A better Union is possible….

The Union is on the verge of greatness, however, the future truly lies in your hands and in the choices you make this week in the sabbatical elections.

I want to see a better Union . I want to see a Union which stands for the Students, with the students. I want to see a Union which organises students, making students the solution to any problem they may face. I want to see a Union which goes out to engage the 16,000 students not currently involved in societies or clubs. I want to see a true campaigning Union which harnesses the power of the student body to be a real force for positive change. I want to see a Union which acts as a true welfare organisation that holds the University to account to ensure that you receive a high standard of education, a Union that acts as a defender of student welfare not only on campus but in the wider community. For example over 53% of students have part-time employment but very few know their rights at work. It is the task of the Union to step in, to ensure that students know their rights and that every employer treats students as they deserve to be treated. I want to see a Union which can support and represent the students as it should, that moves forward with clear vision and just cause. If you agree with this vision, if you want to see real progress and real change then cast your vote wisely in this election. Go to:

This site will show you the all-stars team:

Ben “Monkey” Norman : Presidential Candidate

Jenny “Smiles” Leggott: SADO Candidate

Sarah “Gum queen” Blatchford: Student Support Candidate

Steve “Godfather” Topazio:  Education and Representation Candidate

These candidates can make this vision a reality; these candidates have in fact already started. Between them these students have years of experience, volunteering their time to create some of the award winning aspects of the UPSU. They’ve organised RAG events, they’ve coordinated nationally recognised Volunteering projects, they’ve written training programmes, they’ve contributed to making this Union a true Union of the students. They are the only candidates with experience, they are the only students with clear vision and they are the only candidates who have already proven they can deliver it. All I ask is that you let us finish the job, that you allow us to display the same dedication and the same ethos of student ownership and democracy that we have shown to our roles, and apply these to the entire Union, because together we can build a better Union.

So when you go to the ballot box this week, when you cast your votes, make sure that you make the informed choice. Make sure that you get the sabb team and the Union that you deserve.

Ben “Monkey” Norman

Student Activities and Development Officer

(Presidential Candidate)