It's Angelos Ntalachanis vs Hannah Watson for Social Science College Officer, and Ben Neary vs Marko Sicic for Health Science College Officer!
Social Science College Officer Hustings
Angelos Ntalachanis is a Stage 1 PPE student who is running for Social Sciences College Officer. In his opening statement, he cites his extensive public speaking experience as one of the reasons why students should vote for him. He also makes reference to his experience as a class rep and on the delegation of the Students’ Union Social Science Governing Board. He believes that college officers have the responsibility to, “promote fellow students as much as we can.” Angelos says that he is very outspoken in his beliefs, and very sure of them. He closes with the phrase, “students matter most.”
Hannah Watson is the other candidate running for Social Science College Officer, a stage 2 Geography student. In her opening statement, she says she was inspired to run when she saw the hard work and passion that the current SU Executive have. She cites her experience in public speaking, and her current role as a class rep, as giving her the knowledge to make positive change within the SU. Watson says she believes UCD often lacks equity and inclusion, and she understands how to enhance student lives.
The current Social Sciences College Officer Peter Falvey asks Hannah Watson about her vision for a better network between class reps and the executives. Watson affirms that class reps are the best way for students to know what the SU does, and if this can be done effectively for first year class reps in particular, then they can all flourish. She says that while the teaching class reps currently receive is good, she would like to create a system where newer class reps can have direct communication with more experienced class reps throughout the year to help them learn.
A question was posed to Angelos regarding his vision for the online portal to contact college officers, as mentioned in his manifesto. Angelos states that most students do not know who their college officer is, and fear approaching class reps. A platform on the SU website where any student could contact their college officer, or even sabbatical officers, by inputting their student numbers, could be a solution to this issue regarding engagement. Angelos envisions this portal as having the option to be anonymous or otherwise. He concludes by stating that class reps should be the first point of contact for students, but failing that, this online portal would be a good resource for students to reach out.
Both candidates are asked a question from the floor, on how they would tackle the hidden fees associated with many social science courses, for example field trips in geography. Hannah Watson begins by saying she feels strongly about this issue, and would speak to the Heads of Social Sciences and the heads of individual schools to ask for subsidies. She says that radiography field trips are heavily subsidised, so social science field trips could be too.
Angelos Ntalachanis also affirms this is a widespread issue; he says it must be addressed by the union as a whole. He says whilst talking to heads of school is important, they are unlikely to listen to a College Officer, so this issue should be taken on board by the SU President and union more broadly.
The University Observer asks Watson how she would make students aware of her role, and ensure she was approachable. Watson said she would utilise many methods: from making an Instagram account, to college wide emails, and a stop and chat approach. She says, “Everyone in the exec is doing it because they want to help,” and if she can get this across to people, they will feel comfortable approaching her. The University Observer then asks the geography students what her favourite cloud formation is... "Cumulonimbus."
The University Observer asks Ntalachanis what events he intends to hold, which he says would encompass workshops for students on their rights, campaigns to improve equality, equity, and also “music bingo, pub crawls, anything the students wish for.” The PPE student is then asked for a philosophy quote he lives by: “Live and let live.”
Contributing Writers: Lucy Warmington, Orla Mahon,