Meet Your Part-Time Officers 19/20

From communities of students to schools and colleges, Part Time Officers are here to represent specific groups within the University. Their role is to represent the student voice of those within these communities or programmes, making changes and presenting feedback to University staff on behalf of their cohort.

It’s important to know who is representing you, so we have collated a list of all PTOs and chairs who will be representing you this academic year! Their manifestos and what they will be focussing on are listed below each photograph so have a browse and see if anything strikes a chord with your university experience.

PTOs are always looking for feedback and are an approachable and friendly bunch, so don’t hesitate to get into contact if you have something to say! If you’re a Programme Representative, make sure you know the PTO for your college or school and touch bases with them – they’d be more than happy to work closely with you throughout the year.

Equality and Diversity

Disabilities – Sammie Hilton

disabilities@derbyunion.co.uk

• Improve accessibility to the University
• Create a strong support group for disabled students
• Create easily accessible information points at the University
• Have clear signs showing disabled students where to park
• Have dedicated people to help students with processes such as achieving diagnoses or completing DSA applications
• Wheelchair friendly aisles in the shops
• Raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding disabilities

LGBTQ+ – Josie Carr

lgbtq@derbyunion.co.uk

• Include more LGBTQ+ students in societies tailored to each person.
• Add someone who has experienced LGBTQ+ problems first-hand
• Create a gay-straight alliance who will host fun activities outside the University
• Have a stronger no tolerance rule on bullying and discrimination to LGBTQ+ kids
• Have a special place for people questioning their gender and/or sexuality

Mental Health Awareness – Annaline Jones

mentalhealth@derbyunion.co.uk

• Calling on the University to invest more time and resources into mental health awareness, such as signposting
• Encouraging support for the needs of those with mental health issues
• Lobbying for mental health training of lecturers and staff, including halls staff and managers
• Lobbying for the University to hire more counsellors
• Encouraging the development of a university-wide mentoring scheme
• Raising awareness year-round with workshops and events

International Students – Shannesia Hodge

international@derbyunion.co.uk

• Negotiate with the University to include issues of liberation and welfare as part of the curriculum, ensuring it reflects our diverse population and encourages social inclusion
• Meet international students from different cultures to gather opinions on issues that have affected their well-being
• Ensure that the promotion of excellent practice in equality and diversity will be central to all aspects of university life

Gender – Ashley Harker

gender@derbyunion.co.uk

• Ensuring the passing and implementation of a new University transgender policy applying to all aspects of a student’s university life
• Campaign for greater awareness of the transgender guidelines for University sports teams
• Make toilet facilities more accessible for trans, gender non-conforming and disabled individuals
• To present talks throughout the year covering LGBTQ+ events, encouraging greater awareness and acceptance

Ethics and Environment – Angharad Evans

ethics.environment@derbyunion.co.uk

• To push for an increase in the discount at Blends, for individuals who bring their own reusable coffee cup
• Ask that more hydration stations are located around the University to give easier access for those who want to refill their water bottle
• Encourage the University to produce their merchandise from recycled, recyclable or ethically sourced materials

Student Parents – Kellyann Greening

parents.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Improve parent students’ learning experience with the University of Derby by listening to and communicating your collective views to make positive changes
• Widen student knowledge on what resources and facilities are available to support them
• Work to support communication between parents for those that would like to connect with other parent students

Ethnic Minorities – John Mungai

ethnicminorities@derbyunion.co.uk

• Encourage students to meet and mix with others from different cultures
• Workshops that promote diversity with emphasis on cohesion of different cultures
• Learning languages besides English
• Greater inclusion of ethnic minorities in the University
• Inclusion of international students in the greater British community in order to gain a better understanding of the country and language

Part-Time Students – Debra McLean

parttime.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Seek your views by creating a survey to discover the issues most important to you during your time here at Derby with a view to improving university experience for part-time students
• Create a Facebook page for part time students, so we have a place to support each other
• Attend every University committee possible so I can feedback the views of part-time students

Commuter Students – Rachel Horswell

commuters@derbyunion.co.uk

• Campaign for the University to overcome student parking difficulties and show the University the effect these challenges can have on students’ well-being
• Encourage the Union to encourage more commuter involvement in their events using online involvement and well-planned scheduling
• Encourage lift-sharing, reducing commuter costs and encouraging environmental friendliness
• Promote the use of Panopto and online resources, allowing students to study from home

Mature Students – Elizabeth Ward

mature@derbyunion.co.uk

• Continuing to promote the mature student’s society (as well as the importance of societies),
• Promote the importance of wellbeing to mature students, as well as promoting services available such as university’s wellbeing services and union of student’s advice team to all mature students,
• Bridge the gap between mature students studying across all of the Universities campuses.

Education

Arts and Media Studies – Nina Cupric

design.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Bring students together, organizing socials for Arts and Media students for networking and relationship-building
• Improving facilities, such as the lack of pavement between Markeaton and Britannia Mill, which makes both hard to access for disabled students
• Tackling issues unique to Art and Media students, such as availability of supplies
• Offer support to students

Design – Lydia Strickler

design.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Make Britannia Mill Library become a 24-hour service for us during important study periods throughout the year
• Increase funding for Art & Design students to get resources they need
• Have contact with other Art & Design students/courses so they can try new skills that could increase their learning experience and increase the social atmosphere between Markeaton Street, Britannia Mill and Chandos Pole

Music and Performance – Samuel Haddock

mp.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Bridge the gap between Performing Arts and the rest of the College of Arts, Humanities and Education, ensuring we are no longer isolated and disconnected
• Reconnect our Theatre with the rest of the University and overcome the physical distance between campuses, ensuring Derby Theatre gets its fair share of events and activities
• Ensure those training there get access to the same amenities of other students

Humanities and Journalism – Lilian Kent

haj.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Communication between myself and Programme Reps, supporting them at PCMs, regularly meeting with them and getting updates on feedback
• Gather student feedback on Humanities and Journalism library books and campaign for more, if needed
• Host more Humanities and Journalism socials, encouraging those from different courses to connect and collaborate

Education and Childhood – Nicole Hawes

eac.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• More school practice resources and for those that we have to be publicised
• Practice with crucial apps and tech (Inredibox/Scratch)we will need in the future but cannot currently afford
• Publicise our Society and have TED talks, inspirational speakers, guest lectures and educational visits
• Campaign for the University to train and explain what is needed from School Link Mentors when we are on placement

Derby Business School – Joseph Webster

business.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Increase communication between the different courses, expanding students’ networks as they meet people who specialise in different departments, potentially leading to jobs, friends or other awesome opportunities! 
• Linking up with `outside of Uni` events, giving students an even better experience
• Helping set up a Business Society
• Putting on a Student Forum event, getting feedback for our school and taking the necessary steps to improve

Derby Law School – Hugo Holmes

law.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Improve on Programme Rep, PTO and cohort relations and communication, ensuring feedback is conveyed and acted upon
• Increase awareness of the importance of student voice
• Encourage Reps to fully engage with and commit to their role
• Improve inclusivity within the Law School, enabling all students to seize vital opportunities and have a positive student experience

Social Sciences – Jo Easom

socialsciences.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Encourage students to represent their course, raise awareness of the PTO scheme and promote a feeling of unity and purpose within the Programme Representative team
• To discuss the classroom space and timetabling issues of the colleges based at OFGS with students and push for a plan to avoid this to be implemented by the University
• Encourage integration of Social Sciences courses and those studying at OFGS

Electronics, Computing and Maths – Faye Meadows

ecm.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Increase opportunities and networking events tailored for electronics, computing and maths students
• Greater Union presence and more involvement in University events at Markeaton
• Campaign for better on-campus facilities, such as longer Markeaton shop opening times and improved study areas
• Get more course-related software for students inside and out of university
• Improve the rep system, making sure communication between students and staff is as effective as possible!

Mechanical Engineering – Sebastian Piper

mebe@derbyunion.co.uk

• Increase communication between students and Programme Reps, enabling more feedback
• Better the relationship between lecturers and students, ensuring students are comfortable in talking to lecturers regarding their academic needs
• More workshop and practical activities in early semesters, encouraging students to remain on their course and increasing enjoyment of the programme

Human Sciences – Wayne McFarland

humansciences@derbyunion.co.uk

• Work with the University and Careers and Employment Services, presenting more Human Sciences internship and work opportunities
• Work with the Mental Health and Wellbeing PTO and Disabilities PTO, bringing more awareness to learning and mental disabilities and mental wellbeing
• Work with the University to open study spaces for MA Research students
• Encourage Academics of Human Sciences to meet with students to discuss their research within CLANS

Environmental Sciences – Tracy Wright

es.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Reduce the amount of single-use plastics that are used around the university
• Try to secure some allotment plots for student use and create a community allotment where all students can come and grow fresh food
• Work with the University to get an onsite nursery for parent students
• Work with the Library to expand the 24-hour opening times

Nursing and Professional Practice – Paula Gale

npp.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Effect change for nursing students
• Take part in discussions that affect University of Derby students
• Monitor issues raised by students, ensuring student voice is regularly heard
• Ensure Programme Rep elections are held at the start of each academic year
• Increase awareness of support for Programme Reps
• Increase Programme Reps visibility and raise awareness of volunteering benefits
• Explore student deferral and ensure this runs smoothly for students

Allied Health and Social Care – Jade Nixon

ahsc.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Create regular focus groups across allied-health professional subjects, to learn about the changes YOU want to see
• Create networking opportunities across the subjects, such as practice multidisciplinary meetings about case studies, or social events
• Create development opportunities through resources and experiences, such as having guest speakers or attending conferences

Social and Community Studies – Kimberley Chadbourne

scs.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Support Programme Reps
• Empower students
• Strive towards equality
• Build relations

UDOL Students – Sadaruddin Shah

udol.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Represent UDOL students, hoping to improve the university experience
• Improve response to student feedback, providing a service tailored to student needs
• Provide course-related webinars and free short-term courses for students
• Resolve any issues that may arise and bring to the notice of those concerned about any student grievances
• Increase the use of technology for better education
• Advise students and provide an easier way to voice their opinions

Postgraduate Taught – Monzir Tom

pgt.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• Represent postgraduate taught students, actively seeking their feedback in order to achieve a superb university experience
• Encourage postgraduate taught students’ involvement in all university academic, social, entertainment and sports events and societies, establishing new societies if needed
• Establish a stronger voice, representation and contribution for and of postgraduate students
• Help and support international students and address all issues of concern

Postgraduate Research – Emily-Rose Cluderay

pgr.officer@derbyunion.co.uk

• PGR students empowered, respected and valued
• Build a dynamic and supportive PGR community across disciplines, departments and campuses
• Greater recognition of PGR health and wellbeing, with events designed to support and promote this
• Improve induction programme to include practice help, advice and orientation, with clear, consistentcommunication on policies, systems and procedures
• PGR-led activities and events at all levels, including peer support and mentoring

Chesterfield – Viki Bradley

chesterfield@derbyunion.co.uk

• More books and a chill-out area in the library
• Unite Derby and Chesterfield campuses
• Build up the St. Helena Society, encouraging student involvement and enabling socialisation with all students at St. Helena
• Help the Nursing Society thrive, giving students more opportunities

Buxton, Leek and Chairs

Buxton Chair – Adam Hopkins

bux.chair@derbyunion.co.uk

• Work with Student Well-being and the Union advice team to raise awareness of mental health issues, ensuring support is there
• Break down stigmas and improve the well-being of all students
• Ensure reasonable availability and equal opportunities to: transport, food, housing, library facilities and learning resources, societies and social academic events
• Make the Buxton campus heard and encourage involvement with Kedleston Road

Buxton Events Officer – Anesu Choto

bux.events@derbyunion.co.uk

• Ensure societies create relationships with students outside of their community
• Include different cultures’ and religions’ events so we may learn from each other’s backgrounds
• Create support rallies for sport societies
• Unite Buxton with Kedleston Road and Chesterfield when hosting multicultural events
• Host non-alcohol events for students who don’t drink
• Diversify the locations of our events, keeping us invested in our local communities

Buxton Activities Officer – Jack Taylor

bux.activities@derbyunion.co.uk

• Create inclusive activities, creating a stronger community within the campus and involving more students
• Expand the range of activities available to Buxton students, ensuring they have access to a wide variety of opportunities
•  Ensure all Buxton clubs and societies are the given the means to grow and develop their recreations
• Work with the other Buxton officers to create activities that bring together different disciplines

Buxton Education HE – Charlotte Harrison-Wear

bux.HE@derbyunion.co.uk

• Hold academics accountable for on-time and high-quality feedback
• Increase access to real-life learning by setting out a clear process for placement years/study abroad schemes
• Widen the facilities available at the library to ensure higher quality resources are on offer to all students

Union Sports Chair – Teedie Brace

sports.chair@derbyunion.co.uk

• Increase support for outdoor sports on game days by introducing better outdoor shelters and heating
• Review training timetables, ensuring members are in and out on schedule with time to get and pack away equipment
• Update Union website to make sport teams’ pages more appealing, encouraging the recruitment of more members by clarifying important information and enabling teams to personalise their page with photos and videos

Union Societies Chair – Joshua Williams

societies.chair@derbyunion.co.uk

• Proposing a new system of support for society committee members, where more experienced members can provide ongoing support to those who are new via meetings or emails
• Increase social awareness of societies, encouraging inter-society events and showcasing what fantastic societies the University has to offer
• Develop societies varsity, encouraging a range of societies to participate, increasing its size and reach

Equality and Diversity Council Chair – Emma Rodrigues

XXX@derbyunion.co.uk

• Everyone should have the right to do what they want or need regardless of their disability, ethnicity, gender or sexuality
• Be the Disability, Ethnic Minorities, Gender and LGBTQ+ officers’ main point of contact for support, doing my best to aid their ideas and turn them into reality
• Ensure we met on a regular basis
• Be available for one-to-one discussions in person or online

Education Chair – Chris Winson

• Engage with PTOS from each college and school across all sites and online, gathering feedback on academic issues and presenting these at the Academic Board
  Organise and efficiently run regular Education Councils which all PTOs will be invited to while ensuring remote attendance
• Provide a professional representation of the student body at a board level, helping to bring in changes

Buxton Campus FE Officer – Ethan Wynn

fe.buxton@derbyunion.co.uk

• A cheaper menu with a range of healthier options
• The option to hire laptops for home use
• Additional water fountains. Subtitles for the café TV’s
• An increase in the number of books relating to your respective courses whether they are paper or E-books
• Revised bus times.

Leek Campus FE Officer – Lucas Jackson

fe.leek@derbyunion.co.uk

• Listen to students on all courses, making sure their voices are heard
• Ensure food prices stay low
• Ensure buses run smoothly, making it an easier task for people in the mornings
• Remain a friendly and approachable face to discuss student issues with

Nominations are open!

If you’ve been inspired by those representing you and would like to make changes or carry on their progress into the following academic year, the Union’s nominations for Part Time (and Full Time) Officers is now open!

Follow the link below if you’d like to nominate yourself – and spread the word! Representation is an important part of the student experience and a significant way in which students can communicate their voice. Even if you don’t plan on nominating yourself, make sure your have a look at who’s running and cast your vote! The polls will be open on the Union of Students website as of the 27th of February.

Keep an eye on Phantom for any updates on the election process.

Elections/nominations link: https://www.derbyunion.co.uk/elections/

Note: the above manifestos have been shortened to roughly 60 words in length to accommodate for the blog. If you would like more information on a PTO or Chair’s manifesto/campaign do not hesitate to get in contact using the email addresses above.