On these pages...
1: Education & Representation Officer
2: Lynsey Hayward
3: Mike Rayner
4: Keith McCarthy

Mike ‘Potter’ Rayner

Education & Representation Officer

Vote ‘POTTER’
PUTTING THE MAGIC INTO THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE!

Hi, my name is Mike ‘Potter’ Rayner and I want to be your Education and Representation officer for the year 2006-2007.

I graduated last year, and am now studying an Msc in International Human Resource Management. This course has enabled me to fully understand the varying cultures of the world, giving me the knowledge that will aid me to represent the entire student body effectively and professionally.

Along with the academic side of university life I have also been a club president and this year been the Athletic Union executive committee chairman. I have worked hard and the results have come so by voting for me you can expect a tireless work effort and dedication to the role of Education and Representation officer.

Why should you vote for me?

• I have a large amount of experience working within the union, knowing its strengths and weaknesses. Helping in the disciplinary process throughout my years at university I can see the positive and negative aspects of the process. I would organise the procedure to improve effectiveness and ensure fair representation for all.
• I am able to work in a team but also have good leadership skills.
• I passionately believe in fighting for a worthy cause and that I can provide the professional backbone to support any student case.
• I am willing to stand up to the University to safeguard and improve the educational rights of every student.

What will I do for you?

• Ensure that all student views are heard by being approachable and open to all suggestions and comments.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge on academic issues that are arising.
• Improve the current course rep structure to be representative of the entire student body rather than individuals courses. This would be developed to incorporate a more beneficial reward structure.
• Pursue the need for a receipt for coursework on submission.
• Through the use of the Course representation executive committee extend the academic appeals procedure to have a student representation at the academic council.
• Actively uphold the rights of the students against the separate bodies of UPEL (the trading arm of the Union) and the University on the disciplinary process.
• Provide a ‘nightline’ service for students to discuss problems anonymously with trained students.

Vote ‘POTTER’
PUTTING THE MAGIC INTO THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE!

Word Associations

• Course: Rep
• Problems: Solved
• Committees: McVites
• Paper Work: Real Work
• Discipline: Kinky

Questions

1. What do you envisage the role of Education and Representation Officer to be?
To represent students who face disciplinary proceedings, air students burning academic concerns through the Academic Council and protect the Student Body with my membership to the Criminal Convictions panel. I will also offer support and direction with students concerns with any of their course, teaching or general academic life.

2. Do you believe that meetings are the most efficient way of achieving things and why?
Meetings can be a beneficial resource as they have a structure and formality which is often needed for particular topics. However, they can be bureaucratic and slow down progress. I believe there are times where speed and quick discussions are required then a more informal discussion can be appropriate.

3. What qualities do you have that would aid you in the role of Education and Representation?

• Approachable and determined
• Analytical thinker
• Good people skills

4. As the Education and Representation Officer you will be responsible for the Course Reps. What ideas do you have that will enhance this structure?
An on-line forum where course reps/people can trade and discuss ideas for improvements would be beneficial. I also would introduce a “whinge” box were people can discuss issues they don’t think are working, either in their course, department, at the Student Union or in my personal performance.

5. Part of your role is dealing with disciplinarys for the Students Union. What would be your top three rules for behaviour?

• No prejudice behaviour towards staff or students.
• Zero Tolerance on drugs
• Nakedness - only on Wednesdays, abuse this rule and I’ll lay the smack down on you

6. What experience do you have that might suit you to this role?
As an ex-president of a sports club I have sat on numerous committees and development meetings, so am used to conducting myself in a professional manner. As President, the club was awarded Most Organised Club, the experience of which has enabled me to undertake the role of the AU-exec chairperson.

7. If you could invent a course what would it be and why?
Not necessarily a new course but certainly one that will benefit the student population. Hospitality and Nightlife design BA, to ensure the students benefit from a better designed student union.

8. What is the most useful thing you have been taught during your education?
Manners cost nothing!!!!

9. As a sabbatical networking is essential and important, what is your best ‘networking line‘?
My flat burnt down, can I stay at yours?