It's time to find out the candidates for your Student Union President 25/26!
Want to be informed, hear about the Student Union President candidates manifestos or just have some questions for them? Come along to the Meet The Candidates event in the Students' Union on 13th March, 12pm - 2pm and make an informed choice this election.
All enrolled Arts University Plymouth students get the chance to vote, cast yours via the Google Form sent over email. Voting begins on 17th March and ends on 27th March.
Who will you elect as your next Student Union President? Read their manifestos below.
Charlotte Canham
Hey, my name is Charlotte. I am a final year film student and student rep who specializes in making weird and wonderful female lead films. I have experience as a Director and Producer. I have been a student here since pre degree so I have a big connection to AUP and my passion is to make it the best it can be. My main aim is to bring the Student Union back to life through collaboration and communication, which I think are the fundamentals of being a creative! I want to bring awareness back to the SU through events and more promotion. Finally, I want to be a comforting person that the student body can talk to no matter what the situation is.
What does this mean?
In post covid times, it's hard to step out of your own bubble and connect with other creatives. Especially coming up to deadlines it's handy to know other artists that can help with things out of your depth so I aim to create networking events to bring artists from around AUP together. Are you a fashion student looking for a photographer or a film student looking for a graphic designer? ... We've got you!
I want to promote all kinds of artists across AUP. We have such a wide variety of talent at this university that is not appreciated enough, therefore I propose to plan events such as exhibitions to showcase your work to other students, staff and even beyond! All the while having more sales opportunities allowing you to promote yourself and your art.
I aim to make communication between the SU and the student body much more accessible. One way I aim to do this is to establish drop-in sessions for support, questions and feedback for the SU that maybe don't communicate well over email, plus the same for pre degree and masters to build a bridge between all cohorts.
As a former co-lead and co-founder of the Cinema Society, I understand how hard it is to run a society alongside your uni workload, so I propose to have monthly meetings with the society leads to further communicate with the students and make sure everything is running smoothly and dedicate time to improve and support societies in ways that suit them best.
Thank you for your consideration,
Vote Charlotte xx
Jasper Hutchings
Hi there! My name is Jasper (He/Him) and I’m a current 3rd year illustration student. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Arts University Plymouth. This university has an uplifting environment for students to learn and grow, and I would love to continue to build upon these strong foundations as Student Union President.
Firstly, I would like to maintain and add onto the work our current president Beth has put in towards helping students maintain a healthy/life balance:
Alongside continuing on with events such as Sitcoms and Cereal and Coffee Club, I’d like to implement an outdoor drawing group that’s open to everyone.
I’d like to advertise events and spaces around the city and neighbouring areas that are affordable and fun for students.
Secondly, I would like to create more opportunities for students to prepare for their careers outside of and after university:
If possible, I would like to run more art fairs, stalls and gallery spaces.
I would also like to try and have a collective university table at local arts and craft fairs that people can submit work to.
I would like to increase engagement with the Students Union. It's important that students know what the Union has to offer, such as our food bank, period and sexual health products as well as a space for events:
I’d like to open the bar more, hosting various events such as pub quizzes.
I’d love to hear your suggestions! The Students Union is your space, I’d love to find ways of making sure desired events happen.
Lastly, I would try to further encourage students to engage with ways of providing feedback on your university experience. I have seen firsthand how important and influential student experience and suggestions are to making improvements to both the courses and general experience here at Arts University Plymouth. These opportunities are invaluable in terms of instigating the changes that you would like to see. I hope to be a friendly face that people feel confident to approach.
During my time at Arts University Plymouth, I have gotten involved with uni affairs in many different ways. I am currently:
Reserve Student Representative.
Student Ambassador.
Co-Leader of the LGBTQ+ Society
Students Union LGBTQ+ Representative for Higher Education.
I believe that my experience as a student, as well as my time volunteering and working within the university and students union, have provided me with the skills and knowledge to be an effective Student’s Union president. I have the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and roles at once, allowing me to multitask effectively. I am confident in my ability to address groups, putting forward ideas and involving myself in discussions when needed. Most importantly, I have the drive and passion for the university and this role that would allow me to make changes myself and the student body would like to see. I would make the most of this chance to help ensure students have a positive experience during their time studying here.
Thank you for considering me,
Jasper Hutchings
Pyran Watson
Better night life in the SU
The Student Union should be the go to spot for an amazing night out for AUP students, not going to another university’s SU. I’ll do everything I can to implement the right measures to ensure our SU stays open later and hosts weekly events, making it a venue that rivals other student unions.
Bringing industry mentors to AUP
I will attempt to establish an industry mentorship program to connect students with professionals in their field. This will provide real world insights, networking opportunities, and career guidance.
Free Adobe Creative Cloud for all students
Access to Adobe Creative Cloud should be a given for AUP students, not an extra cost. I will push for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for all AUP students, ensuring that everyone has access to essential industry standard software without extra costs.
Booking system overhaul
The current Smart Hub booking system isn’t working effectively for students, and it’s causing unnecessary frustration. I’ll push for a complete overhaul of the booking system, making it easier, more intuitive, and accessible, so students can book spaces and resources without hassle or delays.
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