Hi everyone!
My name is Róisín Costelloe. I’m currently an International Commercial and Business Law Masters student and just graduated in summer from my undergrad in Law with Politics which was also here at Queens. I’d love if you would vote for me for the AHSS Postgrad Taught Faculty Representative.
My goals:
- Feedback – I want quicker feedback for students. In the past students have had to wait for feedback and some of the comments made were not the most clear or concise. The long wait for feedback also affects the timeframe we have to implement changes as usually there is another assignment is due in soon after. I want solutions included for the problems that lecturers outline. I want more workshops on areas that students struggle with so they actively know how to improve. I also want to push for more meetings with personal tutors and lecturers to discuss feedback as often more details are needed to understand where and why exactly you may have lost marks. The standard equivalence scale is not as obvious as AHSS may think especially for postgrads where the standard is automatically higher than that of the undergraduate level.
- Standard of Teaching- The standard of teaching within AHSS varies. I want Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to ensure that lecturers have as engaging classes as possible with breaks split up as necessary. A PowerPoint is not enough if there is no energy or conversation to keep students engaged and get a chance to use their knowledge gained from the readings. There should also be working speakers and mics in every room so the students can confidently know and understand what the lecturer are saying. If normal students struggle to hear the lecturer it will be even harder for deaf students. More lecturers need to be aware of how to use the equipment that aids in their studies and willing to use it as we want AHSS commended for its accessibility for all students.
- Social Events- We need more social events for AHSS postgrad taught students. As we are classed as mature students we no longer fall under the umbrella of undergrad students. More events would allow us to mix more with the people studying similar things and give us a chance to know more people. Especially as a postgrad classes may be daunting as they are smaller, social events would allow people to come out of their shell more and get to talk to everyone instead of a little group. We could have more pizza and wine nights, movie nights, quizzes, anything that the people want. We could organise them around timetables so as they suit the majority and do them on different days to give everyone a chance to attend. University is great for the academic side of things but we also need to maintain a healthy social aspect which is why these events would be great for mental health and wellbeing.
Why you should vote for me:
- I’ve always been passionate about getting students voices heard. From being on the Donegal Youth Council, Foróige National Council, student council, law with politics course rep and the QUB SU Council it shows it’s something I’ve cared about no matter the education level or age. I believe that everyone is entitled to their rights to be respected and that injustice is unacceptable especially in the school of law. Not everyone feels comfortable speaking up which is why we need advocates for them to ensure they don’t suffer in silence. It would be an honour to be an advocate for postgrad law students as I know we can be overlooked as the emphasis is typically put on undergrad students.
- From being a course rep last year I know that there is areas that AHSS is lacking in. I am more than willing to meet with the head and director of the different schools about areas that need improvement. From bunched deadlines to lecturers not being aware of how to use equipment to aid students with deafness combined with the dismissal of lecture recordings to be available to students as a form of revision as a minimum, there are things I would like to work on. I want to meet with staff and discuss areas of improvement. I hate seeing people struggle and will fight for changes that will impact students’ lives even if it doesn’t necessarily affect mine. I was one of the students affected by the marking boycott this summer that affected our graduation and would want to ensure it doesn't get to that point this year.
- As someone who is actively involved in different clubs and society such as being treasurer for QUB Knights cheerleaders, secretary for the Taylor Swift Society, and an active member of the Musical Theatre society I’m mixing with a wide range of people from different backgrounds. I want AHSS to reflect positively on all postgrad students. I’m very dedicated and follow through with all my commitments as seen by my dedication to volunteering at homework club last semester as well as attending cheer as it is a team so Iunderstand the importance of showing up and being there. I attended all student council meetings last year even whilst concussed.
- Therefore you should elect me as the AHSS Faculty Postgrad representative as I have experience being an advocate for people. I want people to become involved in the SU and have encouraged voting in the past through being involved in campaigns and managed to get QUB Knights £100 because so many of our memebrs voted. I have experience in multiple areas of student life and solely want the best for postgrad students.
I want to be part of helping amplify an inclusive and visible student voice and your vote would enable me to do this.
Thank you :)