The Students’ Union elections are underway at Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU), and we were able to speak to each of the Vice President for Education nominees.
Mel Chilekwa
What made you run this position?
I am a second-year Business Management and Accounting and Finance student and I’m employed by the NTSU as a part time job I do. I’m part of Debate society and I’ve been helping out talking on panels. It’s been really good.
I think I can really make a change and make a difference, especially for those from diverse backgrounds like myself. And I would like to have more opportunities for students. I want to make (myself) more approachable, like I will have an open-door policy so that students can just be free to come to you if they have any problems. At this moment, I feel there is a gap between SU and students. So, I’d like to close that gap as much as possible.
One or two points from your manifesto and explain why you think they are important. How are they going to be implemented?
The first point is about employability around NTU. Obviously, I’m running for VP Education which is very academic based. For example, one of changes I want to make for employability is around career fairs, having more opportunities for international students. Since I’ve been to career fairs and found out there’s little people that represent that background. So, I want that to be implemented and be changed. And also, more opportunities for people in general to increase diversity.
In terms of academic support in general, (I want to) improve the lecture capture system, also to have more study spaces as well as chill-out space, where students can decrease their stress levels.
To increase diversity across campus is also about more opportunities. For instance, currently there is a Black Leadership Program at NTU. Mang people may have not heard of it. So, I want to broaden that, like (initiating) a leadership program or different programs that lots of people can come to no matter what race or sex or whatever they are that they can be empowered.
People can be a leader, a CEO or a doctor, they just need these opportunities present to you. Because if they don’t know the fair, they might be disadvantaged.
Sophie Nasby
What made you run this position?
I have always had a keen interest in education, hence why my degree is in education studies. I’m friendly and approachable, always willing to help others. So, I thought I was the ideal candidate as I have knowledge surrounding education also, I have plenty of ideas in order for your university experience to be the best it can be.
One or two points from your manifesto and explain why you think they are important. How are they going to be implemented?
During this difficult time I think it’s essential all for students to be offered as much support as possible, so I aim to collaborate with other VPs to ensure the voice of students with mental health issues are heard & improve mental well-being support.
More talks about future career opportunities–for UG and PG students- I will implement this by working closely with employability to ensure students are accessible to all opportunities, reaching out to different employers.
Lower travel cost to and from Brackenhurst/ Clifton, this will be implemented by working with NCTX transport and the university to reduce ticket costs.
Troy Brocklebank
What made you run for this position?
At NTU, I have been involved with a variety of roles and attended some fantastic events. This role will allow me to use the knowledge I have gathered and help innovate education at Trent. I know the previous execs have made some fantastic progress while having a great time.
One or two points from your manifesto and explain why you think they are important. How are they going to be implemented?
Promote interdisciplinary activities and cross networking throughout each campus. The focus here is to make students more adaptable in different environments, which will hopefully help them excel in the working world. For example, digitalisation & basic programming has become more critical than ever with working from home during this epidemic.
The London Interdisciplinary School inspired the creation of this programme. Designed to give a basic understanding of a variety of disciplines for example data science, machine learning, sociology within an organisation and economics.
Voting for the students’ union elections opens at 9am on the 27th April, and will close at 5pm on the 29th April.
By Qing Na