Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union, 2009-10

Vote Chris for Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer

My name is Chris Jenkinson. Next year I will be studying a Masters in Environmental Governance, and I am currently the Academic Affairs Officer in the Students’ Union. The Postgraduate and Mature Students’ Officer is a part-time position on the Union’s executive, representing postgraduate students, both taught and research, and mature students to the University at all levels.

Aims as Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer

In my role as Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer, I have three key aims if elected:

  • Give postgraduates a voice in the Union – while the Union has begun to listen more to postgraduate students this year, there is still a long way to go. I’ll continue to improve the course representative system and make sure the Union understands postgraduate issues.
  • Support lifelong learning – mature students are students too. I’ll campaign for mature students to have decent social spaces and a forum where common issues can be brought.
  • Improve accessibility – unless students are free on a Wednesday afternoon, they cannot play a part in setting policy in our Union. This affects postgraduates and mature students in particular, meaning they are disenfranchised.

My experience and achievements

As Academic Affairs Officer this year, I have overhauled the course representative system. I’ve trained several hundred course representatives, both undergraduate and postgraduate, and supported them throughout the academic year, giving them the skills they need to bring the issues affecting the students they represent to their school.

  • I’ve campaigned hard for improvements to feedback on our essays – and witnessed several new feedback policies brought in by the university because of my work.

  • I’ve fought for better academic support – and the university is introducing academic advisors everywhere, who will proactively support students.
  • I’ve demanded a 24-hour library – and seen its success, used by hundreds of students, at the last exam period.

I’m the experienced candidate for Postgraduate & Mature Students’ Officer, and I’ll fulfil my election pledges.

Vote Chris for Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer

Please vote Chris Jenkinson for Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer, and vote for other progressive candidates who believe this Union should be an inclusive, democratic and effective Students’ Union.