/asset/Manifesto/473/Sabirs-art-in-microsoft-word.docx

VOTE SABIR FOR EDUCATION OFFICER

A COUNTER MANIFESTO - To counter the constraints on student life. 

When the university finances were published a few months back, I was astonished to find that ONE of OUR university wardens got paid over £232,000 a year when so many students are faced to live in cold damp flats. So my first wish is to see:

1) FINANCIAL DISTRIBUTION- This would see money being put forward for the schemes which students need most. This would be worked out through communication from students. By cutting down on inequality within university finances, as mentioned above, more money will be available for student services, welfare and accommodation. Of the things which the extra money could lead to is accommodation improvement. Student residence such as Deans House appears old and unwelcoming so could definitely use a revamp. I believe good accommodation is essential to student’s mental health and academic progress which is why I find this to be important as education officer.

2) Emphasize the need for better staffing and communication within department offices, lecturers and student representatives. This policy would ensure that student’s grades are uploaded onto the VLE in a shorter time frame and that communication between lecturers and office workers is efficient. This is so course changes are effectively communicated to the students who are the ones who will be most affected by these changes. It would also enable students to have more time to pick their module options within courses. It would stop people picking modules that don’t exist and help students understand when their deadlines are as well as better feedback on assignments.

3) More space between essay deadlines. In my time at Goldsmiths, I have seen slight progress in regards to this as deadlines were moved to 5pm instead of early afternoon. I would like to add a space of a few days between essay deadlines so it offers time to complete more than one essay instead of having two deadlines on one day.   

4) I will support the work against all forms of discrimination be it sexist or racist as well as Islamophobic attacks in relation to Prevent. These forms of discrimination can damage student wellbeing which is essential to student academic progression.  

5) I support the improvement of student’s mental health through awareness days, workshops and availability of information on how to get help from university services.

6) As a person who has worked closely with members of the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, I condemn the cuts to our education services and will continue to do so.

7) Further efforts to diversify and decolonise our curriculum. Last year, there were efforts made by politics students to do this and I will continue to support students on this path.   

8) Further efforts to improve our library services by making sure all essential books are available for students to take out. Also, aim to reduce the price of printing from library printers.

9) Deplores the façade of the bins in the canteen/refectory/ (cafeteria if you’re American) which appear as though they are separating recyclable waste into 2 different containers – one for recyclables and one for others. But after close inspection, one realizes that the rubbish is falling into the same bin! Hence, I believe in having actual recycling bins to help the environment from the damning effects of waste in landfill. Moreover, I support the continuous efforts to make Goldsmiths a greener university.   

10) Call upon the right to trust, transparency and accountability.

All endorsements are welcome!