Hi! I’m Taylor, and I’m currently studying my Master’s in Education via Inclusive Practice/ Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I

’ve decided to run for Education President because I am passionate about identifying gaps in Higher Education (HE) and addressing barriers to level the playing field.

Throughout my 4 years here at St Mary’s, I’ve worn many hats. I've had the honour of being a Course Representative in my Education Studies course for 3 years while also being a Senior Resident for over 2 years. Alongside these roles, I am a newly promoted Senior Student Ambassador while also working as the Inclusion Vice-President of the Student Union in 2024/25. Each role has been instrumental in building my knowledge to understand the landscape of St Mary’s and how to meet learners halfway in their academic standing to ensure they feel secure in their field of study.

Now, I’m strongly equipped with the necessary tools to foster an inclusive environment where all learners have the confidence to pursue their academic passions. To be a university student is an honour, and a high-quality education is not only a necessity, it’s a human right. Not only that, but just the pathway to university can be an incredibly long road filled with dedication and hardship. There is no linear path to university, meaning we will all have different starting points, which can bring challenges to our learning.

By making a few simple adjustments, we can continue to create a fit-for-purpose academic experience for all students that honours our lived experiences and educational journeys.

Taylor's manifesto

1. Remove Barriers to Learning

Introduce study interventions, i.e., Silent Study Sessions or Chat and Chill Sessions, where students can speak with staff (Student Services, Library, Careers, Widening Participation Teams). Introduce a Student/Staff forum where students can feed into policies and practices about AI usage. Include Dyslexia-friendly lecture slides. Create a starter fund for printing accounts. Review assessment arrangements to ensure fairness and well-being.

2. Place Wellbeing at the Heart Education

Introduce lecture slides about support available (Disability, Counselling, Pastoral Support). Champion the needs of carers and student-parents on Extenuating Circumstances. Learning Support Forms that recognise care responsibilities (i.e.,later lecture starts).

3. Turn Student Strengths Into Opportunities 

Involve Course Reps in events, co-leading their course’s Taster Session on Experience Days (Paid with Amazon Vouchers). Introduce an Internal Jobs Board offering student-specific vacancies.

4. Bridge The Gap Between Undergraduate and Postgraduate Study

Introduce a programme supporting transition from undergraduate/non-traditional paths to postgraduate degrees. Designated space for Postgraduate Students. Introduce a welcome pack (Funding for printing, specialist academic skills sessions).

5. Supporting the Student Life President and the Vice-Presidents to Support Students

Empower Student Life President and Vice-Presidents to deliver stronger academic and well-being outcomes. Coordinate events together in areas they care about. Increase transparency through articles and posts on the SU Website/Social Media

Thank you for reading my manifesto. If you’ve got any questions, please feel free to reach
out at: 2200527@live.stmarys.ac.uk. See you around