Hi I’m Rose and I want to be your Postgraduate Students’ Officer. As your current PSO I recognise that postgrads make up a vital part of the university; we are the ones championing the research, we make up 40% of the student population and we have very different needs to our undergrad peers.
I am so excited to run for this new role because it means that I can devote my entire time to representing the PG voice and implementing new initiatives to improve the postgraduate experience. As the current PSO, I’m fully qualified for the role as I have experience with sitting on boards, like the Graduate School and University Council, representing the PG voice. In a full-time capacity I’ll be more able to guide students with issues such as welfare, employability and finance to make sure everyone is supported during their studies, including undergraduates considering further study.
I have three main points to achieve during my time as Postgraduate Officer:
- Improved PG Welcome
Starting my masters, I was disappointed at the welcome I received from the university and through focus groups and one-to-ones; I have found that many feel the same. I intend to create a welcome pack with information such as course info, key dates and contacts as well as everything a new student may need. I want to improve Welcome Week so that postgrad students can meet and get to know each other before starting their studies. Lastly, I want to work with departments to improve the quality of course inductions, including earlier release of timetables, so everyone knows where to go during their first week.
2. Postgraduate Student Hub
My most exciting goal for the year is to improve study and social spaces for postgraduates by lobbying the university and grad school to provide students with a dedicated space just for PGs. The development of Westmere has been a great start, however it’s not well advertised and is only for postgraduate researchers. The PG Hub will be open to all postgraduate students and be space to study and socialise that is specifically for them.
3. Hear YOUR Voice
I want you to tell me what I can do to make your PG experience the best it can be. I intend to partner up with the PGMSA and student reps, form focus groups and make myself accessible to students to be constantly aware of what issues they’re facing. Whether it’s increased support for student teachers, childcare or help with the new PG loan system, I will work with other officers to make sure you get the support you need during your studies and get the most out of your time at Birmingham.
The PSO makes sure that postgrads have voice in the Guild. So whether you are part of the 14,000 current PG students or considering postgraduate study; it is important that you choose an Officer that you feel represents your needs. After all, we may not be freshers, but this is our university too.