VOTE TYLAE CLOSE FOR VP WELFARE
BECAUSE STUDENTS DESERVE BETTER
My name is Tylae Close and I am passionate to make changes at the University of Derby because I believe, and trust me I know, that Students Deserve Better. Whilst being a student at Derby, I have been a Residential Assistant in student halls, a course representative for the past two years, I attended the National Student Conference as an NUS Delegate where I lobbied and voted on behalf of students, and I’ve worked proactively in the local community with students to campaign for greater knife crime initiatives, student safety, black lives matter, justice for education, food bank fundraising, free school meals, for greater sexual assault and misconduct training and awareness campaigns on campus.
#CLOSECAN
Place Welfare at the heart of Covid-19 Response
The entirety of the University must have a care focused and person centred approach during the pandemic whilst working with students. Greater Covid-19 training for all staff needs to be ensured, focusing on Student Wellbeing and Safety. I’ll lobby for greater library booking software, Laptop loaning during the pandemic and free access to external online resources as for academic work this is desperately needed. I’ll lobby for the University to get involved with and signpost students to external services in the community, as well as local and national funding and employment schemes. I’ll ensure that there is full transparency from the University and Students Union, with easy to read and clear policies in regards to covid-19 available for students. I’ll also urge the University and work with the Union to campaign against tuition fees - i’ll connect with derby students and collaborate with the NUS to demand “Tuitions, Please!”
#CLOSECAN
No Detriment for ALL
Back in September, students were promised that there would be “No detriment to your studies as a result of Covid-19”. Whatever happened to reduced evidence requirements for an EEC? How about relaxed assignment marking? It’s time for No Detriment ideals to make a comeback. I’ll lobby the university and survey students so that No Detriment policies don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach; We should instead focus on the realities of all students, such as parents and carers, care leavers, students with wellbeing needs, international students and students with disabilities.
#CLOSECAN
Make Derby University a More Affordable Place to Eat & Live: Fair Affairs!
There’s a lot of truth in that being a student at the University of Derby is becoming increasingly more expensive, with rent prices and the cost of living going up - It’s time somebody stood up. I will say enough is enough to expensive food and drink on campus, as well as ensuring more dietary needs are met. I’ll support free washing machines in halls and a rent freeze on halls of residence. I’ll work on setting up a student food bank, because we must be there to support students during times of uncertainty. Derby, it’s time for Fair Affairs.
#CLOSECAN
Implement Student Liberation Networks
Student Liberation Networks will provide students with opportunities to challenge their University and combat discrimination on campus. They ensure that UOD do not discriminate against or neglect any parts of the student body. Liberation Networks provide safe spaces for students to Connect, Campaign, Challenge and Discuss. They also connect with external organisations, the National Union of Students and would assist in giving Derby students a voice at Local and National levels. Examples include, a Black Students Network, Faith Based Network, Trans Students Network, Women’s Network, BAMER Students Network, Disabled Students Network, Care Leavers Network and LGBTQ+ Students Network.
#CLOSECAN
Meet the Needs of ALL Students
If elected into the position, I’ll listen to students' needs and ideas for change at the University and ensure students have platforms to speak up. I’ll lobby for the £100 Blackwells Voucher to be available for all students, and ensure that students are able to better challenge their university. I’ll aim to get more students involved with their Union, and Liberation Networks will help give students the chance to create campaigns they feel passionately about and gather a platform! Monthly diversity themed calendars are cool and all… but what about all year round?
#CLOSECAN
Promote Positive Wellbeing
Mental Health awareness has never been as important as it is today. I’ll campaign for student wellbeing to get more recognition University wide, as well as ensuring that reps, PTO’s, committees and student led services are more informed about different services at the University and get them to help raise awareness of them. I’ll make sure that the University prioritises wellbeing in their post-covid plans, and work on getting a greater wealth of campus information online. Why aren’t their detailed floor plans and maps yet, and what about the accessibility routes? Our wellbeing service needs to be more inclusive of all forms of wellbeing and specific learning difficulties too, either with specialists or the option to refer and signpost students to other services. A vote for Tylae is a vote for someone who will stand up for Students and their Wellbeing at Derby.