Introduction

Hi! I’m Amisha and am pursuing a master’s in Data Science. Being an international student myself, I can somehow understand the needs of students belonging to various ethnicities. Being nominated for this role makes me aware of the roles and responsibilities that I’ll take on and the need to be able to do the right thing! Serving in this post would also require me to take sustainable initiatives and make sure to include diversity within the university community.

I have worked as an Earth Scientist (Geologist) previously and was involved in sustainable development plans for the welfare of communities in need. Perhaps, I see myself as a good fit for the post.

I stand for Global Solidarity and Human Rights, Civic Engagement, Inclusivity and Diversity, Crisis Response and Support.

What are your three priorities for the year?

1.    Enhancing Community Partnerships: Strengthening and expanding partnerships to foster beneficial collaborations.

2.    Promoting Social Inclusion and Well-being: I’ll develop initiatives to support the social inclusion and well-being of community members.

3.    Advancing Sustainable Development Goals: The University of Aberdeen is already committed to sustainable development across its academic, research, operational, and community engagement activities but certain advances can be proposed.

• Emissions Reduction Targets: Set ambitious targets to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint across campus.
• Waste Reduction and Circular Economy: Expand efforts to minimize waste generation and promote a circular economy on campus. This could include initiatives to reduce single-use plastics, increase recycling rates, and promote composting and organic waste diversion.
• Sustainable Procurement: Implement sustainable procurement policies and practices.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Enhance efforts to protect and restore biodiversity on campus and in surrounding areas.

What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?

One significant issue that students may be facing apart from mental health is financial strain, especially with rising tuition fees, living costs, and limited opportunities for part-time work. Here's how the Students' Union, the University, and government could collaborate to tackle this issue:

1. Student Union: The Student Groups can advocate for policies and initiatives to alleviate financial strain on students. This could involve:

• Campaigning for tuition fee freezes or reductions to make higher education more affordable.
• Providing financial literacy workshops and resources to help students manage their finances effectively.

2. University: The University of Aberdeen can take steps to support students financially and ensure they have access to the resources they need to succeed. This could include:

• Offering flexible payment options for tuition fees and housing costs to ease financial burdens.
• Investing in affordable student accommodation options.

3. Government: Government intervention is essential in addressing the systemic issues contributing to financial strain among students. This could involve:

• Increasing funding for higher education to reduce the reliance on tuition fees and make universities more accessible to all students.
• Introducing policies to regulate the cost of living and housing in areas with high student populations.