Hi! I’m Elise, pronouns they/them, and I'm running to be YOUR Postgraduate officer.

I’m a 24-year-old PhD candidate in American Studies, and an associate tutor in the Institute of Interdisciplinary Humanities. I’ve been at UEA since 2018, and have family connections to UEA; I’m committed to this place. I’m disabled, queer, and Jewish; this means I have an insider view on issues of ability, sexuality and gender, and religion, but I also understand my limitations and privilege. I am committed to promoting a compassionate, fair, and liberatory culture on campus; fighting climate change; and decolonising the university. Our diversity is our strength, and true participation for all is the key to success.

I have volunteered for committee positions consistently throughout my university experience – I can’t seem to stay away from student democracy.

During my undergraduate degree at Oxford, I was on the founding committee of Class Act, a campaign supporting students from working class, low income, first generation, and state comprehensive school backgrounds, as well as care leavers and estranged students.

I care about peoples’ material conditions and how it affects their university experience. Everyone has their own unique situations and can use help sometimes, and this is something I’m going to carry forward into this role if I’m elected.

I’ve also been involved in political actions both at UEA and elsewhere. At undergrad, I supported a Bangladeshi Muslim friend in his pro-human rights campaigns and I seconded a motion in support of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. I am also a pro-Palestine activist.

I’m the invisible disabilities officer for UEA Labour, a role I take pride in as a neurodivergent person with several mental health and neurological conditions.

My proudest project at UEA has been my involvement with Decolonise UEA and the UEA Divestment Coalition. Both have involved building connections, facilitating space for oppressed people in the university, and taking part in protest campaigns.

Pledges

• Safeguard postgraduate and mature student spaces on campus. This includes social spaces such as the bar, and working spaces like offices – while also finding space for commuters and a nap nook/quiet room.

• Accessible and well-publicised financial guidance. Students should know all about what the university can offer but also offering advice on non-university forms of assistance. End the stigma, make it more visible, make it easier to apply.

• Support for the University and Colleges Union. Many of us are University staff, and we’re all affected by working conditions. I will work with PGRs, PGTs, and the UG officer to find how we can all stand together and make things as positive and co-ordinated as they can be. Together we are powerful.

• Decolonise, decarbonise, and divest. I will work to decolonise our university and make our financial investments more ethical.

I would be honoured if you’d vote for me, so that I can fight for you and all the things you need to achieve your full potential, both academically and personally.