It’s that time of year again where we start to think about our plans for next year. In the year of probably the greatest uncertainty one thing we know for sure is that SU Officer Elections are happening and nominations are opening soon. So if you want to get ahead of the game and secure the best graduate job, the best placement or the best sabbatical from studies then this is your opportunity to start thinking.
I applied 2 years ago, having really enjoyed my time in committee, and being quite uncertain of what I wanted to do with my future. I had not been on the sports exec, or volunteered much outside of Volleyball, but went for it anyway, and the handover, opportunities to meet other Sabbatical officers, and support have filled the knowledge gaps. You learn quickly, and soon settle into the role.
Inside and outside of the pandemic, so much of the role is problem solving. Your manifesto will isolate key issues within your area, and seek to remedy them. There are lots of issues arising outside of that- especially since last spring, with short-timescale, 'fire-fighting' that goes on when urgent issues arise (such as sudden lockdowns), or longer term, where we have had to find real, proactive solutions to keep people engaged during a pandemic, contingency plan, and ensure robust solutions to key chalenges.
At first, I thought the role was mainly on the delivery side of sport- I soon found out how wrong I was. Officers oversee the strategic direction of their own area, the SU, and even the university. I’ve chaired the Finance and Audit committee for 2 years, ensuring that a multi-million pound charity can weather the pandemic, and have worked on leadership committee to better connect SU areas and our strategic KPI's.
You'll fight in the student corner, and might be the only voice for students in many meetings! I've lobbied for new facilities (with success in some areas...), increased university expenditure on the student experience throughout the pandemic, secured funding towards sustainable travel.
I've developed relationships with key stakeholders throughout the university, BANES, sport, the higher education sector- I've met CEO's of multiple institutions, councillors, fellow officers, and have shared best practice with people across the world.
There's a lot of battling, but there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate, reflect, and share learnings. I was presented with a university of Bath Covid Award, successfully interviewed for the BUCS student advisory group, published articles for WonkHE- ‘the home of the higher education debate’, have been interviewed by the BBC and have presented at multiple conferences.
It’s an incredible role, in which you will learn quickly, and develop a range of skills. The supporting team are wonderful, and you quickly realise why the Bath has a sector-leading SU. The role has shaped who I am now, and I’ve no doubt the next 6 months will continue to do so, with many opportunities.
After 2 years, I’ll be leaving this role, and you could be taking over! There’s still a load to be done, with momentum gaining around the 3G pitch, a new sporting strategy being implemented, and a real need to get people back into accessible, physical activity after the habit shifts caused by the pandemic.
I am really happy to discuss the role with you so please reply to this if you want to know more. If you would rather speak to a staff member, Polly Hawker (adsph@bath.ac.uk) is a great person to start with.
Nominations open on Monday 25 January. You can find out more about the elections process, the roles and the full timetable on the website www.thesubath.com/runforsuofficer If you are interested, be sure to register your interest on the website, this will ensure you get sent any relevant and new information regarding the election. If you have a mate that would make an excellent officer, scroll down and recommend them! These aren’t formal nominations, so you’re not committing to anything other than some extra info.