Jamal - President
Riley - Welsh Language Officer
Liks - Chair of SVF
Kenul - Vice President for Activities
Keatan - Vice President for Welfare
Jordan - FLSE SVR
James - FLSE SVR
Sofia - Vice President for Education
Will - FCES SVR
Cheryl - Vice President for Welfare
Clayton - Vice President for Education
Meet The Candidates
The winners of this year's election will be crucial in shaping the direction of our student community, and each candidate running for these positions brings their own unique skills and experiences to the table. We encourage you to read their manifestos carefully to get a better sense of their vision for our community. You can do this by clicking on any of the people in the below image.
We are proud of all of the candidates who have stepped forward to run in this election, and we encourage all students to take the time to read about their platforms and get to know them better. Remember, the outcome of this election is up to you, so make sure to cast an informed vote and help shape the direction of your students' union!
Executive Roles
Student Council
Student Voice Reps
How Can I Vote?
Voting opens on March 13th at 9 am and closes on March 16th at 6 pm. To vote, simply log onto the website and select the candidates you want to support. You can choose multiple candidates in order of preference.
If you don't think any of the candidates are suitable for the role, you can also vote to reopen nominations. This means that if the majority of students vote for this option, the election will be restarted with new candidates.
Jamal Abdilahi
Candidate for President
Hi, my name is Jamal Abdilahi, I am running for the SU President role. If we haven’t met before I am the current SU VP Activities and Acting President of the SU.
The reason I am running for this role is to make the student experience the best I can be while working with many others in the Students Union.
Previously being a student here at USW I believe many things can be achieved to get the best out of your time here at the university. Whether that be academically or through you’re extracurricular activities.
Having brought back Varsity to the student body which has been missed over the past few years.
The reason I believe I am the best person for this role is because I already have experience as an SU President, serving as Acting President since December, and believe I have learnt a lot in this space of time and believe I could do great things going forward in being there for students for any of their needs. Having previously sat on the Board of Governors with the University and the Board of Trustees at the Students Union. I have seen these as great opportunities to get the student voice heard at the highest of meeting possible here at the University.
By previously being Activities Officer I will be working with the other VPs to get the best out of them and ensure that we are kept to the standard that students want us to be held at.
By electing me as your SU President I will try my best to advocate for students and do my upmost best to ensure that their voices are heard.
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Riley Rattray
Candidate for Welsh Language Officer
I am an open minded individual who believes that Wales, its people, culture and language is something that has been left out of USW's priorities for far too long. As someone who is a first language Welsh speaker having done the Language Skills Certificate with Coleg y Cymoedd last year, been nominated for the Heritage Angels Awards for my work with Ceredigion's local heritage and history as well as my active interest in Welsh history, culture and politics, I feel I want to ensure that USW are doing their part as a Welsh University to encourage the use of the Welsh Language at every given opportunity as well as promote Welsh Culture and History.
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Jordan Lewis-Iles
Candidate for Student Voice Rep
I have a long history of representing students (6 years) throughout college and university. I am strongly passionate about getting voices heard and improving learner experiences
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Cheryl Chingosho
Candidate for Vice President for Welfare
My name is Cheryl Chingosho. I am a Master of public health student and the current student council chair. I am running to represent you as your next vice president welfare officer in this election. I have years of experience in university student support roles. I volunteer for the resident life committee, where I help plan and set up events for students living in Mountain halls and Glamorgan court. I am part of several societies around the Treforest campus, including the Christian union, chess club and dance for water. I am active in the community and an informal leader among my peers. Moreover, I am part of the international challenge, where I have contributed 30 hours of community service, 30 hours of extracurricular skill development, and 10 hours of first aid training. I am currently involved in volunteer work around the university, such as in litter-picking events, local community fundraising projects within the international challenge, and my role as a student ambassador.
As chair of the student council, I played a significant role in the planning and execution of this year's annual general meeting, which had an attendance of over 100 students. I synthesized an action proposal for rat extermination around campus halls, primarily around the university's accommodation. This proposal was successful and initiated plans for improved waste management. It also provoked ideas for implementing feasible digital platforms students can use to report pressing issues in real-time such as rat sightings on campus. Moreover, promote cleanliness and better hygiene practices around the university. I have experience being the head of the Monash University Student Association (MUSA) at Monash University Malaysia - my previous university and allowing me to build on my skills in handling equality, diversity, and inclusivity issues within large organisations. My close links and interactions with peers from various nationalities, religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds have made me privy to different people's experiences, embrace diverse cultures, and enjoy USW's variety.
I have the right skill, personal qualities, and experience for the role. I am an open-minded, energetic, and resourceful individual excited to take on this new challenge at USW. The position of VP welfare Is attractive to me as it aligns with my area of study academically and my previous work experiences within healthcare and community settings. I have the essential inter and intrapersonal skills such as the ability to work as a team, oral communication skills and perseverance. These hopefully enable me to contribute to the team a fresh face and a new set of bold ideas and projects regarding student welfare in the dynamic and rewarding job as a full-time student union officer.
My motivation for being elected is the skill enhancement I would attain from experience. This position will enable me to develop further my insightful and perceptive nature in leadership, self-management, thoughtfulness, and people management. The opportunity to be part of the team that works towards improving students' holistic health, well-being and enjoyability at USW is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Some of my greatest strengths as my critical thinking skills and professionalism. I would add my enthusiasm and bold ideas to the team. I work well under pressure and maintain a positive attitude despite failure and setbacks. Handling the work of the full-time role will be challenging, but I like to challenge myself and push my limits outside my comfort zone. I am prepared to serve in the best way I can and, most importantly, learn as much as I can from this role. If successful, I will employ these skills, experience, and knowledge activities within this position.
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Keatan Rees
Candidate for Vice President for Welfare
Hello everyone, I’m Keatan and I am running to be your next Welfare Officer here at USWSU!
So, here’s a bit about me.
This is my 4th year as a student at USW and I am currently studying for my PgCE qualification in Further Education.
What I believe makes me suitable for the role: whilst undergoing my current course, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the education system and ensuring students are getting the most out of it is vital. My experiences as a trainee teacher and my involvement in youth work (so far) have given me essential skills that can assist me further in the ‘Welfare Officer’ position. So, it seems natural for me to transition into a role that not only represents your voice and values but focuses on your wellbeing whilst at university too.
I’m a very friendly, approachable person and I’m always looking for new challenges to take on. I love to listen and have a very deterministic mindset. I have experience in leadership positions, volunteering roles and working together in teams and I have the passion and drive to fight for and speak for you.
I am also currently a Student Ambassador and Course Rep which has given me the chance to learn more about and appreciate the university itself also aiding to grow and develop my interpersonal skills such as communication and listening with people I don’t necessarily know or see on a day-to-day basis. This has also assisted me to identify the ways the university offer support to students.
I also work in our SU pub on the Treforest campus, this role has given me ample opportunities to talk directly with the student population and societies on a regular basis on their thoughts and feelings about what factors play a fundamental part in their student life.
My personal goal is to actively play a part in USW and the Union’s success and be a key point of contact between you and the SU, whilst working closely and representing you, the students. I’d like to make a real impact and make a difference in this role; however, this is only possible with your help. I hope you can turn to me to advocate your voice and needs to make sure that you are heard.
So, if you want a #PieceOfRees representing you, why not find out more about me and why I’m ready to step up and be your voice. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @keatan4welfare or chat to me if you see me on campus!
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Liks Robert
Candidate for Chair of SVF
I am a student pursuing BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Management (Year 2). I would like to take up the role- Chair of Student Voice Forum because I believe that I possess the required characteristics and the right attitude which are important to undertake a role of this kind. I would like to work towards making the learning experience more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone at university. I believe that this role is of great importance as it helps to bring out the feelings and opinions of students regarding the university and the courses. Communication is one of the most important skills that is necessary to carry out this role and I believe that I have good communication skills and can communicate with other students and the faculty. I would like to take up a role that involves communication as I possess the necessary quality and can effectively communicate. I am aware and ready to take up the responsibilities which play a major part in this role. I am also aware of my role in the organizational level and realize the seriousness of undertaking this position. My desire is to work in a place where I can interact with people and work towards making things better for them. I am a person that meets deadlines and can carry out the tasks that are assigned to me on time and can complete these successfully. I am patient and can coordinate with others at ease which in turn can help me in completing my tasks and build a healthy relationship with them. I have a positive attitude and can face difficult situations and critically think to come up with a solution. I can also manage my time where I believe I can have a balance between my role and my education and work towards fulfilling both.
In addition to this, I have also been the Student Voice Representative for this year where I have displayed my dedication towards my role by fulfilling responsibilities and being proactive throughout. I have been enthusiastic and actively took part in workshops and training sessions. I also got the opportunity to show my leadership, communication, time management and decision-making skills.
I am looking forward to be the Chair of Student Voice Forum for the next academic year. I am ready to put in my full effort and dedication in order to successfully carry out my role and complete the tasks that may be assigned to me. I will always be energetic and responsive and consistently meet the requirements of this role. I am aware of the responsibilities the role demands and I am prepared to take these up with a positive mindset. I will do my best to overcome the challenges that may be posed to me and will stay determined to achieve my goals. I truly believe that this will be a great opportunity for me to acquire new skills and develop my existing skills even further. I also hope that my positive attitude and determination will be reflected in my work and the outcomes.
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James Catchpole
Candidate for Student Voice Rep
I love to help people flourish and reach their potential!
I’m an enthusiastic individual who wants to get the best out of others, which will make me feel a sense of self-worth.
My innate need to see others succeed was aligned when I worked on a summer camp in America, where I was a camp counsellor and mountain bike instructor.
During these roles, I strived to ensure that I had a positive impact on those who I met, whilst creating a positive environment daily, where others could express themselves and have fun. As a result, I had an immense feeling of self-satisfaction as I contributed to the success and enjoyment of others.
Currently, I undertake in two coaching placements alongside study on the BSc Football Coaching and Performance course. These put together my love of sport and seeing people develop. I have a huge sense of pride when I see people achieve their aims, especially when I have supported them.
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Will Light-Hook
Candidate for Student Voice Rep
I have already been in the role since October and work well with the members of the SVF, as well as having a plan on what I intend to do within the role already made such as preventing the closure of key courses
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Clayton Bradley Quiah
Candidate for Vice President for Education
I can keep large numbers of people under control as well as interact with them on an individualistic level. I can put in long hours dedicated to any worthy cause.
1. I am a quick learner. 2. I can adapt to any scenario and modify my strategies accordingly. 3. I make assessments only after understanding the entire picture.
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Sofia De Zulueta Soberon
Candidate for Vice President for Education
Since I started at USW I immediately got involved in representing students’ interests on a wider strategic faculty level. I am passionate about the academic student experience and ensuring students get the most out of their time at USW. This has been the driver for my past three years of study.
During my time at USW I have been:
• Chair of Student Voice Forum (2022 – 2023). Having been elected this academic year I have been responsible for the management and oversight of SVRs, mentoring and supporting them in their day-to-day roles. While in this role I have contributed to the university’s institutional review by the Higher Education Funding Council Wales and took part in the USW submission. As this is an executive officer role, I am confident I have the necessary experience to become VP of Education.
• Student Voice Representative (2020 – 2022) for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Science. Where I was responsible for representing faculty students’ opinions and providing feedback to the faculty team.
• Course Representative (2020 – 2023) for Mechanical Engineering BEng. Where I have helped solve issues within my course and represented my course-mate's interests, acting as an intermediary for communications between students and staff members.
I have gained extensive experience over my years at USW, such as:
• I have sat on numerous revalidation and validation events, directly influencing how courses are developed and delivered to students.
• I am currently undertaking a thematic review as part of SVF on differential outcomes, which is of key strategic importance to USW and the outcomes of it will shape how education is delivered to all students irrespective of background.
• I am an international student, which provides me with an understanding of the intricacies of applying, as well as the added pressures and challenges of being an international student.
• I have a hidden disability, so I am aware of what disabled students have to do to be in equal footing which I use to promote more equitable and accessible forms of assessment and academic provision for students.
• I am a woman in STEM and have had to face and overcome unique barriers to achieve my full potential.
Above all, I am always honest, which makes me speak my mind and stand firmly for my beliefs. I am dependable, I am not afraid to take responsibility and seek assistance when necessary. Last but not least, I am trustworthy, always following through on my commitments and promises.
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Kenul Herath
Candidate for Vice President for Activities
I am persistent, outgoing and very responsible.
Last year and this year I have been heavily involved in various clubs and activities in the university. This has enabled me to connect with students and participate as part of the university's badminton team. I would be a great fit for the role as my interests and values allign well with the role .
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