Candidate for the position of Vice President (Education)

Image for Maryam Janjua

Maryam Janjua

Elections Personal Statement
As a passionate advocate for student success, I am committed to making education more accessible, inclusive, and supportive for all students. If elected as Vice President of Education, I will prioritize the following areas to enhance the student experience and ensure that every student has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Empowering Students Through Enhanced Academic Support
• Inclusive & Accessible Learning: Amplify a robust system to ensure that learning is accessible for disabled and neurodivergent students, providing tailored support that meets their needs.
• Support for International Students: Provide dedicated workshops, guidance, and resources to help international students navigate the UK education system and ease their transition.
• Free Study Resources Initiative: Launch a program to provide essential stationery and study materials during assessment periods, reducing financial stress and supporting academic success.
Reinforce Student Representation & Voices
• Amplify Student Input in Decision-Making: Ensure that student voices are actively heard in university governance, contributing meaningfully to strategic initiatives.
• Engage with External Education Agencies: Advocate for student interests by working with education bodies on policy development and implementation.
• Empower Student Representatives: Provide structured training, mentorship, and clear communication channels to strengthen advocacy efforts.
• Enhance Feedback Systems: Implement a transparent and accessible feedback mechanism with clear follow-ups and accountability measures.
Supporting Employability & Skills Development
• Career-Boosting Workshops & Industry Engagement: Organize Tech & Talk sessions on emerging fields, career opportunities, and industry trends.
• Facilitate Connections with Employers: Strengthen links with companies to provide placement, internship, and mentorship opportunities.
• Support International Students in the Job Market: Improve guidance on navigating the UK job market, including visa regulations and employability skills.
• Prepare Students for Life After Graduation: Ensure all students have access to the tools and knowledge needed for career success.
As a Student Representative for the Information Technology course, I attended an All-Student Meeting where I raised a key issue, the lack of communication during admissions, especially for international students. I highlighted how many students struggle to get timely information and suggested implementing a proper chatbot system to assist students throughout the admissions process. The committee agreed with my point, recognizing the need for better support, and considered my suggestion.
As a Student Representative, I actively engaged with my peers to build a supportive community. One of the initiatives I took was creating a dedicated channel on MS Teams to ensure that students had a platform where they could voice their needs and concerns. To keep communication open, I held regular meetings twice a month where students could share their issues, ask questions, and provide feedback. I made it a point to always be available to support and assist students, offering help whenever needed. This initiative helped foster a sense of community and gave students a direct line to express their concerns and receive guidance.
As a dedicated Student Representative, I have firsthand experience navigating the challenges students face, from academic struggles to communication gaps and employability concerns. My time as a Student Rep has allowed me to actively listen to students, raise important issues, and push for real changes, such as improving communication for incoming students.

If elected as Vice President of Education, I will continue to be a strong advocate for all students, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their needs are met. My priorities focus on enhancing academic support, strengthening student representation, and boosting employability, all aimed at creating a more inclusive, accessible, and opportunity-rich learning environment.

I am committed to action, not just promises. I will work tirelessly to bridge gaps between students and the university, implement initiatives that make a difference, and ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the support they need to succeed.
I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and opportunity-rich environment for all students. If elected as Vice President of Education, I will prioritize enhancing academic support, amplifying student voices, and improving employability, ensuring every student has the tools and resources they need to succeed. I am driven by action and will work tirelessly to bridge gaps, empower students, and make meaningful changes that will shape a brighter future for everyone at the University.