Plain Text Manifesto:
BIG BEN FOR PRESIDENT
My Priorities:
A University run bus service
Comprehensive disciplinary process reform
Double mental health funding
Ditch circuit laundry and get a better deal
More and better off campus learning grids
Hey, I’m Ben. I’m your SU Democracy and Development Officer and I’m running to be your next President.
I’ve done a lot in the past six months, and I’ve done it by being realistic. I want to lead an SU that focuses on making a real difference rather than being elected on policies that sound good but will never happen.
I’ve kept each policy brief, but some issues demand detail – that’s why the last section of my manifesto is an in depth approach to reforming the university’s disciplinary processes.
I have a strong record and realistic policies. I hope you agree, and together we can make Warwick better for every student.
Experience
Democracy and Development Officer 2018/19
President, Politics Society 2017/18
Academic Officer, Politics Society 2016/17
Democracy Exec 2017/18
Achievements
Halved the University card replacement fine
Installed free boiling water in the library
Record breaking election turnout
Microwaves in the library confirmed for Term 3
Launched Reflektor, Cocktail, and Glow
Introduced Sabb office hours
Your Welfare
More than double mental health funding per student to at least the Russell Group average
Introduce a Report and Support system for abuse and harassment such as in place at Bristol and Manchester
Unify mental health services by bringing counselling from Westwood to Senate House
Increase the number of sexual health clinics
Abolish the fine for calling ambulances to campus directly
Your Campus
The Circuit Laundry contract is up this year – I’ll demand better service or kick them out
Completely abolish the unfair university card replacement fee
Make Xananas an affordable restaurant students want to go to
Continue increasing the anount of free boiling water and microwaves
Finish the work to introduce nap pods and relaxation spaces
Your Education
Fight for the return of the Educational Maintenance Allowance
Oppose fees and cuts, and ensure higher education remains open to all
Oppose the casualization of Postgraduate staff contracts
Increase the transparency of hidden course costs
Fight for study spaces with new off campus learning grids, study space in the old sports centre, a commitment to a second library and continuing to oppose construction on campus with new study spaces
Your Transport
Introduce a university run bus service to drive down prices and overcrowding
Increase the amount of car parking available for students by reducing the number of staff only spaces
Lobby for buses through the night, especially after club nights on campus so everyone can ger home safely and cheaply
Your Communities
Enshrine the IHRA definition of antisemitism into SU by law, and lobby the university to adopt it too
Ensure that tackling the Black Attainment Gap remains a priority for both the University and the SU
Expand the Hidden Histories series by reaching out to student societies to co host events
Increase the resources and information available to the SU’s Liberation and Diversity officers so the communities they represent are empowered through the SU
Explore the possibility of a Faith Students Rep
Your Clubs and Societies
Install water fountains at Lakeside
Get clubs involved in the choice of supplier when the Akuma contract ends next year
Allow societies to launch more than once a year
Use society and club training for what you need to know without wasting your time
Introduce multiyear Socs and Sports fed to save you money doing the things you love
The University’s Disciplinary Process
Our Community is hurting. An injustice has been done, and faith in the systems meant to keep us safe lost. Some of the damage of the past year will never be undone. If we are to move forward at all, it must be together.
I believe in clearly defined, realistic policies. That is more important on this issue than any other. Therefore, as your President, I will:
1) Consistently lobby for strong student representation as the University reviews its processes.
If we are to have faith in these systems, they must be built in our interest, as determined by the students themselves - not the university deciding for us.
2) Demand a clear statement of values
What does this university stand for? We need a clear statement of the values this university holds and a commitment to enforcing them - the pursuit of knowledge in an environment of mutual respect, where discrimination and abuse of any kind are completely unacceptable.
3) Ensure the University is clear and transparent, with timelines and progress updates as they review their processes