Please outline why you’re running for the position, and any skills/experience you possess which would enable you to be successful if elected:

I am running for VP Wellbeing and Diversity because I am passionate about promoting physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing, and making the university and SU a welcoming, fair and inclusive space for everyone.

Using my experience as Wellbeing Secretary for RHUL rowing club, as VP I plan on advocating for and supporting students’ mental and physical health, like I have previously done with rowers. Being a Macmillan Cancer Support volunteer, I have raised awareness on cancer-related issues, promoting support and education services, which I can apply in this role by advocating for health, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Lastly, as I have been a (senior) academic course representative in the Psychology department for the past 2 years, I have been at the forefront of feedback and change that needs to happen within the department, which I can use on a wider scale in this role for the university and SU.

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. Improved support around extenuating circumstances and assessments
2. Improve personal tutor support
3. More financial support for students
4. Standardize marking criteria and feedback within departments
5. Improve street lighting in the local area
6. More departmental careers support
7. Cheaper and more frequent transport in the local area
8. Run more departmental events and networking opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates

For your top 3 priorities, identify 1 or 2 actions you would achieve to address the issue:

1. Improved support around extenuating circumstances and assessments: I would like to create a proactive notification system for extenuating circumstances and deadlines. So far, depending on the department, students have received emails about ECs or they had to go on student intranet to find out how to apply for one and if they are eligible. This automated system would send deadline reminders and support options on peak exam/ coursework periods. More sensitivity training related to ECs.
2. Improve personal tutor support: I would like to provide a new training scheme for personal tutors across all departments related to signposting to academic, careers and mental health services. Additionally, I’d like to create a tutor accountability framework, with anonymised feedback and student satisfaction rating about personal tutoring to ensure that tutors meet a set standard relating to engagement and effectiveness.
3. More financial support for students: Increase awareness of grants, loans and bursaries the finance office offers. Introduce discounted/ free hot meals for students facing financial difficulties, especially during the winter months and exam periods. I want to introduce “Free Hygiene and Essentials” initiative, providing students with free hygiene products, stationary and basic groceries. Health shouldn’t be sacrificed due to financial stress: introducing free fitness classes and emergency micro-loans/grants (25-100) for essentials (e.g. medication, bills).

Please outline why you’re running for the position, and any skills/experience you possess which would enable you to be successful if elected:

Hi! I’m Jakob Bird and I am running for VP Wellbeing and Diversity because everyone at Royal Holloway should feel safe, celebrated, and heard.

I am a third year drama student, member of multiple student groups and the president of LGBT+ Society.

My passions:

• Increasing events that celebrate minority groups on campus
• Collaborating with student groups to strengthen the relationship with the Student’s Union

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. More student-friendly timetables
2. Increase the number of social and study spaces on campus
3. Improve personal tutor support
4. Reduce deadline stacking for assessments and coursework
5. Run more departmental events and networking opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates.
6. More departmental careers support
7. More affordable food options on campus
8. Standardize marking criteria and feedback within departments

For your top 3 priorities, identify 1 or 2 actions you would achieve to address the issue:

1. More student-friendly timetables:
   Reduce time spent between timetabled hours so students have more choice in their day, whether to utilise that time to study, socialise, or travel to and from university. Publish timetables in advance of optional module selection to dramatically reduce the number of timetable clashes faced.
2. Increase the number of social and study spaces on campus:
   We all understand how difficult it can be to find a quiet space to work on campus, especially when you need it most. I will ensure that no matter when there will always be adequate spaces available on campus for the number of students at our university.
3. Improve personal tutor support:
   Increase the role of personal tutors to provide guidance to students on coursework throughout the year and ensure that students have the option to meet their personal tutor at least twice per term if they choose. Have personal tutors be consistent as students’ progress through university and guaranteeing joint honours student a tutor in each department.

Please outline why you’re running for the position, and any skills/experience you possess which would enable you to be successful if elected:

Hello! I’m Jamie and I’m running to be your VP wellbeing diversity 🙂 I’m a first generation filipino, 3rd year psychology student and the founder of Neurodivergent Society. As a deeply passionate person, I’ve worked alongside the university as a student representative working towards an inclusive decolonised curriculum, been a panelist representing disability advocacy in higher education, and created/distributed resources for mental health access and diagnoses for neurodivergent people at RHUL.

One of the biggest reasons why I’m so interested in the role is because I understand what it’s like to be on both sides, as a current student and having worked in close collaboration with the SU as experience on committee for two years now. I believe my experience and passion for the SU and uni go hand in hand with being the best possible candidate for RHUL, as someone who pushes for change with action and genuine care.

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. More financial support for students
2. Improve communication and access to University professional support services
3. More daytime events
4. Reduce deadline stacking for assessments and coursework
5. Longer opening hours at food outlets
6. Improved support around extenuating circumstances and assessments
7. Increase the number of social and study spaces on campus
8. Cheaper and more frequent transport in the local area

For your top 3 priorities, identify 1 or 2 actions you would achieve to address the issue:

1. More financial support for students
   University should be accessible regardless of financial background. 46% of students report declines in wellbeing due to financial stress. We deserve to feel supported despite cost of living. I will reduce prices in campus-wide eateries, including the SU shop and review food waste reduction programs to implement on campus, including “too good to go“ food discounts. Further, I will review pre-existing financial support and ensure awareness of resources including bursaries and part-time job opportunities.
2. Improve communication and access to University professional support services
   How many students actually know what support is where and how to access it? We need clarity in what services are accessible including the careers service, wellbeing and counselling, mental health support and disability & neurodiversity and sports facilities. I will improve this through use of a visual calendar that everyone has access to. Furthermore, host monthly meetings including student voices to improve what teams could change, to ensure an authentic student focus at RHUL.
3. More daytime events
   With the increasing numbers of commuters, daytime events are integral to maintaining the environment of campus as a second home. I will run surveys focusing on ideal times and days for events throughout the day which matter and leave meaningful impact on students and run these events which could include tea and coffee socials which increase camaraderie, and incentivise running daytime events in collaboration with student groups.

Please outline why you’re running for the position, and any skills/experience you possess which would enable you to be successful if elected:

I’m Molly, and I’m running for VP Wellbeing because every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. After founding Academics Against Assault in 2022, I’ve campaigned for better protections for survivors, tackled stigma around violence against women, and designed resources not only here but around the country.

I speak openly about rape culture and mental health to raise awareness and drive action. Over the last year I have delivered rape culture and bystander intervention workshops to several societies and sports teams around campus (most recently American Football, Men's Rugby and Football.) Additionally, I've contributed to many campaigns at the SU, including #NeverOk, SHAG week and Female is Fierce.

If elected, I will ensure that every person, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, race, and economic background, feels their needs are met at this University. Students who feel their issues have previously been overlooked deserve to feel satisfied in their vote.

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. Street Lighting
2. Event Accessibility and Affordability
3. Support for Extenuating circumstances and assessments
4. Financial Support for students
5. Improve Personal Tutor Support
6. Build relationships with the local community
7. Improve maintenance and support in Halls
8. More daytime events

For your top 3 priorities, identify 1 or 2 actions you would achieve to address the issue:

1. Street Lighting
   Work with student reporting, the university and utilise my connections to local council to identify poorly lit areas in key student routes.
   Lobby to keep the back gate open throughout the night of SU events. Street lighting is important but at the heart of this is student safety, therefore it's important to shine a light not only on Egham, but be honest about mitigating violence on campus.
2. Event Accessibility
   Create a warm, indoor, quiet space for overstimulated students on nights out, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones. Internally hire SU security staff to ensure better jurisdiction, with a focus on gender parity for a safer, more inclusive environment.
   Further, make it easier for trans students to edit their name on the SU system, and lobby for this on other sites such as campus connect, Moodle and the university email system.
3. Support for Extenuating circumstances and assessments
   Explore longer deadlines and further extensions for students with disabilities, neurodivergence, or extenuating circumstances. Universities across the country vary on their extenuating circumstances policy, and I believe a review at Royal Holloway is essential.
   Simplify the extenuating circumstances process by reducing the administrative barriers and reviewing the qualification criteria entirely. I intend to explore the concept of externals applying on behalf of students.

Please outline why you’re running for the position, and any skills/experience you possess which would enable you to be successful if elected:

I am running for Wellbeing and Diversity Officer because I am passionate about student support and ensuring that everyone feels valued, understood, and empowered throughout their student journey. Currently as a Careers Coach in the Careers and Enterprise Hub, I work closely with students, supporting their transition through university and into employment. I understand the challenges of change, the anxiety around the future, and the importance of wellbeing in academic and career success. With experience working within academic schools assisting Careers Consultants, I have helped students navigate uncertainty, reduce stress, and develop confidence. My coaching and mentoring skills, active listening, and ability to relate to diverse student experiences including international/neurodiverse students, adapting to new cultures has enabled me to provide meaningful support. If elected, I will bridge the gap between the SU, career services, and the wider university introducing initiatives that address student anxiety, wellbeing, and future employability through collaborative, engaging, and accessible events.

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. More financial support for students
2. More departmental careers support
3. More student-friendly timetables
4. Improve communication and access to University professional support services
5. Improved support around extenuating circumstances and assessments
6. More affordable food options on campus
7. Make SU events more affordable and accessible
8. Improve Maintenance and Support for University Halls of Residence

For your top 3 priorities, identify 1 or 2 actions you would achieve to address the issue:

1. More financial support for students:-
   Making Student Jobs provided by the University and Students Union more widely advertised, with a more streamlined application process without the need for references that may not be available for those with no prior work experience.
   Setting up a university body to act as a guarantor in instances where students don’t have a UK-based Guarantor with a high enough income for the skyrocketing prices of student houses in the local area.
2. More departmental careers support:-
   Bridging the gap between the Students’ Union and the Careers and Enterprise Hub to ensure seamless support throughout the student journey. Regardless of whether students are based at the Egham or London campus, I will work to streamline career support pathways, making guidance more accessible. This will help eliminate the anxiety of uncertainty, empowering students with clear NEXT steps toward their future career options and personal growth.
3. More student-friendly timetables:-
   Eliminating obstacles to attendance, ensuring that they are constructed in a way that works around a work-life balance that does not require students to remain on campus for extended periods of time between lectures or seminars, leading to burnout and fatigue, reducing motivation to attend regularly.
   Making accommodations for students during religious or spiritual periods of fasting, that may inhibit the ability to attend strenuous schedules of seminars and lectures

Please outline why you’re running for the position, and any skills/experience you possess which would enable you to be successful if elected:

I’m Vaishnavi Vajja and I’ve seen enough to know that the “small” issues aren’t so small when you’re living them daily. As a business school ambassador, vice president and events manager for various student groups for two years, I’ve had a backstage pass to how things work (or sometimes don’t). I’ve seen how important representation is. Students deserve someone who listens, understands, and takes action. I want to be the person that bridges the gap between what needs to be done and Getting It Done!

I’m running to be VP Wellbeing and Diversity because I want to make sure no one’s left feeling like they’re in a group project where everyone else disappears.

Uni life shouldn’t feel like searching for a free library seat during exam season.

Vote Vaishnavi Vajja for VP Wellbeing and Diversity.

#VforWE because I’m working for Us.

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. More Affordable food options on campus
2. Cheaper and more frequent transport in the local area
3. Increase the number of social and Study Spaces on campus
4. More financial support for students
5. Improve maintenance and support for university halls of residence
6. Longer opening hours at food outlets
7. Improve street lighting in the local area
8. Improve communication and access to university professional support services

For your top 3 priorities, identify 1 or 2 actions you would achieve to address the issue:

1. Priority One: More Affordable Food Options on Campus
   I will introduce loyalty cards at as many campus food outlets as possible, allowing students to earn free or discounted meals. Additionally, I aim to bring fresh halal meat to the Tuesday market weekly and expand vegetarian and halal frozen food options at the SU shop for greater accessibility and choice.
   Why: Expensive food turns every student into a meal-planning economist—Do I need lunch this week?
2. Priority Two: Cheaper and more Frequent Transport in the Local Area
   Adjust the shuttle bus timetable to align better with train and bus schedules for smoother connections. Additionally, introduce a new shuttle service running exclusively between High Street and the university for greater convenience.
   Why: I know I’m not the only one who watched the 8, 441, and RHU buses arrive a minute apart—only to then wait 30-40 minutes for the next one!
3. Priority Three: Increase number of Social and Study Spaces
   Convert underused or empty rooms into dedicated social and study areas to maximise campus space. And Increase study space availability by extending hours or assigning smaller buildings as 24/7 study spaces for flexibility.
   Why: Especially during exam season, it feels like it’s easier to win the lottery than finding a spot in the library! And where do I go after getting kicked out from the library?