Here's what I've been up to!
May Report
Apologies for missing the previous reports as I was on annual leave. Had a productive two-weeks focusing on various commitments. Updates below:
How have I communicated with students in the past fortnight?
Writing weekly emails + producing social media content. Speaking to student staff in cafes and the Hanger.
My Priorities
- Students have waited long enough and deserve a home on campus where they can make connections, discover new interests and do things they enjoy and love.
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I chaired another SU Estates Board meeting last week. We have a vision for a new site and further feasibility work seems to be progressing well. In close contact with UCL Estates but progress is obviously slow. Doing my best to keep things going.
- Our Students' Union is in a strong position to look out for students and ensure their success at UCL.
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Reviewed departmental budgets, and SU finances seem healthy for this year.
- Students have a voice outside of UCL with local and national government to ensure their needs and interests are taken into account.
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- Last week, we hosted visitors from the Department for Education to discuss the Central London student experience.
- All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Students will mark the launch of a new report by Russell Group Students’ Unions (RGSU) on Wednesday. Heading to the parliament then.
Meetings & Outcomes
- Union meetings attended and main outcomes
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- External Trustee (UCL alum) shortlisting meeting with the Vice-Chair and interviews
- Policy and Research Manager interviews
- Social Enterprise and sabbs focus group (reimagined clubs and societies with the Social Enterprise Department and generated ideas for student development re: enterprise)
- Sustainability Leadership Conference preparation meetings
- Sabb catch ups (Working on a framework for better accountability and a structured Union Executive. We use these meetings to brainstorm)
- Leadership team meetings
- Departmental budget meetings
- UCL East Student Forum (We discussed student satisfaction with UCL East and how we can enhance results whilst being mindful of the lack of space in the main campus.)
- Catch ups with the CEO (Usual catch-ups to discuss day-to-day operational updates)
- UCL meetings attended and main outcomes
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- Council Meeting Away Day
- SU Estates Board (Discussed acquiring some nearby listed sites, Estates updates and the building).
- UCL Finance Committee
- Estates Management Committee
- UCL Advancement’s Women’s Lunch (Discussed the challenges faced by our women students and explored the possibility of introducing mentorship schemes with UCL alumni for women pursuing underrepresented careers, especially as part of the UCL200 initiative.
- Dinner hosted by the Chair of UCL Council (Two Harvard professors shared insights from their recent EDI research in workplace settings)
- Catch-up with Director of Marketing at UCL (Discussed UCL's brand identity, refresh works, rollout, SU involvement and current merchandise issues)
Sabbatical Officer Reports
Our Sabbatical Officers create a report every two weeks to inform our members. They believe that keeping everyone in the loop can foster a lively, supportive atmosphere where students feel encouraged to participate and share their ideas. These updates are a great way for them to share what's been happening, from their current projects to collaborations with different student groups, academic departments, and community organizations.
In each report, you can expect to find insights into the challenges they are tackling, the solutions they are implementing, and the positive impacts these efforts have on student life. From supporting engaging events and workshops to launching new programs that promote well-being and academic success, their initiatives are designed to enhance the overall campus experience.
- Read Goksu's Reports Here
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December: [No Report Submitted]
March: [No Report Submitted]
Voting Record
As democratic leaders, all Sabbatical Officers must maintain transparency in their work. Below is a record of the voting on policies introduced during the academic year 2024-2025 and how Goksu has voted. Please note that Sabbatical Officers do not participate in all Zones and, therefore, do not vote on every policy.
| Union Executive Votes | Type of Vote | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| The Union should lobby UCL to expand Project Period into a university-wide initiative | Ratification | For |
| International Student Officer to have Membership of All Zones & Union Executive | Ratification | No Vote |
| The Union should create a "Commuters' officer" role | Amendment to Governing Document | Abstain |
| Change to the Structure of the Sports Rep System | Amendment to Governing Document | For |
| Active Bystander and Consent Training | Ratification | For |
| The Union should internally regulate all media societies via the IP | Ratification | For |
| Ban fossil fuel companies from sponsoring clubs and societies | Ratification | For |
| Lobby for UCL-Wide Review of Academic Curriculums for Inclusivity and Gender Equity | Ratification | For |
| Support the Fossils Free Careers Campaign | Ratification | Abstain |
| Improved transport links for UCL East students | Ratification | For |
| Explaining the History of Phineas Bar | Policy | No Vote |
These voting records were last updated on 4 March 2025.