Candidate Data Appearing in the Ballot

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My name is Connor Soares, and I am running for the undergraduate position in the Academic Senate. The thought of promoting change within the university sphere is extremely motivating for me and I wish to put this passion into practice through involvement with the academic senate. I constantly strive to be a high achiever in all that I do, and I believe that all students should have the opportunity to have a voice in the academic space of the university. I want to promote moral and ethical decision making within the university for the benefit of its students. Specifically, for me, I believe in the importance of preserving passion and integrity alongside academic commitments. With a strong eye for detail, I am used to striving for excellence in all aspects of life. I pride myself on being able to communicate my ideas with others and bring direction to a team. I am a hard-working and dedicated student who has shown consistent commitment to learning and upholding the values of the university. I pride myself on constantly pushing myself further and achieving results. As a high achiever, I can commit myself to learning and in doing so strive to reflect the academic attitudes of UOW. I believe that through this role I can push myself both academically and personally. I would therefore, very much welcome the opportunity to represent the undergraduate interest in the academic senate and enable the progress of academic excellence at UOW.

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I am a mature aged student studying Philosophy, Politics & Economics, I also run the cafe Praha at the UniActive building in my spare time, I am married to another mature aged student, we have a 3 year old and two cats, I think I can bring a wealth of experience and a different perspective to the table.

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I am Joshua Lane, a fourth year student studying Law and Arts in Western Civilisation majoring in Politics and current member of the Academic Senate. I have studied here for the past few years and have been involved in the university in many ways including in clubs, student accommodation and have attended various events on campus. I wish to be able to continue serving the interests of the student body on various issues that I have found worry and concern the many students I have spoken to. This is including many issues such as: The current lack of available parking, causing students to be late for class and exams, greatly impacting their record and marks. Assessing the current form of tutorial enrolment and exploring if a better system exists and can work to ensure that the method of tutorial enrolment does not negatively and unfairly impact students who may have limited access to technology or reliable internet. The availability of library services, including looking at the current texts which are available in person and digitally as well as the current opening hours of the library. Ensuring recording materials are up to date for lectures, and that staff are utilising up to date lecture recordings and materials. Making sure that the transition from COVID assistance back to regular operation isn’t leaving students behind to struggle. The University has made great strides with social issues including promoting gender equality, LGBTQ+ safety and recognition as well as aiding international students. However, more can and must be done to ensure that students of all walks of life are receiving the best quality education and experience at university.

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Hey UOW, my name is Amity Lees and I'm so excited to be applying for an academic senate position. I am a first year student who travels to university from Southern Sydney and I genuinely think we are pretty lucky to attend this university. I was School Captain of Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and believe I can apply a lot of the skills I learnt in that role to this incredible position. After talking to many of the students here at UOW, we can agree that the atmosphere is welcoming/encouraging, the student life is exciting with many activities planned for us, and we are grateful for the greenery around us. Unfortunately, I'm not someone who can breeze through their studies, I do need to work very hard and occasionally stress. I know this is not the case for all, as we each have different styles and techniques that work for us and trying to change this can sometimes cause more bad than good. I really do care a lot about the people around me and believe that a happier university environment is a more productive and efficient university environment. I know many of us are super busy and trying to navigate our time (both academically and socially) and I want to help in any way I possibly can! I promise to listen, work collaboratively and be a friendly face you can approach on campus or online.

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Dear fellow Wollongong students, I am Grishma Nirola, a second-year student at our esteemed university. Over the past two years, I have actively served as the representative for clubs and societies within the Student Advisory Council. This experience has granted me valuable insights into our university's inner workings, honing my skills in conducting formal meetings and organizing events. Moreover, I've had the honor of representing the Pre-Med Advisory Committee, focusing on addressing the unique needs of our cohort. Currently, I hold the role of treasurer at SHARP, deeply rooted in community engagement. Through these commitments, I've built a robust foundation of experience and skills. Beyond the university, I've dedicated my time to volunteering for events in the Illawarra region, fostering connections with the public and enriching our university experience. My aspirations now extend to broader contributions within our university, particularly in the field of educational representation. I possess a strong academic drive and am well aware of the challenges that arise while pursuing educational objectives, as demonstrated in my prior roles. Additionally, being enrolled in 2021, I've not only experienced education for the HSC during lockdown but also navigated the academic world at a university in transition, accommodating two years of events. My experiences amid the pandemic and the 'new normal of the present' have provided profound insights into the challenges faced by the academic sector. If chosen, I will leverage my accumulated knowledge and combine it with my unique personality. I am a highly motivated and outgoing individual, always eager to embrace new opportunities, and I will work diligently to enhance our academic community. I humbly request your vote, and together, we can embark on a journey to initiate positive change within our university community!

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Dear Fellows! I am Muhammad Sarwar a Postgraduate Student at the University of Wollongong contesting the election of Postgraduate Student Representative of the Academic Senate of the University of Wollongong. Throughout my academic life, I have been part of various student societies, councils, and clubs locally and internationally. I have worked as a faculty member in various educational institutions for the last ten years where I participated and observed the administration end of academic matters. With the blend of experience as a student representative and a faculty member, I will work hard to represent your interests in an authentic, responsible, and approachable manner. As a Postgraduate Student Representative of the Academic Senate, I commit to representing the interests and concerns of postgraduate students at the University Council and other relevant forums by ensuring that our voices are heard. With my experience in academia, I have witnessed the importance of students’ involvement in shaping the strategic direction of the university and academic governance participation. In this context, I pledge to: • Advocate for postgraduate student needs and concerns regarding educational, research, and academic issues and provide advice and recommendations for assurance of academic standards with your consultation. • Contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment in university-wide processes and structure. • Act as a bridge between students and governing bodies to facilitate an effective communication process at various administrative levels of the university on matters of learning and teaching, research training, academic integrity, and the student experience. • Continuously seek feedback from students and present suggestions and concerns at relevant forums. I believe together we can make a positive impact on the academic and learning atmosphere at the University of Wollongong and make it a better place for current and future generations of scholars, leaders, and scientists.

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🌟 YOUR CHAMPION FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 🌟 Hello, I'm Darshit Dobariya, a 25-year-old graduate student pursuing a Master's in Engineering (Management) after earning a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering in 2019. With four years of management experience at Adani Port, I'm prepared to serve you as your Onshore International Student Member for Academic Senate. Why Choose Me? 🌟 Experience & Expertise: My blend of management and engineering know-how equips me to address academic matters effectively. 🌍 Global Perspective: As an international student, I understand the diverse needs of our university community. 🎓 Student-Centric Approach: Your needs guide my mission. I'll focus on improving resources, affordability, and campus life. 🤝 Transparent Communication: Open dialogue is vital. I promise to keep you informed about decisions affecting our university. 🌈 Inclusivity as a Core Value: I'm committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring equal opportunities. 🌱 Sustainability & Innovation: I'll promote eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions. Your support is essential for academic excellence and positive change. Together, we'll shape a brighter academic future. 🌟

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My Dear Fellow International Students, This is Bharadwaja Satya Vinod Currently pursuing a Master of Engineering – Telecommunications, I am very excited and thrilled to nominate myself for the role of International Students' Representative in the upcoming UOW Academic Senate Student Elections. With a background as an international postgraduate student, I am traveling in the same boat as you all are, I am deeply committed to addressing the specific educational, welfare, and other needs of our diverse international student community at the University of Wollongong. In my role, I will look up to: 1. Educational Advocacy: I will work tirelessly and be a dedicated advocate to represent your academic concerns to the University administration, ensuring that international postgraduate students receive the support they need to excel in their studies. 2. Welfare Betterment: I am Conscientious about improving the welfare of international students, including addressing accommodation, healthcare, and essential services, to create a safe and supportive environment. 3. Cultural amalgamation: I will foster cross-cultural understanding by organizing events and initiatives that bring international and domestic students together, promoting a sense of belonging and unity. 4. Liaison with University Bodies: I will actively liaise with the University administration and relevant bodies to convey the specific needs and challenges faced by international students, This will involve constructive dialogue to bring about positive changes for our international postgraduate community. I am passionate about representing your interests and making a tangible impact on the experiences of international postgraduate students. With your support, I am confident that together, we can foster a more inclusive, supportive, and culturally diverse postgraduate community. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and ensure that your voices are heard and acted upon. Sincerely, Bharadwaja Satya Vinod T