60 Second Manifestos

A staple of YSTV's elections coverage since at least as early as 2003, this year we've opened up 60 second manifestos to candidates for all positions! Below you can see a 60 second rundown of every candidate's campaign, and make an informed decision before casting your vote! Don't forget, voting opens Monday week 7,and you can check out more coverage from Nouse and URY at the links at the bottom of the page!

Series

Union President

Acts as the main spokesperson for YUSU, chairs the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the reputation, leadership and direction of YUSU as a democratic organisation.

York Sport President

The York Sport President is the main point of contact for all University and college sport clubs. They coordinate and develop sport within YUSU and work to increase opportunities and participation.They help to shape the direction of sports and physical activity at York, as well as running massive events such as Roses, College Varsity and Colours Ball.

Academic Officer

Represents students on issues relating to their course, teaching and learning facilities. The Academic Officer also works with over 400 Course Reps, Department Reps and Faculty Reps to ensure that every student has the opportunity to shape how their course is taught.

Student Activities Officer

Supports and develops engagement and inclusivity in extra-curricular activities; including Societies, Media, RAG and Volunteering. The Student Activities Officer represents 200+ student groups to the University, lobbying for their interests and making sure that they receive the recognition they deserve. Matthew George Wilkie was previously a candidate for this position and has since dropped out.

Community & Wellbeing Officer

Represents students on issues affecting their wellbeing, such as health, finance, accommodation and security, as well as wider community issues. The Community and Wellbeing Officer is key to ensuring that students from a range of backgrounds and minority groups are represented within the University. They also ensure that students are represented fairly within the local community, liaising with both town and parish council officials.

BAME Officer

The BAME Students' Officers represent the views of students’ at York who self define as BAME, which is including but not limited to students of African, Asian, Arab and Latin American heritages. They campaign within the Union, University and in wider society; promoting equality for BAME students and celebrating the diversity of culture within the student body at York. They also lead the BAME Students’ Network and host regular social and campaigning events. Unfortunately, there are no candidates for this role - a by-election will be held soon and if you're interested in the role get in touch on returningofficer@yusu.org!

Disabled Students' Officer

The Disabled Students’ Officer is responsible for representing disabled students; they promote awareness of accessibility and welfare issues for disabled students on campus and campaign to make University an accessible and inclusive environment. They also lead the Disabled Students’ Network (DSN), which is a peer support and social network for disabled students. Unfortunately, there are no candidates for this role - a by-election will be held soon and if you're interested in the role get in touch on returningofficer@yusu.org!

Environment and Ethics Officer

The Environment + Ethics Officer exists to promote sustainable and fair practices at the University of York. They consult with University management and influence policy. They raise awareness through student-led campaigns and make saving the planet enjoyable and accessible. They lead the Environment + Ethics Collective, a student-led group which campaigns for the University to follow environmentally and ethically sound policies and influences student habits to be more sustainable.

International Students' Officer

The International Students’ Officers represent 20% of the student population. They hold drop ins, support international events and ensure that international students get the fairest deal while studying at York. They lead the International Students’ Association (ISA), a student network which enables cultural exchange, addresses welfare issues and fosters a welcoming community for international students at York.

LGBTQ Officer

The LGBTQ Officer is responsible for representing the views and needs of LGBTQ students and making sure they are taken into account by the Students’ Union and the University. They run campaigns to make York a more inclusive and diverse place for LGBTQ people and see that awareness of LGBTQ issues is increased. They also lead the LGBTQ Network which is a student group which exists to help LGBTQ students get to know each other, runs discussions, relaxed meetings, and gets involved with events like York Pride. Gem Card and Matthew Gordon are running jointly as the sole candidates for this role, but declined the opportunity to film a 60 Second Manifesto. You can find out more about them and all the other candidates at elections.yusu.org.

Mature Students' Officer

The Mature Students’ Officer is responsible for representing the views and interests of mature students at the University of York and campaigning to make sure that mature students feel included and supported. They also lead the Mature Students’ Association (MSA), a student group which exists to represent mature students' interests, run social events and offer an atmosphere of support for mature students. They work with organisations such as the Student Hub and also the Family Network on a range of campaigns and issues. Ioana Dumitrescu is also running for this role, but declined the opportunity to film a 60 Second Manifesto. You can find out more about her and all the other candidates at elections.yusu.org.

RAG Officer

Develops fundraising opportunities for students. The RAG Officers cover some of YUSU’s biggest events. From raising money in Freshers’ to hosting and organising RAG week, they are dedicated to ensuring our RAG charities receive funds that keep their services alive.

Volunteering Officer

Develops opportunities for students to become involved in volunteering. YUSU Volunteering Officers facilitate a wide range of opportunities to volunteer and support a whole range of projects. From one off events to longer term opportunities, the Volunteering Officers are at the heart of developing an inclusive and strong campus community.

Womens' Officer

Women’s Officers have driven campus events and created change. The Women’s Officers represent self-defining women and non-binary people on campus.

Working Class Officer

The Working Class and Social Mobility Officer is a relatively new position at YUSU created following a referendum last year. This role will focus on developing the student Network, lobbying the University and running some impactful campaigns based on your manifesto objectives. Unfortunately, there are no candidates for this role - a by-election will be held soon and if you're interested in the role get in touch on returningofficer@yusu.org!

Faculty Rep (Arts and Humanities)

Faculty Reps work behind the scenes, sitting on some of the highest-level committees to shape and influence University-wide decisions. As a Faculty Rep you will champion student feedback on teaching and learning and have an opportunity to make positive changes for students. Unfortunately, there are no candidates for this role - a by-election will be held soon and if you're interested in the role get in touch on returningofficer@yusu.org!

Faculty Rep (Sciences)

Faculty Reps work behind the scenes, sitting on some of the highest-level committees to shape and influence University-wide decisions. As a Faculty Rep you will champion student feedback on teaching and learning and have an opportunity to make positive changes for students. Felicity Maiden is also running for this role, but declined the opportunity to film a 60 Second Manifesto. You can find out more about her and all the other candidates at elections.yusu.org.

Faculty Rep (Social Sciences)

Policy Coordinator

The Policy Coordinator oversees accountability for elected Officers at YUSU as well as the Union’s student-led policy process. Policy is the way in which students can submit their ideas for how to improve life for students in their Union, the University and beyond, which elected Officers then work on to implement. The Policy Coordinator chairs the Policy Review Group in order to ensure that students can give feedback on any ideas submitted.

Student Trustee

The Trustee Board is the Union’s main governing body responsible for overseeing the work of the Union and setting the strategic direction. The Board holds ultimate responsibility for the financial health, legal compliance and development of the Union.

YUSU Officer Elections / YUSU Officer Elections 2019 / 60 Second Manifestos