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Have you got what it takes to make a difference for BU students?

SUBU exists to make student life better and our student leaders are fundamental to this. They lead on specific aspects of how we are run and can have a real impact on all students, so what are you waiting for?

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If you have any other issues voting, please contact subudemocracy@bournemouth.ac.uk

 

Manifestos

Asian, Arab and Ethnic Minority Officer

Julnar Sharif

I believe i have the skills and experience to create a welcoming and inclusive community where students feel they have a supportive network of people they can relate to, as well as learn about other cultures. It's essential for everyone to appreciate their culture through events where people can get to know each other and feel they have a positive community around them. Being the officer of this liberation group i want to make sure i voice the concerns of the people in this community to SUBU and BU who will be able to give them the right support.

 

Nila Begum

Hi I'm Nila and I am in my second year of studying biomedical science. I wish to be considered for this position as I am ready to empower students of our backgrounds to feel seen and heard. I will do this by holding events to represent and celebrate different cultures such as holding 'international day' celebrations. I intend on organising meetings and focus groups to allow people to bring forward their ideas to improve students experience here at BU. Finally, I hope to create a platform to bring cultural awareness where people can share their stories and experiences. 

 

Stephan Benedict Rodrigues

I am Stephan Rodrigues, A Student Rep pursuing MSc. Management with HR and I look forward for Asian, Arab and Ethnic Minority Officer.

>>  I  will Improve every students experience from different cultures and backgrounds by Adding more Value to it. We can celebrate a lot of things together and also help each other

>> I have been nominated recently to the TOP TWO Business School  Rep  Awards. I work Closely with our Faculies.

>>>  We are gonna have a lot of Student Events and Activities lined up.

Looking forward to serve you. 

Thank you for Voting for me. 

Black Students Officer

Gabriel Adelaja

I put myself forward to serve as the Black Student's Officer of the Black Student's community with SUBU.

My Action Points:

1. Represent at all times and level the interest of the Black Students community at Bournemouth University and by extension Bournemouth & Environs.

2. Create and Foster the advancement of the black community & Identity in Bournemouth.

3. Promote programs for the recognition of the black student community at Bournemouth University & Environs.

Josef Semugooma

Hi, I’m Josef Semugooma, and I’m a first year Business Student.

I am looking to become BU’s next Black PTO! 

I will work with the SU to extend the channels of communication between black students to enhance interconnectedness. We will hold more culturally oriented events which will allow more students voice’s to be heard!. 

Before arriving at BU, I worried that I wouldn’t fit in as a black student, but so far I've been amazed with the growing community. I intend to further increase our presence through more time investment into societies, diversity campaigns and inviting black creatives and intellectuals. 

Disabilities, Accessibility & Neuro-Diverse Officer

Aishwarya

I am Aishwarya in my final undergraduate year in Communication and Media. I am 21 years and a person of color with cerebral palsy from birth. I have returned from my placement year in Glasgow, Scotland with three organisations - Glasgow Women's Library, Amina BME and Muslim Women's Resource Center and Anti-Racist Woodlands Community Library.

I want to stand for Disabilities, Accessibility and Neuro-Diverse Part Time Officer because I believe that all of us are a change-maker in our own lives.

I want to work together with Full-time student officers in making my campus more inclusive, welcoming and safe. 

Katie Poole

My name is Kate, I am a 36-year-old mum of five with dyslexia, physical and mental health diagnosis’. I also have two neurodiverse children.  I am rallying for this role to be a voice for other students. I will listen and take on board things bought to light that the university can improve on as well as feedback things that are going well. I will be a listening ear and advocate for those that feel unheard and speak for those with passion, empathy and mostly solidarity. 

 

Zainab Abdul-Obitayo

Hi! I have an interesting concoction of chronic conditions and disabilities which makes being a student (and just general existing) difficult. I am running for this position as I want to try make it easier for others in my community.

I plan to:

  • Lobby for a smoother/more effective system for people with chronic conditions trying to get extensions
  • Create a funding scheme so that people can access more recourses (similar to the Gender Fund)
  • Raise more awareness for different disabilities/chronic illness through signposting and information
  • Update the allyship page
  • Fix the Instagram page

Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex and Gender Identity + Officer

Charlie Lavender

As your liberation officer I would:

  • Overhaul, update, and better promote the Gender Expression Fund.
  • Make the G(end)er swap more frequently available and accessible.
  • Work alongside other officers to improve the quality of students with intersectional interests.
  • Work with societies to ensure that they are providing you equal opportunities.
  • Increase promotion of the Allyship hub.
  • Listen to you and make sure you feel heard.

I want you to feel safe at our university, I hope you can trust me to do so.

Kelsi Yan Li

I am a bisexual girl from Asia. I was 16 when I started to realise that I also liked girls and was confused about my gender definition, which I know happens to a lot of LGBT and Gender Identity + people as well, and it's been a long challenge for all of us. I met more and more people later in my life and I have been there for them through a lot. So I sincerely hope to have more opportunities at university to help my mates have a voice, or anything else I can do. Please vote for me.

 

BU Business School Rep

Afsha Salim Haslani

Empower Student Voices: I'm committed to amplifying student voices, ensuring their concerns and feedback are heard and valued in faculty decisions.

Transparency and Accountability: I'll promote transparency in faculty matters, making information on policies and decisions accessible to students. I'll hold faculty members accountable for fairness and equity.

Positive Change and Collaboration: I'll foster a culture of collaboration, working with faculty, administrators, and students to identify and implement improvements that enhance our academic experience. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our faculty.

Josef Semugooma

Hi, I’m Josef, and I’m a first year BABM/E Student.

I want you to have the best student experience possible!

I stand on 3 concrete promises.

  1. Any student in BUBS can anonymously pass their concerns directly to the FR and expect them to be actioned upon.
  2. Students will get value for money from their education, and will not be negatively impacted by the inevitable strikes.
  3. Every decision BUBS makes will be for the benefit of students.

 

I have a great track record of successfully representing students while maintaining positive relations with staff, and want to continue advocating for you! 

Oluwaseun Awogbenle

I am humbled to offer myself in your service and the greater good of our academic community. With over 8 years’ experience, across key leadership and management position, I am convinced that I have the character to lead such a talented, diverse and dynamic set of students. My Agenda is predicated on the mission to inspire a Business school that leaves no one behind.

Opportunities: Prepare students for the future of work, access global opportunities, with emphasis on employability skills. 

Interaction – encourage activities that bring Business students together, to foster valuable relationships and lifelong friendships. 

Inclusion - structured information system.

Stephan Benedict Rodrigues

I am Stephan Rodrigues, A Student Rep pursuing MSc. Management with HR and I look forward for Business School Rep.

>>  I  will Improve every students experience by Adding more Value to it. Be it  Academics, Time Tables,  Jobs, Assignments, Accomodation or Any Issues you are facing, you are always welcome to come up to me for any Assistance.

>> I have been nominated recently to the TOP TWO Business School  Rep  Awards. I work Closely with our Faculies.

>>>  We are gonna have a lot of Student Events and Activities lined up.

Looking forward to serve you. Lets Rock Together.

Thank you for Voting for me. 

Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Rep

Katie Poole

My name is Kate, I am a 36 year old student in mental health nursing. I have five children and am looking to stand for this role to enable health and social care students a voice and opportunity to be heard. As a third year student I have not been without my struggles through the course and believe some of these could have been rectified had my voice been heard. I aim to feedback from students in a way that is professional, prompt and (hopefully) productive. 

 

Nengi Aprekuma

 I’m currently in my second year studying MSc Mental Health Nursing and I'm applying for the position of Faculty Rep Health and Social Sciences. My manifesto focuses on three key areas:

  • Student Representation: I will work with Student Representatives to ensure that the voices of students in the HSS Faculty are heard, feedback documented on SimOn and needs met.
  • Academic Excellence: I will work with the faculty to ensure students are fully supported in achieving academic excellence.
  • Community Engagement: I will work to build a sense of belonging among HSS students, by fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support.
Oliver Wildey

Last year, I was elected to be your officer and this year I want continue the momentum that I built last year in regards to my campaigns. 

I believe actions speak louder than words so. 

Last year I assisted/spear-headed. 

  • Assisted in the development of the SUBU Room at Lansdowne, making it more comfortable and a more likely place for students to hang out 
  • Encouraged and suggested the use of Lansdowne for clubs and society events 
  • A active student rep and student voice advocate. 
  • President of Bournemouth Appreciation Society 

#reelectoli!

 

Faculty of Media and Communication Rep

Claudine Magallane

A common question people ask is why vote for someone they know nothing about, to stand in as a voice for their faculty.

I am an accountable and transparent individual who wishes to be in the position where I can aid students in their journey, not just with their course but their mental health, accommodation, and other factors that may hinder their ability to reach their goals.

I strive to be more involved in the community and promote engagement amongst others. Collaborate with the student body to make everyone's university life experience run smoother and become more memorable.

Shrena Dsouza

I see the Media and Communication department to hold the maximum potential to play around with diverse and exciting opportunities. As it’s Faculty Representative, I aim to enhance student services in terms of better academic support and advice that also aids students to connect with the industry to gain exposure and scope. I also hope to bring in student experiences while planning aspects that directly affect the students, such as time-table scheduling, peer-tutoring programs and student activities within the curriculum.

I truly believe the right approach could boost each student’s learning experience and I hope to create this holistic environment.

 

Thomas Lower

I believe in a more connected BU. Especially in such a well interconnected world, we should be taking more advantage of modern platforms to connect students, alumni and prospective students on both a formal and informal basis.

 

 

The Roles

Elections are your opportunity to make your voice heard! Each year, you have the opportunity to elect other students to become SUBU's student leaders. Those elected leaders then represent you. They make sure that SUBU is student-run. If you care about improving student lives then make sure you vote in every SUBU election!

But voting isn’t all you can do! If being a student leader is something that you would be interested in, you can run for a position! This is your chance to make a difference for Bournemouth University students.

You can run to be a Liberation Officer for a community you are a part of and lead the Liberaiton Network for that community. The Liberation Networks are a space for underrepresented students to gather, create communities and become empowered. Throughout the year they will run a number of initiatives to promote change at SUBU, BU and beyond.

You can also run to be a Faculty Rep who represent their Faculty at senior levels within the Union and University and work closely with their Faculty Officer

Liberation Officer positions available are:

Asian, Arab and Ethnic Minority Officer

Black Students' Officer

Disabilities, Accessibility and Neuro-Diverse Officer

Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex and Gender Identity + Officer

Liberation Officer Role Description

Faculty Rep roles available are:

Business School Rep x1

Media and Communicaitons Rep x1

Health and Social Science Rep x1

Faculty Officer and Rep Role Description

Key Dates

 

Applications Open

Monday 4th September, 10am

 

Want to be a Part-Time Officer? Info Session

Monday 25th September, 3pm

 

Applications Close

Wednesday 27th September, 11:59pm

 

Candidate Briefing

Thursday 28th September, 4pm

 

Candidate Announcement

Thursday 28th September, 6pm

 

Start of Campaigning

Friday 29th September, 12pm midday

 

Voting Opens

Monday 9th October, 10am

 

Voting Closes

Thursday 12th October, 4pm

 

Results Announced

Friday 13th October, 4pm

 

 

How Does Voting Work?

Voting will take place online via the SUBU website. SUBU uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system which provides voters with much more choice and influence. STV means that candidates do not need to win a majority but instead must reach a quota/proportion of the vote. The quota is determined by the number of votes cast and the number of positions to be filled. For roles where there is only one position available the quota is half the total number of votes cast + 1

When voting students select their candidates in order of preference and are able to vote for as many or as few as they like. When the voting has closed, Candidates are excluded if it is impossible for them to reach the quota, their votes are then transferred in order of preference, which ensures that fewer votes are wasted.

Check out the video below from National Union of Students explaining how it all works

 

Expenses

Candidates shall have £20 to spend on their election campaign. This must cover all materials purchased or primarily used during the campaign. This will be reimbursed by SUBU after the election, upon the presentation of proof of spend. Any products or services offered at a reduced price will be assigned a fair price by the Returning Officer. 

Expenses must be declared by 12pm on Thursday 12th October.

Expenses Tracker

Expenses Form

Regulations and Complaints

All SUBU elections should be free and fair, which is why we have rules which govern our elections. You can find out more about election regulations and submit an elections complaint here.

 

View the Regulations Here

The Election Returning Officer for this election is SUBU's Democracy and Campaigns Manager, Kayleigh Heckford

FAQs

Part-Time Officers (PTO) are voluntary roles, which include Liberation Officers, Faculty Officers, and the Summit Chair. Each PTO represents a specific group of students, and it is their responsibility to promote the interests of that group. They are key student decision makers within the Union and ensure that as a Union we are student led.

The Liberation Officers represent and campaign on the behalf of the students they represent by leading their Liberation Campaign. They do this in a number of ways including organising events, running campaigns, attending SUBU’s Executive Committee and participating in the SUBU Summit, all on behalf of their members. These roles are important for making sure that marginalised students are heard at SUBU and BU and have a community that share similar lived experiences.

You can find out more about the Liberation Officers and Campaigns here.

Faculty Reps represent their Faculty at senior levels within the Union and University and work closely with their Faculty Officer.

In order to be eligible to contest one of the roles you must be eligible at the point of election and for the remainder of the 2023/24 academic year.

Candidates can only contest one Part-Time Officer position. They may also contest a Faculty Rep position due to the nature of the roles available

Roles are all voluntary so the there is no formal time commitment, but expect to spend between 1-5 hours per week on the role.Depending on the role you apply for there will be different meeting commitments that you’ll be expected to attend, such as the Executive Committee, Student Summit and other university meetings.

Being a Part-Time Officer or Faculty Reps is an incredible opportunity for you to shape SUBU and BU by having a direct say in how SUBU is run. It’s also a great developmental opportunity for you where you’ll learn transferable skills that’ll look great on your CV, as well as being fantastic for developing networks and improving your confidence! As well as this there are a number of other reward and recognition schemes you can get involved with during your time in post./p>

Part-Time Officers and Faculty Reps have a full induction programme to help them learn about the Union and their role, this includes ongoing training throughout the year. Part-Time Officers and Faculty Reps will also work very closely with other SUBU Officers and staff who will help them achieve their goals.

A manifesto is how candidates sell themselves to voters; it sets out their aims and priorities and may also include a little bit about themselves and why they are the best person for the job. Manifesto’s become candidates promises to students about what they want to achieve if they are elected so it is important that they are realistic and achievable.

Candidates are asked to submit a 100-word manifesto during their nomination.

In the context of elections, campaigning is what candidates do to get votes - it's not just handing out leaflets though! Successful candidates take time to listen and speak to students, find out about the current issues relevant to the role they're standing for and persuade voters with ideas and enthusiasm. Don’t worry if this all sounds a bit daunting because all candidates have to attend a briefing where we’ll provide some tips and tricks.

There are regulations surrounding campaigning behaviour. Candidates must not supply or handle voters devices.

Once applications open, simply fill out the online application form.

Voting will take place online via the SUBU website. SUBU uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) and Alternative Vote (AV) system which provides voters with much more choice and influence. STV/AV means that candidates do not need to win a majority, but instead must reach a quota/proportion of the vote. The quota is determined by the number of votes cast and the number of positions to be filled. For roles where there is only one position available the quota is half the total number of votes cast + 1. When voting students select their candidates in order of preference and are able to vote for as many or as few as they like. When the voting has closed, Candidates are excluded if it is impossible for them to reach the quota, their votes are then transferred in order of preference, this ensures that fewer votes are wasted.

Contact info

 If you have any questions about the election process get in touch with the Elections Team at subudemocracy@bournemouth.ac.uk