Bella Taylor – 2026 Manifesto
Transparent:
Responsive:
Effective:
Projects:
Esther Martin 2026 - Manifesto
Point 1
‘Next steps’ Workshop Relaunch.
Marjon builds careers, yet, approximately, 5% to 6% of UK graduates are unemployed 15 months after finishing university or 30% being in lower skilled jobs. I aim to set up a physical and digital platform for students to advertise their careers, building confidence in creating a pathway for their future. We have a collection of courses that could benefit such as osteopathy, physiotherapy, speech and language, psychotherapy & counselling and coaching students etc. Working with departments such as futures and academics to create a ‘next steps’ workshop, such as creating a LinkedIn account, understanding career networking, skill development and navigating graduate life.
Point 2
SU Support and Student Life.
Marjon has a unique advantage with its smaller scale campus and student numbers: how do we utilise this and grow? Whilst we are not town centred, I aim to reach out to local SU’s to reshape collaboration and sizeable events – elevating Marjon's student experience, without losing the community environment we depend on. It’s not what you know, it's who you know, and I plan to take advantage of this, if elected, by reaching out to local business’, student DJ’s; photographers to support getting the buzz back on campus.
Point 3
Voluntary package.
Students engage in a lot of voluntary roles across university life: MSU officers, student reps, club fundraisers, PAL leaders and more. I would like to create a reward system to help students be recognised for their contribution and being able to work towards accreditation for these voluntary roles which can enhance their CV’s. I’d like this to look like a level 1, level 2 and 3 building block; which students can add to each time they run an event, offer their time or services which the student union and futures department can advertise as a motivator, knowing their efforts won't go unnoticed.
Point 4
Activities that all can access.
Timetabling of lectures sees students on campus at many different times, meaning that SU events are only reaching a small portion of students. A big focus for me is ensuring placement students feel heard and supported throughout their studies and balancing placement blocks no matter the size. I aim to meet with the relevant lecturers and timetabling to see an overview of the academic year and where we can factor in events, drop-ins and support that all students can access. Working with charities, the chaplaincy and local services I want to launch a weekend event 1x a month so onsite students, placement and offsite students can attend. BUCS Wednesdays have been a huge issue for placement students to engage in; I am already in conversation with MSF staff (Marjon sport federation) about how this can look differently next year if elected.
Point 5
Getting academic support on the map.
Battling with course stressors, essay writing and meeting deadlines; it is easy to fall down a rabbit hole as I have seen in my first year of office and have naturally experienced myself. The SU has worked hard on visibility this year, I hope to transition and build this into more signposting and supporting the services we have for students online and on campus. It is extremely hard to ask for and accept help, I want to meet students halfway and encourage services like AIM (Acquire, Improve, Master), PAL (Peer Assisted Leaders), DIAS (Disability & Inclusion Advice Service) and SWS (Student and Wellbeing Support) to promote active support seeking in students. This can open doors to a different academic learning experience and understanding what methods work for you, working towards a smoother approach to assignment management.
If you are not happy with any of the current candidates standing for election, you can vote to Re-Open Nominations (RON). RON appears on the ballot and votes for RON are counted in the same way as those for candidates. If RON is declared the winner after all votes have been counted, the election will be held again. The original candidates are allowed to run again in the new ballot, but it gives the opportunity for new candidates to run.
Voters may choose to vote RON for one of the following reasons:
They do not think any of the available candidates should be elected.
They would rather have more choice and be able to select from a greater number of candidates (not a guaranteed outcome).
They have already ranked some candidates, but feel that none of the remaining candidates should be elected.
You do not need to vote for RON in an election; if you think all of the candidates are better than no candidate, you should not rank RON on your ballot.
Manifesto Points
Jack Dee
Sober Socials:
Free social events for all students that involve no alcohol or clubbing. Activities range from
meeting up and going for a walk or playing board games. This allows students across the
university to engage in social activities that develop social skills and that they will enjoy.
These socials will be arranged at least once a month and held on campus or around
campus.
Improved Study Spaces/ Knowledge of Study Spaces:
The library is a great place to study on campus, although when it gets busy, not everybody
wants to study in the library. Creating more known study spaces that are quiet during the
day can encourage students to study in peace in a comfy environment. As well as this,
creating study groups and improving student knowledge on what support is available from
the library e.g. Study Skills Sessions. This helps students get the most of their time on
campus and ensures that they are content while studying and doing academic work on
campus. Using these quiet spaces for wellness and mental wellbeing could also be
important for students to find some quiet time.
Closer Links with sports clubs and societies:
The MSU has had a close link with sports teams for the past few years, although
participation in sport has declined within the past year or two. Increasing visibility with the
MSF and sports clubs will allow students to find training times, how to contact the chairs
and captains. As well as this, promoting more taster sessions and social sports events will
allow more students to engage in sports that they have never tried and may be nervous to
join. Continuously working with the sports federation to put on fundraising activities and
social sports events will engage more students in sport and activity around campus.
Skills Opportunities and student-student support:
With an increased cost of living, as well as issues across campus such as parking and
academic issues. Talking to fellow students about problems and giving advice to students
that are struggling is a great way to increase the community feeling within Marjon, creating
workshops where students can sit and just talk about their problems and relate to other in
a quiet space, this allows them to relieve stress and pick up some advice. Along with the
workshops, having an open-door policy in the MSU office where students can come in and
talk about their issues may increase awareness around the benefits of the MSU and other
support services
If you are not happy with any of the current candidates standing for election, you can vote to Re-Open Nominations (RON). RON appears on the ballot and votes for RON are counted in the same way as those for candidates. If RON is declared the winner after all votes have been counted, the election will be held again. The original candidates are allowed to run again in the new ballot, but it gives the opportunity for new candidates to run.
Voters may choose to vote RON for one of the following reasons:
They do not think any of the available candidates should be elected.
They would rather have more choice and be able to select from a greater number of candidates (not a guaranteed outcome).
They have already ranked some candidates, but feel that none of the remaining candidates should be elected.
You do not need to vote for RON in an election; if you think all of the candidates are better than no candidate, you should not rank RON on your ballot.