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 the position because I am looking to be more involved with the university community. I believe I have many leadership qualities and would like to exercise them through the Department of Education. During sixth from, I created and ran a badminton club for the younger years. Moreover, I was elected as a prefect during Year 11. Lastly, I compelled a Level 2 Leadership course, providing me with greater insights into being an effective leader. All of these experiences have allowed me to develop the skills needed to be a great leader. These include clear communication, emotional intelligence, decisiveness, adaptability and accountability.
 

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. More affordable food options on campus.
2. Reduce deadline stacking for assessments and coursework.
3. More departmental careers support.
4. Run more departmental events and networking opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates.
5. More frequent and aligned local bus timeline with Egham train arrivals times.
6. Improve university and department communications with students.
7. Increase student involvement in students’ union decision-making and planning.
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. More affordable food options on campus.
   
   Conduct a student survey to identify affordability gaps and high-demand items. Partner with local vendors and food trucks to introduce low-cost meal options and rotating discounts. Negotiate bulk purchasing agreements to reduce supplier costs. Implement a subsidised meal plan or emergency meal voucher program for students in need. Expand campus pantry services and reduce food waste through redistribution programs. More budget-friendly meal combos across dining locations.
    
2. Reduce deadline stacking assessments and coursework.
   
   Create a centralised assessment calendar accessible to all faculty to improve coordination across courses. Encourage departments to stagger major assignments and exams to prevent clustering. Establish guidelines limiting the number of high-weight deadlines per week. Promote early release of assignment schedules so students can plan ahead. Incorporate flexible submission windows where appropriate. Gather student feedback each term to identify peak stress periods and adjust scheduling practices accordingly.
    
3. More departmental careers support.
   
   Appoint careers advisors who understand industry-specific pathways and employer expectations. Host regular workshops on CV writing, interview skills, and job search strategies tailored to the discipline. Build partnerships with relevant companies to offer internships, placements, and networking events. Create alumni mentoring programs to connect students with graduates in the field. Share targeted job opportunities through departmental channels and integrate career development activities into the curriculum.
    

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

Too many of us are let down by an education we pay for.

I’m Josh Walker, current LSS school Rep, running to be your VP Education, to finish what I started; making sure YOUR education at RHUL is fair, accessible, and delivers for YOU.

I’ve ALREADY DELIVERED REAL CHANGE as school rep: resolving timetable clashes, securing module-wide extensions, reducing final exam weightings, and earlier assessment briefings. I’m just getting started.

I WILL REPRESENT YOU: Burying deadline stacking, improving teaching, feedback and communication, strengthening student voice and making campus safer. (Back gate open & lights on, of course).

WHY? Because when something isn’t in your interest, I do everything I can to change it. And you may know me as the Walkers Crisps guy… but more importantly I’m the candidate who delivers and is already in the room.

Vote Josh Walker. For an HONEST SU and an EDUCATION WORTH PAYING FOR.

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. Reduce deadline stacking for assessments and coursework.
2. Increase student involvement in Students’ Union decision-making and planning.
3. Improve security and safety in the wider area in and around the Egham campus.
4. Improve the quality, consistency and accessibility of teaching within departments..
5. More departmental careers support.
6. More student-friendly timetables.
7. Improve University and departmental communications with students.
8. Improved support around extenuating circumstances and assessments.

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

1. Reduce deadline stacking for assessments and coursework.
   
   You shouldn’t have to just “manage deadlines” when guidance is often unclear and late.
   
   I’ve previously delivered extensions for students, and I will finish the current VP’s work on deadline stacking, whilst pushing for better teaching, communication, and feedback across uni.
   
   How? I know the staff and how to push, and even where tensions arise, I get results. I’ll fight for EARLIER ASSESSMENT BRIEFS and an EXTRA 5-DAY EXTENSION where stacking can’t be avoided.
    
2. Increase student involvement in Students’ Union decision-making and planning.
   
   An HONEST SU starts with transparency and your voice informing every step. I will run more policy forums, like the student safety forum I’m running with the current SU President, so you shape decisions.
   
   I will deliver honest advertising (no more quietly reducing the number of online tickets!), transparent processes, and respect student body decisions.
   
   I’ll open ways for you to be involved in SU night themes, events, and the direction of your SU.
    
3. Improve security and safety in the wider area in and around the Egham campus (and GETTING BACK GATE OPEN!).
   
   Getting home safely shouldn’t be a risk. Poor lighting and shutting back gate PUTS YOU AT RISK, whether that be after a late-night study, work, or clubbing. I promised to push on this last year and have ever since.
   
   As VP Education, I will continue to collaborate with the University and local community to open the back gate, improve lighting, and prioritise your safety.
   
   Until the job's done, I’ll exhaust EVERY option.

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

At Master’s level, I can look back on a journey at Holloway filled with twists, turns, and second chances. Student life is hard and I’m here for those who may have taken a little longer, but got there in the end.

I’ve delivered record-breaking events, supported new student groups as an SSO Executive, and advocated for opportunities as Inspire Team Leader. My work has been recognised across campus, through collaborations with departments, RHSU, Volunteering, and the Runnymede & Spelthorne Community Action Award.

Through my work with Egham Museum and National Trust, I’ve delivered workshops to hundreds of students and helped others secure meaningful roles.

Now, it’s time for the next chapter.

As VP Education, I will reduce academic anxiety, strengthen transparency, and ensure that education is an opportunity for all, especially for those who haven’t always had it easy.

The choice is clear, let’s make history.
LJD for VPE.

Outline your top 8 priorities in ranking order:

1. Increase student involvement in Students’ Union decision-making and planning.
2. Improved support around extenuating circumstances and assessments.
3. More departmental careers support.
4. Improved communication and support for student communities.
5. Standardise marking criteria and feedback within departments.
6. More student-friendly timetables.
7. Reduce deadline stacking for assessments and coursework.
8. Improve the quality, consistency and accessibility of teaching within departments.

Education should be opportunity.

1. Increase student involvement in Students’ Union decision-making and planning.
   
   I didn’t always believe I was someone who could do great things, until I got involved. One decision changed everything. I would improve communication around the opportunities that keep the SU running behind the scenes, not only helping us, but helping you build experience. But not everyone has time for major commitments. I’d also introduce a transparent micro-participation model, quick, ways for students to shape decisions and see immediate results.
    
2. Improved support around extenuating circumstances and assessments
   
   I’m here for those who needed a second chance and still got there in the end. Student life can be tough, we must reduce academic anxiety.
   
   I’d publish transparent data on extenuating circumstances, including success rates and turnaround times. Then, if an extension does not meet the approval average, it can be appealed.
   
   I’d also introduce a year-round “Assessment Concern” form, enabling 24-hour extensions with Personal Tutor approval without an application limit.
    
3. More departmental careers support.
   
   I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at our university, from society committees that took me abroad to being in rooms where SU decisions are made.
   
   Education should be an opportunity for all. In today’s world, experience matters as much as qualifications. I’ll champion department-specific career spotlights with community partners, strengthen pathways from volunteering into paid roles, and push for more career-focused lectures and seminars within timetables to build skills and networks.