Striking the Perfect Balance in Policies: Let's Make It Happen, Reduce Costs, and Enhance Representation. Remember, the Union is by Students, for Students, of Students.
Introducing My Vision: Who I Am and Why I'm Seeking Your Support?
“Throughout my life, I've wondered about the equations in theory and algebra, but I've never really understood why they were important. This is the essence of my stance – I question the 'why' behind it all. Asking this simple question leads to understanding everything.”
Hi, I am Devrath, your current Faculty representative for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences PGT, a member of the Student council, and the course representative for Masters in Management. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and eager to continue contributing to the union. It's a privilege to be part of such a meaningful endeavour, and I'm excited about the prospect of making a positive impact through our collective efforts.
My Background:
Currently active in the AHSS Staff-Student Partnership Network, I serve as both the course and faculty representative, working closely with fellow students to understand their concerns and advocate for solutions. Life is an ongoing journey of learning, which is why I firmly believe in education as a universal right. Any institution dedicated to this should prioritize treating students as learners, not mere numbers, fostering a culture of growth and development
Running for Postgraduate Education Officer: I am nominating myself for the position of Postgraduate Education Officer with the goal of enhancing the postgraduate experience on various fronts. Throughout my collaboration with the student union and the university, I have identified a discrepancy in prioritization between undergraduate and postgraduate students. My objective is to bridge this gap
Cost Reduction Initiative and Discounted Prices
I aim to approach this initiative with transparency and practicality, avoiding false promises of everything being free. It's crucial to strike a balance between providing relief and recognizing the need for organizations and businesses to sustain themselves. While advocating for free services may not be feasible, negotiating discounts can offer tangible support to students burdened with various responsibilities.
Free/Discounted Transport for Queen's University Students
While the demand for free transportation is evident, there's also a need for recognition among students above 23 years old who are currently not benefiting from a 50% discount. This disparity doesn't sit well, especially for postgraduates who already face significant burdens. Additionally, there's a call for increased discounts for individuals aged 16-23.
For students at Queen's University, there's an urgent need for an exclusive Queen's discount similar to the Ylink 50% off card, regardless of their age.
I advocate to lobby for a straightforward plan to achieve free or affordable transportation. This initiative will provide immediate relief to students amidst the current cost of living crisis, rather than engaging in a prolonged struggle. It is crucial to address the pressing needs of the hour.
Here is how I aim to accomplish it:
First Phase:
- Introduce a one-month trial period of free transportation for all Queen's students.
- Follow up with a 2-month period offering a 75% discount on Ylink fares for the first 2500 students,
- Alongside a 60% discount for students aged 24 and above, within the same quota (2 months; first 2500 students)
- Distribution of free ID cards or vouchers to eligible students to access these discounts.
Second phase
Based on performance, I will lobby for further policy changes to ensure accessibility for all Queen’s students in subsequent phases.
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Housing Advocacy:
Living expenses are not as affordable as portrayed. The real impact of the cost of living crisis affects nearly everyone. Postgraduates, in particular, face accommodation challenges, often finding themselves at the bottom of the university's priority list.
1. Addressing Accommodation Costs:
- Advocate for a fixed percentage % quota for postgraduates in QUB accommodations.
- Push for improved accommodation opportunities specifically tailored for postgraduates.
2. Flexible Contracts:
- Students are vulnerable to exploitation in private accommodation deals.
- Advocate for greater oversight by QUB in private accommodation transactions.
- Empower students with more control over their accommodation contracts to alleviate stress and ensure fairness.
3. Fair Pricing and Negotiation:
- Accommodation costs are rising, disproportionately affecting students.
- Negotiate with housing providers for more affordable rates.
- Implement measures to ensure fair pricing and improved negotiation options for student accommodation.
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EQUAL ACCESS TO PEC SPORTS BUILDING
I intend to present a plan and champion its effectiveness.
If I simply advocate for free access, it's less likely to be fulfilled initially, but by strategically planning it out, it can prove beneficial for students.
Individuals who applied and secured QUB accommodation should receive 1.5 months of free on-peak membership, while those in private accommodation deserve a minimum of 3 months of free off-peak membership.
It's unfair to deny membership based on accommodation preferences or lack thereof. While adhering to on-peak and off-peak policies at the PEC building is reasonable, it's concerning that non-QUB accommodation students have limited access unless they pay £5 for single entry!!! each time.
There's a need to ensure students in private accommodation have access to these facilities. Suggestions include offering a 50% discount on single entry or providing 3-6 months of free membership for Queen's University students in private accommodation. I'll advocate for these changes and negotiate with the university to address this issue.
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Scholarships and Bursaries:
While certain scholarships do exist, obtaining them can be exceedingly difficult due to stringent eligibility criteria. I propose the elimination or reduction of these strict criteria for scholarships, alongside an increase in the availability of scholarships tailored for postgraduates, focusing more on leisure-based travel opportunities rather than strictly academic pursuits.
Furthermore, I advocate for the provision of additional bursaries and scholarships for students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance throughout their courses. These awards could take various forms, such as fee reimbursements or reductions in tuition fees.
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Discounted Essential Items:
I appreciate the value of the 'meal deal' offered at Queen's Student Union and believe it's a commendable inclusion. However, I wish to draw attention to other overlooked areas of necessity, such as stationery and merchandise available at the union shop. I propose the implementation of a meal deal-style inclusion for these items and more, including QUB hoodies and ID card holders, not limited to the union shop but also accessible at the university's centre.
This initiative can be phased in gradually.
In the first phase, discounts or vouchers could be provided to at least 700-1400 students, with further enhancements based on performance. Subsequent phases can then be established accordingly.
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Enhanced Research Funding and Incentives:
I advocate for increased funding opportunities tailored towards research endeavours, alongside the expansion of platforms for student publications. Additionally, I support the implementation of proper incentives to recognize the hard work invested in research activities.
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HELP PROMOTE CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Enhance funding and visibility for clubs and societies by allocating additional resources and implementing targeted promotional strategies. Increase awareness and engagement by ensuring comprehensive dissemination of information about clubs and societies, enabling every student to readily access and participate in these opportunities.
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Conscious Academic Environment:
I emphasize the cultivation of awareness, active engagement, and critical thinking to foster a more enriching learning environment. This involves adopting a practical approach to education, streamlining enrolment processes, and promoting overall student well-being.
Enhanced Representation System:
I aim to reform the representation system for postgraduates by enhancing the visibility and effectiveness of course representatives and school representatives. This includes providing clear guidelines on their roles and responsibilities, establishing support mechanisms to facilitate their engagement, and implementing initiatives to increase their visibility and accessibility to students.
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Enhanced University Portal "QWORK" for Improved Part-time Job Accessibility:
Recognizing the challenges students face with the current QWORK portal, I propose improvements to enhance its user-friendliness, particularly for postgraduates seeking part-time employment. This involves simplifying the navigation process, refining job search filters, and enhancing promotional efforts to connect students with available opportunities more effectively.
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I am committed to practical solutions and always open to discussions.
Remember, the union is for you, by you, and of you. Let’s craft a better university experience together.
"Life unfolds with every choice you craft; we shape this world, so we make what exists."
Your decisions matter.
Vote for impact, vote for progress!
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