YOUR Student Voice for Education, Joseph Marler here. If YOU were wondering throughout my campaign what the Chinese characters mean, it is my name and directly translates to son bright (bright as in smart). Maybe my parents foresaw me in this role? See, I am mixed race, multicultural, Chinese and English. I think it owes to my understanding of people from any background and circumstance. A voice for the many not the few. I am a final year Law with Business student. Well connected, and understanding of the issues that us students face in our education at Essex, I aim to be YOUR voice in all educational matters. YOUR education is an investment, a big one too, YOUR time and money. Annual fees ranging from £9,250, a year with international fees up to £19,670. Therefore, I will dedicate my all to making sure that YOUR voice is heard by the Uni in making YOUR time at Essex the best it can be.

THE PLAN

I have configured an SIX-POINT PLAN aiming to tackle key issues that us as students are currently facing which I am and have been made aware of. By proactively trying to tackle these issues I aim to make YOUR educational expirence better. These aims are…

Aim 1: To building a stronger future for YOU

Aim 2: To coming back better from the pandemic

Aim 3: To supporting staff so they can support YOU

Aim 4: To opening up communication

Aim 5: To improve YOUR daily expirence and wellbeing at Essex

Aim 6: To improve YOUR educational resources

WHY VOTE MARLER FOR VP EDUCATION?

A leader and team player

• I believe I am a great leader but not only that. Being able to work in a team is very important too. In the role of VP Education, I will need to work with others constantly which I know I am very capable of. My time as captain of an Essex Blades sports team, badminton, has really solidified this belief. The expirence I have of both leadership and teamwork.   

Passionate

• I am very passionate about the role. I understand the importance of education and how it is a major part in all our lives. The passion I have for making positive change in this matter, improving the education at Essex I aim to benefit YOU all.

A good communicator

• My communication skills are comprised of not just being good with talking but as much with listening. I want to take on board what YOU, the students have to say and then use that in application to the role. I have expirence of this as being a society communications officer

Made for the Role

• I honestly, wholehearted believe I am made for the role. For the points above and much more. As a soon to be graduate of Law, I am ready to use all of my skills to fight for the students. I know I will put in the hours whether reading, listening or speaking to make a positive difference for YOU.

BREAKDOWN OF MY SIX-POINT PLAN

Aim 1: To building a stronger future for YOU  

• I aim to push for more career opportunities for YOU. Essex is the foundation of YOUR future, and it should propel YOU to greatness. I wish to further promote the Universities CareerHub. In addition to educational departments making more specific careers advice.
• I wish to encourage further “out of class” learning.  Whether that be on contemporary issues or learning about different cultures, with the help of the Universities incredible societies. Diversity and inclusion is a big part of learning and exposure to it of great benefit to YOU and YOUR future endeavours.   

Aim 2: To coming back better from the pandemic

• As restrictions have been lifted, I will look to ensure that YOU the students are consulted about YOUR education. That we operate in a safe manner and monitor the situation to stay ready and be adaptable to help YOU.
• YOUR wellbeing and the pandemic. Whether physical or mental, I understand YOUR educational struggles with the pandemic. I will be proactive in making sure the university is aware of the issues faced, such as with assessments in these times.    

Aim 3: To supporting staff so they can support YOU

• It is understood that the staff at university are the key to our academic success. It is most significant for us as a University to understand this. It is therefore important that I aim to hear and support them.
• I also wish to improve the standard of marking and teaching across departments as it is currently inconsistent. I aim to improve YOUR education by allowing departments the resources to provide consistent, good marking and teaching. What YOU as a student deserve!

Aim 4: To opening up communication

• Communication is key between not just staff and students but from student to student. YOUR course mates are a big part of YOUR education, relating and helping YOU in YOUR time at Essex. I hope to facilitate the building of these channels of communication through events.
• Reform of The Student Rep body. Student Reps have shown their eagerness to reformulate the body. It has become inefficient in recent times with issues not being followed up. I aim to fix this, I believe that it is paramount that YOU, the students, and YOUR views are heard.
• Personal tutors. I am aware that many students have not taken advantage or even know they have personal tutors. I will aim to improve this. As students YOU should have the opportunity to know and take advantage of this facility.

Aim 5: To improve YOUR daily expirence and wellbeing at Essex

• The little things matter. Easily overlooked but the little things can impact YOUR educational experiences. Whether that being students’ frustration with Outlook and the need for two step verification, or with the printers I am aware. It happens and I aim to reduce it.
• YOUR wellbeing, it cannot be stressed how important it is. Wellbeing aligns with YOUR academic performance. I will push for all staff to be more aware of mental health for example, being supportive in stressful periods with assignments. In addition to bolstering and advocating for the Universities mental health services. 

Aim 6: To improve YOUR educational resources

• Reducing emails to make them more concise. They can slow down the productivity of students and enables them to miss important messages about their education amongst other lesser emails. 
• For those studying at our Southend and Loughton Campuses. I will advocate for YOU to have easier access to resources. As I am aware of the need for YOU to access more physical resources such as books instead of being limited to e-resources.