With voting for the NTSU elections beginning in just a couple of days, it’s time to find out who the nominees are for VP Education.
Tisha Wijekoon – third year Politics and International Relations
Tell us a bit more about yourself and what was it attached you to the role of VP Education?
“I’m a 22-year-old politics student who was born in Sri Lanka.
“I have witnessed first-hand, the lack of support that was provided for students like myself, by the student’s union during this extremely difficult year.
“I see this as an opportunity to achieve the real, positive change that the student body has been wanting from its union.”
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates running for the same role?
“This year, I have worked very hard on the academic policy campaign and the open letter, which was signed by over 7000 students at NTU, fighting for safety nets and deadline extensions for all courses, to benefit our education and our mental well-being during this pandemic.
“I have continuously been fighting to ensure that our education is not impaired by external circumstances, out of our control.”
Considering the ongoing impacts of COVID, what would you do to provide academic support for students should you be elected?
“I believe it is entirely imperative to prioritise the education of students, to guarantee the limitation of any impacts due to COVID.
“Furthering access & increasing the awareness of current support systems such as NEC’s & access statements, as well as improving the current mental health services offered by the university, are some of the ways that I will provide support for students during this pandemic.”
Katherine Fagg – BA Economics with Finance and Banking
Tell us a bit more about yourself and what was it attached you to the role of VP Education?
“I’m a 22-year-old final year at NBS who wants to use her skills and knowledge to help others.
“I am passionate about sustainability and social equity in particular and believe the role of VP Education is a natural progression from the work I do as a School Officer and Trustee for NTSU.
“I love to travel, be outside and try new things.”
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates running for the same role?
“My experience working with NTU and the working relationships I’ve already made.
“We often forget NTU is a business as well as our provider of education, and this is how changes must be made; with an understanding of how things work on both sides.
“It is one thing to amplify the voice of students, but the role of VP Education requires the ability to design and implement change with confidence, too.”
Considering the ongoing impacts of COVID, what would you do to provide academic support for students should you be elected?
“Listen, learn, then act. I acknowledge every student wants different things to achieve their best work, which is why my manifesto may seem broad.
“I promise to listen to every issue, then learn more about how it is affecting students and the best path to take to remove the obstacle.
“I promise to work collaboratively at all times to ensure fair representation and achieve the most effective outcome for you.”
Katya Senior – BSc Games Production
Tell us a bit more about yourself and what was it attached you to the role of VP Education?
“Hi, I’m Katya, current Confetti School Officer and VP Education candidate.
“From early on in my degree, I held a great love for the university and the opportunities it has given me, and I wish to be elected so that I can give back to it whilst making things better for the current and future student body.
“Despite this appreciation, I recognise that things haven’t been perfect by far, in great deal due to the pandemic but also some pre-existing issues that have simply now been highlighted.”
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates running for the same role?
“I have a proven track record in my desire and ability to support the student body, having near perfect attendance both to official meetings such as Course Rep Assemblies but also to weekly meetings with our current exec team, as I recognise how crucial a constant feedback cycle is in these difficult times.
“Having an invisible disability, I understand that various minorities may require more support than the average student, which is why I have been going out of way to speak to postgraduate, international, and other disabled students so far in my capacity as school officer and will soon be expanding to mature and BAME students to find how best I can support them in my current role, and as VP Education.”
Considering the ongoing impacts of COVID, what would you do to provide academic support for students should you be elected?
“I will open discussions with the dean of each school and aim to have drop-in sessions covering missed content, or a suitable substitution appropriate for each course. I will push for each school to be reviewed on how they handled blended learning and the pandemic.
“Should restrictions still be in place, I will work to increase library opening hours at the convenience of students, looking at how to get back to 24-hour usage. Also, I will negotiate to allow for students to drop-in without having made a booking, should capacity allow for this.
“Students who chose to defer this year due to the pandemic may be concerned as to how the university will operate next academic year, so I will make sure that they are personally emailed with a full update so that they can make an informed decision as to whether to return or wait another year.
“I understand that many students are experiencing low mental health due to the stress of the pandemic in conjunction with their studies, so I will be working closely with the VP Community & Welfare to secure support through counselling and continued leeway (such as the current NEC policy) on a case-by-case basis.”
Kaival Shah has not replied to the interview request.
You can cast your vote from 7pm Friday March 12, until Friday March 19.
By Na Qing