I am running for Digby Stuart College President and I currently study Classical Civilisation in my second year, of which I am also the programme rep for. I have been an active member of the Roehampton community since joining in 2019. Those who know me will tell you how approachable and personable I am, but I hope that those that don’t will soon be able to find this out for themselves. 

The intent of my manifesto can largely be divided into two subcategories; Environmental Action and Student Support.

Environmental Action

• Set up a larger food bank or communal fridge in which we can ensure little food is wasted across campus.

• Lower carbon footprint; making sure all lights in lecture rooms and communal spaces are turned off when not in use. 

• A clearer recycling scheme for students living in hall - flats across Digby are often given one bin or bins without clear recycling instructions, with some failing to differentiate the two. 

• More investment in Growhampton and The Hive, places that are essential to Digby’s community and are often overlooked. This includes but is not limited to: Longer opening hours for The Hive, more available space for The Growhampton team, which I hope would be able to contribute to the food bank, and improvements to the seating area between The Hive and Garden Court.

• More flowers around campus :)

Student Support

• Advocate for more in person lectures and for lower tuition fees for those affected by sudden changes or a reduced learning experience.

• Increased office hours and staff for students with mental health, victims of trauma or anyone who feels they need additional support. I feel it is especially relevant this year with so many being isolated.

• Additional support for minority groups (LGBTQIA+, BAME, Religion or Disability), making sure the universities advocacy is not performative, and that it will continue long after trends. Examples of this would be permanent murals around campus, celebrating all religious holidays equally, leaving the pride flag that stood at the main entrance up all year. 

• Recreate a sense of community through weekly online events (such as; quizzes, open mics, fundraisers, music and games), all used to be prevalent at the Union Bar. Some of these events could potentially be socially distanced on Froebel Lawn. 

• Make the process in which students can report any issues they have with the university or other students more accessible, with the option to remain anonymous with an easy process that aims not to add stress to those reporting issues.

• Increase the availability of free condoms, but also make sure female contraceptives such as the ‘morning after’ pill are also readily available at the on-campus university GP.

• A ‘reverse pink tax’, which encourages shops on campus to supply menstrual products such as tampons or pads at a low or reduced price. 

Thank you for taking time out of your respective days to read my manifesto, please try to stay safe and hydrated during these trying times.