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

Keith ‘Big Chief’ McCarthy

Education & Representation Officer

Howdy folks! My name’s Keith McCarthy. I’m a PhD student in Police Studies & Criminology in my fourth (and final!) year. Portsmouth is the third university I have attended, and I have degrees in politics and international relations. I have also taught first and second year seminar classes in Criminology and Criminal Justice during my time in Pompey, so have seen things from both sides of the fence.

My Background

I am ideally experienced to represent the various groups that make up our student family. I have considerable contact with other postgraduate students, and am in my third year as the elected student representative on the Faculty of Humanities Research Degrees Committee and the Faculty’s Research Ethics Committee. I share a flat with a mature undergraduate student and am aware of the issues that affect this grouping. I also assist a disabled undergraduate student, attending lectures alongside him. This has raised my awareness of the issues affecting both disabled students and the undergraduate community at large, including the impending reality of top-up fees for next year’s intake.

I have been involved in the activities of the Union in several ways during my time at Portsmouth. These have included: being the independent student representative on several disciplinary panels; representing the University at BUSA level in athletics, cross-country running and orienteering; and not forgetting my appearance for Pompey on University Challenge! I have also acted as a Student Complaints Advisor for the students of the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies.

My Vision

When you vote for me you will be voting for a more inclusive approach to student representation. From my experience, the University and the Union have not provided adequate forums for students to raise concerns regarding academic problems. Feedback forms may benefit the following year’s students, but that doesn’t help you if you are facing a problem NOW. Admittedly, the University has upped its game in the last couple of years, with more emphasis on student representation to departments. However, this is not yet extensive or co-ordinated enough. I am a student rep for more than eighty research students, but I have received no training for this! So, I will seek to improve this whilst also exploring ways of improving the ‘added-value’ of being a Rep, identifying opportunities for incentives and rewards.

I will be available to help anyone, and everyone, who needs assistance with issues relating to their academic studies, liaising closely with the University at all levels from departmental, through faculty, to board of governors to ensure that no student leaves Portsmouth feeling short-changed by their education, especially with the introduction of top-up fees next year. I stand for fairness in representation, and respect for others. My disciplinary panels will always be just, but I will ensure that firm and appropriate punishment is given to anybody who spoils the fun and enjoyment of others.

Vote ‘Big Chief Keith’ for Education and Representation Officer, you know it makes sense!

Word Associations

• Course: work
• Problems: solved
• Committees: discussion
• Paper work: bureaucracy
• Discipline: fairness

Questions

1. What do you envisage the role of Ed & Rep Officer to be?
To be the contact for student’s educational concerns, representing all students to the best of their ability, be they full-or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate. To treat everyone with respect and ensure that student representation is adequately delegated to welltrained course reps and that disciplinary action is firm, but fair.

2. Do you believe that meetings are the most efficient way of achieving things and why?
Meetings can be an efficient and effective means of reaching decisions, and developing ideas. However, they can only be so when they are focused, managed and all decisions are followed through. Otherwise, they can be inefficient, ineffective and a waste of valuable time.

3. What qualities do you have that would aid you in the role of Education & Representation?
I have experience of university and life outside the bubble. I am a good and attentive listener, and as a mature postgraduate who assists a disabled undergraduate student, I have gained the skills and insights to understand and empathise with all members of the student family.

4. As the Education & Representation Officer you will be responsible for Course Reps. What ideas do you have that will enhance this structure?
A more co-ordinated approach across the university is needed. There should be improved links between different reps within individual departments and intra-faculty, and also across faculties at postgraduate level. Improved incentives for reps should be investigated to ensure effective execution of the role.

5. Part of the role is dealing with disciplinaries for the Students’ Union. What would be your top three rules for behaviour?
My top three rules for behaviour are: Respect, Respect, Respect (and no, my name’s not George Galloway!)

6. What experience do you have that might suit you in this role?
As the elected student representative on the Faculty of Humanities Research Degrees and Research Ethics Committees for the last three years I have an excellent understanding of the problems affecting postgraduate students. I am also well aware of other student concerns through my work assisting a disabled undergraduate.

7. If you could invent a course what would it be and why?
My fantasy course would be one that automatically gives you that magic ‘two-year’s work experience’ employers always seem to ask for, whilst also educating you in a subject you enjoy and catering for the hangover by not having any nine o’clock lectures!

8. What is the most useful thing you have been taught during your education?
To read (and write and add-up)! Also, and equally useful, is to give due respect to others and always listen to what they have to say, even if you disagree.

9. As a sabbatical, networking is essential & important, what is your best 'networking line'?
Are you feeling tired? You should be... you’ve been running right through my mind.