HSU Officers

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union President?

I’ve been working as an Officer for the past 8 months and I have a good understanding of issues students are facing and how to help. I already have strong relationships with University and Student Union staff which means I can get stuff done. I have been listening to your feedback and making changes and I want more time to work on these to really make changes for you, and honestly, I’m not ready to leave yet!

What would your priorities be as a President?

Based on my work so far this year, and speaking to you, I know that timetabling is one of the biggest problems you are having with the university. I’m already working on making changes to this but I want to continue my work to make sure you are having and getting the university experience you deserve. I want to continue my work on sustainability and providing you all with Cost of Living support. I want to help with housing, creating a housemate finder to make it easier for you to find others to live with.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good President?

I’ve already been helping Hallam students in my current role as Social Sciences and Art College Officer, so I know how the role of president works and I’m confident I can make even more positive changes for students if I am elected. In my role so far I have set up a Cost of Living Shop, securing partnerships with Aldi and SHU to help you through the current challenges. I’ve lobbied the university for the return of the cafe in Aspect Court and advocated student’s needs to Sheffield’s MPs and leaders.

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

My name is Shafaq Sajid and I am running for the role of International Student Officer. Having experienced the challenges of being an international student firsthand, I am committed to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered. With collective efforts, I aim to make our university the top choice for international students by ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can create a vibrant and inclusive community.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

If elected, I will:

• Facilitate academic success by providing access to information, tools/apps regarding assignment making, research, and presentation skills
• Career development to expand opportunities like paid internships, placements, and networking events
• Work to improve housing support with affordable accommodation options and address local guarantor issues
• Advocate for more scholarship programs, particularly for young women
• Mental health workshops and counseling to ensure that no student feels alone
• Facilitate new students with information on opening bank accounts, NI, English language support, grocery discounts, etc.
• Cultural integration through more societies, and events and increasing the engagement of students.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I have a unique blend of expertise and skills in advocating for various causes and a passion to serve. I have been working with the government and NGOs in Pakistan. I have worked on numerous campaigns aimed at improving healthcare and education access for marginalized communities. I have experience of working in media as a content manager which gives me strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. I can advocate for the challenges faced by the students and am determined to be their voice. My vision is to create a bright future where every student at Hallam thrives. Let’s make a difference, together.

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

I’ve been actively involved with sports at Hallam for the last 3 years, training with Hallam Netball, Trampolining and recently taking up Athletics. I am aware of the importance of sport positively affecting mental health and physical wellbeing and want to be involved in promoting and improving this for future Hallam students.

Sport and physical activity are my passion and I want to be involved in developing an inclusive culture at Sheffield Hallam where people feel part of the university community and are encouraged to be the best and healthiest version of themselves.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

1. Ensure all sports clubs, regardless of size, get the recognition and promotion that they deserve!
2. Mental health support including mindfulness sessions to promote positive mental health practices.
3. From a diversity and inclusion perspective, encourage and support students from minority groups to get involved in physical activity and associated wellbeing incentives.
4. Maintain the split payment method for club memberships, ensuring students aren’t financially penalised for using this system.
5. For sports that hold trials, have further trials in Semester 2 to allow students with potential to join teams.
6. Encourage healthy eating habits to aid overall wellbeing.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

As the current Department Representative for Sport, in conjunction with holding various committee positions, including Vice Chair & Charity Officer, I’ve been able to develop important skills such as leadership and communication to improve the student experience.

As a member of the Gamechangers project, I actively work to promote female inclusion in sport.

I assist in running social netball at Hallam to encourage and develop talent.

I have volunteered at numerous sporting events, including the Special Olympics and Everybody Moves Parasports Event, helping to promote inclusion by assisting people with physical and intellectual disabilities to become involved in sport.

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

I think that being confident, having the capacity to treat people fairly, being able to listen and take in knowledge, and generally being a decent person to everyone around you are essential skills for a career in business, technology, and engineering. Everyone around me and I can agree that I acquire these qualities and make the greatest use of them. Being elected would be the biggest confidence boost for me since I'm all for equality and positive change. I also want to know that I've motivated others around me and made this department the best it can be.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

As an officer in this field, my main priority includes being a safe space for students to confide in me and trust that I will do my best to change what needs to be changed. I have studied at SHU for 3 years and have been a course representative for one, so I believe that I can understand students' concerns fully and am most likely to relate to their problems. I like to think that I am fair in my judgement and a very honest person so if I say I want something done then I will hold my word.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

The experience that I currently hold is firstly being a course rep in my final year. My course mates and I all get along and they all come to me with any concerns showing they trust me. I was voted as head girl in 6th form, which increased my confidence and once again my peers trusted me to take the lead. I am a huge advocate for change and I will always stand up for what is right and try my best to make sure everyone no matter their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation feels comfortable in their surroundings.

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

In my role as a department representative, I've encountered a diverse range of challenges that students encounter during their university experience, spanning from placements to overall wellbeing to cost of living issues. As an Officer, I would aspire to address these issues head-on. I've observed students unable and unsure how to get their opinions and issues across, and as an officer, I would aim to represent and advocate for these students, tackling issues that students experience. I’m passionate in supporting students to have the best possible university experience, being a voice for concerns and actively tackling common issues.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

My priorities as an officer would include wellbeing promotion and resource availability to ensure all students are aware of support available to them, increasing awareness of issues such as sexual violence and harassment. ensuring students are supported. This includes support available for minoritised groups, disabled students, and international students. I would also work on; placement support and opportunities available, cost-of-living support and visibility of what the SU offer, including societies, the advice centre, and campaigns. These priorities are from issues that are common across the University and important in making sure every student feels safe, supported, and represented.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I would make a good officer due to being a department rep, representing students, working with academic societies to improve community. As the president and founder of the Women in Science society, it allowed me to support and represent an underrepresented group of students. I have worked with vulnerable children, to support their physical and mental health, demonstrating my passion for helping others and my versatility. I also teach dance which allows me to adapt and support others, communicate effectively and work in a team. These experiences have allowed me to develop the skills needed to be an effective Officer.

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

As I am coming to the completion of my second degree at Hallam, I am eager to now work within the Union to help improve the Hallam experience, representing the student voice and supporting the student body. The Social Sciences and Arts College encompasses such a broad range of subjects and I would be delighted to work alongside students from both campuses. I am a keen organiser and competent leader who would love the opportunity to thrive in a role such as this where it is imperative to make effective change and continue to improve and shape our Student Union.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

Within this role, I aim to continue previous projects surrounding Wellbeing services and Cost of Living support for students as well as prioritising student satisfaction with feeling a sense of community and belonging. This would consist of addressing and reducing transport costs to encouraging students to join, attend and create societies. As this role covers the Social Sciences and Arts College, there is a huge diversity in departments and subjects therefore I intend to listen and attend to the needs of students broader than my own department and react to important issues that arise throughout the year.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

Over the six years I have spent at Hallam, I have become increasingly comfortable within leadership roles and, amongst my peers and tutors, I am known for my organisation skills and being a voice for students. I have been course rep for two years, seeking to improve the student experience and working closely with course leaders in rewriting our Master's course. I am also currently the President of one of the largest Social Societies at Hallam which, combined with my several years experience in hospitality management, has been invaluable in furthering my ability to be a personable and approachable leader.