Guild Society: Welfare Officer

I want to represent UCL's Guild society because I emphasise the importance of diversity with respect to the educational backgrounds of the students at UCL. 

Widening participation is an integral concept for higher education as well as future careers, and something I seek to achieve as a volunteer for IntoUniversity. This charity supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them university mentors to help them in their studies. I volunteer at the North Kensington centre, and consequently contribute to the 66% increase of students who access higher education as a direct result of having a mentor. I'm therefore applying for this position because I recognise the disparity in backgrounds that stems from the differences in education between students at UCL and actively seek to reduce it.

As a member of the committee, I would bring a strong level of enthusiasm and interpersonal skills. I greatly enjoy interacting with current and prospective students, which I've demonstrated through my role as a student ambassador for UCL's Faculty of Arts and Humanities. This includes speaking in live, virtual events about my own experience to prospective students and giving campus tours to those who are considering further study at UCL.

Hi, I’m Millie, a first year maths student and I’m running for Welfare Officer. I will strive to make Guild Society a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Life in London, and UCL specifically, can become overwhelming, so I want to make sure being part of the Guild Society is helping you rather than adding to your daily stress.  

I propose the following:

• Virtual or in-person drop-in hours, where you can receive one-to-one advice or just vocalise your anxieties.
• Mental health workshops to provide techniques on managing stress and hear from other students experiencing similar difficulties.
• Online platform to post feedback and queries to make sure members have a say.

I also want to make the society a more accepting place for people of any race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability by promoting visibility in these groups and increasing opportunities tailored to these groups specifically. This means inviting diverse speakers and promoting events led by people from marginalised groups. We need to take the extra steps to make sure everyone has access to equal opportunities and feels that the Guild Society is a safe space. 
 

As Welfare Officer I would always be happy to chat to anyone and would make sure your concerns are listened to and dealt with. 

All the best,

Millie  :)