Sienna Everett - Social Science Postgraduate Research Officer

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Photo of Sienna Everett
  • Ensure the PGR community is safe and inclusive
  • Increase interdisciplinary and cross-faculty relations
  • Build the Faculty community through social events
  • Ensure the PGR experience remains considered throughout the entire University structure

Why vote for Sienna?

Everyone’s PhD experience is different, but from my role as Politics PGR Rep, I have begun to identify key themes for improvement. An aim quite close to me is to ensure that the PGR community within the faculty continues as safe and inclusive. I intend to emphasise a clearer and firmer stance on unacceptable behaviour and expectations, and fair and proportionate responses to bad behaviour which damage the University's reputation as a diverse and inclusive community. Whilst the required online EDI training for first-year PGRs is a great start, a more engaging and continuous approach to behaviour and EDI matters are needed, so everyone in the community knows what is and is not acceptable and feels supported in reporting any misconduct.

I will work with SUSU, Student Services and the Doctoral College to ensure that all University facilities and services are suited to the PGR experience. This is a widespread problem, from accessing MyEngagement (SEAtS) when teaching and booking on Clarity to accessing certain University services and funds. I have already worked with various services and people within the University to make change within the Student Discipline process, making sure the unique experience of PGRs (of being both staff and student), is considered when PGRs are involved in disciplinary proceedings, both as reporting and responding students. 

I aim to strengthen the community within the faculty through social events such as presentations and hope to revitalise the faculty coffee mornings; and I would love to hear more suggestions of what people would like! As well as this, I am aware of the interdisciplinary nature of most research projects and appreciate the learning and knowledge that can be gained through interacting with other methods, subjects and approaches, so I would like to strengthen relationships with other faculties through social events.

In the end, I simply hope to be a friendly face around campus for everyone to feel comfortable and able to voice their concerns and feedback to, knowing they will be listened and acted upon.