Your Education, My Mission
Hi everyone,
I’m Gopika Sudheesh Sankar, and I’m running to be your Education Officer because education at Anglia Ruskin University should be shaped with students at the heart of every decision.
This isn’t my first time standing up for students. Right now, I’m your Course Rep for BSc Clinical Psychology (Hons) and the Events Officer for the Kerala Society ARU. I’ve seen first-hand how student voices can be ignored if no one pushes them forward – and I’ve also seen how powerful it is when someone actually listens, follows up, and gets things done.
I’m not running for the title. I’m running to make change happen.
As your Education Officer, I will:
• Represent the academic interests of students across all ARU campuses.
• Lead and strengthen the academic rep system, supporting student reps so they can confidently advocate for their peers.
• Work directly with academic departments to challenge issues around teaching quality, assessment fairness, and feedback.
• Take student concerns straight to university committees – and follow them through until action is taken, not just “noted”.
• Make sure student voices shape Union decisions, not get lost in meetings.
Fairness for Nursing Students on Placement
Nursing students are doing some of the hardest work on campus. Long clinical hours. Emotional labour. Travel costs. Zero pay.
That’s not right.
I will:
• Campaign for financial support for nursing students on placement, starting with fair compensation for transport costs.
• Push ARU to properly recognise the financial pressure placements create.
• Work with the Union and departments to explore hardship support, bursaries, and travel funding.
• Make sure nursing students’ voices are heard in every conversation about placements and wellbeing.
Fixing the Psychology Masters Accreditation Issue
Right now, a few of the the Psychology Masters programme at ARU does not come with British Psychological Society accreditation – which affects career progression and professional routes for students.
• Raise this issue directly with senior management and academic leaders.
• Push for clear communication about what the lack of accreditation means for careers and further study.
• Advocate for ARU to work towards BPS accreditation for the Masters programme.
• Support affected students with representation and pressure for change.
A Union That Actually Listens
As an officer and Trustee Board member, I will:
• Work equally with all officers to tackle Union-wide and campus-specific issues.
• Support local democratic structures so students from every background and course feel represented.
• Actively engage students through drop-ins, forums, surveys, and society events.
• Make sure Union strategies aren’t just words on paper – but actions students can feel.
Being an Events Officer has shown me how powerful community is. When students feel connected, they speak up more – and that’s how real change starts.
Why Me?
Because I’m already:
• Listening to student concerns as a Course Rep
• Organising and supporting students as a Society Officer
• Challenging unfair systems that make student life harder
If elected, I promise to:
Show up
Speak up
Follow through
No empty promises. No disappearing act.
Just real advocacy for real students.
Let’s Make ARU Work for Us
Your education matters.
Your voice matters.
And together, we can make change happen.
Vote Gopika Sudheesh Sankar for Education Officer.
Because students deserve better – and I’m ready to fight for it.