Hi everyone, I’m Callum, and I’m re-running to be your VP Education!
 
I’m extremely passionate about this University and specifically the education that is received by our students.

Students have been patient. We’ve waited for standards to rise at this university, and the time for excuses is over. The time has come for Essex students to get the quality of education that they signed up for! We paid for a world class education, (even though Uni should be free) and we deserve it! Factors like COVID and the strikes have disrupted things, (to say the least) and I know a lot of you feel angry and frustrated – I’m with you there! I’ve been there on the other side, making your voices heard in meetings after meetings and in different committees.

My work has directly contributed to the University agreeing to overhaul the faltering personal tutoring system for the next academic year, to move back towards more face-to-face teaching, and to ensure students are listened to and given more choices about their education. I have also worked tirelessly to help every single student that raises a concern about their education, providing a voice for them as well as for those who have not come forward. You definitely won’t regret voting for me if you find yourself in a position where you have been treated unfairly on your course!

On top of this, I have represented the educational needs of the differing communities we have here at Essex, such as student parents and international students. I won’t let any group or individual feel neglected within their studies. I’ve been regularly visiting Southend, and have become very aware of the additional support that is needed on our Southend and Loughton campuses in order for their students to feel included, valued and supported. 

I understand this role and its importance.

Dependability, detail and dedication is needed from a VP Education - to ensure that nobody is cutting corners and that standards rise. I’ll provide these qualities, without question. I’m also friendly and easy to get on with - you can approach me for a chat any time! 

So what needs to change?

Get Teaching Right:
- Let’s achieve high-quality, engaging teaching, like we had before the pandemic and more!
- Listen to students when they express preferences for methods of teaching, and how their course should be run.
- Feedback must be useful and on time!
- Prioritise teaching over research.
- More work on decolonising the curriculum! 

Take Issues National:
- Lecturers are striking, and whilst some students support the cause, many others are pointing to the impact they’re having on students, which is a grossly unfair consequence. We need to encourage a greater focus on taking these issues national and protesting against government. This way, the nature of the strikes can be supported but without the impact on our students.
- We should respond to and protest against the student loan repayment threshold being lowered to an unfair level.

Academic and Career Support:
- We are currently revamping the personal tutor system and this is an important opportunity to improve the support students get as they navigate through their time at university!
- Better signposting to welfare resources by all University staff.
- Guide students more effectively as they transition from Uni to their careers!

Let’s raise our standards and get the World Class Education we deserve. Vote Callum for your VP Education! 

Voting is open from the 15th to the 17th March. Thanks for reading!