Bebo

Name: Andrew Smith

Year and Course: 4th year History student


Define the role of your chosen position?

For me the VPSA has to act as a friend to the societies and ensure that the DUSA services and facilities are being run in the interests of students and that DUSA activities are open and representative of all students.


What are your main policies for office?


1.The introduction of a student radio station


2.The introduction of a ‘Flat-Finder’ service to help students looking for flats or landlords looking for tenants and provide an alternative to the overpriced flats offered by Sanctuary Management which at £320 per month cost more than a good flat in the West End. Hermes no longer helps to provide an alternative so it’s time DUSA did.


3.To expand the successful loyalty card scheme to give ALL societies the same benefits enjoyed by the Sports Clubs- if you are doing your best to represent your union then your union should do its best to represent you.


4.To introduce recycling services and renewable sources of energy in order to create a greener and more sustainable DUSA. On this theme I also want to compliment the introduction of Fair-trade products with a preference for local and ethically sourced goods where possible.


Student Activities: As the VPSA you will be responsible for student activities, whether that be through societies or through sponsorship. As VPSA how do you propose to boost levels of student participation in these areas?

In order to boost participation it is essential to listen to students. If elected I intend to contact the leading members of all societies and ensure that they have all the support and facilities they need for the coming year. I intend to host forums and discussions with all the societies and faith groups to ensure that they all have access to the facilities we offer and that DUSA can help them through the sponsorship and facilitation of their social events and fundraisers. Through the expansion of the loyalty card scheme I intend to reward the active societies and encourage the less active ones to participate in DUSA activities. This role is less concerned with the commercial aspects of DUSA than the VPS role has been and if elected I will dedicate all of my time to working with the societies, faith groups and sports clubs to ensure that DUSA represents them. I also intend to visit the satellite campuses and postgraduate groups and discuss how we can expand the appeal of DUSA.

Furthermore the introduction of a University Radio station will compliment the growth and success of The Magdalen and will provide a forum and a collective voice for all students regarding events on and off campus. If DUSA is open and welcoming to students then students will be welcoming and open to DUSA and it is a testimony to the success of this Executive that all of these elections are being contested.



Engagement: finding out what students think and want is crucial in DUSA making the right decisions. As VPSA how will you engage with students to find out what they want and how will you use the information you get?

First of all it is important to mention the Commercial Surveys which have been introduced by the last couple of executives, I intend to compliment these with a survey on the quality of student housing and work closely with the sports union regarding representing students in terms of sport and leisure facilities. I will work with an open door policy and reserve specific hours for student consultations. I intend to consult students regarding possible events such as film and art shows and provide a book service so that students have a better choice on campus than just the glorified Porta-loo behind the tower building. I intend to have a presence on the satellite campuses and I believe that the introduction of small measures, such as a suggestions box and a public mobile number, can be just as important for e

Election Statement 2008

Some of you may remember my candidacy from last year and in fact some of you may even have voted for me last year, for those of you who have I hope you do so again and for those of you who haven’t, I hope to convert you over the next few days of the campaign.

As a 4th year student I have seen a lot of change taking place on campus, I believe that the next executive needs to carry on the pattern of good work which has taken place over the last couple of years. As a student who has been a strong friend of various campaigns and societies on campus I believe I am in an excellent position to bring the changes students want to see.

I view the role of VPSA as being to open up the University facilities and services for all students. Although I want to work closely with the societies and I want to let ALL students of ALL societies share the same loyalty card scheme enjoyed by the sports clubs. I also believe that the role of VPSA goes beyond working with societies and I want to use the job to help to provide an alternative to the overpriced halls offered by Sanctuary Management through my proposed ‘Flat-Finder’ service.

I want to work to provide a recycling and environmentally friendly union and intend to work with the local ‘People and Planet’ group every step of the way to introduce a higher ethical standard to DUSA. I believe that interaction with students is the most important part of the job for any DUSA member and I will always have my door open, diversity is our strength and I want to help create a DUSA that is representative of all our students.