Candidate for the position of Vice President (Education)

Image for Pournami Padmanabhan

Pournami Padmanabhan

My Manifesto
Hello, I am Pournami Padmanabhan. I am currently pursuing MBA (Global Finance) at the University of Derby and serving as the student representative for my course. My passion for creating positive change led me to actively engage with student-led societies like Enactus, refining my leadership skills. With my past experience in corporate environments, I showcase proven leadership abilities and strong organisational capabilities. I stand for the position of VP Education to champion our student community, utilising my skills to drive impactful improvements. I am eager to leverage my skills to make meaningful improvements.
As the Vice-President (Education) at the University of Derby Students' Union, I am committed to achieving tangible improvements that directly benefit our student community. Grounded in the belief that every student deserves an equitable and enriching academic experience, I dedicate myself to the following objectives:

1. Streamlining Academic Assistance for students:
- Prioritize transparency and accessibility of academic policies and procedures, especially for international students.
- Collaborate closely with university management to ensure comprehensive dissemination of information on students' rights, responsibilities, and support services.
- Implement targeted initiatives to aid international students in navigating academic processes, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new educational system.

2. Optimizing Student Support Services Awareness:
- Enhance awareness of the university's career and educational hub resources and support services.
- Engage student representatives to actively share information about events, webinars, and resources with peers.
- Develop strategies to manage information overload, ensuring vital announcements reach students amidst email and data influx, thereby increasing participation in these student- support initiatives.

3. Facilitating Improved Student-Lecturer Communication:
- Improve student-lecturer liaison by streamlining communication channels.
- Address the reliance on email as the primary mode of contact by exploring alternative communication platforms or establishing clear guidelines for timely responses.
- Empower students to contact supervisors or lecturers promptly regarding coursework or dissertation queries, minimizing delays and enhancing academic support.

4. Amplifying Student Voices and Addressing Concerns:
- Establish regular forums and channels for student feedback to foster open communication.
- Provide platforms for students to voice opinions, raise concerns, and contribute to decision-making.
- Actively advocate for student interests and concerns within the university administration, ensuring a student-centered academic environment.

Through these initiatives, I aim to enhance the academic experience at the University of Derby, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students.
1.Academic Assistance Enhancement 2.Student Engagement Promotion 3.Amplifying Student Voices