On the Campaign Trail: Day 3

Today was Derby Day, so campus was buzzing with excitement, and the continued nice weather meant everyone was in a great mood! Doug and I took the opportunity to venture west of campus, to Edith Cavell, the Nursing and Midwifery (NAM) building. On the walk there, we spoke to various students who had come out to support the sports teams (although we had to keep checking if they were UEA or Essex students!) and reminded everyone that voting starts tomorrow. It’s really important to me that we involve as many students as possible in the Union. The Union of UEA Students has been making efforts for several years to involve students who are traditionally less involved, but more work can be done. Going to NAM gave me the opportunity to find out about issues that, as an AMS student, I wasn’t familiar with. I spoke to a group of students on the nursing ‘Return to Practice’ course, who are on a rapid 20 week course, and have not been told yet if and when they will be receiving bursaries. I chatted to mature student Sarah, who commutes to campus from 20 miles away and who was therefore very keen on my e-submission policy.

Derby Day football match in the bright sun

Two students who commute to UEA from Thetford had concerns about childcare. They said the daycare centre by the Edith Cavell building was too expensive for nursing students who already have to spend 37 hours a week on placement and can’t get an additional job. While this is an issue that may not directly fall under the Academic Officer’s remit, it is still important for me to understand these issues and see what the Union can do to help, to enhance and improve the student experience of all students. Many students were enjoying the sun by the lake, so we spoke to several groups, some of whom had already seen us earlier this week!

Talking to students near the lake

This evening, I went to The Village, and managed to speak to residents in all the blocks apart from those in the Courtyard and the family houses, which I’ll return to tomorrow. I talked to many of the students who were unfamiliar with our voting system about how it all works – the AV system we use, voting links and so on. E-submission and earlier exam timetables continue to be popular with students I talk to and when people ask questions, I’ve been glad for the opportunity to explain how some of my policies will work in practice. If you have any of your own questions, please contact me: academic[AT]kirstycallaghan[DOT]com or find me on Facebook: Facebook.com/KirstyforAcademic.