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
An International Guarantor Scheme has been created and is currently awaiting approval from the University. The document needs some extra work, and this is currently being discussed with Julian Chaudhuri, DVC Education and Student Experience, and Mel Joyner, Director of Student Services, prior to further approval from UEG. I’m also, working towards having advice sessions focused on accommodation for international students. Lastly, I’m working together with the advice centre to update the information we have on the website concerning accommodation
Safe environment
I’d work towards providing a system that protects and defends international students and immigrants
Currently looking into developing a model to protect immigrants and international students in crisis, also working on safeguarding issues and working with the Mel Joyner to reduce hate crime around the university by having reporting hubs and safe spaces where hate crime can be reported.
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
This is aimed at improving engagement form partner institutions. Over September and the rest of the School year, Alec Cockram, Outreach Coordinator, and I will visit the colleges and collect as much feedback as possible from the students, also, we are working towards increasing engagement from course reps, and further improving the overall student experience, so it can be compared with the student experience of our on campus students.
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.
It will also develop a model to protect international students in crisis.
Other key updates
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Over September, Alec Cockram, the outreach coordinator and myself have been going around to partner colleges to deliver inductions and speak to our members during their freshers week. This has been successful and partner colleges are keen to engage with UPSU in the coming academic year.
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Currently starting course rep trainings for partner colleges, this would be completed by ending of November.
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Lastly, UPSU is organising some events for Black History Month to promote inclusivity and increase student engagement.
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: