Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
You will join the Board of Trustees which oversees all of the administrative and management of the Union including the governance and finances of the organisation. This is a hugely important position that will give you access to the highest levels of decision-making and management within the Union.
We will be electing TWO Student Trustees in the 2024 Leadership Race.
You are expected to attend any training and briefing sessions relevant to the role. As well as five Trustee Boards.
This is a part-time, voluntary position, approx. 12 - 15 hours per term. If elected you will be in position from 1 July 2024 – 15 July 2025.
For full details about the role please click here.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact [email protected]
Category
Candidates
Cameron Alexander
(he/him)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Given Students’ Union’s size and complexity, and it’s importance to student life and experience at UCL, I believe a clear and honest dialogue between SU leadership and the student body is imperative.
As trustee, I would advocate for student views, and ensure real progress is made on issues that matter to you, from clubs & societies affordability, to easier access to welfare support and counselling.
If elected, I would make certain that the SU’s finances are ran properly, with our voices central to decision-making, so that its budget and influence fully supports and enriches our time at UCL
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Having been treasurer of the Boat Club over the last year, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges facing students accessing and enjoying Students’ Union activities, and become well-acquainted with the SU’s bureaucracy and financing.
In doing so, I’ve balanced limited budgets with providing a compelling experience for club members, and became disappointed with the delays associated with the SU’s current affordability scheme – the Participation Fund.
I hope to bring the same open communication and diligence as trustee, collaborating effectively with my fellow trustees in our oversight of the SU
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As trustee, I would strive to make a difference for students at UCL. I am passionate about widening access and improving student support, familiar with the SU’s organisation, and keen to make an impact on the issues that matter to students.
I recognise that being elected as an SU trustee represents a significant responsibility; to ensure financial stability, proper organisation, and democratic accountability. I am confident I have the experience to do this justice. I am ready to dedicate my time to this role, and relish the opportunity it presents.
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Precious E F Mangaoang
(she/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Hi everyone! I’m Precious :)
If I am elected, I would like to:
- Promote greater communication between the SU and the student body
- Endorse initiatives to help the cost of living crisis and encourage sustainability
- Promote democracy to ensure that the voice of the student body has a greater impact and is heard
- Collaborate with and take inspiration from the SUs of other London universities to generate new ideas on how to improve our own SU
- Ensure that the SU is continuing to work towards its missions and visions as a charity
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
During my time at UCL, I have held presidential and managerial roles for Asian Social Network Society and the Chemical & Physical Society, and I am also a Course Rep for the Department of Chemistry. I’ve loved developing my decision-making and collaboration skills and gaining new transferable skills along the way. I really hope I can use my knowledge and experiences within the SU as one of your Student Trustees next academic year :) I am extremely committed to ensuring that the SU efficiently utilises its resources to ensure that the lives of the students are at the heart of its goals.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As Student Trustee, I want to ensure that all UCL students feel seen and heard. I want to use my knowledge and experiences of being on society committees – as President, Events Manager, and Welfare Officer – to help make executive decisions which will help develop the Students’ Union as a volunteering platform and charitable organisation. I will listen to your feedback and raise any concerns in board meetings to ensure that the voices of the student body are acknowledged, and help give back to the student community by fulfilling my responsibilities as one of your next Student Trustees :)
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William Glaser
(He/Him)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
As a student trustee, I would:
• Open myself up as a resource for students to communicate their concerns, as a direct link to the Board of Trustees.
• Promote transparency and help students understand what exactly happens with the university and the decisions made regarding finances.
• Ensure that all people of all backgrounds feel respected and heard.
• Help create resources to enable students to access easy and understandable financial counselling.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As both a welfare officer and treasurer of different societies, I have lots of experience working with a variety of people to achieve unique and singular goals. I have worked within ArtsUCL which has enabled close work with the Union and understandings of the administrative procedures to get tasks completed. Additionally, I have directed several shows at UCL with a high level of focus on welfare and outside input. Most relevantly to my goals of supporting students of all backgrounds, I am a queer disabled international student who has fought for representation in all areas.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I believe that UCL as a university has the ability to do global good, and that students should be involved in these acts. In the past two years at UCL, I have found that the most fruitful experiences have been when I was able to give a voice to those who may not feel represented. I believe in transparency, honesty, and openness. I understand how the union works, and I am a passionate and hard working individual. I am putting myself forward for this role because I know and trust UCL students and want to represent them and their wants. My goal is accessibility and democratic representation.
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Daniil Surikov
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
During my tenure as Student Trustee, I would wish to see several things achieved. One of them is the successful administration of Students’ Union’s finances. I would seek to devote a larger portion of the budget to career-related and skills-related events and measures, as well as ensure that as many students as possible have financial access to those events (through subsidization).
Another initiative would be a more comprehensive approach to feedback between the Students’ Union and the students in regards to administrative matters, achieved by closer cooperation with representatives.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
In regards to administrative experience, I have several factors that work in my favor. As both a Team Leader at my society, and an Academic Representative for my module, I have the necessary experience for the administrative issues of the Students’ Union, and to enact my initiatives. Additionally, as a member of the Teaching Committee, educational matters are also something I have an awareness of.
Skills-wise, my communication and public speaking skills are of a quality fit for such a position, whereas my career-related experiences as a student give me the reference for my initiatives.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As an active member of the Student Body, with experience in leadership positions in both student affairs and in educational matters of the university, I have a strong degree of reference on what should be improved from the Students’ Union side. My public skills would make the implementation of my initiatives an easier affair, as well as enable me to effectively engage the target audience for common benefit. Finally, as a student myself, strong willingness to amend some Union matters drive me to this role. In short, my knowledge and experience make me an advantageous fit for this role.
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Sejal Jain
(She/ Her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Hey UCL! As a Student Trustee, I aim to act in the best interest of Us- “The Students”. If elected I aim to:
- Open up the Bursary for international students as well and provide financial aid to all students as needed.
- Set up a portal for students’ input on desired changes.
- Make UCL’s efforts for its students more transparent rather than following mere procedural obligations.
- Contribute to student development and financial well-being by increasing internship opportunities available within UCL and the Union.
- Ensure greater student involvement emphasizing a sense of welfare and community.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Your voice matters, and I aim to ensure that your voices are heard! My values find integrity and honesty at their basis, and I aim to make selfless and impartial decisions on the running of the Union as a financially stable and legally sound body. I bring a sense of selflessness, objectivity, and openness in terms of prioritizing the diverse needs of the student body. My commitment to fairness and inclusivity, coupled with a proactive approach to addressing challenges, will foster an environment where every student feels represented and heard- let’s keep it real and make UCL better, together.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I'm excited about the possibility of representing you and working together to enhance our university experience. Your support means everything, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you as your Student Trustee. Each vote counts so please VOTE for ME. Together, let's make “UCL SU THE NEW FAMILY FOR ALL THE STUDENTS HERE IN UCL”.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate it!
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Farida Ibrahim
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
- Transparency: Ensure students have clear insight into the organisation's activities and decision-making processes.
- Cost-of-Living Crisis: Advocating for measures within the union that alleviate student financial burdens and enhance student well-being.
- Implement sustainable spending practices to maintain the union's financial health, safeguarding resources for long-term initiatives and student support.
- Actively engage students by inviting them to board/union meetings focused on student concerns, ensuring their perspectives shape policies and initiatives within the union.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
- As Lead Academic Rep for two consecutive years, I honed my ability to prioritise student concerns & address them to staff in a professional and persuasive manner.
- As President of UCL’s Arab and North African Society, the largest in the UK, my ability to inclusively cater to a wide audience highlighted my effective leadership and community engagement.
- Leading the PharmAlliance International Case Competition Team enabled me to develop networks with universities like Monash and UNC. Collaborating on global issues fueled my passion for finding and implementing innovative solutions.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Over the years, my exposure to UCL’s community has always made me aware of the sheer amount of intricate and crucial changes students want addressed by a strong voice. I, therefore, am confident that I will be that voice for each and every student.
Being involved in leadership/ change & development roles whether as President or Academic Rep helped hone and strengthen this voice, to make it one full of drive and unwavering commitment. A voice that hears and is heard
Hence, making me a strong candidate for this role. A role that stands for every aspect of inclusivity, collaboration and justice.
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Ipek Ersanli
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Being the Student Trustee comes with big responsibilities, as representing the SU by taking legal actions and making financial decisions is crucial. By becoming a student trustee, I want to represent both the SU team and students selflessly.
I will:
- Build a transparent relationship between the students and the SU. Act with the core values of integrity, collaboration, and transparency.
- Create a safe and open environment in UCL where students know that their opinions and thoughts are valued.
- Make decisions with unwavering dedication, prioritizing the student body’s opinions selflessly.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As the Academic Representative of my course, I have been an active participant in building a connection between the academic staff and students. If elected as a trustee, I will continue doing this and enable students to be in direct communication with the Trustee Board. My roles in various society committees and perspectives as an international student enrich my understanding of diverse needs. I aim to represent the student body with the core values of integrity and trust in collaboration. As a Student Trustee, I will liaise with reps to make impactful decisions.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
My diverse experience as a female international student equips me with the insight to represent our unique and diverse student body, authentically. Embracing UCL’s core values, I pledge transparent and empathetic leadership. I want to be able to include the relevant stakeholders or societies in our board meetings to engage students in the related discussions. Understanding the weight of this role, I commit to bridging students and the board, ensuring your voice is heard and pivotal in shaping UCL’s future. I ensure you won’t be disappointed.
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Ken Sio
(he/him)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
As a Trustee, I will be dedicated and ensure the Union makes decisions with integrity and students at their heart. Through this platform, I hope to:
- Increase transparency and accountability of Union actions
- Offer a critical perspective on financial, legal, and resource risks
- Ensure access to financial aid is readily available to students in need
- Maintain a focus on all students' well-being and health and Union activities
I hope to influence the board and direct it to make the best decisions for our students, representing their voices in the decision-making process. :))
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Through my experiences within and outside UCL, I have developed the necessary qualities to make honest and selfless decisions.
- Volunteering at a national mental health charity as a Panellist has given me insight into internal charity operations
- Through my role in the Active Bystander project, I have become sensitive to diverse perspectives and thoughts
- As an Academic Rep, I have developed key communication skills to challenge key issues at UCL and student life
Importantly, I will work with empathy, resilience and persistence to get things done, keep pushing, and improve the Union!
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
With 50000+ students at UCL, I recognise the massive impact of decisions. I will ensure that the decisions will serve the interests of all the members, societies and staff of the Union. I will ensure the Union is financially and legally sustainable, challenging decisions that threaten the support to the various communities at UCL. As a queer, POC, Access UCL student, I will ensure our Union is inclusive and ensure your voice is represented at board levels. With my leadership, advocacy and charity experiences, I will guide the Union with the diverse needs of our students at heart.
#VOTEKEN
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India Deans-Smith
(She/Her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Hello, I'm India, and I'm thrilled to submit my application for the role of Student Trustee. I hope to represent and advocate for UCL's students' best interests as part of the committee. I am excited to be involved in the running of the SU. If elected, I hope to gather feedback from society members across UCL through a survey and assess their needs so that this information can be used to inform where funding is allocated and any new union strategy put in place. I want to bridge the gap between important decisions made for the SU and the needs of students by using student voices!
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As a fifth-year medical student, I have spent most of my time at UCL active with the Students Union. I have held positions on the democratic committee of the Students Union as a volunteering Representative" and President of the charity society "UCL Sexpression" for two years in a row. These experiences and my involvement in other organisations including UCL Women in Finance, MedTech, RUMS Boat Club, and UCL Hockey have given me a wealth of knowledge about the student body and their needs.
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Megan McKee
(she/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Hi everyone, my name is Megan and I am a PhD Student.
As a Student Trustee, I hope to champion the student voice and perspective on the board of trustees, making sure that any decisions made by the board are in the best interest of Student Union UCL and students.
I hope to draw on my previous experience as UCL Sports Officer and UCL Netball Club President and Treasurer to guide the development of Student Union UCL's strategy. This is my 5th year at UCL since 2017, so I have seen how the Students Union's offer has grown in many ways over the last 7 years, and I hope to help this to continue.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Throughout my time at UCL, I have held 6 different roles within the union as a committee member, student officer and student staff (listed below). Therefore, I have vast experience in a very diverse range of union activities, including organising Varsity events, the Sustainability #bleedpurpleandgreen campaign, Pride in Sport pledges, committee meetings, sport fixtures/events, society affiliations, and more!
UCL Netball Events Sec (2018-19), President (2019-20) and Treasurer (2020-21)
UCL Sports Rep (2019-20) and Sports Officer (2020-21)
TeamUCL Admin Assistant (2019-21)
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
- I have held 6 leadership roles in the union since 2018, which put me in a fantastic position to fulfil the role of a Student Trustee
- I will make all decisions in the best interests of students
- I thoroughly enjoy supporting the union to carry out its activities, and to create meaningful change, and so I would give 100% to this role
- As a former UCL netball treasurer, through the COVID-19 pandemic, I have experience in financial administration and budgeting, which will be key to the trustee role.
- I love UCL that much I stayed for a masters and came back again for a PhD! :)
- I #bleedpurple
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Emily Chong
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I see great potential for this role to renew trust in student leadership across UCL and confidence in the SU Board of Trustees. In a campaign of transparent and open outreach, I am interested in bringing to light the real responsibility of this student-elected position, acting as a highly engaged point of contact for all student concerns; a direct line of communication that can promise radical change. I also strive to facilitate SU responses to the rapidly changing world through progressive plans which identify and anticipate the best immediate and long-term support for our student body.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I have been a proud active member of the UCL student body over the last two years which has helped me gain a multilevel understanding of our community. Aside from my involvement in SU societies, services, and events, I am a student lead for the BME Awarding Gap Project. Through research and proposals, I have represented the interests of BME students at departmental meetings and effectively communicated their needs to senior staff. I consistently push for all decision-making to be based on student opinion and I am prepared to be accountable and impartial in the interests of our whole community.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As a Trustee hopeful, I am prepared to be your true and honest advocate. My leadership experiences combined with my knowledge of the demographic and demands of our study body has naturally led me to this position and I will not take this responsibility lightly. I understand how to be a strong, student representative and I will stand behind your aspirations for the SU. Let me become the direct line of communication you have always wanted with those possessing the real capacity to shape our community. If I have your trust and attention, please vote for me, you won’t be disappointed!
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