Elections SpecialFriday 2nd March 2012

Elections Special www.bathimpact.com

2 Friday 2nd March 2012 bathimpact

An introductionWhen you picked up this

newspaper, you may have noticed to your distress

that it is significantly lighter than most issues of bathimpact. This is, however, for a very exciting reason. Oh faithful reader, wipe away those tears, we are not scraping the bot-tom of our print budget (yet), and we have not put the fate of the trees supplying this high-quality paper above the needs of our readers.

The Sabbatical Elections Special is here, and it is very special indeed.

Being, of course, the first source of information for all of you news-hungry students, we feel that it isour duty to explain why there will be some people wandering around campus dressed in something other than Jack Wills and Superdry, try-ing to get your attention. Never fear, they’re not trying to sell you any-thing, apart from themselves. These are the brave young men and women people running for Sabbatical Office. So, whilst I know many of you have heard all of this time and time again (and to you I apologise for my strong resemblance to a record of the bro-ken variety) but others of you may be wondering; what exactly is a Sabb? Contrary to popular belief, Sabbs are not strange, mythical, creatures like unicorns or Mary Mears, they are very real, and very important to the student body, in that along with the help of staff and students, they basi-cally run the Students’ Union.

Have you heard that we’re the University of the Year? I think I’ve

What exactly is a sabb?seen some posters around campus suggesting something to that end. A large part of what a university is judged on is the Students’ Union, a union that we’ve received award after award for the quality of, and a lot of this is thanks to the hard work of previous Sabbatical Officer teams. These generous people take a year out of their studies, or delay their entry into the terror of the real world at the end of their degrees to toil without respite to represent us to the University, the wider com-munity and the country. The Brits amongst you will know just how much we love to bitch and moan, and it is a rare thing in life that there is a set of people whose job descrip-tion is to listen to these complaints and act upon them. These guys will help you with your degree, your house contract, the buses or the bar prices - and theses are examples from the past week alone. In short, these are the people who make the shit you want to happen, happen. They are the fairy godparents you never had.

It’s a hard job; the hours are long, the pay isn’t great, and even after all of their work, a lot of students still have no idea who they are, but despite all this our current sabbati-cal officers have described it as “the best job in the world”. Read this is-sue, talk to the candidates, make an informed decision and vote. The fate of the next generation of Sabbs, and as a result, the fate of our Students’ Union, is in your hands.

Sabbology: the guideThe wonderful bathstudent reliably informs me that Sabbs are “ordinary students who are elected by you to run your Students' Union. They are responsible for the strategic direction of the Union, as well as being here to represent you to the University and also nationally and internationally. Right from Freshers’ Week until your final year exams the Sabbs will be available to help you.”

That seems a little serious for our liking here at bathimpact, so here’s what we think the Sabbs are:

SU PresidentThe big daddy, whom I picture wearing a big bow-

tie and smoking a cigar. The President is the Captain America of the Sabb Avengers! Just kidding. Have you seen our current President? Remember before Steve Rogers gets given all those steroids? Our cur-rent President makes that guy look like the Hulk.

Anyway, let’s just say they are in charge of the whole team and the buck stops with them. They also do stuff with finance, policy, governance and other things that only people as sad as I care about. And buses. Buses will make them angry. And you wouldn’t like them when they’re angry. The Presi-dent also looks after Media. Go us.

VP SportThey do sport. My mum plays squash every now

and then with a lovely old lady from down the road. Same difference. VP Sport needs to oversee all the Sports Association clubs and represent sports at Bath as a whole. This year, our VP Sport has also taken the lead on Bars and Ents, so if you’re not feel-ing suitably entertained, they are the sabb to go to.

VP EducationA serious role indeed, just as the name would sug-

gest. They are in charge of everything to do with your

education. And that is probably why you’re here. If you have issues with lecture times, feedback, exams or just the way your degree is taught then you want VP Education.

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VP Activities & DevelopmentThey are in charge of all the Societies as well as

the Development & Enterprise groups. The next VP Activities & Development is going to have make sure the new Arts Complex is up to scratch.

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VP Community & DiversityThey take care of loads of people. Postgradu-

ates, international students, Diversity and Support Groups and the Volunteering Groups, are all looked after by VP Community & Diversity. It is also a re-quirement that this person care deeply about hous-ing as that’s almost always an issue for students in a city as small as Bath. This is especially true since it’s also their job to make sure the campus community is an awesome one that you enjoy.

So there you have it. Those are the jobs you’re voting for. Remember, the sabbs also represent the whole of the student body to various high-up peo-ple on the university campus and on local and na-tional levels. So it is vitally important that you vote for someone who can do the job, do it well and do it right.

To bathstudent.com!

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Elections Specialwww.bathimpact.com

3Friday 2nd March 2012bathimpact

The official idiot’s guide to votingOkay, so we don’t actu-

ally think you’re idiots, but we do know there’s

nothing you want more than a simple guide to some alterna-tive strategies in choosing who

you want to control the Students’ Union.

Elections can be incredibly troubling – who do you give your precious vote to? Who are these people? Why is that one covered

in radioactive paint? Chances are you’ll not know a lot about the positions people are running for, let alone the hundreds of issues at stake, but fear not, bathimpact is here to help.

Here is how to make it feel like you’re making an informed, logi-cal and intelligent choice.

Vote for the best nameWhen confronted by the bal-

lot slip full of names, who stands for which policy? What are they like as people? Who is the most dedicated? Who knows. But we do know their name. On that alone Obama was always going to win. His name reeks of cool. On the other hand, it is amazing that MP Mark Reckless or Idaho Governor Butch Otter ever won their seats.

You may be thinking that this is all absurd and you cannot base an-ything on a name but Mark Reck-less missed the Commons vote on the budget a couple of years ago because he was too sloshed. FACT. Lance Armstrong sounds like he can pierce armour with his exceptionally strong arms. He had cancer in his testicles, abdomen, lungs and brain. Then he won the Tour de France 7 consecutive

times. I’d elect that. So if you see someone on the ballot slip called Jed I. Knight, Max Fightpower or Dick Steel then don’t hesitate in giving them your support. Walk away from Butch Otters every-where.

Vote for the best look-ing

Let’s say you have been lucky enough to actually see the candi-dates before you vote. Why focus just on the name? Now you can fo-cus on other important issues such as whether or not the candidate has a slammin’ tush. Maybe if you vote for them then they’ll sleep with you. Maybe you won’t even need to vote for them… Anyway, the point is that, if going through school has taught us anything, be-ing good-looking is perhaps the most important thing in life and those who are good-looking will be successful and thus will defi-nitely make better Sabbs. That’s science, that is.

Vote for a fun sloganI don’t know about you, but a

large number of political slogans make me want to smack my face against a wall and fall asleep. I

don’t believe that these people have “A New Vision For The Fu-ture” or that there is anything they can fit into five or so words that will convince me otherwise. Let’s face facts, I’m awesome. You should vote for me because I’m awesome.”. I think I would even prefer no slogan at all to one that stunk of desperation. But in the interests of turning this frown upside down, there is always a chance that this year one of our fine candidates comes up with a slogan so witty and intelligent that upon reading it you will pledge my soul to them then and there. I would give you an example of such a slogan but there is a serious danger that if I do then you’ll all R.O.N every candidate in the hope that may-be bathimpact will then replace them. We can all hope.

Now I don’t want to alarm anybody, but there may be a set of circumstances under which none of the above situations ap-ply. You may have to actually read manifestos, watch hustings and listen to interviews. Fail-ing that, you may have to talk to candidates before voting. Fail-ing that, you’re still an idiot. If even after reading this you still can’t choose a candidate to

vote for perhaps you should consider investing in one of these

Can I vote? Are you a student registered at the

University of Bath? If the answer is yes, then of course you can! It doesn’t matter what course you do or what country you are from, you can all vote. And you should.

If, however, the answer is no, please apply via UCAS to join our really quite wonderful institution to be eligible to vote in next year’s elections. I don’t know if you’ve real-ised, but we are in fact University of the Year, so you’ll be making a good choice.

How do I vote?Go to www.bathstudent.com, log

in then click on the massive Vote Now box on the homepage. Can’t see it? Go to Specsavers.

Once you’ve attended your eye appointment, hunt down a compu-ter and take another look. “Ah yes!” you cry, as you finally spot the box. From here on in, you can vote for any of the positions in any order. If you want you can vote for some posi-tions and then take a break to go eat a surprisingly delicious bean burger in Parade, just go back later and vote for the rest.

Here at Bath, we have one of the highest voting turnouts for universities in the coun-

try. This isn’t enough. It’s not 100%.

If we don’t get a full turnout at the upcoming election, a signal is sent to a small bird by the name of Jas-per, who flies south to Portugal. He passes on the message to a suspicious looking man with a big black mous-tache who calls himself Sophia and is staying in a dingy motel. Sophia doesn’t realise that it’s a girl’s name but, because he has a deep scar run-ning in a jagged diagonal from one side of his face to the other, no one dares to tell him. Sophia thanks Jas-per by shooting him. A woman with one leg watches all this from across the dusty road in a phone box, and then telephones your mum. And we all know that your mum will say if you forget to vote.

Now, it is possible that none of the above was very serious. It is, however, very important that you get to have you say on how your Students’ Union is run. We want the best people avail-able to do the jobs up for grabs and the only way to achieve this is to let the student body have a voice.

What sort of voting sys-tem is used?

What an intelligent question. We use AV voting here at BUSU, so when you vote you should rank the candidates in order of preference. That means number one is your fa-vourite and you keep going, includ-ing R.O.N., until you have no further preferences, at which point you put your final number in the ‘No Further Preferences’ box. You don’t have to vote for everyone, just the ones you might want to win. With AV vote, if the person you put as number one does not get elected, it’s more likely that the person you put as number two will so make sure you use all your numbers for all your preferences.

Who’s R.O.N?What a good-looking question. It

stands for ‘Re-Open Nominations’. So if you look at the candidates and say “I don’t think so” then you can put a number (either one or the next number after you’ve voted for the good ones) in the R.O.N. box. If R.O.N. is number one, you’re opt-ing for the process to start again with the nominations being re-opened for that position.

To get a little more complicated, if R.O.N. is any number other than one, and none of your previous choices win, your vote will count towards Re-Opening Nominations rather than being wasted.

And that is R.O.N.

So, why should I vote?

Obama implores you to vote. Honest.

University of BathStudents’ Union

The opinions expressed in bathimpact are not necessarily those of the bathimpact editors nor of the University of Bath Students’ Union. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct and accurate at the time of going to print, the publisher cannot accept any liability for information which is later altered or incorrect. bathimpact as a publication adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Conduct. Please contact them for any information.

Printed by Newsquest Media Group

bathimpactStudents’ Union

University of BathBath

BA2 7AY01225 38 6151

Advertising EnquiresHelen Freeman

H.Freeman@bath.ac.uk01225 386806

mediaS T U D E N TU n i v e r s i t y o f B a t h S t u d e n t s ’ U n i o n

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Issue 8, the BUSU Sabbatical Elec-tions Special, brought to you by

How to avoid the sabb candidatesIf you are reading this on any

date after Friday 2nd March, you will know that the sabb

candidates are literally every-where; in lectures, in clubs, on Parade and on the prowl for any unsuspecting student who dares venture out. Our first suggestion was to hide in the woods. Upon further consideration, this seemed unrealistic (last year got really crowded) so, instead, we have come up with ten much more via-ble options for those too scared to brave it against next year’s sabbs.

Pretend you already voted for whoever is trying to talk to you:It seems pretty obvious. You are going to be approached by a lot of candidates over the course of the week. They are going to want to talk about the issues they’re passionate about. If you want to move them on then tell them that you already voted for them. Say it with loads of enthusiasm and they’ll probably believe you. Actu-ally vote and you’ll be even more convincing because you won’t be

lying. Win.

Avoid parade all week:Not the bar, the bit outside the library. It takes the candidates aaaaages to realise that there is a road between Eastwood and West-wood that students will start using simply to avoid them. Use it early and you’ll get away with it.

Live in The Plug:They aren’t allowed to campaign in The Plug. They aren’t even meant to wear campaign t-shirts except on club nights (prepare to be covered in stickers). Live in The Plug for a week and they’ll have to leave you alone. Now that Happy Hour happens every day, this is a viable option.

Be a Fresher: They will come knocking at your door. They will probably also knock on your kitchen window. Something that nobody seems to tell all the Freshers is that they don’t have to answer - pretend not to hear them. Or see them. Feigning overwhelming stupidity

shouldn’t be too difficult.

Make out with the nearest person:No candidate will approach a cou-ple making out. Grab the person next to you and spread the love. With feeling. We’ll run a piece if any two people actually get it on in the middle of the Parade.

Be on placement: If you aren’t right now, go. Go on. Run.

Be a Sabb:Sabbs are not allowed to take sides. Be one of those. We appreci-ate that this involves a significant amount of forward planning, so don’t be too harsh on yourself if you’re not one.

Be a lecturer:Fake ‘tash, tweed jacket, lack of basic hygiene. You will escape un-scathed.

Don’t speak English:Pick a fake language. Personally, I would opt for Goblin. Or French.

Or maybe Latin. Either way, they will panic and leave you be.

Don’t be sane:Wave your arms in the air, shove a pencil up your nose, eat your own face. Whatever works for you. You

should feel free to explore all as-pects of this option. I’ll be using a spacehopper to navigate Parade and I will be wearing a fez.

I hope this advice serves you well.Good night, and good luck.

Sadly, the parade will no longer be the safe haven it once was...

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Elections Special www.bathimpact.com

4 Friday 2nd March 2012 bathimpact

bathstudent.com/votenow

Elections Specialwww.bathimpact.com

5Friday 2nd March 2012bathimpact

Elections week 2012: timetable

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

2/3/2012

5/3/2012

6/3/2012

7/3/2012

8/3/2012

9/3/2012

8am

What?When? Where?Campaigning opens

9am Voting opens for all students

1.15pm Questions to candidates: President, VP

Education, VP Community & DiversityLevel 3, Student Centre

1.15pm Questions to candidates:

VP Activities & Development, VP SportLevel 3, Student Centre

4pm

8pm

Polling closes

Results are announced The Plug and live on 1449am URB

10pm Score The Plug and The Tub

All day Rest and hide from campaigning Anywhere but the parade

bathstudent.com/votenow

Everywhere, good luck missing it

Be there. Love music, film, fashion, theatre, literature, videogames, or food? So does bite, the University of Bath students’ magazine

Head to www.facebook.com/bathimpactbite for free review ticketsor email impact-bite@bath.ac.uk for more information and to get involved in the next issue

VP SPort

Hi, I’m Hanna WADE and I’m running to be your VP Commu-nity & Diversity. Having been actively involved in the Students’ Union since my first year, I’m running because I care about your time at Bath and I want to use my own experiences to bring stu-dents together and look out for your well-being.

Being part of a strong community makes all the difference. I’m committed to a community where your life is easier, more comfortable and more affordable, and in which postgraduates and international students are not excluded.

I want to put the focus on YOUR needs. I will work on:

Housing:• Your home in Bath matters, but finding somewhere to live

can be a challenge. You have the right to live where you want and I will fight against the threat of Article 4 Direction.

• I, like many, have had bad experiences with accommoda-tion. Feedback is always important to improve this. I will set up a housing forum to give you the power to rate your landlord.

• I will work to create dedicated housing lists and match-up services for exchange and placement students, such as BBA and Architecture, who are only in Bath for one semester.

• I will campaign for our own letting agency and the introduc-tion of a Housing Fair, where accredited landlords and agencies can display what’s on offer. Placements & Visas:

• Your access to the student community shouldn’t stop just because you’re on placement and I know I certainly felt out of touch during my year abroad. I want to create a convenient online network that connects Bath placement students to each other, their Union, and those who’ve already been away.

• The University has a thriving international community. I will join the national campaign to stop the scrapping of post-study work visas which leaves international students unable to gain the full qualifications they were promised when they came to the UK.Student Welfare:

• I want better recognition for the SU’s 2000 volunteers.• I will work to improve the visibility of student support

groups, promoting their importance and listening to their issues. • I will work to keep student living affordable through a farm-

ers’ market on campus, more course books in the library and pushing for more buses with cheaper ticket prices.

• I want more kettles and microwaves, more lockers and more healthy food choices on campus.SU Experience:

RAG Chair • Volunteer Executive • Diversity & Support Ex-ecutive Treasurer • Freshers’ Crew • C/S/SU Representative • Student Finance Committee • Fireworks Display Event Manager (twice) • RAG Week & Paris Hitch Event Manager

I am fully committed to our SU and I’m not afraid to voice your opinions. I have the confidence, capability and experience to create the change you need and my extensive involvement in volunteering enables me to better represent you to the wider Bath community.

I care about OUR community; a community which deserves the best representation. If you want someone determined, en-thusiastic and committed to representing your voice, then vote WADE for VP Community & Diversity!

WADE WILL WORK!

Who am I?Hi, I’m Dom Chao, I am a 4th year chemistry student and

I have played American Football here since coming to uni. I have been on the SA exec committee for the past 2 years, be-ing both a sports reporter and an events officer. During my time on the exec a few of the things I’ve done include helping to organise this years Snowball, sitting on the SA disciplinary panel and volunteering to help out at the BUCS champion-ships held in Bath last year.Why am I standing?

From the occasional kick-about to playing in a competitive national league and sitting on the SA exec, sport has been a huge part of my time at university. Your years at uni are the best time in your life to get involved, be that with something new or something you’ve always had a passion for. I have been lucky enough to come to uni, try a sport that I’d barely even heard about, and enjoy playing it for the next four years. It is this experience that has lead me to believe that it is of the upmost importance that students are able to participate in, and enjoy any sport at any level. This includes having the opportunity to play the sport you want to, and to have the training space available to do so.What I intend to do..

If you vote for me to be your next VP Sport, I will;D – Demand value for money from the sports passO – Organise a bid to build a 3g pitchM – Maintain a progressive relationship with the sports department and STVI – Increase interest in a multi-sport intramurals pro gramme N – Nurture the varsity series making it the number 1 sporting event of the yearA – accentuate the profile of student sport both internally and nationallyT – Tackle the issues teams have with training spaceE – Ensure sport at uni remains available and affordable for all

My name is Bethany Wong, and I want to be your VP Com-munity & Diversity because I sincerely care about you. The role of C&D encompasses many areas, so I won’t lie and say I will make radical changes. What I will prom-ise is to do everything within my power to make the role work as a whole and never neglect one area in favour of another. I promise to bring it all together, truly as one community.My basic goals are to improve fundamental aspects of the union that I believe will make a difference to your everyday life:CommunicationDid you notice the Diversity & Support Executive elec-tions? Have you heard of Access, or BEN? I commit to making elections and information as simple as possible for you to access, so you can easily take part in choosing who will be representing you.CollaborationThere are many unused opportunities for D&S groups, volunteering groups, the ISA and PGA to work together and with regular societies and sports clubs. I commit to working with VP Activities & Development and VP Sport to provide useful forums for cooperation and commu-nication between different categories of student groups.One continuing issue that would fall under my care is housing. Right now, with Article 4 Direction legislation looming, it is more pressing than ever. I commit to hon-est and unflinching defence of your rights to choose where you live and to an affordable home. These can make a huge difference to the quality of your life.The best thing I could do in my term would be to make your student experience better. If there’s something you think would make your life easier, I want to know. And I want to make the changes needed so you are the last stu-dent to have to ask.I believe I have unmatched experience of student rep-resentation. After co-chairing LGBT group for two years, attending NUS LGBT conference twice, and sitting on two University Committees for Equalities & Diver-sity, I am well qualified at both helping students on an individual basis and speaking on your behalf to in-timidating audiences. As Chair of the Diversity & Support Executive Committee I’ve been able to implement a few changes that have made a real difference, notably starting the Groups newsletter to streamline meetings for discus-sion of the most pressing issues.More importantly, I am a member of D&S groups and of societies; I have sought advice from the Advice and Rep-resentation Centre; I’ve used the Medical Centre, Student Services and my personal tutor. I have lived and visited in many different parts of our city, I’ve seen the good and bad of the transport links. I have experienced first-hand the benefits my SU can provide, and the drawbacks to the system that make life more difficult.I know I can make a difference to your union so that it can make a difference to you – so please vote Bethany Wong for VP Community & Diversity. Together. Thank you.

Modern Languages and European Studies,Year 4Proposer:Anna Ross Sport & Exercise Science, Year 4Seconder:Paul GoodstadtEconomics, Year 2

Hanna Wade

Elections Special www.bathimpact.com

6 Friday 2nd March 2012 bathimpact

VP Community & DiVerSityDom ChaoBethany Wong

Biochemistry, Year 4Proposer:Colin McClureMPhil/PhD Research in Bi-ology, Year 2Seconder:Alexander HarveyElectrical & Electronic En-gineering, Year 1

Chemistry,Year 4Proposer:Tom LoveAerospace Engineering,Year 4Seconder:Robert NightingaleSocial Sciences,Year 2

VP SPort

I’m Ali Dawson or “Daws” and I’m heading up the TEAMDAWS campaign.

This year has seen great improvements for sport at Bath, but I believe that my passion, experience and commitment to sport at this University makes me the ideal candidate to push for an even better sporting offer and greater success for both Bath and it’s stu-dents in 2012/13.

Over the last two years I have gained great experience through my roles as:• Intra-muralsOfficerontheSAEXEC• Ambassadorforthe3:ThirtyClub• CoachoftheUniversityRugbyUnion3’sand4’s• FounderoftheUniversityRugbyLeagueteam• Thismixturehasenabledmeto fullyunderstandstu-

dent sport at this University.TEAMDAWS’ Plans:All inclusive: to implement a fully functioning, on campus, so-

cial and recreational sport competition that allows all students to enjoy a variety of sports using the fantastic facilities that this uni-versity has to offer. Bath has the foundations to provide a fantastic, in-house, sporting programme that can be accessed by everybody.

Sports Pass: This year’s introduction of the sports pass has seen little value for money for paying students. I will continue to leadthefightagainstthesportspassandensurethatshoulditcon-tinue,studentswillseeactualbenefitsfortheirmoneynextyear.

3G Pitch: I will boost the campaign for a 3G playing surface, which will create more facility time for eveyone.

Varsity Series: Varsity should be the pinnacle of most students sporting careers. The 2012 Varsity series is a great step forward for Bath however, I plan to expand this event. I want to include more sports across a fun packed weekend for both players and specta-tors! 2012 see’s 6 sports competing, from a University that boasts outstandingteamsin49differentsports,Ibelievewecandoevenbetter in 2013!WorkingWednesday’s?Iwillfightforlessgradedlectureson

Wednesday mornings and less postgraduate lectures on Wednes-dayafternoonstoallowforstudentstoplayinalloftheirBUCSfixtures,homeandaway.IwillalsofighttokeepundergraduateWednesday afternoons free for sport!SupportforClubs:someclubsarestillhavingissueswithkit

providers and lack the support and the facility time they need to improve their membership offer. I vow to work closely with all clubs on an individual basis to resolve their issues.

What you can expect:FocusonyouI believe that, if elected, my job as your VP Sport is primarily to

represent you. I have a number of ideas that I feel will make great improvements to your sporting experience, but I need your input!

An open doorThis week you can contact me via:• Phone:07849987303• Email:teamdaws@hotmail.co.uk• Twitter:@TEAMDAWS• Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-

Daws-Vote-Ali-Daws-4-VP-Sport/186630418113108• YouTube:www.youtube.com/user/TEAMDAWS• “HQTEAMDAWS”:2Canterburyroad,OldfieldparkIf you agree with my ideas and want to have your say then join

TEAMDAWStodayandVoteAliDawson#1VPSPORT!

Many I’m sure will agree with me when I say sport has and is amajorpartofmylifeatuniversity.Fromplayingnetballtoscore to my degree course, coach education, without sport my time at the University of Bath would have been very differ-ent. I will help sport give you that same experience, whatever sport you play and whatever level you play at.YourVPSportneedstohavethepassion,driveandcom-

mitment to take sport at Bath forwards. I have all 3. This year IamtheSAExecEventsOfficerandViceChairoftheNetballClub, providingmewith a wealth of experience within theSports Association and running a club. My work placement with Team Bath has allowed me to develop working relation-shipswithkeymembersoftheDepartmentofSportandRec-reation that will allow me to hit the ground running as VP Sport. As a coach ed student 3 years of study has given me the breadth of knowledge to facilitate the future development of Bath University’s sportVoteformeandyouwillSEEMORE...1)For you money The majority of us paid for a Sports Pass, but what have

we actually got for our money? I intend to not only answer that question but demand that students get their monies worth. Whatever this may be I promise to listen to the needs of everyone and make demands to ensure each club and more importantly each individual sees a direct improvement from parting with their hard-earned money.

2)Intramural SportWiththeexceptionoftheIDFC,Bathdoesn’thaveanin-

tramuralsystem.Yetwithsomanytalentedindividualsmiss-ingoutonplaces inBUCSteamseveryyearweneedone. Iintend to develop what we’re missing and deliver intramural sport across campus.

3)VarsityThis year’s Varsity is going to be awesome (i’m the current

event’s officer remember)but Iwant tomake it bigger andbetter! I will create more events across they year, including more sports to prove once and for all we are the best in the South West!

4)Disability SportIf someone asked the question “what sports do you offer

for someone with a disability?” unfortunately the current an-swer is not much. I will use my experience working with Para-lympicsGB to change that answer and improve Bath’s provi-sion for disability sport.

5)Social SportI will increase the availability of recreational sport. I will

help clubs set up, run and improve their recreational sessions.6)Of YOUR VP SportI promise to commit to •anopendoorpolicy,makingmyselfreadilyavailableto

anyone who wants to discuss sport at the University•regularlymeetandengagewithallchairsandtheircom-

mittees•attendatleastonesessionwitheveryclubFromimprovingourBUCSstandingtoincreasingpartici-

pation, I have more ideas to improve sport at Bath. So come seeSeymourtofindoutmore.SEE MORE sporting action...VOTE SEYMOUR #1 VP

SPORT

VP Sport is a demanding role, but I believe I can be your next Sabbatical Officer for Sport. I spent a year on place-ment at a sports research institute, learning how to get work done in the sporting world in an efficient and effec-tive manner. I’m no stranger to liaising with the Sports Department either, having worked there part-time for two years. This year has also seen me sit on the Sports AssociationExecutiveCommittee,CaptainanInter-De-partmentalFootballteam,aswellasworkingforbathim-pact as Sports Editor; I already know the ins and outs of the SA as a result of having written a lot of the stories you read.

Many of you came to Bath for the fantastic sporting opportunities that it presents. It was among the main reasons I came here to study Sports and Exercise Sci-ence. As my degree suggests, sport is a huge part of my life; I’ve sampled no less than eighteen of the sports cur-rently offered by the SA during my time at University.

I have what it takes to enhance the University’s sport-ing legacy, as well as your sporting experiences through:

Incredible intramuralsThehugelysuccessful ‘3:ThirtyClub’currentlyoffers

IDFC, futsaland6-a-side football leagues to join in forsome friendly competition. I will expand this to include year long intra-halls leagues in a variety of sports, pro-viding something for everyone.

Storage space for studentsStorage space is currently at an all time low. By mak-

ing the current space as efficient as possible and putting pressure on Estates, I can make sure you have a place to keep your kit and equipment when it’s not needed.

Fixing the fees fiascoFacilitytimeforstudentshasincreasedasaresultof

the Sports Pass, but it’s about time we saw something tangible as well, like new equipment, facility refurbish-ment, and a 3G pitch. By rallying together as a student body, we can make these improvements happen.

Kitting clubs up!Two years as the university’s kit supplier is enough

time for Surridge to iron out the problems seen in previ-ous years. By ensuring a close working relationship with them over the summer, I can make sure you all have the kit you want come competition time.

Varsity gone viralVarsity could be better simply by expanding the sports

competed in on campus and in town. By creating a Var-sity Ball and a Varsity Awards Evening, I would ensure an all round victorious Varsity!

Social sport for the massesSport is not purely an elitist pursuit; it is also a means

to keep healthy and happy. Through 3:Thirty club and lottery funding, I can get the whole campus active at minimal costs to you.

EnthusiasmFinally,I’manenthusiasticindividualandthiscomes

across in everything I do, so look out for me in my Tiger onesie and feel free to ask any questions over the coming week,oremailmeatjg333@bath.ac.ukBELIEVEINGLEAVE,voteTiger#1VPSport!

Elections Specialwww.bathimpact.com

7Friday 2nd March 2012bathimpact

Coach Education & Sports Development, Year 3Proposer:RhysWilliamsMPharmacy, Year 3Seconder:Matthew MacDonald Civil & Architectural Engi-neering, Year 3

Ali DawsonSport & Exercise Science, Year 4Proposer:LauraCraineGerman & Politics, Year 4Seconder:RobWagnerCoach Education & Sports Development, Year 2

Jon ‘Tiger’ Gleave Rachel SeymourCoach Education & Sports Development, Year 4Proposer:EmilyNichollsCoach Education & Sports Development, Year 4Seconder:LaurenCharmanCoach Education & Sports Development, Year 4

VP ActiVities And deVeloPment

For the past 4 years, I have been heavily involved in the SU with extensive experience working alongside the current Sabbatical Team. You may recognise me as the Societies Chair, from around the theatre or as one of the organisers for FW11.Working closely with the past three VP A&D’s has given me valuable insight into not only what the role entails, but also what could be achieved. I will give you the dedication and enthusiasm you expect and deserve from your Vice President Activities & Development!Communication

This is vital on so many levels as a Sabb and my time as Production Manager on the Backstage Committee gave me a large amount of experience, organising numerous events and responding to enquiries on a daily basis.

As VP A&D I would keep you up to date on what’s going on, respond quickly to emails and be there when you want advice. I would work closely with the execs and the PGA to ensure that all students are aware of opportunities avail-able to them.BathStudent

BathStudent is far from perfect but this does not excuse what is seen when you head to www.BathStudent.com/socs. I put a huge amount of effort in over the summer cre-ating a FW11 website that was informative and interesting, enabling freshers to find out more about getting involved in the Union. I plan to improve the Societies pages so that they are worthwhile, up to date and easy to navigate.Improved Support

Last year’s re-structure of the Societies area provided an opportunity to create identities for each group of socie-ties, increasing the amount of support. It has come to my attention that despite this some societies still feel under-represented. I want to address this issue and ensure that help is given when needed. I have changed the structure of GM’s this year allowing more input and discussion from societies. I hope to expand upon this, encouraging Area Officers to talk to committees so we can address any con-cerns.New Arts Centre

This will have a massive impact for arts societies. For four years, I have spent more of my time in the theatre than in my department. With this passion I have for the arts, I will ensure you get the best out of the new build. The Bath Award

Extra-curricular activities matter to employers and as such recognition of these is important, however a large number of active Union volunteers do not partake in The Bath Award. I will look into ways of making it easier for those who obviously deserve recognition to receive it.Something Different

Having successfully implemented popular and innova-tive ideas in the past such as the coloured halls t-shirts, I would be excited to generate other ideas to develop both Societies and Development & Enterprise.

Getting involved in what the SU has to offer can change someone’s University Experience. Vote Alix for VP A&D and I will strive to give everybody that chance to leave Uni-versity with more than just a degree.

Be a part of it.Hi, I’m Giles Partington, and I am campaigning to be your

VP A&D. Throughout my 4 years at Bath I have been heavily involved in many areas of the university and have unparalleled experience in multiple areas of the Student’s Union; sitting on committees for arts, sports and welfare societies as well as be-ing societies exec treasurer, this has really helped me to ap-preciate and understand the key areas for improvement and development within societies, striving to create one cohesive functioning unit.

If elected, my primary aim will be to create an atmosphere in which societies and training & enterprise organisations can further themselves by employing worthwhile financial man-agement and fostering strong ties with each other, the univer-sity and the city as a whole.

To create this environment I propose to:-Speak to committees one-to-one and help them under-

stand their budget and potential, drawing from past successes and shortcomings and bridging the gap between old and new committees. Furthermore, I will propose the introduction of an online finance system, allowing committees to view their finances remotely, simplifying and streamlining society budg-eting.

-Facilitate executive meetings with committee members and exec area reps, creating stronger unity and identity within each area, providing the opportunity to streamline meetings and further discuss relevant points.

-Personally attend society meetings on a rota basis to hear directly any problems that have or may happen, working to re-solve issues before they affect member experience.

-Reduce paperwork in finance and risk assessment to save time and paper.

-By keeping the societies affected involved in discussion, I want to push forward with the building of the arts centre to ensure all requirements are fulfilled, including the provision of more storage space especially for societies that need to store difficult items (such as flammable materials or large pieces of equipment).

-Propose the adaptation of room bookings to allow bookings on the grounds of suitability. This will enable societies to book rooms as a rehearsal space and ensure that they are provided with an adequate substitute if rooms become unavailable.

-I also intend to strengthen ties between societies and town; focussing on raising awareness of the development opportu-nities that the training and enterprise facilities can provide. This will enable students to become more connected with the business community, providing access to wider opportunities available in the city.

-One way to introduce this is to increase awareness of all so-cieties and development opportunities and extend the amount of space available to advertise societies or events around cam-pus, letting people know about you so they can be a part of something too.

It is for these reasons and many more I feel that you should help me to pour my endless enthusiasm, experience and drive into creating an environment where the greatest opportunities are available to you, where you can be a part of anything and make your time at university as fulfilling as possible.

Be a part of it.

I’ve enjoyed all aspects of my Union involvement during my time at university and feel that I’ve gained so much from being involved. I’d like everyone to have the oppor-tunity to make the most of all that societies, enterprise and training have to offer and to be able to develop their skills, and boost confidence and employability.

I’m passionate about ensuring that all areas get equal and appropriate representation, enabling them to get the required support; I’ll be a candidate that you can trust to listen and represent your views!

My aims are:-Promoting Area Identity – Events like ‘Show in a Week’

are available for arts societies; events promoting a group of societies, or enterprise and training should be available for other areas. I will work with and support executive com-mittees to run these events, and hold area meetings and socials to promote inter-society co-operation.

-Widening Participation – I will liaise with the Postgrad-uate Association and International Student Association to ease involvement, and provide a summary of each society and their activities to new and current students. Widening participation will extend to encouraging community en-gagement through events, workshops and projects.

-Early Publicity – Training and enterprise groups should be publicised from the beginning of student’s time at university. I propose that SORTED should have greater involvement with inductions, providing valuable training sessions to new students. Early awareness events for enter-prise should also be hosted.

-Progress on the Arts Centre – With construction work beginning in Spring 2013, I will minimise disruption caused to societies by ensuring suitable alternative venues are found. I will also continue liaising with ICIA, as I have been doing over the past year, to ensure that the spaces provided will meet your group’s needs.

-Efficient Communication – I will put students first by prioritising communication – ensuring sufficient notice of events and meetings as well regular update emails and area meetings as well as prompt email replies.

I’m currently Arts Officer on the Societies Executive Committee providing insight into all societies and the is-sues they face. I’ve run larger events like ‘Show in a Week’ where I succeeded in increasing the number of societies and people involved and I’m ready to apply this principle as VP A&D!

I’ve been an active member of Choral & Orchestral Soci-ety and manager of the Concert Band as well as committee for the Fencing Club. I’ve been involved with ICIA classes and events, attended SORTED sessions and prepared to submit for Bath Award giving me a very broad view of the area. I believe that I am the right person to represent the interests of all areas under VP A&D and will be motivated to continue to develop them all.

I have many other ideas including changes to the waiting list and improvements to ‘Pick & Mix Day’ which I’m eager to share. I’m keen to hear what’s important to you – have a chat with me when you spot me, on Facebook or email (scm23@bath.ac.uk)!

VOTE SOPHIA FOR SOCS!

Elections Specialwww.bathimpact.com

9Friday 2nd March 2012bathimpact

Medical Engineering, Year 4Proposer:Matthew Burnett MPharmacy,Year 3Seconder:Sophie Sweetman Business Administration,Year 4

Alix ChadwellCivil & Architectural Engi-neering, Year 4Proposer:Claudia PhilpsCivil Engineering,Year 4Seconder:Caryn LingMPharmacy,Year 4

Sophia Mountford Giles PartingtonMathematics and Statis-tics, Year 4Proposer:Marcus JohnsMEng Chemical Engineer-ing, Year 5Seconder:Kate Colthurst Coach Education & Sports Development, Year 4

President

I’m James (jmd) and I’m running for VP Education. I’m a fourth year economics student and have spent three years as an Academic Rep for my course. In the past I have been the sports reporter for the SA and Student Representative on the ‘Equality and Diversity’ committee.

There are ten key issues I would address:E Learning: I believe it is vital that the most is made of

new technologies available. I strongly support engaging lec-turers to make better use of Moodle, persuading the library to hold more electronic versions of core textbooks and en-couraging members of staff to make their published material available in electronic formats.

Module Previews: Each module should offer a substan-tial preview of what it entails so that students may make well informed decisions before making their choices. In conjunc-tion with this I would like to see a better policy on the chang-ing of units in the first week of a new semester.

Group Work: I will campaign for a group work policy that is clear and fair across all departments.

Teaching Quality: The union should campaign to im-prove the quality of teaching and ensure members of staff providing excellent teaching quality are rewarded.

Feedback: It is important to keep feedback at the top of the agenda. I would push for the promotion of good practices across the university.

Tuition Fees: I’m sure many of you agree that tuition fees will be a major issue for next year’s intake of students. I am strongly supportive of a continuing dialogue on the issue both within the university and nationally. So long as Bath chooses to charge £9000 tuition fees it would become my duty to en-sure that students get real value for the vast sums they pay for their education. I am particularly concerned about placement tuition fees which are already higher than necessary.

Wednesdays: I would campaign for postgrad students to have the same Wednesday afternoon reservation for sport-ing or other activities as undergraduates. I would also like to ensure that students on sports related degrees are given an earlier finish on Wednesdays than the current 13:15.

08:15: 08:15 lectures should be reduced for later years (particularly final years) many of whom live far from campus. I would like to make this viable through better timetabling, ensuring the onus is on students outside the first year not re-ceiving very early lectures.

Exam Spacing: It should be University policy that there is no student should have to sit more than one exam on the same day where the exam counts to the final grade of their course. I would also like to see more work done to ensure bet-ter spacing of exams.

Academic Representation: Academic Reps make a fantastic contribution towards the union and I would like to see this contribution encouraged and enhanced.

I am determined, should I be elected, to see action on all of the above issues and intend to deliver results to earn your vote.

jmd

I believe there are two things your time at University should do – give you a fantastic experience and set you up for a great future. Through representing you to your university, the local community, and the NUS, and developing your un-ion, I aim to make sure this is the case. I aspire to boost our University from its current place of 4th in the UK student satisfaction rankings to 1st.

This year as your Vice President (Sport) I have given my all to ensure that my area contributes to this aim and am on track to meet all 7 of my manifesto pledges. I have been involved in much more than just sport and through this have seen many other changes that I would like to imple-ment.

I will represent you by:1) Being a strong voice for students. I have already

participated in meetings with senior University staff and am not afraid to stand up for what students want. Going head to head with the Vice-Chancellor is not an easy task but it is one I have experienced already and thrive on.

2) Focus on what matters to you. I will provide oversight and focus to make sure your voice is heard on all issues, from online lectures, to hidden course costs, to the need for more cash machines at the east end of campus.

3) Better the Buses. I will make firm demands on improvements to the bus service including more U10’s and a dedicated Bathwick Hill shuttle. If these are not met I will look into a taxi-share system.

4) Protect Wednesday Afternoons. With rising student numbers and pressure on teaching space it is im-portant the university maintains the policy of Wednesday Afternoons being free for undergraduates.

Knowing your Students’ Union inside out, there are also a number of changes I would make:

1) Transparent decision making. A new framework to ensure it’s easy to make your voice heard, the deci-sions we make are transparent, and we fully reflect the opinion of the student body.

2) Overhaul BathStudent. A complete refurbishment to ensure it’s functional and something to be proud of!

3) Aid personal development. In the competitive graduate job market you need something to set you apart. I will develop the Bath Award to have multiple levels to make it more achievable.

4) Add a personal touch. You should know that the Students’ Union will support you through any problems you have in your time at University. I guarantee that not just myself but the whole team work to ensure you feel con-nected on a personal level.

5) Rebrand the Union. The Students’ Union should reflect the student body by being energetic, diverse and dynamic in everything it does.

6) Bars. Develop the entertainment programme so it caters for a more diverse range of students including postgraduates and international students.

More than anything else I promise to make sure the focus of the University and the Union is on you, the students.

Questions? Call the Clemmophone-07832135758

Hi, I’m Alex and I’m running to be your VP Education. Higher Education is undergoing rapid change with funding cuts and in-creased tuition fees coming in next year. It is important that the student voice is strong throughout these challenges and that it’s taken on board. Next year sees the University being inspected, this is a key time for students to raise their concerns and help bring about change. If elected I will be strongly involved in the process, ensuring your views are represented.What do I stand for?• Improved Feedback

Feedback has been an area students have raised as an issue for the last few years and continues to remain an issue. There is desperate need for a proper dialogue between staff and students about what constitutes feedback, and what feedback we find help-ful. I am currently leading the Students’ Union campaign for bet-ter feedback and will continue to do this if elected.• Postgraduate and International Students

The student body is made up of many diverse groups, which is fantastic. I think it’s important to recognise the concerns and opinions of postgraduate and international students ensuring their voices are heard.• Against lecture overcrowding

With the University looking to increase student numbers it is important that lectures do not become overcrowded, whilst also reducing the number of 8.15 and 18.15 lectures. This is something I will monitor and take action wherever necessary.• Wednesday Afternoons

I will work with the VP Sport to continue lobbying to ensure that Wednesday afternoons remain free from lectures for those doing sport and allowing time for part-time jobs. • Placements

With the University increasing placement fees to £2,500 and £4,500 it is important that placement students get a high level of support before, during and after their placements. I will work with placement students to ensure they are happy and campaign on their behalf.Why me?

I have been actively involved in academic representation since first arriving at University, giving me an extensive knowledge of the issues. Bath is one of the best Universities in the country and you deserve an education to match. I will use the skills and con-tacts I have made through my national and international work to help campaign for the changes you want to see and ensuring your views are taken on board and listened to.Roles held:• Academic and Faculty Rep – 4 years o University Academic Rep of the Year for the last 3 years o National Rep of the Year in 2010• Chair of the Academic Exec – 2 and a half years• C/S/SU and Undergraduate Senate Rep – 2 years• Expert on student centred learning for both the Na-tional Union of Students and European Students’ Union• National Student Learning and Teaching Network Committee – 2 years

I am passionate about supporting and representing students. A huge part of that is listening to the issues that matter to you. I would love to hear from you about anything you think I should be campaigning on, or if you have any questions – ap328@bath.ac.uk.

Economics,Year 4Proposer:Luke BenjaminMPharmacy, Year 4Seconder:Yana GlaubPolitics and Economics, Year 3

James ‘jmd’ Mirza-Davies

Elections Special www.bathimpact.com

10 Friday 2nd March 2012 bathimpact

VP educationChris ‘Clemmo’ ClementsAlex Pool

MBiochemistry, Year 4Proposer:Heidi MillerMathematics, Year 3Seconder:Felix SladeModern Languages and European Studies, Year 4

Vice President SportProposer:Wil EagerComputer Science,Year 1Seconder:Lewis VincentEconomics,Year 2

As a final year student who has loved my time at the University I would like to be considered for the role of SU president after graduating in June. Bath is a young university, which has progressed so rapidly in very short time making it University of the year. The reason I want to be considered as SU president is principally to en-hance the student experience as the University continues to grow as a fine establishment. I will strive to do this, focusing on improving two elements of student life that I have experienced as a student.

Through talking to staff and alumni and University events and on telephone conversations when working as a student fundraiser I am always told about Bath students hitching a ride up Bathwick hill. Alumni recount this as a highlight to its commutes up to University and to me this seems like a fascinating way to get to lectures. This common bond is a great way to meet new students whilst also reducing the impact on the environment and also creates a sense of togetherness amongst the students. I therefore propose that I will come up with a system of reintroducing a hitch scheme so that students can safely enjoy the benefits of this Bath tradition, something that has unfortunately become extinct in Bath’s short history.

On campus I also propose to do away with the mini-mum charges for credit card and debit card payments. This means that students will be make transaction un-der £5 without incurring a 20p charge. This is something that frustrates many fellow students, as cash points sometimes do not work or are very busy at certain times. Given the cost of processing credit cards, I will find a way of making this economically viable so that students can quickly pay for items on campus in their preferred manner.

I feel that I have the right skills for the above post, which includes many more responsibilities than the two proposals that I have made. I will rely on the experience gained during my various roles at the University to carry out the day to day running of the SU. I have also worked in professional environments during work placements which will help me when representing the student body. My work experience also includes less glamourous roles with menial tasks and admin, also necessary for some aspects of this role. I am motivated to take the respon-sibility of the entire SU, the more exciting aspects of the role and the difficult work behind the scenes that doesn’t always get noticed.

My inspiration comes from a previous SU president’s role in introducing the University bus scheme. In this case the hard work of the president changed the Univer-sity years after her mandate. I would like to do the same so that students who aren’t even at Bath yet will reap the rewards of my hard work.

Zahir KasmaniModern Languages & Eu-ropean Studies, Year 4Proposer:Maisie HancockInternational Manage-ment & Modern Languag-es, Year 4Seconder:Kate Rodger, Modern Lan-guages & European Stud-ies, Year 4

PresidentElections Specialwww.bathimpact.com

11Friday 2nd March 2012bathimpact

My name is Henry and I want to represent you as your SU president. I’m currently a second year studying Chemis-try and my aim is to take a year away from studying and work to make your union and university work for you.

I will work tirelessly to make at sure that every time the union can make things better, it is doing so. The following are just some of the things I will concentrate on if you vote me in as your president:

Less early starts and late finishesI will work to make sure the university puts on realistic

lecture times without penalising your subject more than others. There will be less 8.15s, less 5.15s and 6.15s and less long term gaps between your lectures.

Better BusesMore Buses at peak times and more U10s. I understand

your frustration when there seem to be no buses there at 5 o’clock when you need them.

More transparency about where your money goes

If you’re paying your tuition fees, you should know where your money is going.

Better feedback from the universityWant to know why your grade was what it was? Tired

of not knowing where you went wrong or how you can do better? I will campaign for better and quicker feedback from your faculties so you know how to improve in time for you next hand in.

Recorded LecturesI will make sure that more and more departments are

recording their lectures, so you can catch up on missed ones and watch them during revision.

Part time jobsMore support and awareness for part time jobs that can

help you, both off and on campus, you need to know when there are jobs available and how to get them.

More support for both placement and postgrad-uate students from the union

These are typically a group of people that seem to go un-noticed by the Union and I would like to make sure that they are as involved as they want to be and have the support they want when they need it.

Make the Tub and Plug a place you want to be! Fuzzy ducks has been a great success this year, so I’m

hoping to build on that success while continuing to cut down on the things that you don’t want: Long waiting times at the bar and high drink prices.

I’m not someone who is graduating and doesn’t know where to go, I’m not someone who just wants political power or connections. I want to make your union work for you and I think I’m the man to do it.

Keep calm and vote Henry!

Chemistry,Year 2Proposer:Sarah BellinghamChemistry,Year 2Seconder:Naomi ElstoneChemistry,Year 2

Henry Rackley

This candidate failed to submit a valid manifesto.

MPharmacy,Year 4Proposer:Philip IrvineMMaths,Year 2Seconder:Mungo NashBiology, Year 4

Oliver Scott

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