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Candidate for the position of President for Undergraduates

Image for Zagham Farhan

Zagham Farhan

Demand more. I believe the SU can be so much more. I'm fighting, with Henry Morris (Welfare) and David Quan (Postgraduate), for a serious external review into sexual misconduct processes, greater disability support, an online library capacity tracker, a student societies hub, free food support for in need students and so much more. I want the SU to be something you feel; supporting Societies, Common Rooms and delivering change.

Candidate Statement Form
The Student Union can be so much more. I want an SU that feels like an active part of your University experience, that delivers tangible change and supports your Common Rooms. At most universities, the SU does everything from hosting events to registering societies, and I believe it can be so much more than it is now here at Oxford.

I am uniquely placed to deliver this change. I re-started one of Oxford’s oldest student societies, taking it from nothing to one of Oxford’s best known and most active political societies in my two terms as President, including organising high profile speaker events.

As Senior Access Officer, I advocated for disabled students at the Oxford Union, including making accessible term cards mandatory. I’ve been an Access and Outreach Ambassador at Univ for close to three years, delivering open days and college experience days for applicants. I also served as Disabilities Rep and Welfare Officer at Univ, advocating for and delivering change for students.

I’m passionate about serving others, and delivering change. Outside of University, I’ve volunteered extensively, including at Oxford Mutual Aid and Cancer Research UK. I’m also currently the Chair of the Trustee Board for a local charity, demonstrating experience in governance and a willingness to serve my community.

Coming to Oxford was probably the best decision I ever made, nothing can rival the experiences, the people and the University - but that doesn’t mean it's always been easy.

As the son of immigrant doctors, and a disabled student who’s had to consider suspending studies before, I’ve experienced a range of personal issues, and have always been grateful for the kindness and capability of my tutors and college staff. I want that level of support to be available to everyone.
For me, change is about solving the real issues that affect the student experience - not just speaking out or appearing in social media videos.

If you elect me, I’ll work towards:

LIBRARY CAPACITY LIVE TRACKER: a central website that shows you just how busy all the major libraries are at any given moment.

External review into Sexual Misconduct processes: a major, transparent assessment of the way the University manages these issues, focusing on concrete recommendations for change.

MORE (always optional) SUPPORT FOR STUDENT SOCIETIES: helping to book rooms, supporting registration, running elections, organising collaborations. The SU will become the central hub for societies at the University.

STUDENT FOOD SUPPORT: modelled on a successful programme at Cambridge - making essential food supplies available free for students in need during this cost of living crisis.

REASSESSING THE APPROACH TO GENDERED HEALTH CONDITIONS: certain conditions, predominantly affecting women, are sometimes treated as less serious for the purposes of exams and academics. This needs to be looked at, and access to exam arrangements made fair for all students.

And many more ideas, all of which will be available on social media.

By electing myself, Henry Morris (Welfare) and David Quan (Postgraduate), I believe that you can play your part in delivering a better, and fairer, University.

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