Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
Welfare & Community Officer is a full time Sabbatical Officer of the Students’ Union working full time to provide leadership to the Students’ Union’s services; and representing the interests of students to UCL, including participating in UCL committees and regular meetings with senior staff. They will lead on all issues relating to welfare, wellbeing and housing for Members ensuring that the Union promotes their mental, physical and social wellbeing.
Category
Candidates
Maria Cordovez
(She/Her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Create a Social Wellness Club to develop plans that truly unite people in healthy and affordable activities such as Walk-Talk to cultivate a sense of community and enhance the well-being of all of us. Organize food banks, food fairs, and cooking events to prepare budget-friendly, delicious, and nutritious meals. Food significantly influences our social lives and mental well-being. Develop easily accessible support groups. Let's face it, when confronted with a problem, the last thing one wants is to fill many forms; rather, simplicity is desired to alleviate pain.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As a doctor and nutritionist, I not only understand well-being, but I also live for it. My previous role as an SRA has equipped me with an understanding of students' needs for change, and through this experience, I set realistic goals for myself to work on. I not only bring knowledge, but also a positive vibe to the student union.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As a foreign student, I comprehend the challenges of living in London—such as the cost of living, making friends, and coping with academic pressure. I offer innovative solutions to address well-being from a different perspective. If you're seeking someone who truly understands students' needs, a committed individual with clear goals, I am the best option to initiate changes in how the Student Union addresses well-being.
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Joy Han
(She/Her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Hey everyone! If I'm elected, my goal is to optimise the Union with some positive vibes! Mental health, cosy living, and global friendships – these are my interests, and I’m ready to make some real noise about them. In addition, I'm dedicated to promoting transparent communication, advocating for your interests, and amplifying your voice in decision-making processes. In short, with your support, I'm aiming for a Union that's not just a club, but a force - a force that cares about you, your home and your community. Let's make it happen together!
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
My diverse background gives me the skills to excel in this position. I have experience in leadership roles and understand ethical and sustainable practices, making me well-suited to contribute to the Union's growth. I have honed my communication skills by collaborating with various stakeholders and ensuring effective representation. My top priority is your well-being, and I'm dedicated to making policies that benefit everyone ;)
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I am not a typical suit-and-tie candidate. As a fellow student, I am excited to lead the Union with my heart and soul. I bring a mix of experience, dedication, and skills, all blended with a touch of fun. I am committed to amplifying student voices, fostering a sustainable and ethical Union, and addressing critical issues such as mental health and accommodation. When you vote for me, you’re voting for a Union that’s not just about rules, but about creating an awesome space for all of us. Let’s make this journey together – your vote for me is a vote for a Union that’s all about YOU!
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Ashwanthicka Manni Madan Karthik Raj
(she/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If I am elected for this role, I hope to facilitate the holistic health and well-being of students during their time at UCL. I hope to guide students in their various concerns regarding accommodation, mental health and overall welfare. I hope to provide informational, emotional and relational support to international students from my own experience of being one. I would put in my best efforts and contribute to the best of my ability to ensure that students experience UCL as a positive space for learning, socializing and making an impact on the greater community.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
My educational background in psychology has equipped me with skills that help me empathize with students from various backgrounds, hold a safe space for them to interact and facilitate holistic health and wellness. My being an international student gives me a deeper understanding of issues, particularly of international students. I also believe I am a good leader as I was the president of an institutional-level club in my undergraduate. During this time, I have conducted various activities in liaison with students, professors, institutional heads, sponsors, and other external stakeholders.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Leaving home to live, work, socialize and study in a new city/country loaded with different cultures can be daunting and stressful. As an international student with a background in psychology and counselling, I understand how important it is to be supported in such situations. If you elect me as your welfare and community officer, you can rest assured that you have -
- a friend to lean on for guidance and support when you're struggling
- a representative to put forth your issues and interests, and
- a non-judgmental community with various opportunities for you to flourish.
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Melisa Ucer
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Enhance the SORA process by simplifying appointments and accelerate processing times.
Create a peer support programme where trained student volunteers offer a safe listening space & guidance for peers needing mental health support.
Widen UCL bursary/Hardship Fund criteria to increase financial aid for the cost of living crisis.
Provide students with affordable access to visa support and advice.
Introduce “SU Welfare Circles", a bi-termly support group for students to express shared concerns.
Offer proactive health & wellbeing support for first-years via SSW stalls in all UCL accommodations.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
My aim as your welfare office will be to remove any barriers that hinder student success and experience at UCL. As a first-gen uni student managing health issues, caring responsibilities, and multiple jobs while living at home, I understand the challenges students face. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and empathy needed to excel in this role. With a background in volunteering and initiating new programmes, I'm confident in my ability to serve effectively. Having received invaluable support from UCL & SU, I'm eager to give back to the student community as your welfare officer.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Compassionate, Committed and Confident - Vote for Melisa; live your best UCL life!
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Langat Naomi
(She/Her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Your welfare, My priority! Welfare is all about your concerns being heard and I will grant every voice a chance to be heard. My top priority will be building an online platform for quick welfare concerns collection, tracking and resolving for the UCL students’ Union. This platform will enable you and every UCL student be a valuable part of the change that the Union’s Welfare and Community Zone makes. I will collaborate with all the zone’s officers in charge of accommodation, equity, inclusion, international students, societies and sports for inclusivity.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I am a listening and an approachable person. I bring a unique personal perspective to this role from my four months of experience being a member of UCL’s Students’ Union Welfare and Community Zone. Having resolved every issue and concern raised to me by the students I served as a Social Class and Mobility Officer, it is a time to listen to everyone including you!
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I will simply be listening to you, acting while igniting the change you want to see by: -
- Collecting views on any welfare issues have like mental health support, financial support, social support, accommodation and academic support through my official sabbatical officer’s email, anonymous forms and personal needs inquiry forms.
- I will give meaningful and timely feedback for each concern raised
- Taking action by developing policies and passing them through the welfare zone.
- I will implement a true reflection of your forwarded concerns.
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Donna Amewu
(She/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Reform accommodation provision by freezing rents and making it easier for existing students to access free hall spots.
Create stronger communities by cementing the place of international students within the student community as well as connecting UCL east to main campus with incentives and events.
Improve transparency and communication by creating dedicated social media to promote collaboration and openness between the SU and students.
Support the mental health of students by expanding schemes to improve male mental heath, as well as creating dedicated safe spaces for women and LGBTQ+.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
This year, I was a hall community officer as well as on the union executive, already giving me invaluable insight into how the student union works, and more importantly how I want to help improve it. It also gives me experience in accommodation issues, community building and union affairs which will help me make more improvements, faster. Im naturally headstrong, tenacious and committed to bringing welfare issues within the University to the forefront in order to improve each individual students experience.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
The most important piece of experience I have for this role is the fact that I am an ordinary student just like anyone else. I don’t have perfect attendance, I’m hardly ever mentally stable, and I am constantly complaining about the cost of living crisis. Because of this I have a genuine passion and enthusiasm to make UCL a better place for all. And I don’t just want to incorporate my own ideas, I want to work with all the student officers and the student body too. All in all, I’m friendly and nice and with my natural approachability and aptitude for the role why wouldn’t you vote for me?
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Rachel Lim
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Why does it feel like we have to figure out pinching pennies by ourselves? The SU should be more present:
- Cafe food redistribution/more food markdowns- 50% off pastries last hour
- UCL discount in cafes ard Bloomsbury to make up for lack of ambient social campus spaces
- Sleeping pods
- Support + drop-in legal and advice sessions for students trying to privately rent
- Coffee buddy match 4 community
- Subsidised SU events to experience London’s activities @ heavy discount (axe throwing, F1 arcade)
- Financial support 4 students who ‘didn’t make the cut’
- Quicker follow-ups from Student Wellbeing
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
- I’m your current POC Student Officer, where I was behind the BHM Josephine Baker cocktail raising money for smaller charities- inspiring the LGBTQ+ month shot + disability month coffee. This was the first of the collaboration between SU depts and external parties. I innovatively find ways to bring change using resources we have, instead of promising unviable changes
- I was a Student Trustee, representing your voices to senior stakeholders. I have knowledge of how the SU actually works- which means I’m able to hit the ground running and help you make changes you get to see in the next year
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
- I understand how tough it is, having always worked multiple jobs throughout uni. You need someone who’s as desperate to see changes because I know how you feel!!!
- As an international student, I see exactly how UCL celebrates us but also fails to accommodate us in our integration to the city and student life. Instead of accepting it, we should be getting an insane amount of support for our fees
- I have already shown that I’m passionate, and know how to get the job done. Imagine what I can help you do in a full year.
ig @vote4rachh!! I’d love talking to you + c how I wanna push change :)
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Sorana Bucseneanu
(she/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
- Building a student-led peer support network
- Raising awareness about mental health services and collaborating with charities in London to improve them
- Ensuring effective and consistent support structures (career advice, financial aid, well-being) for students
- Working with departments to promote a sense of belonging & inclusion through community activities
- Tackle discrimination, harassment, and other problematic behaviors on campus to ensure it is a safe space for everyone
- Ensuring the guarantor scheme remains available for students and improving access to housing services
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I am honored to be the current Project Assistant of the Active Bystander program, which has allowed me to carry on tasks that ensure students are empowered to protect each other by recognizing and addressing harmful behaviors on and off campus. In this role, I had the chance to learn about the SU’s policies and how I could contribute to improving students’ well-being. Working as a peer mentor has also allowed me to observe how diverse students’ needs are and how initiatives need to be evidence-based and tailored to specific groups to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and honored.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I plan to persist in collaborating with the Welfare and Community sector, prioritizing mental health in the face of a complex and uncertain world. My decisions will be guided by evidence, integrity and inclusivity, aiming to help every student achieve their utmost potential. I'm eager to implement various initiatives tailored to ease the transition for newcomers and provide ongoing support for current students.
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Lizzie Clapp
(she/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I just want students to feel good! My main aim is to address the woefully atomised lives we have by embracing the power of community action in improving welfare. A few ideas:
- Implement UG/ PG peer mentoring schemes to offer a more integrated, long-term approach to mental health support
- Protect student voices expressing their rights on campus, particularly pro-Palestinian advocacy
- Address the cost of living crisis in EC claims and attendance
- Create mutual aid networks between students and local communities
Ultimately fostering a more collaborative dialogue around students empowerment.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As a student of Archaeology and Anthropology I know that people just want to feel a sense of joy, freedom and usefulness but this is more difficult at a time of economic vulnerability and increased loneliness where they may feel helpless in navigating life's struggles. I'm also aware of how the labelling of mental health issues is helpful for bureaucratic legibility, but might not necessarily do justice to the ways distress is experienced or embedded in wider contexts – this is what I want to focus on. I'm equipped to strengthen student welfare by prioritising values of care and compassion.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I feel that I have a good idea of what gets fellow students down but I am very keen to listen and learn. I would love to talk to as many students as possible about the nitty gritty details of their daily lives, even the uncomfortable, unpolished and ugly aspects of their issues. In doing so we can ensure your needs are met as effectively as possible when I translate them over to the powers that be. I'm not going to pretend like I'm some saviour but I'm friendly and practical and can promise a genuine and sincere approach to your wellbeing! Love you xx
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Carrie Yuxin Cao
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
- Commuting Allowance from and to the campus
- Establish Short-term Rental platform, an official platform for diverse needs of all students
- Integrate Mental Health Support into everyday routine. Right from the comfort of accommodation to daily campus life. Reinitiate Arts for Mental Health as a means of self-care and mental wellness
- Assistance with Address Change. Ensure a smooth transition regarding mails
- Lauch Online Cultural Inquiry platform, providing a safe and inclusive space for consulting. Feel free to inquire about any questions you may have, anytime, anywhere
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I am an approachable and collaborative individual, with a focus on implementing initiatives that enhance the mental, physical, and social well-being of all UCL students. As an active participant in societies and extracurricular activities, I am attuned to the overall atmosphere at UCL, and committed to maintaining and enhancing it for the benefit of the entire student community.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I am passionate in optimizing student experience with services, such as
- commuting allowances,
- short-term rental platform,
- integrated mental health support,
- address change assistance,
- promoting well-being and inclusivity to facilitate effective intercultural communication.
I am committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity, acknowledging the unique needs of international students and working towards fostering a sense of belonging for all.
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Marian Jago
(She/They)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
The current systems do not work.
UCL’s Report + Support is just a void to scream into, students shouldn’t have to evidence their mental breakdown to get a week’s extension, 6 counselling sessions a year is not enough, and every building is infested with rats.
I want students to be able to:
- Report their concerns to a human, much like the UCL 24 hour counseling service
- Submit an EC without having to pay out of pocket for a GP note (if they can get an appointment)
- Enjoy UCL facilities without having ratatouille watching them
It's time for UCL to earn its University of the Year title.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I have served as the Welfare Officer for two societies beginning in my 1st year of study, and currently work as a Society Representative on the Welfare zone.
My 5 years of volunteering in social care with extensive training in welfare measures and procedures makes me confident I can fulfil the role to the highest ability.
As a 3rd year Psychology student, mental health is not only incredibly important to me but also something I (almost) have a degree on. As a student who has struggled with their mental health I empathise with anyone who feels as though there is no real support at UCL.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
In addition to experience with the bureaucratic process, I have a strong drive to use my considerable welfare experience to improve UCL for students like me who struggle with their mental health and have found no adequate help.
With regular student feedback to assess the impact of any changes made, I will strive to overhaul these systems to actually work for UCL students.
Students need and deserve to feel supported at UCL, and improving the current welfare systems is only the first step towards changing students' lives for the better.
I want students to be able to tell UCL what they need.
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Aardra Chandra Mouli
(She/her/hers)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
- Work with Arena and Student Support & Well-being team to increase support funding using research-based evidence
- Improved awareness and accessibility of mental health & disability support, for home and international students
- Decreasing wait time for appointments with support, mental health, disability, Specific Learning Differences, and Psychological & Counselling services at UCL
- Stronger commitment to DEI policies, including training programmes for faculty across disciplines and programme delivery modes
- Strengthen cost-of-living support (e.g., discounted meal schemes, financial support)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I am a mature student, with experience in industry, research, and entrepreneurship. I am a passionate DEI advocate, an equitable opportunity researcher, advocate, and education policy influencer. The roles I've held at UCL include:
Current:
- Core Member, UCL Research Culture Community Steering Group
- Mental Health First Aider
- Co-lead for research project on supporting neurodivergence in academic research
- Arena workshop co-lead, for faculty inclusion & accessibility training
Past
- MRes representative 2019-2020
- Member, Board of Trustees Finance Sub-Committee, UCL SU, 2019-20
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I am a final-year PhD candidate at the School of Management, and am an international student. For me, my own experience on the PhD has re-emphasised how essential welfare and diversity support is, for each individual at UCL.
I am passionate about equitable access to opportunities and resources, and have been working tirelessly for positive, impactful change in these areas in each of the roles I have held till date, including at UCL.
Vote for me, so that I can be a strong, informed, student-focused advocate, for our community's welfare and well-being!
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Martha Hancock
(She/Her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Mental Health Support, so you can get help when and how you need it
- Pushing UCL for multi-language mental health support
- Creating student-centred support groups
- Streamlined access for mental health services
Accommodation Support, so you don’t get stuck living with mould
- Ensuring all UCL accommodation meets minimum standards
- An easy route via the union to support with accommodation complaints
- A UCL rent freeze
Money Support, because everything is so expensive
- A travel card scheme for commuters
- Union cafes on Too Good to Go
- A Living wage for student staff
- A free campus pantry
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I have been a societies representative, society president, an LGBTQ+ rep for my department, an assistant producer, lived in mouldy flats, and been a student staff member (you may recognise me from my pub quizzes).
I have needed UCL’s mental health services and seen how good and bad it can be. I have sat in places you have all sat, and I know how the union and UCL works (and really doesn’t work).
I’m a hardworking fat girl, who admittedly skips the gym, but not advocating for those who need it. I really believe the union can and should be better. Not just add nap pods.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I care. Welfare is the most important thing, and it is currently being failed at. I have seen how the union can improve from a range of perspectives, and I want to help fix that.
- Policies: I have a mix of quick fixes and easily applicable policies, alongside larger strategy ideas.
- Welfare: I will make sure students are cared for, in accommodation, in the cost of living crisis, and with sufficient mental health support.
- Inclusion: I will ensure the union remains equitable and kind for everyone.
You deserve to be cared for by the union. I want to help it do that!
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