Michael for OXFORD SU PRESIDENT

I am Michael-Akolade (He/Him), a third-year PPE student from the West Midlands. I am a mature student (only by definition!), and enjoy challenging myself despite having both visible and non-visible disabilities. I am a care leaver and a caregiver, and I know how important it is to level the playing field for underrepresented people and groups. I want to ensure that there are not just opportunities but also sufficient support for people from all walks of life to excel.

Why me?

I have the experience

• Former Member of the West midlands YCA and sat on Scrutiny Committee; holding mayor to account

• Helped plan the Birmingham commonwealth games as YCA portfolio lead for culture and Major events

• Former JCR DisRep & Access and Equal Opportunities Officer

• Member of Class Act and Disability Campaigns 

I have demonstrated commitment to community help?

• IntoUniveristy Mentor

• University Royal Naval Cadet

• Avid Mental Health fundraiser (through photography)

• Regular engagement with homelessness assisting charities

I am not afraid to speak up when necessary

Spoken and read poems at protests such at RMF and Nationality and Borders Bill demonstration and introduced Ask for Angela at a Union's Bar.

Commitments

Combat SU Apathy

• Better communication of SU activities and achievements uni-wide and in

common rooms.

• Hold SU President to Account - Publicly stream student council + video

updates on achievements

• Empower Campaigns - working more closely with campaigns chairs to and

lobby for their integration into relevant university governing committees

Holistic Access

• No Student Left Behind - lobby for a more inclusive hardship fund process that accounts for a student with a complex family or personal finance situation e.g. people who may slip through the cracks/people who may be identified as middle class but don't have a lot of disposable income

• Improved understanding of neurodiverse needs in college and department.

• Streamline the bureaucracy and improve support for identified vulnerable communities, e.g. people who are estranged students and care leavers living and housing sourcing funder funding

• Reform pastoral and mental health support at colleges and DAS to be proactive and fit the need of individuals

Improve the Student experience

• Accessible Centralised Platform for social and society events

• Safer Nightlife - create an audit of student nightclubs.

Image description for plain text version: 

Michael smiles with nervous confidence wearing a pink beret and multicoloured cultural top.