Oliver ‘Ollie’ J. Hutchings for President
Policies
One of my slogans for this campaign is ‘detailed plans not simple scams’ and this is where I show my commitment to that idea. Several candidates will have done themselves an injustice in printing their posters, they will take a well thought through policy and reduced it to three or four meaningless words. Now, I understand that sex sells and I also understand that the below is not sexy, but don’t be turned off, if we wish to cast off the shackles of undemocratic university elections, please give the below a read and make an informed choice for your presidential candidate
CHANGE
Democracy under president
This change is already on the cards and given the potential dissolution of the ‘Democracy and Services Officer’ sabbatical position, it makes sense for the democracy element to be moved under the job of President; it is already closer to the presidential remit of communications and will allow the services position to be more streamlined and focused in the control of a permanent staff member liaising with the Events Officers.
Electoral reform
Following on from Tom Scott’s elections report in 2009 (http://www.yusu.org/uploads/democracy/2009_Elections_Report.pdf) a number of suggestions for ways to reform the elections were suggested. I personally favor the production of ‘elections booklets’ by YUSU to be delivered to all kitchens by the postering teams and regulated poster boards in all colleges, as is the protocol for some college elections. This would remove the majority of the financial burden from campaigning and ensure that all candidates were on a level playing field with regards to campus-wide advertising.
It would also allow candidates to focus on more creative advertising strategies and reduce problems caused by posters being placed in ‘illegal locations’. This could hopefully encourage more second and first years to get involved in YUSU, reduce the burden of campaigning and allow candidates to focus on their degrees. Further to this it could be a far more ‘green’ suggestion as recycling of the booklets would be easier to ensure.
CREATIVE CAMPAIGNING
Student advertising spaces
One of the main problems with the way YUSU has worked in the last couple of years is that we have relied to an increased extent upon Facebook and the Internet to advertise events, services and opportunities; this alone is not enough. If we want our wonderful 60’s campus to look alive we need to pressurize DFM to provide us with more easily accessible advertising spaces that all students can use to promote their events directly to other students. This could be achieved on the frontline of the current battleground, by inserting pin boards in areas such as the spiral ramp on the way up to the library, where a daily battle of blu-tac is fought. The argument that students damage the fabric of the building is fair, so why not take positive steps towards improving the relationship? The same is true of the use of banners from Central Hall; I want to simplify the procedure for using this space by setting up a point of contact in Langwith Porters lodge. We need to claim our campus back.
Advertising shares
There will always be an antagonism between YUSU and student media, it is part of the wonderful balance of powers required for a healthy democracy, but this doesn’t mean that we can’t increase co-operation. I would like to set up a relationship with Nouse, Vision and other media societies whereby the YUSU website advertises their stories and websites in return for advertising of YUSU campaigns and events on their far more popular sites. This relationship could be mutually beneficial and will be very important with regards to potential campaigns in the coming year, such as Tuition Fees, Rent Banding and Portering.
GREEN
Ethical commitments
Due to the hard work of student campaigners and the YUSU E&E Officers, the University has removed the majority of its investments from unethical companies and has signed up to the 10:10 campaign. I would like to ensure that this hard work is continued by pushing for more recycling spaces around campus (not just in college accommodation) and make sure that the union invests primarily in ethical merchandise and companies for all its main events.
Water coolers
We could also reduce the burden that we place on the environment by looking into providing free water coolers in the Library and Gym. We are one of the very few universities that have no free drinking facilities in our library and this leads to students wasting money on bottled water or other soft drinks that then just end up in the bin. The University has plans to implement these facilities when the library refurbishment is eventually finished, but this is not a reason to ignore students today, these simple facilities could make the library a much more bearable place, especially in its current condition.
COLLEGE SUPPORT
College signage
When the University redeveloped the central spine (Langwith renovations) they invested money in strengthening the college identity through the use of decals and signage. I want to ensure that the University remains committed to their plans by working with Jane Grenville for a pot of money to provide similar signage for all colleges. This University needs to display its commitment to being a collegiate university and increased communication with JCRC’s on the issue of branding; especially use of college crests is an integral part of this process.
JCRC Officer
This is another plan that fits with the direction the Union is currently heading towards. I want to work to get a full time member of staff to support College Chairs and JCRC’S, particularly with regards to the largely bureaucratic problems of training and finance to make them more effective in their jobs and provide increased stability across years.
EVENTS
Fresher’s Ball on campus
In the aftermath of the graduation ball debate there was an over-riding consensus that it would be appropriate to have the Freshers’ Ball on campus. I think that this would help make the event more relaxed and more memorable. It would reduce the current nightmarish problems caused by transport to the racecourse and the expense associated there within. The event would also be more inclusive and open to interaction from STYC’s as those who currently don’t attend the ball are usually left to do very little on campus; they would now have the option to mingle outside of the main event spaces. It would be another good way to bring life back to our campus.
Diversification of campus venues
One of the problems with current campus venues is that they all designed to serve similar purposes, purposes that none of them actually serve due to chronic disuse. My leadership of the successful Save BHenry’s campaign last year has given me a great amount of insight into the inner workings of Commercial Services, and I would make it my goal to get the University to plan for diversification of future developments. It is obvious with the development of Hes East that there won’t be any quick developments on venues on either campus, but we need to make sure the University diversifies its spaces, in part to give colleges unique selling points, but also to make campus more practical and a better venue for events.
EXPERIENCE
Alcuin College Ordinary officer 07/08
Alcuin College JCRC Chair 08/09
I’m approachable and down to earth and I’d like to bring this Students Union back to its students. We need change and we need it now. The next year will be full of important National campaigns with regards to Tuition Fees and York will have its fair share of important issues with the development of Hes East, Cuts to portering and cleaning and the proposed Rent Banding. I have experience as a leader, and a negotiator with the University, and I will make the perfect figurehead for the Union in these battles and I would relish the opportunity to have your vote.
- Oliver Hutchings
