Students elect new president

Zoe Harrison, 23, has been selected to be the President of the University’s Students' Union after being nominated by students.

The new president aims to encourage students to be aware of the opportunities available while at studying at University.

Zoe studied her degree in BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics and graduated in 2013 with a 2:1.

She has worked for the Students’ Union since 2011 and was elected this year as President of the Student’s Union.

Zoe says: “To be elected as President was completely unexpected, but it was such a great feeling to know that students were aware of the work I’d done previously as Academic Vice President, and they believed in me.

“I wanted to work for the SU because I wanted to get myself involved in more things at the University to broaden my experience here.

“The Students’ Union had helped me with personal circumstances in my first year – I saw what they did for students and wanted to be a part of it.

“I’m over the moon to have actually won! I know it is such a cliché but the whole process for me has been a remarkable journey. I’ve gone from the shy girl on reception to the SU President – something that I never thought I’d have the confidence to be four years ago.”

Last year, the Students’ Union achieved the most improved Union in the Times Higher Education Satisfaction Survey and the new president is looking forward to upcoming challenges while continuing to have a positive impact in the student experience.

While working with the University, Zoe’s priorities are to reassess the Student Charter and encourage the University to use electronic forms through submission, assessment marking and feedback.

Zoe says: “I think it’s great that the University are leading the way as the ‘University of Opportunity’, but it’s just as important to ensure that the support for students is concrete – not just from the University, but the Students’ Union too, and we will ensure that this continues to happen this year.”

With this year’s General Election coming up, Zoe would also like to a educate students about the importance of voting and to understand what they are voting for.

For more information please contact Danielle Taylor in the Media Relations Office on
01902 322448.

Date Issued: 27 August 2014