As the NTSU Exec Team elections are nearing, we got in touch with the three candidates running for the President role to help you decide who to vote for.
The President is the figurehead of the Students’ Union and acts as the main representative for public relations and with other Students’ Unions.
They direct organisational strategy and are responsible for liaising with the Senior Management Team of the Union and relevant University staff, but also attend and chair Board of Trustees, Student Council, Union and Annual General Meetings.
Here is what this year’s President candidates had to say.
Harry Lait, third-year Politics student
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Growing up with a BAME father, I’ve learned the biases and injustices in the system, knowing the privileges that I have in society. My sibling has educated me a lot on gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ identities.
Both of my parents have had jobs involving helping people’s lives, as my Dad was in the Army and my Mum is a nurse who has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
Since studying Politics, I’ve gained an interest in campaigning and volunteering. I’m not afraid to say or stand up for what I believe in.
Why are you running for the President role?
Last year was the most I’ve cried as an adult and I’m not afraid or ashamed of it.
I’m wearing a pink hoodie because masculinity can be toxic, and I want to say to those who feel the pain of being afraid to express their emotions, I’m here for you!
1 in 5 students have suffered from mental health, it is vital that we speak out about it. We need to normalise living in a society where people’s mental health is put first.
I also want to spread awareness on gender fluidity, as people should be able to express themselves freely. This is why I want to increase gender-neutral toilets to be inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.
I make it no secret that a massive inspiration of mine is Lewis Hamilton. He has the courage to stand up against racism and campaigning for diversity in public institutions. The greatest F1 driver in history!
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I have had first-hand experience in tackling student issues.
An experience that I have had is going on two successful rent strikes in the first and second years.
I represented myself in court against my landlady, I was up against a senior solicitor and I received a rent reduction.
Almost every student I have met at NTU have had housing issues.
With these experiences I’ve faced, I’m able to give my everything in supporting students with housing issues. We can do this together!
Name one change you would make if elected that would improve the student experience here at NTU.
I would improve the student experience is to change the way how NTU and NTSU handle incidents of discrimination.
There is a lack of Diversity in NTU’s Leadership and Student Code of Behaviour Team which can lead to unfairness and discrimination. If elected, I will give my everything to campaign for more diversity, challenge discrimination in any form and to promote tolerance in improving the culture at NTU!
Benedict Wills, current VP Postgraduate
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I started uni in 2017 and did Law with Criminology and once I finished that I did my Master’s in Law.
I am very policy-focused and policy-driven and find it really interesting looking into the way things work.
I played in Rugby League when I was at uni and I also did musical theatre for two years but I realised very quickly I can’t sing so I moved back to rugby.
I now play for West Bridgford.
Why are you running for the President role?
When I was doing my Master’s, I was really involved with the SU.
Because I did my Master’s over Covid, I realised there’s a lot I can do to help postgraduates because I had people coming to me, even though I was just a student myself, asking for help and I thought I could do a lot to help those students.
Then I decided to run for the VP Postgraduate role because I thought I’d be fit for it and that’s what I did this year.
I’m doing a lot of work now around the Student Code of Behaviour with NTU but because I’m not the President of the Union, I don’t have that strong of a voice.
There is definitely more I can do for students next year if I get the role and that’s why I decided to run.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Because I’m the current VP Postgraduate, I have been working with the President and VP Education on the policy side of the SU for the past year.
I got involved with writing papers, working in the SU to see how it operates and I therefore have inside knowledge of it which is why I think I’m in a better position than the other candidates to make positive change.
I also have a really good relationship with the university staff which is very important to have as President.
Name one change you would make if elected that would improve the student experience here at NTU.
I am currently working on the improvement of the Academic Representation System and will continue to do so in the next year if elected.
Another thing we’ve been doing this year is making sure that the Student Engagement and Academic Representation System is the best it can be.
We’ve noticed that a lot of lecturers don’t understand what the SU is and why that system is needed.
The StEAR system is essential to make sure the students have the best course and university experience possible and that students can make their voices heard.
Benjamin Adams, third-year Primary Education student
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My passion to get into teaching started when I was 16 when I was coaching swimming.
From there, I developed a passion for working with children.
I love caring for people and want to make a difference in education and in people’s lives.
Why are you running for the President role?
I want to make a positive impact on other people, to inspire people to make changes within their own lives.
I’m quite passionate about sustainability.
Being elected as President would give me a platform where I can speak about things I really believe in and that hopefully inspire others to make a change
Ever since I came to university, I’ve felt very welcomed, everyone was very friendly.
Throughout the years, I’ve worked as a CERT mentor, student ambassador, and freshers’ rep.
I want to make people feel welcomed here just like I was welcomed three years ago.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I really believe in my manifesto points.
Even if I wasn’t running for President, these are things I would be pushing for within societies.
I’m really confident in myself.
I am not afraid of being different or going against the grain.
Name one change you would make if elected that would improve the student experience here at NTU.
One change that I want to bring is to introduce an international event for our vast range of international students that everyone can attend.
This would be an event where people can look at different cultures and embrace them.
It would give those people within that culture the chance to feel included and celebrated within the university.
The candidates’ full manifestos can be read here.
For more information about when hustings and voting will take place, click here.