Purav Agarwal

Introduction

I’m an international BAME student from India. I joined this university with much excitement and a goal to progress. I have spent the last year and a half networking and socializing.

I worked as a student ambassador and worked with 15+ teams at the university such as Admissions, Finance, Student Centre, Internatinal, Marketing, Events, different faculites, Stakeholder and Partners.

I have spent so much time knowing how the university works and now I believe that I can help to make it better for the current and the future students. After becoming a GSU Officer, I'll do the following tasks.

Upliftment and Support for Societies

As a member of both sports and non-sports societies, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced due to the lack of adequate resources. 

• Advocating for increased funding and better allocation of resources to meet the needs of all societies. 

• Establish effective communication channels between the societies and GSU so their concerns are addressed promptly and solutions are implemented efficiently. 

By addressing these issues, we can foster a thriving and vibrant community with more active societies where everyone has the tools to succeed and grow. 

Finance, CAS and Online Registration Inquiry Support

During online registration most students (especially those doing it for the first time) face challenges. These processes can often be overwhelming, particularly for International students. 

• Establish a dedicated support hub within the university to handle queries related to finance, CAS applications, and online registration.

• Organize regular drop-in sessions with university staff to address concerns regarding tuition fees, CAS applications and the registration process. 

• Ensure that the resources and guidelines are readily accessible to students who need help with these processes. 

While some of these services already exist, they are not streamlined and effectively advertised.  By streamlining these services, we can reduce stress and ensure students feel welcomed and supported in managing these essential aspects of their university experience. 

Simplifying Portal Literacy and Navigation

The portal plays an important role in providing access to academic and administrative resources, yet many students find them challenging to navigate. 

• Collaborate with the university’s IT team to improve the website’s user interface, making it more intuitive, user-friendly and platform-friendly. 

• Introduce tutorials and workshops to help students familiarize themselves with the portal’s functions. 

• Create a central repository that consolidates all the information and benefits available to students at the UoG, many of which are currently underutilized due to a lack of awareness.

Improved Campus Life

A vibrant campus life is key to building a strong, inclusive student community.

• Organize more events and activities to enrich campus life and foster a stronger sense of community. 

• Organize inter-hall competitions so students living in halls are engaged during holidays. 

• Celebrate different cultures through international food festivals, cultural awareness weeks, and language exchange programs to encourage diversity and inclusivity.

Student Support and Well-being

Students face different challenges based on their unique circumstances, and it is essential to provide tailored support that meets their specific needs.

• Ensure that support systems are flexible and responsive to individual student situations, making it a more inclusive and supportive environment.

• Advocate for fair and flexible academic deadlines to accommodate students facing personal, health-related, or other challenges.

• Promote initiatives that support students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued within the university community.

Conclusion

Achieving these goals will create a more welcoming and vibrant campus environment, making student life not only more enjoyable for current students but also inspiring for those who will join us in the future. This lasting impact will help build a stronger, more connected university community where every student feels valued, supported, and proud to be part of the University of Greenwich.