Your Students' Union is run by four elected Executive Officers - students just like yourselves.
Your Students’ Union is led by four Executive Officers: your President, Vice-President Barts and The London, Vice-President Education and Vice-President Welfare. Your Executive Officers are students elected by the whole student body each year in the Union Elections. They work for you on all issues to do with student life, listen to what you want to be done and work with the relevant people to make it happen.
We decided to find out more about your 2016-17 President Miranda Black, and what her plans are for the Union this year…
Can you describe what your role is in the Students’ Union and what you do for students?
I’m the President of Queen Mary Students’ Union which means that I was elected to fight for student voices to be heard at a university and a national level. I also work with the other full-time officers and Student Council on campaigns and issues that matter to students. No 2 days are the same, and my job description says I’m responsible for 19 different things!
Making a difference in students’ lives is my favourite part of this role. Last year I was Vice-President Welfare and mental health was my top priority. This launched the ‘Elephant in the Room’ campaign where Executive Officers dressed up as elephants and sat in lectures to raise awareness for mental health. I’m also delighted to say that we have received funding for 3 mental health inspired sculptures designed by students to be installed on Mile End campus… so watch this space!
I’m so excited to get started on lots of new and innovative projects this year. Please do contact me if you want our help with anything, or if I can offer you support in any way.
What are some of the goals you have for the Union this year – anything you want to differently?
I really want us to continue to be more welcoming and engaging as a Students’ Union. All students are automatically a member of the Students’ Union but don’t realise and miss out on the benefits.
We have tonnes on offer including societies, sports, volunteering, fundraising, employability opportunities and much more! In relation to the Union’s campaigns, it is important that you know what the Union is working on, and that you’re involved. We want your feedback – the good, the bad and the ugly- at every stage, and we want you to be part of creating change.
Any advice you’d like to give to Freshers starting in September?
There’s something for everyone, so don’t worry about settling in. I always wish I had done more outside of my English degree, so try out as many things as possible and find out what you love to do.
If you want to know more about what the Union has to offer, or if you find it hard to settle in, please do feel like you can always send me a message.
If you were stranded on a desert island and you could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?
They’re not practical in the slightest but I’d take my Mum, my dog, and a life supply of pretzels. I’d then rely on my Mum to get us off of the island.
You can add Miranda on Facebook and follow her on Twitter to keep up to date on what she’s working on for students. You can also follow the Exec Officers on Snapchat at qm-su.