The Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance your education at the University of Portsmouth through a range of exciting services and activities. Our mission is to have a positive impact with every Portsmouth student: Students are heard, students are empowered, students thrive.
Student Groups are a great development opportunity and a great place to find new friends, build a community and have a sense of belonging while at University.
Hi there! My role as Democracy and Campaign Officer involves promoting student views both locally and nationally, and I am the main activist at UPSU. I exist to empower your voice and champion your causes. Have any issues or initiatives? I'm here to help!
Who is Anwar?
• My ultimate career goal is to join the police force, and I am studying Criminology and Criminal Justice to achieve that.
• I am also volunteering as a police officer in the Special Constabulary.
• Through my role I'm involved in local campaigns such as increased maintenance loans and student housing.
• I was actively involved in the Student Council meeting early in March, enhancing student engagement in democratic processes.
• I played a significant role in organising the "Go Out And Talk" (GOAT) event on March 25th, motivating students to engage in meaningful conversations about the issues they face.
• With the help of a senior faculty representative, we created a promotional video for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) where we highlighted programs, research opportunities, and the vibrant HSS community through the video.
• Stephen Morgan MP invited me and the team to Westminster where we were given a tour! I then spoke to Stephen regarding issues affecting students in the local area and spoke about my hopes for the return of the Maintenance Grant.
• I also attended the Fair Trade City event hosted by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, this was to celebrate 20 years of Portsmouth being a Fair Trade City! It was great to see the amazing work the city is doing to support farmers and to be more environmentally sustainable!
• I attended the UoP Dodgeball Charity Event which raised money for Macmillan Cancer Trust. It was wonderful to see so many societies attend and support the event, and Dodgeball did an amazing job hosting it.
• I have also started conversations regarding my hopes for the implementation of a University Food Bank at the UPSU Cost of Living group.
• I have joined a PGR group at the SU to look into ways that the Student's Union can best support Post Grad Research Students!
• This month I have been providing items free of charge to students such as toilet rolls, folders and kitchen utensils! I secured these items from the University and have been handing them out as part of a cost of living stall in the Student's Union foyer.
• I attended the International Winter Welcome Fayre to talk to new students.
• I took part in the first Officer GOAT (Go Out And Talk) of the year and spoke to lots of students regarding ongoing issues and concerns (keep your eyes peeled for the next GOAT date!)
• I held my first Democracy and Campaigns Officer Q&A
• I also contributed to a Wellbeing Cafe in Park!
• I supported with the BAL Craft with your Course Reps event which took place in Richmond!
• I also took part in the UPSU Liberation Forum.
• I also completed Media Training with UoP.
• I have recruited individuals for the Student Council and we held the first Student Council meeting of the academic year.
• I have been continuing my work around the cost of living crisis and continue to seek out ways to try and support students.
• I worked with the UPSU EDI seering group to implement a solidarity tree for Transgender Awareness Week.
• I worked to ensure the completion of the Annual Members Review. (Thank you to all who took part!)
• Went on Officers On Tour!
• I met with Portsmouth City Council to discuss their plans on how to make the city safer!
• I also attended Stephen Morgan's Mental Health and Loneliness talk. Stephen spoke about the issues facing students in Portsmouth and I spoke about the ways that the Students' Union supports them.
• This month I have been working to ensure that students are supported throughout the cost of living crisis, and I have secured over 200 toilet rolls for students. I have also been looking at other ways students can be supported throughout their time here at University. I am currently finalising a process for students to access them, keep an eye on social media/emails for updates
• I have been looking in to the democratic processes at the Union and I am working hard to ensure the Have Your Say service is promoted so that students are aware that they can put forward their ideas for a campaign! These campaigns will then be reviewed at student council once they have received 15 supporters!
• I have been in conversations with the University regarding slow broadband in several of the buildings around campus and the University have now agreed to survey several buildings and to look into this ongoing issue!
• I have been working to ensure that the UPSUOfficers instagram page is active and providing students with updates! Engagement on the page has increased by 150% in the last month! (If you don't already, be sure to follow the officer team on Instagram @upsuofficers!)
• I have worked really hard this month on plans for Black History Month, I have organised an Inclusivity Pledge Board which was signed by multiple students and clubs/societies. I also helped to organise speaker events throughout the month including Chris Lubbe (the former bodyguard of Nelson Mandela!)