Hey everyone, I’m Zaid Chaudhary, and I’m running for VP to be your voice, advocate, and force for change! I’m committed to making our campus more inclusive, tackling key issues for international and postgraduate students, and creating a real impact. Together, let’s build a stronger, more connected community!
LIBERATION & INCLUSIVITY
1. Amplifying Cultural Representation
I will push for better cultural representation in events, curricula, and student societies by:
• Ensuring university events celebrate diverse cultures throughout the year, not just on designated days.
• Working with faculties to integrate more inclusive perspectives into course materials.
• Supporting student societies in hosting cultural events and initiatives that promote awareness and appreciation of different identities.
2. Expanding Accessibility for Disabled & Neurodivergent Students
I will expand accessibility for disabled and neurodivergent students by:
• Advocating for lecture recordings, captioned videos, and flexible learning options to support different needs.
• Pushing for more quiet study areas, sensory-friendly event spaces, and mental health resources tailored to neurodivergent students.
• Implementing awareness programs so students and staff understand how to create an inclusive and accessible environment.
3. Combating Discrimination in All Forms
I will actively combat all forms of discrimination, including racism, by:
• Strengthening anti-discrimination policies and ensuring they are properly enforced.
• Establishing clear and effective reporting systems so students feel safe speaking up.
• Organizing educational workshops to empower students to challenge bias and promote equality.
POSTGRADUATE RIGHTS & SUPPORT
1. Increasing Scholarships & Funding for International Students
I will push for more scholarships and funding opportunities for international students by:
• Lobbying for additional financial aid programs to support international postgraduates.
• Advocating for transparent and accessible information on existing scholarships and grants.
• Working with the university to create emergency funds for students facing unexpected financial difficulties.
2. Ensuring Fair Fees & Funding Opportunities
I will ensure fair tuition fees and funding opportunities by:
• Pushing for clearer breakdowns of tuition fees and ensuring students get value for their money.
• Campaigning for more funding options, including bursaries and research grants, for postgraduates.
• Working with student bodies to challenge unnecessary fee increases and hidden costs.
3. Tackling Administrative Delays & Communication Issues
I will address admin silence with fast solutions by:
• Pushing for a dedicated postgraduate support team to handle urgent queries efficiently.
• Introducing response time commitments so students aren’t left waiting for essential information.
• Creating a streamlined system for tracking inquiries and ensuring students receive timely updates.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT
1. Enhancing Postgraduate Career Guidance & Internship Opportunities
I will improve career support for international postgraduates by:
• Expanding internship and job placement programs tailored to international students.
• Working with career services to provide visa-friendly employment opportunities.
• Ensuring postgraduate students receive industry-specific career guidance and networking opportunities.
2. Advocating for Fair Deadlines & Flexible Timetables
I will push for fairer deadlines and more flexible timetables for working students by:
• Campaigning for assignment extensions and alternative assessment options for students balancing work and studies.
• Encouraging universities to offer more evening and weekend classes for postgraduates.
• Ensuring academic policies recognize the unique challenges international students face, including visa work restrictions.
3. Strengthening Academic & Language Support for Non-Native Speakers
I will ensure proper academic and language support by:
• Expanding free English language courses and writing workshops for non-native speakers.
• Advocating for clearer lecture materials and better support for students unfamiliar with academic jargon.
• Ensuring professors and tutors are trained to accommodate diverse linguistic backgrounds in classrooms.