On this page...

• Video: my one minute speech
• My manifesto
• Favourite quote
• Candidate questions and answers
• Word associations
• Most-admired person

My one-minute candidate video

My manifesto

Who are you?

Hi! My name is Mark Fairall, a first year HND Computing student, who will be running for the position of Student Education and Representation officer for the year 2008/09. I am the President of the M.I.G society, providing an alternative music appreciation niche community, allowing students the opportunity to meet, socialise and offer ideas for, and organise their own events.

But why should I give you my vote?

I have been a student for four years now, and love the lifestyle and have made many good friends in that time. University is a once in a lifetime experience and should be available to everybody. It should be amongst the best years of your life, to enjoy in the present and remember happily in the future. Unfortunately, this may not last.

Really? Why?

Many potential students are rejecting the idea of higher education because of:

• The increase of the Student Loan Company interest rate on repayment, from 2.4 percent to 4.8 percent beginning from 2007.
• The obligation for all students to cover their own tuition fees from 2011.
• The Government scheme to introduce Biometric "Identification" cards in order for students to apply for a student loan. The scheme is voluntary, but without a card, no loan will be allowed to applicants, meaning no opportunity to study.

These all contravene the Union's aims of:

• The advancement of education ;
• The relief of poverty and provision of financial assistance for the education of students ;
• The promotion of equal treatment and opportunity for all students.
• In addition to working against these unfair changes, I would also like to give students a greater awareness of:
• Landlords' obligations and students' rights as tenants, as this may be the students first time away from home.
• Possible additional funding from the bursary system

OK, that sounds good. What can I do to help?

If you want to know more about the issues I am interested in, go to the question time (W/B Mon 3 March), where you have an opportunity to listen to all of the candidates and an open forum to query and clarify any points. When you have decided, go to one of the polling stations between Wednesday 12 March – Friday 14 March and cast your vote.

Give Mark your vote and give the future a chance.

Favourite quote

“Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.”
- Sir Claus Moser, Chairman of the Basic Skills Agency 

Candidate questions and answers

1. What do you envisage the role of the Education and Representation Officer to be?

Giving the students a forum to raise issues and a voice to communicate issues to necessary bodies.

2. Do you believe that meetings are the most efficient way of achieving things and why?

Yes, however meetings are just the beginnings of achieving objectives. Without meetings, interaction and problem-solving would not be possible. It is a combination of meetings, their consequential decisions and the following action that gets results.

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

I have been a student for four years, so I am familiar with the student lifestyle. I am president of the M.I.G society, which includes organising, delegating, administration and team management, as well as being the public face of a social/leisure society.

4. As the Education and Representation Officer you will be responsible for Course Reps. What ideas do you have that will enhance this structure?

From experience, students need someone to listen to and act on their behalf. I want to discuss with course reps what they think of the system and action any points for improvement appropriately.

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

• You are responsible for your own actions
• You are responsible for your own inactions
• Do as you would like to be done by

6. What experience do you have that might suit you to this role?

Besides previously specified skills, I have personal understanding of current legislation relating to tenant's rights, of which greater awareness is one of the issues I intend to address. Many students' studies are affected due to landlords' illegal eviction and harassment. I also have an understanding of the student finance system.

7. If you could invent a course what would it be and why?

Students rights. I strongly believe that many students all over the country are getting a raw deal and their lack of life experience is being taken advantage of. This course would cover aspects including: finance, education, equality and housing.

8. What is the most useful thing you have been taught during your education?

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy; you have to take an occasional break from studies and socialise, otherwise you risk burning out. Also you may miss many opportunities to network and meet new, interesting people and try activities you would never otherwise consider!

9. As a sabbatical networking is essential and important, what is your best 'networking line'?

How YOU doin' !?

Word associations

• Course: Foundations
  
• Problems: Negotiation
  
• Committees: Decisions
  
• Paper work: Recording
  
• Discipline: Responsibility
  

Most-admired person

Isambard Kingdom Brunel – as he was an innovator and achiever, but first he dreamt of great things.