTU. Also, having spent a year working with NTU for my placement year in IT support, it has given me a strong visual approach to a variety of departments behind the line and was an invaluable experience to view and support with how NTU truly works above and beyond for students and see the improvement we could implement to reach our students even further.
What changes would you make to NTU/NTSU if elected?
If I am successful for the role, I would look to continue to build a strong connection with NTU staff and the new exec team. I would also investigate the development of a Mobile Application for NTSU. Building stronger accessibility and engagement to be able to present our events, opportunities, quick support links and vital student information. As well as this, I would like to adapt a second freshers fair which provide clubs with further engagement through the year.
Rachel Saunders
Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m a 37 year-old mature student who comes from a middle class background. I studied BSc Games Technology at Confetti and I was NTU’s Equality for Gender officer in 2018/2019. I’ve also been a student class representative, worked on the NTU global diversity project and I’m a hockey devotee!
What do you believe sets you apart from the other candidates?
I think my experience definitely sets me apart, and that helps me know which battles to pick and when. I think it’s important to pick one key fight, make sure it’s sustainable and deal with it in a pragmatic way. I think my willingness to listen and deal with issues is a huge benefit as well.
Why did you decide to run for President of the SU?
I believe I can make a difference. I have been involved in student politics for three years, and experienced the good and bad parts of university life. I see each student as an individual, and as we’re open to individuality, I think the SU would be for everyone, not just the select few. I think we need more inclusivity, more stimulating experiences rather than just events where you can drink, and more events for student parents. If NTSU isn’t for dialogue, what’s it for?
What is your favourite thing about NTU?
I think the fact that NTU puts all its students front and centre, and encourages everyone to have an active role in the University and its students’ union.
Voting for the students’ union elections opens at 9am on the 27th April, and will close at 5pm on the 29th April.
By Faith Pring