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I’m Ruby, a third-year Theatre, Performance, and Enterprise student. Throughout my three years at University, I have been involved with a wide range of societies, including Theatre Group, Open Theatre Society, Netball, Snowriders, Boxing, and of course, The Gryphon. I believe this wide range of experience with people from different areas of university life gives me a good understanding of the student body’s wants and needs. I have also written for the lifestyle and features section, as well as being an editor and part of the social media team in The Gryphon so I know how the newspaper works and where there is potential for improvement.



I have three main policy areas that I will prioritise, and you can find more detailed plans on my social media pages (Instagram: @RubyForGryphon and Facebook: @RubyForGryphonEditor):



1. EXPANSION

- To continue the expansion of our newspaper with the new ‘Flame’ section, a more interactive feel needs to be introduced in order to engage the wider student body, not just writers or members of The Gryphon. I will introduce:

o Weekly Gryphon Podcast, to offer Broadcast Journalism practical opportunities

o A larger more structured social media team, including training in marketing for the team

o A double-page spread of games and puzzles

o An Agony Aunt and ‘Lonely Hearts’ section

o Cartoon Strip competitions for each print

o Daily crosswords on our website



2. ACCESSIBILITY

- One major problem currently with The Gryphon Prints is that a large portion of the student body don’t know where to find them, or don’t remember to come into the union to pick up a copy. Therefore, I want to increase accessibility of the actual prints, as they’re very expensive and there are always a large number of copies left over:

o I will introduce delivery of The Gryphon papers! By putting together a team of volunteers who will deliver them to University Halls, as well as the Hyde Park and beyond as the demand grows.

o Students will have the opportunity to sign up if they want a copy delivered.



3. FINANCE

- The prints are very expensive, so The Gryphon needs to come up with more ways to raise money to continue to be able to afford the prints.

o I will introduce a finance and marketing team

o More advertisement in the prints which will include special offers for local businesses, charging per size of the advertisement. These businesses can advertise any student deals they’re offering, as well as local job vacancies.

o Lastly, the podcast will include ‘5 minutes with my business’ feature episodes, which will allow local businesses to support and sponsor The Gryphon, paying to advertise their business on our podcast



These are the three major issues with the Newspaper at present, and I think my policies will increase overall engagement with our Newspaper, offering opportunities for people from different areas of the university, therefore increasing student awareness and readership as well as more outreach to the local community.



I guarantee I will follow through on my promise to make the Newspaper bigger, brighter, and more important than ever for both students and the local community, so… Don’t be a booby, Vote for Ruby!

EMPOWER

The Gryphon amplifies the voice of every student, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. As Editor, I aim to empower a diverse student body and journalistic talent by

● Introducing the LGBT+ and Women in Hard News mentorship schemes, alongside the current POC mentorship scheme.

● Launching the International Journalist workshops, offering support for non-native English writers.

● Using The Gryphon to raise awareness on issues about race, gender and sexuality on campus, inciting positive change.



EXPAND

The Gryphon collaborates with other student media and creatives to bring to the audience a diverse and inclusive portrayal of student life at the University of Leeds. As Editor, I aim to expand The Gryphon’s online reach, as well as its cooperation with other media societies and creative workers, by

● Creating a ‘LUU Media Hub’, an online portal that facilitates collaboration between The Gryphon, LSR and LSTV.

● Growing Gryph-On-Air through in-studio interviews, pre-recorded packages and student roundtables.

● Increasing social media activity on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.



EDUCATE

The Gryphon depicts the student experience and the vibrant student life in Leeds. As Editor, I aim to further educate students on campus and local affairs, and prioritise student-targeted advice, by

● Encouraging a self-help ethos, providing students with information on physical, mental and financial wellness.

● Reintroducing the Society section, highlighting students' achievements in clubs and societies.

● Establishing a Leeds section to present events and news occurring in the city.



WHY ME?

● Three years of experience at The Gryphon as a writer, section editor and
associate for the newspaper.

● An international student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, gaining
knowledge in producing multimedia news.

● Previously a School of Media and Communication Student Leader,
representing the student voice and their interests.