VOTE MUSHTAQ!

Dear Fellow Students,

My name is Mushtaq Ismail and I am campaigning to be your next Vice President of Education. As of this year, I have been a member of the Roehampton community for 4 years. Having faced many different difficulties during my university career, a change of course and a global pandemic during my second year: my main aim is to collaborate with students to create change and address concerns, allowing them to perform to the best of their academic abilities. 

Below are some of my key motivations for applying:

• I believe that this position is a unique one as it allows the student body to engage with another student who understands the position they are in. Oftentimes, it is easier to reach out to a peer. Furthermore, the separation of Roehampton University and the Student Union as two separate businesses allows me to engage fully with the university with students' best interests in mind.

• I have previously been part of the Roehampton Somali and Islamic societies, and in both of these positions helped to create a sense of community for current and incoming students. In those roles I raised many issues to other members of the committees, working collaboratively to find the best possible solutions. The VP role is on a larger scale but I am confident my experience and enthusiasm will help to bridge the gap.

Main manifesto points:

• To push for more mental health provision in the university. As many students return to in person teaching, while some are still doing a form of hybrid teaching, the lasting impacts of Covid are becoming increasingly clear. Many students feel that they missed out on their vital first year experience and are now struggling to find their place in this new stage of their life. I aim to ensure that all students have the necessary mental health measures in place and can participate fully in university life. 

• Many students have expressed distress at the overall costs of living in London and university life. For many of my peers even after maintenance loans and part time jobs, they are still struggling. If I am voted in as VP I will work to keep an updated resource list of different grants, scholarships, funds, mutual aid for students to easily apply for financial support.

• The high cost of the graduation ceremony. The high costs associated with graduation is yet another hurdle for students from low-income backgrounds, indicative of the larger problem - the hidden costs of higher education. Whilst the costs of university often deters low-income students from applying, it should not also be a stressor for those who have already completed their degrees.

I am passionate about the change we could make together here at Roehampton, and if you agree with points I have put forward, I would greatly appreciate your support in this upcoming election. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email me at Ismailm6@roehampton.ac.uk.

Thank you for your time, 

Mushtaq Ismail