Candidate: Jacqueline Austin

Kia Ora! My name is Jacqueline, and I would love to serve as student representative on the school council for 2024. I am an extremely dedicated and enthusiastic student of UoA, and I would love to contribute the student voice to make decisions at university based on what the students’ want and need.

Throughout my time at university, I have contributed many hours to volunteering in the Uni Guide programme, “Let’s Talk to Locals”, and assisting my fellow students as a teaching assistant. I have a deep understanding of the issues a range of students’ face, and I want to bring these to the table to make our university a more inclusive, student-led place. Understanding these issues has fed my passion for student advocacy and desire to use my voice to represent the diversity of the student body.

I am more than eager to take on this role of student representative, as I am committed to increasing communication and collaboration of the student voice and making our campus a more lively, welcoming place. I believe that transparency and co-operation between students is the best approach to address the issues we feel the university faces. As I have participated in many leadership roles in my past, I know I can engage in constructive discourse and able to offer solutions to the university council.

I am aware the university has a multitude of responsibilities such as budgeting, seemingly endless construction projects and strategic planning. I am confident that through these very important decisions, the voice of the students will be accurately represented, and I will represent the diversity and interests of our students to the best of my ability. I am committed to attending meetings, meeting with students and clubs, and remain informed about policies and procedures. I will relay this information to the students to build trust, and open discourse about the policies, and how these will affect us.

I can listen actively, and show empathy and commitment to students’ issues, no matter how insignificant they may feel. I am committed to being a conduit for student feedback, concerns and I will ensure their voices are heard during these meetings. I am willing to provide communication to the student body about the current projects at the university, alongside providing student feedback to the council.

I will arrange anonymous forms, meetings and any other suggestions bought up by the students and carry these out to the best of my ability. I will be always contactable and approachable (apart from lectures, of course!) to make issues heard as soon as possible. I am always here to have a chat about any problems students face, whether small or big, I will always be there to offer advice and listen to those who need it.

In conclusion, I am extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as the student representative on the council. I am passionate that our students’ voices, aspirations, and needs must be heard. I am confident I can deliver this to the students.

Ngā mihi nui; Kia ora rawa atu

Jackie