Student Officers have no pre-defined portfolio, but together with the rest of the elected executive committee, will discuss and propose areas of work for the Union, ensuring that all students are represented. Alongside representing student views generally, Student Officer's chosen areas of work will be defined via their manifesto promises.
You can contact student officers to give voice to feedback about any area of your student experience, to ask questions about any area of the Union's work or to provide them information that you feel will allow the Union to provide for student need.
Email: suexec@winchester.ac.uk
Phone: 01962 827418
More about Gemma:
What did/do you study?
I am currently studying Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
What SU run events and activities have you been a part of?
Freshers week - memorable moments were the Sunset Walk up St Catherine's Hill and the Big Pub Quiz. Being a part of an activities group and supporting SU campaigns.
What are your top Manifesto points?
- Recognition of timetabling issues for commuting students and their engagement with SU activates.
- Setting up a small furniture recycling scheme where students can re home small items such as waste bins and IKEA stands etc.
- Building more links between networking societies and sports societies to create a more united activities zone.
What made you run in the Elections to become an officer?
As someone with a very outgoing and bubbly personality, I couldn't see why I shouldn't go for the role. I loved representing the Student Union and helping with Freshers week last year. I got to meet the amazing team that run it and enjoyed talking to and meeting other students. This year, I wanted to go one step further and become a Student Officer so I could help the SU continue it's amazing work and expand it by adding campaigns relevant to this year’s students.
What’s your favourite thing about Winchester?
I come from a small old fashioned and quaint town not far from Winchester. So I always describe Winchester as a bigger, better version of my home town! I really like that it's surrounded by lots of green spaces, areas where it is nice to go for a walk in the evenings. I also love the food options and that I can order both Wagamamas and Bubble Tea to uni!
What has been your proudest moment during your student journey (so far)?
Becoming the first female Chair of Rugby. I started playing rugby again during my first year and fell back in love with the sport. At the end of the year, I applied for the role with no expectation of getting it only to find I was elected. I really enjoyed this role and gained a better understanding of how the SU support activity groups and the many processes it takes to run one.
What do you like doing when you aren’t being a Winchester SU Officer?
I have a very busy life, which often is paired with the saying " you never stop!" by my friends and family. I volunteer at the local RAF Air Cadet Squadron twice a week (and many weekends) where I put my teaching degree to good use. If I'm not at home watching a movie, I'm either meeting up with my friends for spontaneous days out or working with the amazing children I support.
What's your favourite film?
A Little Princess (1997 film). It's basically a combination of Annie and Madeline, with a little girl being put into a boarding school while her dad fights in the war. Her imagination and stories are what gets her through her time there, as she makes friends and fights back against the wicked school mistress. Not sure why I love it so much, but it's something I've watched time and time again, even though it's very hard to find on steaming platforms.
(If that's not available, then my go to movie is The Devil Wears Prada because who doesn't love a Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt power movie!)
