Wednesday 12-04-2023 - 10:00

 

Mental Health Panel Interview

This was the month that I had my TASO Interview. TASO is an independent body collaborating with the government and universities to create a mental health toolkit for all students. They needed students to form their student advisory panel in order for them to get the student perspective every step of the way. I received an email the day after the interview with them telling me that I was selected to be on the panel! This is great news for our SU because we have a member present in a national mental health research group that can really help us understand and provide students with breakthrough mental health support.

 

SUGB Extraordinary Meeting to Decide on Independence Vote Position

The Chair of our governing board was ill on this day, and I unexpectedly had to chair an extraordinary meeting to get the definitive stance of our governing board regarding a student vote on the Independence of the Students' Union from the University. The meeting, thankfully, went well and on time. We overwhelmingly voted to support the push towards a student vote on independence!

 

Graduate Speech Practise and Graduation Ceremony

This was the month in which I attended a graduation ceremony. It was a joy to see hundreds of ULaw students graduating with their parents and friends cheering them on. This was the day of the graduates and I am lucky to play the small role of sitting in the graduating platform representing this resilient, strong student body that got their degree during the COVID period. 

 

Academic Board Meeting

Attending my first Academic Board meeting was an overwhelming experience. This board oversees the development and enhancement of the academic activities of the University, making it one of the most important decision-making bodies of the University. Lots of key staff were there, so it was crucial for me to give a good impression. I summarised to the board some of the activities done by the Students' Union. I want our Students' Union to be the loudest voice in these meetings, not because of the amount we are speaking but because of the quality of what we are saying.

 

Collecting Cost of living feedback at the London Campuses

Emma Barlow and I, met with many of you asking about your student experience and how the cost of living crisis has impacted you. This data has been collected and presented to the Executive members of the University. We have heard you loud and clear and any and all feedback we receive goes directly to the heads of the University. I want to deeply sympathise with you during this difficult month. This University provides you will a lot of support, including Financial and Housing support. Please do send that team an email: moneyandhousingadvice@law.ac.uk

 

Visa Events

In collaboration with the University Visa team, we got the chance to present to International students about the UK Visa rules and what it would mean for them. Did you know that you cannot have a crypto account as a student? Or that doing resits could have an impact on you getting a Graduate Visa? If you want to get a copy of the presentation slides regarding these rules, please don't hesitate to send me an email.

 

Thank you for tuning in to my update for October. It is amazing being able to share my journey with you. As always, if you want to contact me, send me an email at Pedram.Bani-asadi@law.ac.uk.

 

Your Voice, Your Concerns, Your Issues,

Pedram