Candidate for the position of Vice President (Activities)

Image for Arjun Singh

Arjun Singh

Elections Personal Statement
The reason of my priorities is focused on my keen observations during my limited time at the university that majority of students do not access the sports and activities infrastructure.

It was due to various reasons lack of awareness to access the facilities, paid memberships of the sports club, timings of students classes and their transportation schedules, and lack of engagement at cohort/student level.

My key priorities:

1. Enhancing Participation and Representation-

● Increasing Membership and Retention:
I will focus on expanding the reach of sports clubs, societies, and student-led services by
creating targeted campaigns to attract new members and retain existing ones while developing
engaging promotional strategies to highlight the benefits of joining these groups.

● Democracy and Accountability:
I am committed to ensuring that all sports clubs and societies are democratically run and
accountable to their members. As someone who has led teams and managed events, I
understand the importance of transparency and will work to strengthen governance structures
and encourage active participation in decision-making processes.

2. Leadership and Support for Student Groups-

● Training and Development:
I will identify and facilitate training needs for sports, societies, and student-led services while
adhering to the highest standards of student service and safety.

● Mentorship and Representation:
I will mentor relevant student officers to ensure effective representation within the Union. By
providing guidance and support, we can build a strong leadership pipeline that drives positive
change and upholds the values of the Union.

3. Engagement and Community Building-

● Union-Led Events:
With the support of Union Sports staff, I will organize engaging events for sports clubs,
societies, and student-led services. I will draw from my own experience to create memorable
and impactful events that foster a sense of community and belonging among students.

● Partnerships and Collaboration:
I will actively engage with the University, hall activators, and external organizations to offer
unique opportunities for students. By working together, we can create a holistic experience that
goes beyond the classroom and into the broader student community.

4. Advocacy and Representation-

● Student-Led Services:
I will represent the interests of student-led services to the University and wider community,
ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

● National Union of Students (NUS):
I will actively engage with the NUS to stay informed about sector developments and advocate
for the rights and interests of our students on a national level.

5. Inclusivity and Well-being-

● Leadership in Working Groups:
I will take a leadership role in one of the Union’s working groups (Mental Health, EDI, and
Sustainability). I believe that addressing these critical issues is essential for creating a
supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

● Promoting Campaigns:
I will contribute to campaigns and focus days, particularly those centered around Liberation
groups and protected characteristics. By raising awareness and promoting inclusivity, we can
build a stronger, more united student body.
During my limited time at university I had the opportunity to make a positive change as the class representative for my cohort. This role allowed me to bridge the gap between students and the academic administration, leading to meaningful improvements in our academic schedule and fostering a sense of importance, equality, and representation for everyone.

Taking Feedback and Encouraging Criticism-

One of the first things I did as class representative is to create an open and transparent feedback loop. I set up regular meetings with my classmates to discuss their concerns, suggestions, and experiences. I emphasized that all feedback is valuable and that our goal was to improve the overall student experience.

Changes in the Academic Class Schedule-

One of the most significant changes we achieved is in the academic class schedule. Through our feedback sessions, we identified several issues with the existing schedule. Some classes were too late in the evening, making it difficult for students to focus during class and interfering with student transportation schedules and rest time. Additionally, there were conflicts between class times and extracurricular activities, which many students felt were important for their holistic development. Armed with this feedback, I organized a meeting with the academic administration and presented our findings. I shared specific examples of how the current schedule is affecting students' well-being and academic performance. The administration were receptive to our concerns and agreed to review the schedule. After rounds of discussions and consultations, we managed to implement a more flexible and balanced class schedule. This change will have a tangible impact on students' lives, leading to improved attendance, higher engagement, and a more positive attitude towards learning.

Personal Connections and One-on-One Talks-

To maintain a sense of importance, equality, and representation, I made it a priority to connect with each student individually. I scheduled one-on-one casual talks with everyone in the cohort, ensuring that each person had the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns directly with me. These interactions were not just about discussing academic issues; they were also about building personal connections and showing that every student's voice mattered. During these conversations, I listened carefully to their experiences and validated their feelings. I made sure to follow up on any issues they raised and kept them informed about the progress we were making. This personal touch helped build trust and fostered a sense of community within the cohort.
Building a close and cheerful community within my university cohort is one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey till now. Despite having limited time at university, I am able to achieve so much, thanks to the strong sense of camaraderie and support we have cultivated.

Academically, we support each other personally. If someone is struggling with a particular topic, others would step in to help explain it. It is amazing how much easier it is to understand complex concepts when someone explained them in a more relatable way. We also share resources like notes, articles, and study guides, making sure that everyone had access to the materials they needed to succeed. We have even created a group chat where we could ask questions, share tips, and motivate each other. It is like having a buddy available 24/7. This collaborative approach not only improves our academic performance but also made the learning process more enjoyable and less stressful.

The sense of community we have built made the university experience truly special, and I hope to create even more family-like communities in the future. Whether it's through organizing events, supporting each other academically, or simply being there for one another, I believe that a strong sense of community can make any environment feel like home. Regardless of any election results or other challenges that may arise in the future, I am committed to fostering these connections. I know that the bonds we create can withstand any obstacles, and I look forward to building more communities that feel as close and cheerful as the one I already have.
Hello fellow students, I am Arjun Singh currently a postgraduate student in the Master’s of
Public Health course and I am honored to present my manifesto for the role of Vice-President
(Activities) at the University of Derby Students'Union. I am excited to bring my skills and passion
to this role. My life experiences have instilled in me a deep commitment to student welfare and
community building. Additionally, my diverse background in leadership, education, and
community engagement along with my professional experience in various roles has equipped
me with the organizational, communication, and strategic skills needed to drive meaningful
change and foster a vibrant student community.

My Vision as Vice-President (Activities) is a Union where every student feels empowered to
participate in sports, societies, and student-led services. I aim to create an inclusive
environment that encourages participation, representation, and excellence through a
student-focused and democratically led structure. By working closely with the University, Union
staff, and student leaders, I will strive to build a cohesive, supportive community that values
diversity, inclusion, and well-being.
My Experience and Commitment-

My journey as Vice Captain of my school house and Class Representative during my graduation and currently as Postgraduation
year has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style and commitment to student welfare. I
have learned the importance of listening to diverse voices, fostering teamwork, and driving initiatives that make a tangible difference. My professional experience as Management Head of
an NGO in organizing events, nationwide seminars and webinars, managing teams, overseeing
event planning and advocating for the needs of students will be invaluable in this role.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the University of Derby Students'Union and to
make a meaningful impact on the lives of fellow students. With your support, I am confident that
we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community where every student can thrive.

Join me in shaping a brighter future for our Union!

Thank you for considering me for this role. I am eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and
concerns as we embark on this journey together.


A VOTE FOR ME IS A VOTE FOR YOU