Farewell to our champions of change
As we bid farewell to our student officer team for 2023/24, it’s time to reflect on their incredible contributions to the LJMU community. Their tireless efforts, commitment, and passion for enhancing the student experience have left a mark on us all. Let’s take a moment to celebrate their achievements and the impact they have made.
Shaquita Corry Powell: VP Education (2022-2024)
Shaquita Corry Powell has been a formidable force in her role as VP Education. Her leadership and vision have significantly shaped the academic landscape at our university. Here are some of the key initiatives she championed:
Decolonise the Curriculum Pledge: Shaquita spearheaded a pledge aimed at students and staff to decolonise the curriculum. This initiative has encouraged a more inclusive and representative educational environment, ensuring that diverse perspectives and histories are acknowledged and integrated into our learning materials.
Enhanced Student-Tutor Relationships: Understanding the crucial role of personal tutors in a student's academic journey, Shaquita worked to evolve and strengthen these relationships. Her efforts have ensured that students receive better guidance and support throughout their studies.
Simplified Assessment Extensions: Recognising the challenges students face, Shaquita successfully campaigned for a more straightforward process for obtaining assessment extensions. This policy change has alleviated stress for many students, allowing them to manage their workload more effectively.
Advocacy for Commuter Students: Shaquita also lobbied the university to address the needs of commuter students, particularly concerning travel costs. Her advocacy has led to greater awareness and efforts to support these students, making university life more accessible for all.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Shaquita fronted significant campaigns such as Black History Month and More Than a Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black students and staff. These initiatives have fostered a more inclusive and respectful campus culture.
Clodagh McErlean: VP Activities (2022-2024)
Clodagh’s incumbancy as VP Activities has been marked by her dedication to improving the extracurricular experience and ensuring equal representation for all students. Here are some of her notable accomplishments:
Promotion of Sports and Societies: Clodagh enhanced the visibility and accessibility of sports and societies, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage in activities they are passionate about. Her "Challenge Clodagh" campaign showcased this commitment, highlighting different clubs and societies across the university to encourage students to try new things.
Tailored Training for Student Leaders: Clodagh introduced updated and more relevant training programs for student leaders. This initiative has empowered student representatives with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively lead their respective groups.
Innovative Gym Offers: Understanding the diverse needs of the student body, Clodagh developed unique offers at the sports gym, including women-only classes and more affordable gym memberships. These initiatives have made fitness more inclusive and accessible.
Movember Campaign: Clodagh led the university’s Movember campaign through a series of events, workshops, talks and even a dodgeball match. With resounding success, LJMU students raised over £27,000 for the charity across her two years in office. This campaign not only supported a worthy cause but also brought the university community together in a spirit of solidarity and generosity.
Inclusive Varsity Games: Under Clodagh’s leadership, LJMU excelled in the varsity games. She ensured that all student groups felt included and valued, fostering a sense of unity and school spirit.
Jasmine Howard: President (2023-2024)
President Jasmine Howard’s tenure has been marked by her unwavering dedication to representing and advocating for diverse student communities. Here are some of her significant campaigns:
Support for Students with Hidden Disabilities: Jasmine has been a vocal advocate for students with hidden disabilities. She highlighted important international days, organized workshops and talks, and even hosted her own art exhibition to showcase how students interpret disability through their creative works.
Promoting Student Groups: Jasmine provided numerous platforms for student groups to gain exposure, such as the LIPA fair. Her efforts have ensured that all student communities felt seen and heard.
Championing Volunteering and Community Work: Jasmine has been at the forefront of promoting volunteering and community engagement. Her dedication has inspired many students to contribute to the community, fostering a spirit of service and solidarity.
Alexandria Jones: VP Community and Wellbeing (2023-2024)
Alexandria Jones has been a steadfast advocate for student safety and wellbeing. Her initiatives have greatly enhanced the sense of security and support on and around campus:
Night Time Economy Guardian Scheme: Alexandria developed this scheme to ensure student safety during nighttime activities. This program has provided peace of mind for students engaging in the university's vibrant nightlife.
Know Your Rights Campaign: Alexandria’s campaign educated students about their legal rights, empowering them with the knowledge to navigate various challenges and issues they might face during their university life.
Free Safety Packs: Recognising the importance of personal safety, Alexandria ensured that free safety packs, including anti-spiking kits and condoms, were readily available on campus. This initiative has promoted a safer and more responsible student community.
Therapy Animals on Campus: Integrating therapy animals on campus has been one of Alexandria’s innovative approaches to student wellbeing. These animals have provided emotional support and stress relief for students, especially during exam periods.
Cost of Living and Accommodation Support: Alexandria also championed initiatives to support students facing financial challenges, providing essential resources and assistance to help them manage the cost of living and accommodation.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Change
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shaquita Corry Powell, Clodagh McErlean, Jasmine Howard and Alexandria Jones for their outstanding service and dedication. Their contributions have made our university a better place, and they will be greatly missed. Here’s to their bright futures and the lasting impact they have left behind.
Their advocacy for policy changes, commitment to inclusivity, and relentless efforts to improve the student experience have been nothing short of inspiring. As they move on to new endeavors, their legacy will undoubtedly continue to benefit future generations of students.
Thank you, Shaquita, Clodagh, Jasmine and Alexandria for everything you’ve done. This isn't 'goodbye', it's 'see you soon'!
