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Alex Martin

Whether it be housing, academic representation or cost of living, the issues the Guild works on can make or break someone’s student experience. As Guild President, I would ensure students have an effective voice to fight for them on these issues and actively lobby the university and city council. My work would be led by input from all students but some of my core beliefs are:

  • We deserve a transparent and accountable Students' Guild
  • In this ongoing crisis, I know we need better cost-of-living support
  • I think everyone has a right to secure, affordable housing free from landlords’ exploitation
  • I know wellbeing services are crucial and need to be accessible to everyone
  • Exeter should be a safe, inclusive and accessible city and campus  

So why should you trust me to fight for you:

For two years I’ve sat on the trustee board that oversees the entire guild where I have worked with student officers on everything from creating the Student Living Officer role to the refurbishment of Devonshire House. I have represented Exeter at the National Union of Students where I worked on housing reform and have been an active proponent of democratic reform in the NUS.

As president of the Debating Society, I have experience managing a large committee, organising events three times a week for 400 members. This year I’ve also joined the Guild working group on gender safety and have been actively pushing to expand the welfare training given to committee members.

This experience has given me the skills, working relationships and understanding of how the guild and university really work needed to get things done. If elected, I won’t need months to adjust myself, I will hit the ground running on day one and achieve the changes students deserve.

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Sebastian Racisz

Hiya, my name is Seb, and I’m running to be your Education Officer! I’m a final year Politics, Philosophy and Economics student and a face you’ve likely seen around campus and many of its societies (potentially some debates). In terms of more personal stuff, I’m a Polish-English dual-national and someone who cares deeply about education issues in Exeter and nationally.

But at the end of the day, why me?

As dull as it sounds, education policy is my thing. Ever since secondary school, I’ve been involved in student activism, fighting for local issues that affected my small local state school as well as national issues affecting us all. Fighting for a system that genuinely considers our interests, and in my bid for Education Officer, I want to continue doing just that. As such, in preparation for the election, I’ve been doing quite a bit of research into Exeter Uni policies and how they compare to other universities on a variety of issues, including mitigation, student engagement and late submission policy to highlight what Exeter does great as well as where it needs to improve (Keep an eye on my instagram page to hear more!!!). Additionally, as a committee member, I already have significant experience dealing with the guild (I send them an absurd amount of emails weekly 🙃). Finally, the experiences of international students are close to my heart as a dual-national myself. I understand many of the struggles faced by those arriving in the country for the first time and promise to use my experiences and those of the student body to create an environment welcoming to all.

So hey why not vote Seb!!!

If you have any questions about my campaign, drop me a message on my Instagram, or if you see me around campus, say hi!

https://www.instagram.com/seb4educationofficer/

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Thomas Tran

Radical Allyship. That’s what my campaign’s about. It’s not enough to push for your own vision; you have to listen and fight for the communities around you. Being Asian-American, queer, and neurodivergent, I know how valuable it is when someone takes the time to listen, to inform themselves, and to advocate for others. I want to be that person for you. As a 3rd-year, I feel that I have a strong grasp on how the Guild and uni work and how to leverage them to get the best for students. I don’t shy away from negotiation (having fought for a GSA at my homophobic high school) while also knowing that the best work comes from collaboration (having worked with faculty/societies for events). Above all though, I am the type of person always looking to improve and take feedback. As your E&C officer, I’d send out surveys and meet folks to ensure that my actions are always representative of you.

As a candidate, I’m not allowed to make promises, but I will tell you what I hold to be true. I believe that there is no social justice without economic justice (“equal opportunity” being not just an ideal but a societal goal). I believe in cultural diversity, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability rights. I believe that the University can do a lot more for us. (If you can invest in buildings, you can invest in the people inside of them!). We have a long way to go with mental health support and accessibility. I am more than willing to be your tireless advocate.

Radical Allyship understands that the larger community is only as strong as the smaller communities within it. It leads to richer experiences and unexpected friendships.

Let’s make sure everyone has a great time at Exeter.

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India Walton-Salmon

Hey, I'm India, a third-year Film and Television student and I'm excited to be running for Societies and Employability Officer. When I'm not doing uni work, you can find me working in the Career Zone or running a society event for the UniBoobTeam, Sexpression Society or the 93% Club.

From working at the Career Zone, I have first-hand experience supporting students on their career pathways. If I were elected as your Societies and Employability Officer, I would want to use my experiences to further support you in achieving your full potential. I understand that career planning can be overwhelming, so we need more accessible opportunities that work for everyone. Whether you know what you want to do after graduation or are just figuring it out, I want to be here for you every step of the way!

The cost of living crisis has hit students hard. I am passionate that there should be more well-paid, flexible opportunities on campus that fit around our studies and more low-cost activities and events. From my experience, being able to meet employers from all sectors helps students feel they belong at University.

From President to Treasurer and Social sec, I've been on four different committees, so I know that being on a committee can take over your life. We need a Students’ Guild that provides support throughout the year, not just in September, so committees can focus on having fun! International students also deserve much better; our events and celebrations must be more inclusive so that our international students feel at home.

Finally, there are over 300 societies, and every one is unique. I aspire to give a platform to smaller societies and do more to celebrate everyone’s hard work in making University life exciting!

Vote India for inclusivity and visit @india4guild on Instagram!

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Kira Brookes

Hi! My name is Kira, I’m a third year Psychological Studies student, and I’m thrilled to be running for the position of Student Living Officer this year! You might have seen me before on Instagram (@kira4student living), as President of the Feminist Society, or as Press and Publicity Officer for Exeter Model United Nations. This year’s Guild Officer team have started some amazing work that I believe myself to be the best person to help to continue; I’m super approachable and outgoing, and more importantly I am deeply committed to making sure all students feel represented here at Exeter.

In my role as the President of the Feminist Society, I have had the privilege of working with and addressing the diverse needs of an incredible group of students. While I’ve definitely faced some challenges in this role, the experience has only served to highlight the importance of creating a community where every individual feels valued. Furthermore, my tenure as Press and Publicity Officer for Exeter Model United Nations has helped me to develop strong communication skills and an understanding of effective representation. If elected as your Student Living Officer, I will use these skills to ensure that the voices of all students are considered in the decision-making processes that impact our university experience.

In standing in these Student’s Guild Elections, I am making a promise to you that my time in this role will be rooted in representation, transparency, and responsiveness. I believe in working closely with students, listening to your concerns, and finding solutions that enhance your university experience. Your vote is not just a vote for me, but a vote for a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant student community. Thank you very much for reading, and I hope you vote Kira for Student Living Officer!

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Chloe Whitworth

Hello, I’m Chloe, and I would love to be your Sports President for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am a 3rd year History student, Club Captain of Women’s Football, and EDI Officer on the AU Exec Committee.

When I chose Exeter, the deciding factor for me was that it is one of the top sporting universities. I have not regretted my decision because my involvement in different sporting pursuits has been an important outlet for me during my time at university. I have been closely involved with university sport since my first year, namely Women’s Football and Futsal. Sitting on the UOEWFC committee for two years, afforded me valuable insight and knowledge on Exeter Sport, and given me strong first-hand experience in how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. As Club Captain, I have personally developed extensive leadership and communication skills, and I pride myself on being as approachable and inclusive as possible. Moreover, working alongside the current AU Pres as EDI Officer has enabled me to help progress University sport beyond performance.

I am an advocate for using sport as a vehicle for positive change. There are several barriers to participation in sport that affect students in various ways, most notably I have seen how gender, disability and socio-economic backgrounds form significant barriers to accessing sport at Exeter. Facilitating weekly sessions for disability football coaching at the University is one way in which I have turned my passion for inclusivity into positive change.

I believe that smaller and female clubs are vital to our university sporting community. They further the opportunity to find a new talent or skill, whilst helping to develop healthy mental and physical habits. I appreciate the importance of celebrating all clubs and recognising what they bring individually to Exeter Sport.

Your 2024 - 25 Elected Officers

Results Are In!!

Results Are In!!

Results Are In!!

Results Are In!!

Results Are In!!

Results Are In!!

Guild PresidentEducation OfficerCommunities & Equality OfficerSocieties & Employability OfficerStudent Living OfficerSports President
Alex Martin
Your

Guild President

Alex Martin

Read My Statement
Sebastian Racisz
Your

Education Officer

SEBASTIAN RACISZ

Read My Statement
Thomas Tran
Your

Communities &
Equality Officer

Thomas Tran

Read My Statement
India Walton - Salmon
Your

Societies &
Employability Officer

India Walton - Salmon

Read My Statement
Kira Brookes
Your

Student Living Officer

Kira Brookes

Read My Statement
Chloe Whitworth
Your

Sports President

Chloe Whitworth

Read My Statement
View NUS Results & Vote Breakdown
Thank you for voting! Love, Your Students' Guild