There are a lot of problems that we have been overlooking when it comes to the effectiveness of student societies in the Guild of Students in order for them to make the most out of the funding and resources available for them. There is an amazing amount of potential we see in our student groups that bring change to our university and the wider student community, where we can yield great results when the right person is in charge. However we need to target specific areas of the Guild of Students and improve small components of how we run and assist societies from here on.
- We need a more open Student Groups Executive (SGX). As someone who currently sits on the SGX I understand how it has become more important now that we no longer have a Guild Council. It is more important for representation to reach the most important group when it comes to assisting and looking out for societies and when elected Activities and Development Officer I will be continuing my role within this committee.
- We no longer need Miniforums for our student groups. Since there is no longer a Guild Council the Chairs of Miniforums that are no longer Guild Councillors do not serve a sufficient role as they are now a pointless level of bureaucracy that does not benefit the student experience. Too many societies face being penalized for not attending a meeting they do not need to and I will seek alternatives through student consultation on how to improve the representation of different student groups.
- We are students, not profits and therefore we need to improve affordability for student groups for university resources. University contracted spaces and materials available for student use should be discounted for the welfare of student activities where they are not too expensive for educational and recreational purposes. Student groups celebrate cohesion and promote success for the individual and the student body and we must do everything we can to make sure current resources are a financially viable option for many of them.
- Treasurers for student societies should receive more training by the Guild through workshops, more specific training in order to improve the financial status of societies and ensured they are more independent in fundraising and receiving funds through student and external support. Bookkeeping courses will provide the oppurtunity for certification in managing socities and ensuring the key to success.
In my experience I have served in the United Nations Society 2014/15 Committee, Deputy Secretary-General for the University of Birmingham Model Arab League 2015 (now known as UBIMUN) and Deputy Crisis Director for UBIMUN 2016. I was also Chair of the Political Miniforum in 2015 and I currently sit on the Student Groups Executive (SGX). In the past I have also represented Birmingham as a Member of Youth Parliament (2010-2013) and the Executive Committee for Voice is Power (2009-2013). A vote for me will bring forward someone who understands how to bring a difference here. #LetsSheikhItUp