Emma Murphy

Who am I?

Hiya! My name is Emma Murphy, and I am running to be your Education Officer at Queen’s this year. I’m a final year English student and am really passionate about getting you the best education experience possible! I have been heavily involved in the Student’s Union and academic issues throughout the past three years and believe I am the best candidate to represent you. I have already had experience as a School Representative, Lead Peer Mentor and President of the English Society working to better your time at Queen’s and would love to give even more back to the community. Vote Emma #1 for Education to have your voice heard, #EmmaforEducation!

Why am I running?

This year has been unlike any other at Queen’s University and it has been one of the toughest for students academically. Students have been neglected by politicians, trapped in rent contracts and promised more than was delivered. I want to work on behalf of you to make sure that your voice is heard, and that Queen’s is held responsible to improving the educational experience for every student. I believe I have the experience necessary for the job from my involvement in a wide range of student representation and listen to students daily on the issues that matter to them. In particular, I want to focus on the 5 following areas next year because they are important to creating a better experience for you, whether in lockdown or on campus.

• Improve Blended Learning-  Although newly brought in this year, online learning has been unacceptable in some cases which will inevitably affect student’s grades. Your education should be accessible, practical and interactive. Feedback should be timely and provide sufficient detail to help with your next assignment. Within my own school, I have already managed to push back unfair deadlines for dissertation work. Working with the university, we can change what does not work for our learning and ensure that teaching does not exclude any student, whether international or shielding. By continuing recorded lectures and safely welcoming everyone back on campus when possible, this will ensure everyone has access to the education they deserve.

• Enhance Employability Services- As a School Representative this year I have tackled the lack of employability representation for Humanities students. After hosting student focus groups and consulting with staff, we have launched the Industry Uncovered programme which allows students to network and interview industry professionals. I aim to continue this work by hosting a networking event during Development weeks and to expand employability resources online to every student that feels underrepresented.

• Provide Support for Student Workers- Many students undergo part time employment and placements whilst studying at Queen’s and yet receive no additional support in their studies. Extra support should be given and consideration for exceptional circumstances should be made. Having to support yourself should not be a barrier to learning, especially given the financial impact of the current pandemic.

• Create a Community- As a student this year it has been isolating in the classroom and outside of it. Working together with personal tutors and peer mentoring we can expand these networks to all subject areas so that students can connect to their academic life and their peers. I will also collaborate with the elected Campaigns and Engagement Officer to enhance the role of societies in university life, which is a great source of community.

• Tackle Underfunding for Mental Health Support- One of the biggest issues affecting students is a lack of mental health support from Queen’s. As an officer, I would demand more funding for an overtaxed system of support, as it is needed now more than ever. By providing more professional counselling services, training for staff and elected faculty and school reps, and improving awareness of these services students can gain access to the support they need.

Let me be your voice at Queen's!

I am committed to improving your education and the issues that affect it. I have a unique experience of listening to students across a wide variety of years and subjects, and I want to champion the causes that we all believe in. I would love the chance to create tangible change and continue to help wherever I can.

On the 1^st March to the 4^th of March, elect me to make your voice heard on the issues that matter to you, improve teaching and employability services and to hold Queen’s accountable for their promises!

Download Manifesto
Candidate Question Time Answers (Video)
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