Hadiza Adah - UPSU Vice President International & Outreach
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Manifesto update:
Accommodation
I would work towards providing a scheme that represents international students and helps them in knowing their rights
- After taking a lot of feedback from the university and other university who have run the International Guarantor Scheme, a new draft has been proposed to the university for approval. I am also currently working on including some accommodation tips to the SU website.
Safe environment
I’d work towards providing a system that protects and defends international students and immigrants
- Since stepping into the role, I realised that this falls outside my remit. However, Im working with James Warren to ensure international students are fully supported and given adequate avenues to report any form of hate crime.
Develop employability and transferable skills
By creating specific forums to cater for international and exchange students
I’m currently working on creating sessions where international and exchange students can get advice on employment, and also get advice from employers who are of similar backgrounds and ethnicity. Also currently looking to empower students through various trainings and opportunities available for them to improve their skills.
I am working with the students development manager and careers and employability service to see how we can increase applications for placements for international students and collaborating to increase awareness of the services provided by both teams.
Key role related activities update
Improving engagement with Partner Colleges
- The result of the survey is currently being analysed. In the meantime, myself Alec and Gemma are working on drop-in sessions across partner colleges, to get feedback from students concerning their experience. We are also currently attending the JBS meetings for partner colleges and providing support to the student representatives.
Student Protection Scheme?
This aims at providing equal access to education for asylum seekers. It will persuade the university to provide bursaries and scholarships for them and stop the university from charging them international fees.
Currently working with Rosie Brennan, Director of the law clinic to access information concerning asylum seekers and refugees, and getting in contact with local organisations to create more opportunities for them. So far we are developing a survey which would give us information on issues, numbers and how to tackle them.
It will also develop a model to protect international students in crisis.
Other key updates
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As part of the sabbatical role review, a new position has been created which covers International students, mature students, and some other key departments. Partner colleges have now been split amongst all roles to help with a more effective representation.
The role of the Vice President International & Outreach involves:
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Representing University of Plymouth International and Partner Institution students that fall within our membership
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Working to improve international and partner institutions students experience
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Supporting the Plymouth Partner Institution network within our membership, ensuring that they receive sufficient support, representation and access to facilities
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Ensuring progression students are adequately supported through their transition
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Working as a trustee of UPSU
Previous updates:
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