Finance, Fairness, Futures.

My name is Elise (they/them), and I’m running to be your Postgraduate Officer for another year. 

Fighting for you this year has been a joy. There are many challenges facing UEA postgraduates, and I want to be there by your side to fight for you, for us all. 

I’ve been a master's Student, a PhD Student, a seminar leader, and a student union officer at UEA, so I have a wide range of experiences and have met lots of incredible people. I’m really invested in this university and want it to be the best it can be. 

I’m Jewish, and my religion forms part of my drive for justice, fairness, and compassion. Over the past year I have engaged with NUS’s independent review into antisemitism and Lord Mann’s investigation into Jewish students' experiences. 

I’m non-binary, and queer communities are part of what I love so much about student unions. In fact, that’s how I started out: I was the LGBTQ+ Officer at my college at Oxford, and LGBTQ+ rep on the committee of the Oxford SU campaign for low-income students, Class Act. 

During my time at UEA I’ve built strong relationships with university staff, particularly with the PGR Service and the Doctoral College. For example, we have worked together relax restrictions on the hours that PGRs can work outside of their studies. 

My pledges to you 

Lobby the Government to Increase Student Finance Postgraduate Loans. I have four escalating demands: 

1. Increase the value of postgraduate loans, at least in line with inflation. 

2. Increase the loan value, but add a maintenance grant component

3. Increase the value, but it’s all a grant, you don’t have to pay it back 

4. Universities are funded by the government and students get a livable grant, regardless of whether you’re for student finance (for example, international students). 

Combat Antisemitism and Empower Jewish students: we deserve better.

- The NUS recently published a damning report on antisemitism in the student movement.

- I will take the learns from this and listen to Jewish UEA students, the Jewish Society, the National Union of Students and other Jewish student groups, in order to build community, educate others, and keep us all safe.  

Increase engagement with PGSU.

- This will be measured by attendance at PGSU events; Scholars Bar takings; Postgraduate engagement with elections; and Postgraduates proposing motions to SU Council. 

- I will also institute “PG Live” as a regular activity. PG Live is an opportunity to showcase your work, giving you presentation experience in a comfortable environment. 

Continued, meaningful support for the University and Colleges Union - and important other campaigns that affect university life.

- All postgraduates can become members of UCU – UCU fights are also our fights.

- The SU can bring people together to raise our voices, so we must use that voice.

- I want to empower students to do the activism that is important to them. 

Is something missing in my priorities? I’m here to listen. Email me at e.page@uea.ac.uk.