From Greenwich's Heart to
Our University's Future.
My name is Stevie, and I am honoured to be running as your next president.
I am currently in my 2nd year of studying Politics & International Relations, but I have previously worked in and around Greenwich in various roles. At the Royal Borough of Greenwich, I was a Housing Officer, responsible for supporting families at risk of homelessness. I am currently a member of the GSU Scrutiny Panel, elected to hold our officers accountable. I am heavily involved with local politics, standing up against injustice in our community. I was born in Greenwich, and I have lived in Greenwich all of my life. The buildings at the Old Royal Naval College will never cease to amaze me with their incredible architecture.
My good friend Anuj, our current president, has done some fantastic work in the past year, such as the Working Hours Campaign, which is looking to remove the Student Visa working hour cap that restricts International students from working more than 20 hours per week. If elected, I will continue this campaign, using my political experience to ensure it is brought to a vote in parliament.
There is also a growing concern with international students that they are not being listened to by universities all over the country. What’s horrible about this scandal is that sites of education, spaces that are supposed to empower and aid people’s development, have been turned into businesses where students are customers before people. These international students are brought in for profit and rarely ever supported. It is a wonderful thing when universities become hubs of multiculturalism, but when unis tell students that their grades mean that they’re not equipped to take on advanced degrees, but others are able to do so solely based on the amount of funding that can be attained, there is a serious failure of duty of care. When our staff were on strike, I supported them to ensure they received the fair wages that they deserve. I will continue to stand up for the rights of everyone to ensure people are not being exploited.
I bring a diverse background and a deep commitment to fostering an environment where every person can thrive. Here is my manifesto, centred on key areas that define our journey forward:
1. Student Wellbeing and Mental Health:
• Introduce and expand mental health resources through initiatives like the Campus Care Connect app, which myself and 2 other students are currently developing, ensuring students have easy access to support.
• Collaborate with existing societies and groups to create a holistic approach to student well-being.
- Provide a more inclusive, supportive environment to disabled students.
2. Inclusive Campus Culture:
• Strengthen the role of societies to celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding.
• Implement training programs for staff and faculty to create a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment.
3. Transparent and Efficient Administration:
• Utilise my negotiation and leadership skills to ensure transparent communication and decision-making within the university administration.
• Implement technology solutions to streamline administrative processes and enhance overall efficiency.
4. Student Engagement and Societal Development:
• Amplify student voices on important issues.
• Encourage the active participation of students in societies, fostering an environment of civic engagement and discourse.
· Forge partnerships with businesses and organisations to provide students with valuable insights and opportunities.
5. Sustainable Campus Practices:
• Leverage my experience to implement sustainable practices on campus, contributing to a greener and more environmentally conscious university.
6. Make University Halls more affordable:
- · Increase transparency from the accommodation team, meeting with them regularly with student feedback
- · Remove hidden accommodation costs
7. Working Hours Campaign:
- · Continue the campaign to remove the Student Visa working hour cap that restricts International students from working more than 20 hours per week
- · Contact members of Parliament to get the law changed.
8. Medway Bus Campaign
- · The University of Greenwich provides an inter-campus bus service between all three of its campuses. Although, the service between Greenwich and Avery Hill is free, prices to and from Medway are high. I will continue the campaign for a free bus service between the Medway Campus and Greenwich campuses
9. Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
• Foster an atmosphere of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and implementing data-driven decision-making.
• Support initiatives like Campus Care Connect and other innovative projects that enhance the university experience.
I am not just a candidate; I am a partner in the shared journey towards a better, more inclusive University of Greenwich. Together, let's shape a future where every student feels supported, every voice is heard, and academic excellence is synonymous with our university's name.
Thank you for your trust and support.
Sincerely,
Stevie Baverstock