President (Academic Life)

I'm Benjamin, a final year Computer Science student! As a current Course Rep and Closing Our Gap Student Partner, I am actively working to dismantle academic barriers students face on a day to day basis. I am applying for President (Academic Life) because I believe a high quality education is a right, not a privilege. My experience collaborating with students as a Student Ambassador and my data-driven mindset from my degree have prepared me to represent you at the highest level on the Academic Board. I have a proven track record of professional integrity, recognised by my CCCU Super Student and Silver Volunteering awards (working towards Gold!). I have also taken part in University Course Approval Panels as a Student Panel Member, sharing valuable insights from a student's perspective for upcoming courses and giving me unique work experience with senior roles and academics. I am running to ensure your academic concerns are not just heard, but amplified and acted upon to shape a better educational future for every student no matter their background.

Based on student feedback and rep meetings, there are three priorities that need to be addressed. Priority 1: Accountability in Assessment and Feedback The Issue: Inconsistent marking and late feedback with zero communication. I will hold the university accountable for a university-wide feedback standard. It is unacceptable that some lecturers spend the time and effort to provide detailed guidance to students, while others are happy to give a sentence or two as feedback. A minimum quality level for feedback will allow students to improve for their next assignments and years of study. Additionally, I will fight for a 'Transparency Clause'. If a department is going to miss the 15-day feedback deadline, they must inform you before the deadline passes, not after you’ve already spent days waiting. Priority 2: The Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) System The Issue: Students don’t know who their PAT is. The PAT system is currently a ghost service for too many students. You shouldn’t have to go on a treasure hunt to find the support you’ve already paid for. I will mandate an 'Academic Refresh' for every semester, ensuring every student has the opportunity for a face-to-face or virtual meeting with their tutor. Also, I will push for PAT details to be integrated directly into Blackboard, ensuring that students can quickly find out who their PAT is if needed. Priority 3: Fix the Timetabling Mess The Problem: Timetables are released too late and change too often, making it impossible to balance work, life, and study. It is impossible to fix the timetabling overnight. However, it is not impossible to fix the communication involved. I am campaigning for two achievable goals. Firstly, I will push for a ""Publication Deadline"" where timetables must be finalised at least 4 weeks before the semester starts. Secondly, if a change is made to your room or time, you shouldn't find out by standing outside a locked door or empty room. I will demand an automated alert system (SMS or Email) that triggers the second a change is logged in the system.

I am not just a student with ideas; I am a student who is already in the room where decisions are made. As a Closing Our Gap Student Partner, I have worked alongside university senior leads to address academic achievement gaps. This role has given me a deep understanding of the institutional data and the specific educational barriers that CCCU students face. My background in Computer Science provides a unique advantage for this role. I approach academic representation with a logical, data-driven mindset. As a Project and Mentoring Deputy for an SME Charity, I have experience in the third sector that directly translates to my responsibilities as a Trustee and Director of the Union. Furthermore, my time in the Clearing Enquiry Team and as a Student Caller has proven my ability to handle sensitive information, work under high pressure, and communicate with professional integrity. These are essential qualities for a Union Director and Trustee. My passion for our community isn't just a campaign promise; it's documented. I received the CCCU Silver Award for Volunteering for dedicating over 100 hours to student life. Being nominated for the Special Recognition and receiving the Super Student award reflects my commitment to being a role model. I am not running to simply build a CV. I am running because I have already spent my time at CCCU advocating for others, and I want the mandate to do it at the highest level.