Introduction
Hello!! My name is Samer, but you can call me Sam, I’m a graduating business management and international relations student, who used to be the welfare VP of our sister campus but now I’m running for election to be your next welfare VP!
What are your three priorities for the year?
1. Further integrating student support services.
The services already provided to aid in welfare matters are innovative and detailed, I, however, personally feel like we can now work towards making them more robust and integrated throughout student life across our campuses. So that students can always feel supported academically and recreationally, even when not actively thinking about welfare matters.
2. Creating vigorous welfare practices and training opportunities outside of direct support services
As we finally leave behind the last remnants of online learning. Professors, staff, and students are interacting with each other a lot more than ever through societies or classes. I personally believe that we should be building consistent welfare policies, so that no matter who you have as a professor or who your fellow classmate is. Welfare based issues are being dealt with in the same manor, through effective workshops and training for everyone to be able to support each other in a bias free environment.
3. Establishing more equitable opportunities for the community
In order to build a successful and active community, we’ve got to make sure that everyone can thrive alongside each other which therefore means we will be able to support each other organically. By focusing on providing academic and recreational opportunities that both support domestic and international students, we can aim to aid students both locally and nationally where possible!
What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates?
As someone who has chaired for welfare on our sister campus, it’s in Qatar if you didn’t know! I personally feel like I have developed a unique understanding of welfare that makes me think outside the box to solve issues and challenges that we face as students. I’m someone who’s very sociable and believes in being able to comfortable express your views in a safe space and that also reflects heavily in my work and leadership style being very parternal at times, if it provides the opportunities to support those around me!
What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?
I think one of the biggest issues students are facing right now is the cost-of-living crisis and how its impacting our everyday lives both on and off campus. This is something both international and domestic students are struggling with and tackling it is a big task but doable through providing workshops on budgeting, making information on grants and financial aid accessible to everyone, and ensuring international students can feel supported through housing or job searching. While providing transparency and support with additional costs associated with studies like buying books or stationery.
