Manifesto for Vice President of Society and Communication

Hassan Farid

Introduction

Hello UWE students,

I’m Hassan Farid, and I’m running to be your next Vice President of Society and Communication. I am deeply passionate about making our student community more connected, engaged, and well-informed. Societies are at the heart of student life, and effective communication is key to ensuring that every student—no matter their background, campus, or interests—has access to opportunities, events, and support.

Over the past year, I have witnessed how societies and student-led initiatives bring people together, build friendships, and support personal growth. However, many students still struggle to find the right information, connect with societies, or have their voices heard within the SU. With your vote, I will work to enhance society engagement, improve communication, and ensure transparency within the Students’ Union.

My Vision: Building a More Connected, Engaged, and Well-Informed Student Community

My priorities as Vice President of Society and Communication will focus on five key areas:

1. Strengthening Societies and Student Engagement
    •    Expand society support beyond Frenchay, ensuring Glenside and Bower Ashton students have equal access to societies, funding, and events.
    •    Make it easier to start new societies, ensuring underrepresented groups, interests, and cultures have a platform.
    •    Develop a “Society Accelerator Programme”—providing funding, training, and mentorship to help new and smaller societies grow.
    •    Launch a ‘Student Life Passport’—a reward system where students can earn points for attending society events, volunteering, and participating in student-led initiatives.
    •    Enhance communication channels between societies, the SU, and students, making it easier for students to find and join societies.

2. Improving Student Communication & Transparency
    •    Launch a “Student Information Hub”, ensuring that students have real-time access to society events, SU decisions, and key updates all in one place.
    •    Organise themed “Society Takeover Weeks”, where multiple societies collaborate to host larger, more exciting joint events.
    •    Host termly “Society Showcases”, giving every society the chance to promote themselves through performances, exhibitions, and interactive activities.
    •    Host monthly student feedback sessions and publish transparent reports to ensure student concerns lead to real SU action.

3. Prioritising Student Mental Health & Wellbeing
    •    Ensure student wellbeing is a priority, providing societies with resources to host wellbeing-focused events like mindfulness workshops and peer support groups.
    •    Work with the SU to increase mental health awareness, providing students with clear information on where to seek help and how to support one another.
    •    Introduce “Wellbeing Wednesdays”—a day dedicated to student mental health activities, stress-relief sessions, and open conversations about wellbeing.

4. Championing Student Voices & Securing Better Funding
    •    Advocate for a larger Societies Fund to support both new and existing societies, ensuring fair access to funding, equipment, and venue spaces.
    •    Create a “Your Voice in Action” Transparency Hub, providing clear updates on how student feedback is actioned within the SU.
    •    Improve communication between students and the SU, introducing an online engagement platform where students can propose and vote on society initiatives.
    •    Work with local businesses and sponsors to secure discounts, grants, and sponsorships for societies, reducing financial pressures and making events more affordable.

5. Ensuring an Inclusive and Safe Student Community
    •    Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, and hate speech in societies and SU activities.
    •    Implement stronger policies, clear reporting systems, and training for society committees to ensure inclusivity and accountability.
    •    Promote diversity-focused initiatives that celebrate and represent all cultures, backgrounds, and identities.
    •    Establish SU-led campaigns to raise awareness about inclusivity, respect, and equality in student activities.

Why Vote for Me?

I am committed to building a university experience driven by students, for students. With a focus on accessibility, engagement, and transparency, I will ensure that every student feels connected, heard, and empowered to make the most of their university life.

Unlike others, I am not just focused on maintaining what we already have—I want to push societies further, amplify student voices, and create a lasting impact that benefits future students as well.

With your support, we will:

✅ Expand society opportunities across all UWE campuses
✅ Improve student communication and access to key information
✅ Increase funding and resources for societies
✅ Enhance student wellbeing through better support networks
✅ Ensure a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment
✅ Give students a stronger voice in shaping their own experience

Your Voice, Your Community, Your Future – Vote Hassan Farid for VP!

If you want a more connected, engaged, and well-informed student community, vote for me! Together, we can elevate societies, improve communication, and create opportunities for everyone at UWE.

Thank you for your support!