ABOUT ME

My name is Dan Johnson, and I’m running for Digby President. I am a second-year Classics student, Flat rep, President of the Music Society, Vice-President of Esports, Men’s Rowing Captain and an active member of the LGBTQ+ and Gaming Societies. I thrive in positions of responsibility and want to do as much as I can to improve university life for others. I’ve already had the opportunity to meet and work with amazing people, make great memories, and see positive changes. Though I want to continue to develop these changes and better the student experience at Roehampton.

COMMUNITY

Community is key and given current events I aim to strengthen it, giving all students the best university experience. More than ever, we should be striving to build relationships and ensure that nobody ever feels isolated. Some of the proposals I have are; developing communications between college leaders to set up events; more communication between colleges and students, and college-wide competitions between households; and more outdoor social spaces, specifically one on each college as we do for kitchens and cafes.

Many students in Digby Stuart are commuters and are often forgotten when it comes to social events but should feel a part of the community. To encourage this, I plan to work closely with the Commuting Students’ Officer on social media posts, pages and events to bring commuting students together with those on campus.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Now, students need as much support as ever. As president I would aim to further this in two areas; mental-health, and isolating students.

Since last year we have lost access to weekly drop-in sessions for mental-health support. I would reintroduce this in Zoom form, functioning like office hours, encouraging struggling students get the support they need. I would also encourage the wellbeing-team to become more open, with a contact number for around the clock support, or more accessible wardens without going through emergency security. I would also propose higher usage of the roewellbeing app, encouraging the use of helplines for students.

Similarly, I would increase transparency between students and cvreports, during this unpredictable time with the rules constantly changing, I feel that encouraging openness between the team and students would relieve tension. I appreciate the direct communication between the team and students, though there could be more practical support given. I suggest more variable food packages and scheduled events online to entertain and comfort isolating flats.

CONCLUSION

If I am elected as Digby President, you would have a capable and experienced leader to close the gap between students and staff and work towards bettering university life for all. I am an approachable and open individual, there is a high chance that you have seen me around campus but I would further this in my presidency by being open for emails, contact and support at all times. With the support of my team who hold positions including; Presidents and Vice-Presidents of Societies, Flat Reps and Senior Flat Reps, CCLs, Student Officers and Ambassadors, I hope to create a college we can all be proud of.