MSU Elections: Vice-President Manifestos
In the upcoming 24/25 MSU elections, we have four candidates nominated for a VP role. They are VP for Academic Affairs candidate Charli Middleton, VP for Welfare and Equality candidate Thea Layberry-Ling and VP for Student Life candidates Elle George and Amina Traboue. In this article I will be dissecting their individual manifestos so that voters can make an informed decision and be aware of the impact their choice may have on the students of Maynooth University.
Firstly, the position that will require a choice from students at the polls, VP for Student Life.
The Candidates are Elle George and Amina Traboue.
Both manifestoes focus heavily on fostering more diversity and inclusivity on campus with Elle George specifically promising more inclusive events that carter to different student groups including cultural celebrations, LGBTQ+ spaces and accessibility friendly events. As well as this, George advocates for increased vegan, halal and allergen friendly food choices to include dietary diversity.
Traboue’s manifesto pledges to tackle diversity issues but from a more systemic perspective. As she says, if elected, she will implement anti-discrimination and anti-racism training for all staff and officers to be taken throughout the year. Traboue wants to highlight job opportunities within the SU that she claims, “a large portion of ethnic minorities do not know about”. Similarly, Traboue will continue working on Inclusivity and Diversity Week and Postgrad Appreciation Week as she finds postgraduates don't get highlighted enough on campus.
When it comes to the issue of mental health facilities, George states she will improve access to mental health resources by raising better awareness for neurodivergent individuals and fostering peer support networks. George will also advocate for stress free study spaces and relaxation areas by developing spaces on campus for quiet reflection free from distractions.
Amina Traboue did not elaborate on how she would enhance the mental health facilities if elected. However, Traboue did raise concern over a lack of amenities for commuters, promising to make more engaging events for students who commute such as “song bingo” and “speed friending”. On the other hand, George promises to deliver more low-cost events, without the emphasis on earlier times for commuters like “pyjama” and “retro” parties.
The candidate for VP for Academic Affairs is Charli Middleton.
Charli Middleton touched on “Blended Learning” in her manifesto and promises to make sure departments are provided adequate notes and to utilise Moodle as a legitimate online platform. Middleton wants to investigate the possibility of online learning resources such as recorded lectures, offering a unique perspective that is not yet addressed at Maynooth University.
Her take on Mental Health is similar to the candidates for Student Life, wanting to create safe spaces for students on campus within the MSU in addition to providing students with a guide on how to prevent academic burnout. Furthermore, if elected, she will provide training to those on the Rep Council to be more independent and be able to voice student concerns with the backing of MSU-AMLMN.
In conclusion, all manifestos emphasize the importance of inclusivity, highlighting a commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students attending Maynooth University, in addition to a desire to combat the problems for all students attending MU. This may result in a tough choice come Election Day.