On Tuesday 6th of March, the candidates running for the position of Education Officer participated in a hustings run by Dimitrios Potsos.
This year there are only two candidates running for the position of Education Officer: Matthew Spurr and Cassie O’Boyle. However, Matthew did not attend the hustings.
At the beginning of the hustings, Cassie gave a short explanation as to why she is running for re-elections. She explained that projects, such as campaigning for free graduation or making sure that all students have Wednesday afternoons off, take a lot more than just one year to be completed.
In regard to the graduation costs, Cassie explained that she wants to make sure that guests do not have to pay 20 pounds for a ticket and said that there is a team currently looking into how they can address this.
“Cassie explained that she will be working with the International Officers”
The next question she was asked was how she plans to address the issue of tuition fees for international students being raised. Cassie explained that she will be working with the International Officers as they know what is best for their community. She went on to say that having open dialogues and relationships with both full-time and part-time Officers is important.
Cassie was later asked how she plans to keep Wednesday afternoons free. She explains that she is aware of there being massive clashes with both societies and classes. She continued to explain that recommendations have already been sent to the University and that they need to do a better job at talking and communicating with the different departments and schools to prevent future clashes.
“She would also want to look further into hidden course costs”
Talking about international students, those with learning disabilities, and the LGBT+ community, Cassie explained that she wants both the officers and staff to be properly educated within each area and have sufficient training so that they can properly help the students in need.
Asked what her number one priority would be if re-elected, Cassie said that she would continue with the campaigns that she has already started. She would also want to look further into hidden course costs. She explains that she doesn’t want students to be financially burdened when going on a placement.
“She is “always willing to help out” by giving out “hints and tips”
If re-elected, Cassie would be working with the new SU Officers, therefore she was asked how she would support them. Cassie explained that she is “always willing to help out” by giving out “hints and tips.” However, she also wants to give them an opportunity to settle in themselves without her just telling them how everything works.
When asked how she plans to address the lack of amenities, Cassie said that she will be developing a map for student amenities, such as gender-neutral toilets, kettles, microwaves. She would later on want to add this onto the My Nottingham app.
Sarah Lindgarde
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