Uzair Ahmed (Y2C)

Education That Listens, Acts, and Delivers at ARU

Education is the reason we come to Anglia Ruskin, but too many students across ARU feel frustrated by inconsistent feedback, unclear assessments, and slow responses when academic issues are raised.

As Education Officer, I will make sure students’ academic concerns at ARU are taken seriously, followed through, and fixed, not just noted.

More Bookable Study Spaces Across Campus

Access to quiet, reliable study spaces is essential for academic success, but library study rooms are often fully booked, especially during busy periods. I will advocate for more bookable study spaces across campus, similar to those available in the library, by working with the university to repurpose underused rooms and make them available for individual and group study.

Fixing Feedback and Assessment Issues

Late feedback, vague marking criteria, and inconsistent grading across modules are some of the biggest academic frustrations at ARU. I will work with academic departments to push for:

Feedback returned on time and that actually helps students improve
Clear assessment briefs and marking rubrics
Greater consistency in marking across courses and campuses

Students should not be left guessing how to succeed.

Stronger Course Reps

ARU has course reps, but too often their concerns do not lead to visible change. I will strengthen the academic representation system by:

Improving training and support for course reps
Making sure issues raised are tracked and responded to
Feeding outcomes back to students, so you know your voice matters
Regular Office hours for course reps

Fair Treatment During Disruption

I’m aware that we have a high population of commuters and timetable changes, cancelled sessions, and online teaching have had a real impact on students’ learning. I will advocate for:

Fair academic mitigation during disruption
Clear communication from departments
Students not being academically disadvantaged by circumstances outside their control

Placements, Professional Courses, and Workload

Many ARU students are on placement based or professional courses. I will push for:

Better coordination between placements and academic requirements
Fair workloads during placement periods
Clear support when placements fall through

Introducing a Reading Week

Many universities across the UK offer a protected reading week to give students time to learn, manage assessments, and protect their wellbeing, but this is not currently something we do at Anglia Ruskin University. I will advocate for the introduction of a reading week at ARU, to help reduce academic pressure, not increase it.

Representation Across All Campuses

Chelmsford, Cambridge, Peterborough, London, Writtle, every ARU campus deserves equal representation. I will ensure academic issues raised anywhere at ARU are taken seriously at university level.

Bi-Weekly Bulletin

I will be an Education Officer who is visible, approachable, and honest, ensuring students are always kept informed about the academic issues being raised, the progress being made to address them, and where continued pressure on the university is needed to secure real change.

This will be done through a bi-weekly bulletin of all that we’ve achieved in the last 2 weeks

My Commitment

I will listen to students.
I will challenge the university when needed.
And I will work to make education at ARU fairer, clearer, and more student focused.