Academic Affairs Officer

Mateusz Wysocki

Hello! I’m Matt, I’ve been elected for this academic year, and here’s what I’ve done so far:
• A 24/7 library during all exam periods.
• A policy on good feedback for 10/11 (clear feedback dates, Word processed format, and a move to feedback on exams).
• Fought against the new mitigating circumstances policy: organising a demonstration, introducing emergency e-mail submission, and ensuring the policy regulations are not discriminating students. I’ve also convinced the University not to charge students in the first semester.
I also like to go beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. During January exams, I’ve distributed free hot drinks and biscuits. I’ve fought for, and secured the C101 group study rooms. I’ve also lobbied for introducing a Postgraduate Students Officer.
Promises are like babies, easy to make, but hard to deliver. However, there are things I’ve already started working on, and will fight for them, if you give me a chance:
• Longer opening hours of the Management library
• A supportive personal tutoring system
• Better computer access
• Inclusive timetable
• A quiet, friendly library
• Better postgraduate representation
Working behind the scenes is not easy: running from one committee to another, pushing for changes that have to be approved by people, who quite often prefer to leave things as they are.
Therefore, I believe that, in these difficult times, when budget cuts are threatening the quality of your experience, it is important to vote for someone with passion, commitment, and knowledge of how the University works.

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Should you be unhappy with all the candidates or you feel that someone else should be given the chance to stand, you may vote to Re-Open Nominations (RON). RON appears on all ballot papers in exactly the same way as other candidates, and reaches the quota of 50% plus 1 of the votes cast, then no-one is elected to the post. Instead, nominations are re-opened and a by-election is held.

Ethics, Environment and Welfare Officer

Adekunle Akano

Kunle Akano No. 1 for Ethics, Environemnt and Welfare Officer.
I am a 3rd year student studying Business Economics, this course has helped to realise how to maximise resources, and be the most effective and efficient person I can.

My aims this year are to mainly ensure these following things:
1. Multifaith Faith Facility: Considering the demographics of our university, our students deserve a space where they can actually feel free to practice what they believe in the safest environment possible. I will push that our stance for this is not wavered

2. Safety on/off Campus: Enough of Harassment!
I would campaign to ensure that our students can feel safe where ever they are.

3. Accomodation: Why should we pay $80 for student accommodation? Unacceptable
Students are here to study and so absolutely nothing should be in the way of stopping them. I would campaign for the lowest price possible for student hall accommodation.
I would fight for having student warden reps in the decision making bodies.

4. Second Hand Shop: I would campaign to raise awareness on the benefits of recycling and the importance of the second hand shop space in the new build

5. Haiti project: I would carry on fully supporting the Haiti UBU Housing Project which aims to inspire and invest the lives of Haitians.

6. Ethics & Environment: I would lobby the university in every way possible to make sure that we are very ethical and that our values are not undermined

No. 1 – Kunle

Shelley King

Having been involved in the union for almost three years through societies, Women’s Forum, student campaigns, union council and the University Safety and Security forum, I have a firm understanding of how the union works and more importantly, what really matters to students.
I am running for this position because I am acutely aware of the scale and complexity of today’s environmental, ethical, political and welfare issues. I wish to support you; the union and university successfully navigate these.
Skills gained through my involvement in a local, not-for-profit, cooperative business and a student - staff sustainability project equip me well for the challenges of this position.
If elected I will:
• Confront inequality in all its guises.
• Continue my work towards making the campus and surrounding area safe and welcoming.
• Value the rich cultural and religious diversity of students and create spaces for dialogue, debate and creativity.
• Make sure that resources and support are truly available to all and are of the highest standard e.g. student health centre, childcare facilities.
• Uphold and strengthen the Union’s ethical policies, especially regarding food and drink.
• Ensure that all accommodation is safe, affordable and comfortable.
One thing I have come to realise is that everyone needs support at some point, sometimes a hot cup of tea and a friendly ear will suffice, at other times a political advocate to make your voice heard. Whatever support you need, I will be there for you.
I will listen. I will act.

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Sports and Societies Officer

Jim Cockburn

Hi, my name is Jim. I have been studying at Bradford for five years where I have been an executive officer, captain and coach of a sports club. In these roles I have organised events and done my upmost to help my club to function optimally. I have also volunteered my time within the Students Union throughout my university years. This year I am the Athletic Association Vice-President, working closely with the current Sports & Societies Officer to continue the development of sports at the University and organise the Student Activities Colours Ball and fundraising.

If elected I will:

 Develop a more ‘active campus’ through sports, societies and volunteering
 Encourage links with societies, volunteering & sports to the local community allowing the best opportunities for students

 Utilise all the new facilities in the Communal building & Unique to allow more diverse opportunities for societies
 Promote & support societies with events

 Ensure Wednesday afternoons stay as lecture-free as possible
 Evaluate facilities
• Review the sports centre to maximise its performance for students
• Push for the development of Woodhall or look for alternatives
 Develop on our sporting success via sustained coaching
 Develop & promote Team Bradford!

 Promote volunteering around campus to increase participation
 Recognise the commitment of those on executive committees and members of societies & sports clubs

I will support and promote volunteers, societies & sports clubs and represent your opinions!

Jim for Sports & Societies Officer

 Luke Kane

Having served as the SF Secretary for two years running I have a good working knowledge of the system as it is – its strengths and weaknesses – and should you choose to elect me as your new SSO I would use this knowledge to build on the positives and to eliminate the negatives that I have observed over the last few years. Below are just a few of the things that I would attempt to introduce or achieve in the spirit of being a worthy SSO.

• To ensure that paperwork within the SSO office will be more organised than in past years

• To institute a system to ensure that Sports and Societies are aware when they have post in the office

• To keep regular hours in the office, make sure people can contact me, and to respond to any emails within 24 working hours

• To ensure that AA/SF meetings are taken seriously, with the agenda defined and followed

• To strengthen and maintain lines of communication between Sports, Societies and the UBU

• To continue and expand on the tradition of events, such as student markets

• To be open to suggestions and feedback from both individuals and student groups

It is my intent to be open, contactable, thorough and reliable as your SSO. I am asking for your support to help me improve the reputation of the AA/SF and to allow Sports and Societies to flourish and grow.

Thank you for your time,

Luke Kane

 Josh Esin

Hi
My name is Josh a.k.a. AJ, currently the student Activities Officer (Sports and Societies Officer) and I’m running for a 2nd year. I remembered when I wrote my manifesto last year and it was very pro-societies, which was what it was suppose to be then, but not until I came into the position did I realise that this position involves looking after BOTH the societies and the clubs of the Student union and also having to dabble into volunteering once in a while. From my experience as a Sabb at the moment, the aim for a second year now is;
• Get the sports and societies to work together i.e. show support at sports competition or attending society events.
• Formally revamp the structure of the clubs and the society in a way that benefits the university and the union but ultimately the clubs and society i.e.
o Funding
o Functionality
• Ensure that the structure of the joint membership is beneficial to the sports clubs, both financially and otherwise
• Get the societies actively involved the union
• See the overall representation of the sports clubs and societies
• Keep societies up to date with the clubs; finalising a membership scheme that suits, is beneficial AND AFFORDABLE to the societies
• In conjunction with the university, actively seek sponsorship for the societies and the clubs
In all, I want this to be the year where there is positive significant change, which shakes the foundation of student activities.

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Union Secretary-Treasurer

Khaled AlMudallal

Standing Up For Students – Vote Khaled for positive change and a Strong Union
Since I got elected last year I’ve been trying to make improvements for students. I led the change in the Union/University commercial partnership where I fought for NUSSL to supply our ethical products and prices that students want. I have delivered a leading change over the union democracy and made elections democratic and inclusive ever. This experience has taught me so much about UBU structure and how to ensure I’m spending my time making your university life the best it can be!
So why should you vote for me?
I will provide strong leadership to defend students’ rights and campaign against any cuts to our education.
This year I have raised ongoing issues surrounding the commercial activities, pray room facilities, student funds, venue bookings, mitigating circumstances, timetabling, learning and social spaces to the attention of the university senior management and academic staff in order to get them sorted! But, these projects need continued attention. We still need better faith facilities, improved IT services, car parking and sufficient student funds to ALL students.
But there’s still so much to do!
I’ve learnt so much this year, but now it’s time to trust me and vote for me. This is your university, your student experience and YOU need to make sure the right person is speaking for you, the person who will get your voice heard!
Vote #1 Khaled Almudallal for the Union Secretary-Treasurer
Website: www.khal.co.uk - E-mail: kalmudal@brad.ac.uk

Oluwatoyin Abidoye

The University of Bradford’s Student Union has the capacity to be better, if not GREAT.
I believe TEAMWORK is the key, the only way to ensure this is to create an atmosphere that not only encourages key persons to get involved but one that also accommodates their participation. The key persons include first and foremost YOU the students, the appointed Union Officers and Staff, the University and external parties.
As the Secretary-Treasurer I will ensure the Union’s improvement by stimulating better usage of our resources, which encourage and develops self-sufficiency. For this to happen we need a CULTURE of participation from the student body.
I do not believe the student body needs to wait for a negative issue such as the ‘re-sit fee’ before unity is promoted.
We should not only learn to fight the bad – like prejudice, discrimination and injustice but we should all learn to EMBRACE AND ENJOY THE GOOD – like our various diversities, our unstoppable basketball-team and the new student union facilities under construction.
As Secretary-Treasurer I will work hard to deliver a dream where the student culture in the University of Bradford is so strong that you will want your children, and your children’s children to come and partake in the same experiences that we have had.
Please come with your questions to Hastings (8th and 9th March) or email me at oaabidoy@bradford.ac.uk
Vote for a VISION.
Vote for DIRECTION.
Vote for TOYIN for Union Secretary-Treasurer.

Kahil St Aimee

I am a final year History student and I have worked actively within the Union as Manager of the Student Cinema and as the Vice-President of the Societies Federation which has given me the opportunity to see the workings of the union.

I believe the union should play a bigger role in supporting students and proactively ensuring that the University treats students as members rather than clients. The Union has improved a lot in my time at Bradford; however there are still elements of transparency and democracy missing from the way it represents students.

I will work to ensure that the Union is both transparent and hosts democratic elections so it is better able to represent its diverse student body and increase student participation in the union. Therefore I will build on the initiatives in place to fight prejudice and involve our diverse campus so that we can attain a truly multicultural campus.

I also plan to look after the finances of the union to ensure spending is appropriate and ensure that the union is run effectively. However, if I am elected to the role of Union Secretary Treasurer my main priority will be to create a more memorable University experience for all students.
Therefore please vote for me.

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Women's Officer

 Clare Broadfoot

Hello I’m Clare, I’m originally from Liverpool, and I’m now in my final year studying Peace and Development. I decided to run for Women’s Officer as I would love the opportunity to raise awareness of the issues facing women on campus and a chance to provide a supporting role for women as part of the welfare team.
My campaign focuses on promoting three main principals
A Safe Union
- Sexual harassment- continuing and expanding the ‘student safe spot’, information on what to do when you’re subjected to harassment.
- Date rape awareness –information on keeping safe and responsible drinking. With a concern to involve men and focusing on their responsibility in such campaigns.
-Confidence building – self defence classes for women
A Healthy Union
- Promoting healthy relationships for students -workshops looking at our understanding of domestic violence, recognising warning signs, how to support a friend, fundraising for campaigns for local women’s refuges.
- Providing support for student parents – with monthly coffee afternoon.
- Focusing on positive body image – workshops and pampering days looking at pressures students face to conform to beauty ideals
- Sexual health –Q&A sessions with health professionals, encouraging STI testing, information about contraception. Raising awareness on women’s sexual and reproductive health in the developing world.
A Fun union
- Providing a place for women to meet/socialise
- Regular film nights for women
- Continuing and supporting the Women’s Forum.
- Campaigning / fundraising on women’s issues -music nights, trips to demonstrations

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Part-Time Officer: Black and Ethnic Minority Students Officer

Abdul Basit Ali

People of ethnic minorities have always been at the sideline of society when their contributions have been integral to its development. They have achieved great successes in all aspects of life however, such success has come through unity not division. For this very reason I have spent my short term in office developing links with various BME affiliated organisations by creating the BME committee, as well as inviting all students to participate in BME Forums building social cohesion and this I will continue to do.
“Every single voice makes the call for change stronger. Be that voice. Be that change.”

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Part-Time Officer: International Students Officer

William P. Obubo

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Part-Time Officer: Post Graduate Officer

Abed Alnaser Anter Amer Drbal

Standing up for the postgraduate students
Vote Abed Alnaser Drbal No.1 for Post Graduate officer
I am a postgraduate PhD student at the School of Pharmacy. I, therefore, fully understand the concerns of postgraduates at my department as part of the whole students concerns at University of Bradford.
Being the president of the Libyan Society for almost two years and working with the Student Union in organising my society events both will facilitate my mission in dealing with similar cases of other students in different departments by bringing this experience to the role if elected. A good example of that is the 2nd Academic Symposium of Libyan Students-Universities of UK which I organised and chaired on 20/06/2009 with the collaboration of Bradford University.
I am very motivated to carry on establishing and improving a thriving postgraduate community by organising events and keeping them aware of what the Union has to offer them.
I am also planning to organise some conferences, workshops and seminars for postgraduate students to share with other students their ideas and researches in the different arenas of study.
I really look forward to be chosen for this job and utilise my humble experience and invest it in the right way and for the right people i.e. postgraduate students. This will only come true with the cooperation and support of all my fellow students.
Please vote Number. 1, Abed Alnaser Drbal, for Post Graduate Officer
Vote online: www.ubuonline.co.uk/elections
E-mail: a.a.a.drbal@brad.ac.uk
Thank you for your trust and support!

RON (Re-Open Nominations)