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aaron4education

An education that works 4U

Hi, my name is Aaron (He/Him) and I’m running for the role of Education Officer.

I’m an MA student studying Writing for Performance and Digital Media. I’m currently a course rep and I have been heavily involved in the efforts to increase engagement in my school and want to do the same for the other schools. Having done my undergraduate at a different university, I’ve had a chance to see the position of Education Officer in a different light and I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the role. I also have experience working with university students in a leadership role, having been the Director of my musical society.

Diversity As The Standard

To be a truly inclusive community, we need to challenge what is being taught. While Curriculum Redefined is in progress, a ten-year plan means that action can be procrastinated. I want to push for more immediate action in how topics surrounding BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent people are being taught, as well as making sure the voices of those students are heard!

Redefining Mitigating Circumstances

Wellbeing and academic experience go hand in hand. This has become more prevalent during constant strike action and a global pandemic. Mitigation should be reducing the impact or the prevention of an incident. I want to work with the university to make Mitigating Circumstances more accessible. I want you to be able to seek help when you need it!

Sustainability As The Standard

I intend to promote engagement with environmentalism and climate-conscious activity. I want to use the University’s surplus in funds to finance a sustainable education. This includes the promotion of recycled materials being used in teaching as well as reducing the waste produced within schools.

Alongside my other priorities, I will make sure that communication between students and the university is supported and encouraged. I want to dedicate my work to making sure that your academic experience is as good as it can be.

Any questions? Ask away!
@aaron4education

Hi, I'm your current Education Officer here at LUU!

I'm really proud of what I've achieved in the year so far this year, here's the highlights!

We now have a 24 hour Library
Increased support for joint honour students
Clearer communications and mitigations on industrial action

So what do I want to achieve next? There’s lots but here’s three big ones!

Cost of Education

The cost of living crisis is hitting students harder than many, yet the financial support has not not changed quick enough to reflect this. Maintenance loans are not able to cover what they were created for, very often not covering rent and basic needs. Every module must have a free route that means students can engage successfully. I will work to ensure there are no hidden course costs.

This must include:

books both physical and digital
a dramatic reduction on resit costs
extra workshops and field trips
practical items such as lab coats

A Home In Leeds

Finding a sense of belonging at university is hugely important. In order to have the best experience possible, I want to enable all students to have access to spaces to feel safe and meet like minded students. I will ensure wellbeing is a priority, aiming for a positive study culture where students can easily find support. This could be supported through parent systems or peer support schemes. These schemes can also help to find where there are currently gaps in belonging and where we can assist for example, within housing.

Trust

Trust has always been another big priority for me. The trust between students and the university has been broken as a result of a lot of reasons, often beyond either party’s control. I think it’s hugely important to start the long process of building back this trust by communicating the impact that individuals can have on the university experience. I have started this work over the year, by building really strong relationships with everyone, resulting in honest and hard conversations. I will continue to rebuild trust here at Leeds by working as a community, actively humanising both staff and students.

About me!

I graduated from Leeds last year in Theatre and Performance with Enterprise and I loved it so much. During my time in the school of PCI I was a course rep and then the school rep for two years running and I really feel like it trained me to get ready for what I do now! Outside of Education I love everything Theatre and the arts related, I was President of Open Theatre society and had the time of my life throwing myself into every show. I took part in the Access to Leeds program when I was applying to Leeds and then the Plus Programme once I was here. I truly do think this was a huge part of shaping my university experience and something I feel as many students as possible should have access to.

Remember to re-elect Bethan Corner to be your Education Officer! I’ll be in your corner!