.Representation

An important detail about postgraduate students is that whilst some are continuing their studies at the University of Southampton, some will have come from other institutions. One of the main things I would wish to achieve is to help those that have come from other institutions settle into a university life that is different (however slightly or majorly) to that which they are accustomed. To address this, I intend to make sure that in the run up to September, the new postgraduates are completely and satisfyingly informed on the locations of all the different campuses, how to get to each of them, and the key buildings and sites such as Student Services and the University Health Centre. I will work to provide instructional and informative videos similar to those made for freshers, but specifically for postgraduates so that when they arrive, they already know their way around. One of the biggest issues postgraduates face is an increase in pressure as the workload increases both in size and intensity. A vital part of what I wish to achieve is to ensure that not only are they able to work and study comfortably in an environment dominated by undergraduates, but that the union is there to support their mental wellbeing also. Referring to my manifesto (more specifically, to the part where I mention collaboration with other Sabb offices), there are many possible ways of how to tackle this. - Working with Welfare I would put on forums and mixers to help postgraduates meet each other and so familiarise themselves with the postgrad environment, as well as campaign and provide meetings and platforms with which postgraduates can come forward with any issues or problems they are experiencing in order to make sure they are addressed immediately, and that other postgraduates can listen (and so feel more comfortable in vocalising). Doing this, postgraduates students would feel more at home within the students union in the knowledge that we as a Sabb team have their mental health and wellbeing at heart. - Working with Education I would make sure that postgraduate study spaces are up to scratch, and that more can be made if required. I would go to every campus and observe every available postgraduate study space, making note of what needs to be changed and improved, always encouraging postgraduate students to come forward with their own ideas and opinions so that said changes and improvements are as close to perfect as possible. - Working with Sports&Wellbeing, DCI and Engagement I would move to create workshops, sports days/activities and charity events/campaigns that encourage postgraduates students to integrate more into the wider world of the union so that their studies do not dictate their lives. This, in my mind, would have the same end as collaboration with Welfare in that postgraduates would be provided with a creative/active outlet with which to take a break from work and socialise, and also know that we as a students union want them to get more involved in our wide range of societies and contribute to the union. #SUSUstandswithpostgraduates To summarise, here is a quick problem-solution list: Postgraduates from other institutions - Instructional and informative videos released during the run-up to semester 1 tailored specifically to the postgraduate community. Postgraduate mental health - Mixers to help postgraduates meet each other, as well as meetings with which they can share personal stories, troubles and thoughts with each other to encourage unity in the postgraduate community, as well as further breaking the silence on the mental and emotional toll of postgraduate study. Postgraduate study - Reviewing all study spaces, making improvements and changes where necessary, and creating more if/where required. Postgraduate involvement - Working with the other Sabbatical officers to encourage postgraduates to immerse themselves into the students union through sports events, creative workshops and charity. Throughout this campaign I have been and will be chatting to postgraduates about their lives at the University of Southampton and how it can be improved, and so my plans at the moment are constantly evolving with every new person I speak to. I hope this has been helpful! Thank you for coming with a question, if you have any more, please do share!

This question was also only asked to HarveyAnswered by Harvey on 21/02/18 11:35

The tricky thing is that when it comes to the SUSU shop, the Bridge and the Cafe, they are unlikely to open in the summer period as most of the students will be home. This means that turnover will significantly decrease, and so keeping them open later would not be a cost/effective decision. External establishments on campus such as PRET I'm sure are a different case. My first response to this would be opening channels of communication with more postgraduates and indeed other students that are on campus during the summer period. As this issue can be applied to more communities than just postgraduates, these talks would involve the President and the VPs for Welfare and Engagement. This way we will be making sure that what is made available to all students that are on campus during the summer period (be they postgrad or other) is what we understand to be most desired based on what we have been told and what is determined feasible by the University. Assuring that the essential services to students are available over the summer is an important issue and so if I am elected, when I first start in July I will begin pushing this issue forward and if not enough is done in time for September, I will make it a priority throughout the year so that by the following summer, appropriate and satisfactory action is taken. Thank you for asking! Please ask more if you need!

This question was also asked to Mingjie Yu, Emily Harrison, Chang LianAnswered by Harvey on 26/02/18 09:36

Hi there! I realise that my answer was slightly pessimistic in parts so my apologies for that, I wanted to respond as soon as I could but at the same time I did not want to make any promises or assurances that I didn't know I could keep. I'm currently investigating as to changes to the opening times of Union outlets that I, as a Sabb, could bring about. Having a part-time job in Southampton for the past 15 months, I spent a lot (if not all) of my summer either working or on campus in the SUSUtv studio or the library. As a result of this, I am aware of how many students are on campus during the summer period and I also understand the frustration of there not being enough open to students that are on campus during this period. I completely agree that students who are here over summer deserve exactly the same essential services and dedication as they would get during term time, and there is so much potential for the campuses to be more vibrant and active places during this period. This in mind, I will make sure that upon my findings about changing opening times (as a starting point), whatever can be done will be done in order to make sure that students who are regularly on campus can get something to eat/drink throughout the day, and that there are engaging, fun and inclusive events on campus for them to jump into and really involve themselves in the students union. These events could range from getting in external speakers, games nights, workshops, etc., there is a lot of possibility and it'll be really exciting to see what ideas in particular these students have regarding this, I hope to speak to many more and find out! I hope that answer was helpful, as I say I'm still looking into what direction I and the Union could go with this so I'm sorry it's slightly vague, but this is a very good question and an important issue to address and I will make sure to do it to the best of my ability. Thank you very much for the question!

This question was also only asked to HarveyAnswered by Harvey on 28/02/18 12:15