Manifesto

Candidate for the position of Vice President for Welfare

Image for Finn Abou El Magd (He/Him)

Finn Abou El Magd (He/Him)

ACCOUNTABLE, ACCESSIBLE, ABERDEEN

Introduction

Hello! I’m Finn, a 2nd Year Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and English student who has spent this year as LLMVC School Convener. I’ve been working hard alongside an incredible cohort of students and staff to fight for the student voice to be heard throughout the Save UoA Languages campaign and have seen first-hand the impact on students. Now, with further cuts coming, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, climate anxiety and ongoing international armed conflicts, I want to ensure students are robustly supported.

What are your three priorities for the year?

ACCOUNTABLE:

  • Stop the Cuts! I will lobby to Stop the Cuts! Universities are at breaking point as are their students, the impact of further cuts will be detrimental.
  • Monthly Welfare Clinic: a drop-in clinic that will run with a nominated guest each month for students to get advice and raise issues they want addressed.
  • RAAC at the Medical Library & Hillhead: A teaching hospital needs a fully equipped working library. Hillhead’s Headspace Building was an important social centre for the student community. It was also the closest accessible supermarket. RAAC must be tackled at these two locations urgently.
  • Anti-Gender Based Violence, Harassment & Hate Crime Committee: Every student is entitled to a safe and positive experience at University. I will create a committee to ensure the University responds effectively and implements robust measures to combat the national rise of GBV, harassment and hate crimes.

ACCESSIBLE:

  • Hybrid classes: Students should have the option to attend and engage with classes online when they are prevented from attending in-person.
  • Prayer Spaces: I will ensure the creation of accessible prayer spaces in key areas across campuses that are fit for purpose.
  • Go Paperless Accessibly: No more ‘paper’ digital forms. There should be a consistent, university-wide process for accessible digital forms.
  • Support Services Pathways: Access to support services needs to be an easily accessible, consistent pathway that is highlighted to all students.

ABERDEEN:

  • UKVI and International Students: I will lobby to improve the international student experience. I will also develop a new International Student Hardship Fund to replace the existing ‘Emergency Fund’ to provide more robust financial support.

What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates? 

As a current student representative, I already have a good understanding of how university politics work and how AUSA works. Additionally, I have a background in Law from my previous degree, with a focus on Human Rights Law and Law of Armed Conflict. During this time, I also spent a great deal of my time providing legal aid to victims of domestic violence. I’ve always been keenly invested in welfare and justice.

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

One of the biggest issues is financial strain. The cost-of-living crisis has left students unable to travel to classes, homeless students, students who can’t afford to eat. I propose an overhaul of the existing Hardship Fund for UK students, a new discretionary fund for International Students. I will also implement a Textbook/Set Texts Fund to help with course costs during the cost-of-living crisis.