On this page...

• My manifesto
• Candidate questions and answers
• Word associations

My manifesto

Hi, my name is Andrew Machin, I’m a final year student studying Law with French and I am running for the Sabbatical position of Education and Representation. Since joining the University 3 years ago, I have been an active member of the University Rugby Club and I am currently 3rd team captain, as well as this I have also been a course representative for the past 3 years and I am currently the Union Council Chair which is a challenging and demanding position in its own right.

Why me?
I am passionate about the University and believe that the ‘university experience’ is one that should be both exciting and memorable as opposed to anxious and daunting. The ‘university experience’ comes from a balanced mixture of enjoyment, hard work and knowing that when you are in trouble, there is a support system that is guaranteed to help you through.

The post of Education and Representation Officer is an integral part of this system and as a result is of paramount importance to me.
I aim to be open-minded and give this job my all. Whilst remaining realistic, the goals I set myself will be challenging to develop this role and ensure it is done with efficiency and precision. In my time as Education and Representation Officer I will take pride in what I do because of the importance of my position.

To be a representative for students and help them with any problems they may be having both in their studies and beyond is an extremely important job. It requires someone who is an excellent listener, someone who is approachable, trustworthy and honest. These are characteristics that I believe have.

So What Now?
Simply, come along to my Hustings on the 5th March at 7p.m in the waterhole. Hear me out, question me and make up your mind. Then cast your vote the following week at one of the polling stations based around the University.

VOTE Andy ‘‘JAFFA’’ Machin, Machin things happen!

Candidate questions and answers

What do you envisage the role of the Education and Representation Officer to be?
Representation will deal with projects such as; ‘Nightline,’ I would be expected to represent all students above and beyond the call of duty, and also represent some issues outside of education. Education obviously encompasses all problems to do with courses, as well as sitting on panels such as the ‘Criminal Convictions Panel’ and chairing Disciplinary hearings.   

Do you believe that meetings are the most efficient way of achieving things and why?
Yes and No. I believe that Education and Representation will involve a lot of one-to-one contact, with students and without this students may not be able to get their point across. However, without meetings it is very hard to efficiently get the students point across and achieve desired goals. A way of incorporating both one-to-one contact and larger meetings would be ideal.

What qualities do you have that would aid you in the role of Education and Representation?
I’m a good listener, easy to talk to and I’ll always make time for people. I feel that I can always draw a positive from a negative situation. I am confident and very trustworthy, which is obviously essential as anonymity can prove to be key in this job. As a law student I have developed skills that are invaluable to this position such as forming a coherent argument, analysing and unpicking large amounts of information into succinct points and developing the ability to think logically.

As the Education and Representation Officer you will be responsible for Course Reps. What ideas do you have that will enhance this structure?
Due to increased numbers of attendance to the main training day in place for Course Reps, the structure of the training process has improved considerably from previous years. However, this is not to say there is not room for improvement. I would like to enhance the idea of scheduling training for Course Reps around their individual timetables, during week days. On top of this I believe it is essential to provide a pack for 2nd and 3rd year Reps as well as 1st year Reps to ensure they are as informed as possible. 

Part of your role is dealing with disciplinarys for the Students Union. What would be your top three rules for behaviour?
After sitting on several disciplinary panels this year I believe that the Union must have strict policy’s concerning;

• Drugs
• Fighting
• Racism

The Union already has policy’s concerning these issues, but I believe they could perhaps be reviewed or amended.

What experience do you have that might suit you to this role?
I believe that I have a fairly good knowledge of how this job works due to some of my duties within the University. As Union Council Chair I have gained many skills that can be put to use as an Education and Representation Officer. I have also sat on many disciplinary panels, so already have a good understanding of this aspect of the job.

If you could invent a course what would it be and why?
The course would be – ‘An introduction to Snakebite and Flip-flops’, with field trips taking place on a Wednesday night as it is very important that Freshers get to grips with this way of life – it’s the only way to ensure survival at Portsmouth University.

What is the most useful thing you have been taught during your education?
Work hard and you will achieve your goals. And ‘Stay in school kids!’

As a sabbatical networking is essential and important, what is your best ‘networking line’?
Anyone for a game of touch-cup?

Word associations

Course: Reps
Problems: I solve them
Committees: Meetings
Paper Work: Shredder 
Discipline: Kinky