COUNCIL REPS

Here to speak on behalf of students

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES REP

Beck Norris they/them

Outgoing | Strong-willed | Emphatic

Why do you want to represent your community?

I want to make sure that students with hidden disabilities can access the full student experience here at the University of Essex. I believe this can be done through collecting feedback which centres the voices of students with hidden disabilities of which can be used to ensure that the teaching, accommodation and campus is fully accessible. Through this role I hope to gather feedback on the everyday concerns from students with hidden disabilities and bring them to the attention of the student’s union and the University of Essex in order to create meaningful change which is student and community centred.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I believe that the voices of students with hidden disabilities are deeply important to inciting meaningful change and progress here at the University of Essex. As a student with hidden disabilities rep I would liaise with key student societies, groups and community reps and officers. I hope to make myself as approachable to students with hidden disabilities as possible so would be involved with society and student union events such as freshers fair. I would also give students a space to discuss any concerns they have with me one to one.

UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL SCIENCES REP

Donna (Yu Chih) Chiu she/her/hers

First Year Penguin

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Why do you want to represent your community?

Because most students do not want to solve the issues they are facing by themselves, they normally want someone to solve the issues for them. I am not entirely sure the thing I was doing as a rep last year in the council had ever taken over the potential ability for students to learn to solve the problem themselves, but apparently, they still need someone to represent them and work for their interest.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

Regularly talk to new people and build up connections in my communities to get information about what their priorities are on campus. Canvassing on campus to get feedback from students in my community. Engage in societies that are related to social science such as Psychoanalysis Society, Politics Society or sociology society.

Samvit Sibalhe/him

Friendly | Organised | Driven

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I want to represent social science students as I am passionate about the university community and want to make sure social science students are able to get the best education possible! This also means that I want to make sure the SU is able to support students with their academic needs. I will ensure that I am able to be a strong voice for the interests of social science students.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I would endeavour to work closely with course representatives and SU Education to voice students’ concerns so that the SU can work towards supporting students’ studies. I would also make sure to be approachable and open to hear from all students about their experiences, thoughts, and ideas to make sure they can all be represented in council so that the SU is able to support students’ education the best that it can.

REFUGEE REP

Marta Haba she/her

Motivated | Caring | Enthusiastic

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Why do you want to represent your community?

Representing my community at the University of Essex is a vital opportunity for me to advocate for fellow refugees and foster a supportive environment. Having lived in the UK for over three years as a refugee from Ukraine, I have faced the unique challenges of adaptation and integration. This personal journey has equipped me with empathy and determination to ensure that other refugees feel understood and supported. The University of Essex, with its diverse and inclusive ethos, provides an ideal platform to champion refugee voices and address their specific needs. By representing my community, I aim to raise awareness, promote cultural understanding, and facilitate access to resources that can aid in both academic and personal development. My goal is to create a welcoming space where refugees can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and build a future filled with possibilities, ensuring their experiences enrich the university community as a whole.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

Engaging with the refugee community involves creating meaningful connections and ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Drawing from my experience as a Refugee Representative for two terms, I would focus on several key initiatives to foster engagement: 1. Community Mixers: Organize regular mixers to provide a relaxed environment where refugees can meet, share experiences, and build supportive networks. These events would encourage a sense of belonging and community spirit. 2. Gatherings and Feedback Sessions : Host gatherings and structured feedback sessions to actively listen to the community's concerns and suggestions. This approach ensures that their needs are directly addressed and that they have a platform to express their opinions. 3. Advocacy and Representation: Continue advocating for the specific needs of refugees within the university and beyond. This includes working closely with university administration to implement policies and programs that support refugee integration and success.

SOCIETIES REP

Toby Warren he/him

Engaged | Active | Open

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Why do you want to represent your community?

Societies have been one of the most important parts of my time at Essex, and I want to do my best to support them in enriching the university's student life. I believe that societies have so much to offer as fun, welcoming places for students to make new friends and expand their horizons. They're an integral part of our SU which is why I want to represent their interests to ensure that they keep getting the support they need and can take an even more active role in the university.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

As a long-time society executive, I understand the challenges and joys that come with running a society. I will aim to reach out to society Presidents to make sure that their voices are heard at heard at Council so that their concerns can be addressed in a way that brings them closer to the wider SU and build long term cooperation. I will also look into engaging with wider groupings of societies, aiming to support the common goals or issues of all cultural societies or all faith-based societies, just to give two examples. I believe through open and regular communication we can work together to build a wider community among our societies and the SU as a whole.