The hustings for the 2023 Stirling Students Union elections took place earlier today (22 February) in the atrium. Hosted by current VP Communities Zoe Crosher and Sports President Murray Bushell, it was quite well attended.
The first sabbatical candidates to introduce themselves were those running for Union President. Current president Leen Ali and fellow candidate Sai Rohith Chowdary Virigineni were in attendance. The third candidate, Inam Khan, was absent.
Leen reintroduced herself as the current 2023/24 Union President, standing for re-election. For her opening statement she emphasised that her current run in the role has given her valuable insight and knowledge as she wants to continue raising student voices and strengthen relationships around campus with a focus on accessibility, inclusion and wellbeing.
Sai spoke about his management experience and how he plans to use his different cultural experiences to help students. He went into detail about wanting to increase inclusivity with the University and increase social circles through events.
Inclusivity and diversity
The questions to the Union Presidents then opened by asking about diverse student groups and representing their interests.
Leen spoke first, saying how she wanted to continue improving the equality platform to voice all issues for underrepresented communities as well as bringing in interculturalism awareness amongst university staff.
Sai spoke about his prior experience connecting with people and intercultural events as well as wanting to meet and engage with people.
Projects and programmes
The next question focused on the projects and programmes that the Union President can initiate to impact student life. Sai spoke about festivals back in India and wanting bring this to Stirling and invite other Scottish universities to join.
Campaigning for international students and improving existing programmes such as the Be Connected programme was Leen’s plan, collaborating with existing societies to continue to strengthen relationships.
Fostering collaboration with students, Union and university
Leen wanted to provide further and better access to the Union President across the university specifically introducing coffee mornings as well as continuing general meetings and reaching out to societies.
Sai spoke more on introducing Q&A forms to raise opinions and issues and create a common platform.
Involvement and participation of students in activities, events and decision-making
Sai spoke about his experience as a new student. He was curious about the Union and did his own research but as Union President he would be more forward to classes and make his presence more known.
Leen led with the idea is communication is key, promoting participation of activities across different platforms including stalls and social media.
The questions then turned to the audience.
Students are often forgotten in the cost of living crisis, how will you help them?
Leen had two plans to help students, noting that she herself had been affected. She wants to find a renewable and consistent income source for the community pantry as well as pressing the University for more microwaves in the atrium.
Sai agreed with Leen also saying he had struggled with the cost of living crisis and suggested that there should be more jobs on campus for students.
Officers can be difficult to access, how can you ensure people reach out?
Sai said that in his experience, it is not so difficult and to just email the officers. He also said he wanted to introduce coffee breaks and make them more present in different ways.
Leen referenced her manifesto from last year and said that in her experience as a sabbatical this year, officers can often get carried away in their work, something she wants to work on, reiterating her plans for coffee mornings.
International students pay big fees and are under supported, how will you support them?
Leen said she is currently still working on intercultural awareness and strategies with a third of the student body being international. She wants to have staff better versed in training, catering for international students including using correct language for with those with BAME backgrounds.
As an international student himself, Sai said he felt lost originally until he met other people from his culture and wants to encourage more mixing.
Find out more about the elections and read all the candidates’ manifestos in full here.
Voting opens on Tuesday, February 27 at 10am.
Featured Image Credit: Jonathan Boomer
Film, Media and Journalism student who writes about things that catch her interest. Instagram @charlsutcliffe
