Elections

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.

Kelechi Lawrence Irozuru

A wise man once said “it not about being literate, it’s about being educated”. I’ve been in Bradford for the better part of five years, and in that time I have seen all sorts of change come to the university. Things like eco-versity have become paramount in the university’s marketing campaign, modern tools are constantly being added to change the way the lectures are both delivered and received by students, especially in the case of Blackboard the university’s online answer to modern students, tools like turnitin make easy to crosscheck work and make plagiarism somewhat redundant. All these have been done to improve the standard of education received by its students.

As your Academic Affairs Officer, it would be my goal to make sure that in the time spent at the university you receive the all compassing education that you were promised. The university’s policies on educating international and disabled students shall be called into review to make sure that no one is left out; I intend to be voice of the student body in matters of education at various university delegations, making sure that policies implemented reflect the interests and need of the student body.

I am quite strong minded and this is reflected in my belief in equality and fairness above all else. I shall provide an impartial service and of listening and encouragement for all students. For in the words of Anatole France “Nine tenths of education is encouragement.”

Michael Georgiou

Born In Egypt, growing up in Cyprus ended up with me being a multicultural individual. So I guess Bradford is the right place for me? Since I came to Bradford I found help from everywhere ,Especially from the Union. Working For Bradford's Union Would be a dream come true as they offer help to everyone and anyone, and I intend to follow and help in what they believe.
I am strong hardworking active Individual who always take parts in different activities and jobs. Always interested to learn new things and increase my skills in knowledge and interact it with hard work to achieve my goals.
*3 Years Consecutive as Course Representative for Medical Engineers
*2 years In Union Council,
* 2 years Elections Committee
* EDT Ambassador
From a course Rep, had to listen to problems from all students. Always open to listen from the smallest to the most important problems that any students that had , and forwarding them to the staff and trying find the right way to solve the problem.
My Goals To achieve:
** Work Close To Course Representatives to forward any concerns to staff
** Support any students with Problems When appealing
** Support any students with academic Problems
** Work Close to students , hear their ideas and forward them to staff
In the Bradford University we say FROM THE STUDENTS TO THE STUDENTS, and since I received help at all times , it's time for me to give back!!

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.

Ian Thursfield

Hello. I'm Ian Thursfield. I'm studying Engineering, after a Law degree here. I want to represent you, the students, as Ethics, Environmental and Welfare officer. Over the last month I have helped organise R.A.G week, and jailbreak, all in aid of the less fortunate. I want to be able to build further on these experiences as your representative this year.

My experiences in Ethics are working for the last year on the student council, representing you, working in the Uboutique last year and helping out with my school's ethical policy back in college.

My Environmental views are a conscious decision not to drive, to recycle all I use, and I have been a big supporter of Ecoversity and the Ushop.

My welfare experiences involve working closely with Ucan activities, through ultimate Frisbee, creating fundraising for disadvantaged people, and creating bullied buddy schemes and reading schemes at my college.

I want to improve our extensive fundraising such as RAG and jailbreak, create more opportunities for students to help, working closely with other areas to bring a more informative package to fresher’s week and pre-university time. I will work very closely with Ecoversity and Ucan, improving and expanding their services as much as we can. Recycling is essential! The safety here can always be improved and I will increase safety bus usage, safety spots and increased lighting around campus. Mental welfare needs addressing more by students, so I will increase the awareness of this.

So vote Ian Thursfield!! Your issues at heart.

RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Media and Entertainments Officer

Ben Garner

UBU has had a difficult year with the refurbishment of the main Communal Building, but with this reopening in September 2010 there is an opportunity to reshape the entertainments and media areas of the university.

I am a 5th year pharmacy student and have been active within the Union for 2 years. I have been an executive officer for the pharmacy society and for the radio station and I want to give my services to the Media & Entertainments post.

I will ensure that the new venues in the refurbished Communal Building are used to their maximum potential and aim to shape the entertainments in the way YOU want them! I will strive for increased STUDENT input for UBU events, with a return to nightly events run by the union and sports/societies of both an non-alcoholic and alcoholic nature so that everyone can have the social time they deserve.

I will lobby to get reduced or free entry to an early FND in the new venue from September 2010 for this year's final year students, to make up for a year of FNDs in town.

I will concentrate on continuing to build up the Bradford Student Cinema, like the newspaper 2 years ago and the radio station this year, so that all Media Areas are appealing and accessible to EVERY student.

I will make sure that the investment in RamAir during 2009/10 hasn't been in vain and increase the utilisation of the student radio station during 2010/11.

VOTE BEN GARNER!

 Kanja Sesay

ACHIEVEMENT
Change is usually the first thing that every candidate says when running for election, however, change is word that has revolved around the union this year, with a small team of two we have managed to deliver an entertainment package for students. Last year I ran on the word inclusive union, making the union more inclusive had been paramount in my undertakings. For instance, we have hosted more and more diverse and celebratory events from Freshers Week, to Black History Month, festive Market (Christmas Market). We continue to run an excellent FND, putting the safety of all students first, without compromising on the entertainment we deliver.

SUPPORTIVE
We have supported students in running and making their own event successful. The problem of booking venues and room where some of the problems students faced this year, due to rebuild of the Communal Building, we managed to accommodate students run events with union backing. I am proud to say that I have served students this year and representing students views in every committee that I have been to, making sure that the needs of student are never neglected.

VISION
The continue growth of the student union will heavily depend on the development of the Media and Entertainment area, at the moment there is only one full time staff member in the area, and the work load is immense it is vital that this area grow, I will deliver change and growth to the media and entertainment aswell as the union inshAllah.

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.

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: 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)