Candidate for the position of Vice President (Education)

Image for Jordan Carr

Jordan Carr

My Manifesto
My name is Jordan Carr, and I am a history student with a passion to make sure every student has the same positive experience at the University as me. In my 4 years spent here so far, I have been involved with the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme, and the Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (URSS). This has allowed me to both support first and foundation year students in developing their academic skills and see the progress students can make with the right guidance and resources. This left a lasting impression on me and highlighted the value of connecting students to a wide range of opportunities.
As a history student my experience has been fantastic, and I want to make sure every student gets the same amazing experience I have had on their own programme, in whatever subject and whatever level that might be. I am determined to make the best possible impact on students’ academic experience, and I plan to start that in the following ways:

1). Improve facilities and learning spaces.
• Review the library’s opening hours across all sites and insist on the expansion of the 24-hour library system to benefit ALL students.
• Review the holdings at all university libraries, creating a more up to date and well-balanced library system between campuses.

2). Reinforce financial support against ‘Hidden Costs’.
• Create transparency through the ‘Hidden Costs, Visible Consequences’ campaign increasing student awareness around bursaries for travel and research.
• To help reduce printing costs and ensure the retention of the Blackwells £100 voucher.
• To lobby for increase funding for fieldwork and equipment for students across ALL programmes.

3). Improve Union visibility and refresh the rep system.
• Support students through ‘Carr’s Corner’. This will be regular academic drop-in sessions across ALL campuses where students can voice their issues and concerns to the Union directly.
• Create better engagement with programme and college Reps, including improved support, training, and recognition for the Reps themselves, so they can best represent all of you!

4). Increase student graduate and development opportunities.
• Ensure there is clear advice on short, accredited courses and introduce FREE language courses for all students.
• Expand the Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (URSS) and increase funding opportunities for students through sponsorships.
• Expand Alumni networking that goes beyond LinkedIn and occasional discussions with home students, by holding in-person and online events around skills workshops and career guidance.

5). Strive for fairness in assessment.
• Change assessment deadlines from 12:00 Midday to 5:00pm, as the golden period of study is not the same for every student, particular those students who work, commute, study part-time or have caring responsibilities.
• Work closely with academic committees and students to make clear the rights of students.
• Demand that the University provides the option of in-person teaching throughout the whole year for ALL students.
Elect me to provide fairness for all students, fight hidden costs, and refresh the rep system.