As the NTSU Exec Team elections are nearing, we got in touch with the three candidates running for the VP Education role to help you decide who to vote for.
The VP Education coordinates the work of Course Representatives and School Representatives and chairs the Academic Representatives Assembly.
They attend meetings of the Academic Standards and Quality Committee as well as the Academic Board, the highest academic decision making bodies in the University.
They actively campaign to improve the academic experience of students at Nottingham Trent University.
Here is what this year’s VP Education candidates had to say.
Billie Westerman, MSci Forensic Science student
Why are you fit for the VP Education role?
I am suitable for this role as I have been a student for four years and during that time, I have communicated with staff in the student union and students through my roles as course representative and a voluntary consent facilitator.
I always welcome feedback and adjust how I perform particular activities.
I welcome anyone who wants to talk to me about making changes, either to how the course is run or how the consent workshops are presented or changes outside the course or signposting support services.
As VP Education, I will continue to advocate, offer my services to students and offer my voice to make change happen.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
As a Forensic Science student, I am taught to be transparent and challenge items.
As VP Education, I would be happy to ask questions and challenge ideas ensuring that students get the best benefits from any suggestions whilst being honest with students.
I am happy to volunteer my time wherever possible.
Name one way through which you are planning to improve the students’ academic experience if elected.
I would love to work with the Mental Wellbeing & Welfare VP and plan to bring in therapy dogs to increase morale at stressful times such as the second and third terms.
I will ensure it is well advertised too, as I believe it’s really important to consider mental wellbeing alongside education.
Daud Xiddig, third-year English student
Why are you fit for the VP Education role?
In my time at university, I have taken part in an array of opportunities which have allowed me to sharpen my public speaking skills.
This year, I was a co-curator of the Black Leadership Programme launch and I presented in front of a large audience and, therefore, I will be extremely comfortable when it comes to putting myself out there so that all students feel encouraged to approach me.
I believe that my ability to work in a team is ultimately my most valuable asset.
I will be working alongside the rest of the Executives, and I am excited by the prospect of working collaboratively to deliver amazing new initiatives to you all.
I believe that a VP Education should be a consistent and transparent person so that you know who to go to when issues arise or if you have new ideas to improve student life.
If elected, I will do all that I can to ensure that I become that person for you!
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I believe that my experiences during university have been extremely diverse, which will allow me to draw upon a wide range of connections.
I want to represent as many students from all backgrounds.
For instance, I want to organise non-alcoholic events during Freshers as I believe that many students feel left out during social events.
This is just one example of the initiatives I have planned to widen opportunities for students.
We enter university wanting to thrive academically, but the other areas of our student life shape our academic journey.
When we feel involved in the community of NTU, there is often a spike in our engagement in our degrees.
I will work my hardest to address all of these areas so that you get the student life you deserve.
Also, I have acted as Course Representative for three years which will allow me to be critical of the system of student feedback.
I want to create a system which allows for more frequent and urgent student feedback.
I also want to widen the net and make it easier for each student to voice their opinions.
Name one way through which you are planning to improve the students’ academic experience if elected.
I plan to create a report on the university’s transition to blended learning.
Returning to campus has not been disruptive at times and blending online with in-person teaching has created unique issues.
I hope to investigate the effectiveness of online workshops and their delivery across courses.
I also aim to push the notion of joining seminars virtually, or accessing a recording, for students who have to isolate.
Kallum Hancox, third-year Mathematics & Computer Science student
Why are you fit for the VP Education role?
Over the last two years, I have worked as the School of Science and Technology’s School Officer, communicating feedback and helping students shape their education within the school.
Now I want to do that on a larger scale allowing every NTU student to have the best academic experience here at Trent.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My overall reach within the NTSU: over my time here at NTU I have been within multiple societies, student experience subcommittees, Student Mental Health Campion, Consent Facilitator, a member of the entertainment committee, a course rep, and School Officer of the Year (2021-2022).
I believe that all these experiences are going to enable me to look at the role holistically across the union as a whole.
Name one way through which you are planning to improve the students’ academic experience if elected.
I aim to evaluate the NEC process placing a focus on introducing pastoral care when students disclose issues.
Students shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces when circumstances out of their control occur and disrupt their education.
There should be a system in place to step in based on what a student discloses.
The candidates’ full manifestos can be read here.
For more information about when hustings and voting will take place, click here.