Here are your candidates for Arts & Sciences President.

During this year's nomination process, all candidates were asked to answer the following questions as part of their manifestos:

1. Ensuring that student feedback leads to tangible improvements is an important part of being an Elected Officer. How would you ensure that students feel heard and represented during your time in office?
2. Given the current financial pressures on both students and higher education institutions, how would you advocate for maintaining and enhancing student support services at Edge Hill University to ensure they are effective and accessible?
3. Considering the ongoing concerns about student wellbeing, how would you work to address mental health challenges and promote a supportive on-campus and off-campus culture at Edge Hill University? 
4. FACULTY SPECIFIC QUESTION: Students in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences study a wide range of disciplines, from the Creative Arts to STEM subjects. How would you advocate for improved access to resources such as specialist equipment, study spaces, and creative facilities to support their academic success? 

Please note: In the interests of fairness, the manifestos are published as submitted by the candidates. Edge Hill Students' Union has not edited any of the below manifestos. 

 

** CALLUM GRADY **

 

 

Ensuring that student feedback leads to tangible improvements is an important part of being an Elected Officer. How would you ensure that students feel heard and represented during your time in office?

Feeling heard and being heard are two very different things, and I think Edge Hill is exceptionally good at the former. Surveys provide students with the perception of power over their time here, but few of our opinions are actually taken on board from what I've seen. I'm not satisfied that we're being taken seriously.

If elected, I will develop a platform for students to be able to anonymously contact me regarding issues with module content, student services, or even the Union itself. Every addressable issue will be taken to the appropriate teams, and if I'm not aware of action being taken, I will go higher up the chain of command.

I have already had numerous meetings with senior staff, society leaders, and internal organisations (e.g. Edge Hill Entrepreneurs). I've pushed to become a standby student representative, and have driven Business Society to get the backing an academic society deserves.

 

 

Given the current financial pressures on both students and higher education institutions, how would you advocate for maintaining and enhancing student support services at Edge Hill University to ensure they are effective and accessible?

If the university can continue to provide basic career development and wellbeing support services, we can create a bridge to meet them halfway in a manner that will supplement their work without costing them additional capital.

I'd like to help academic societies find the contacts and resources necessary to support even more students in their niche career paths, as well as finding ways to expand on the offerings of non-academic societies. I have also begun to build relationships with several Edge Hill graduate-run businesses, and I believe there could be opportunities for collaboration in the future.

I intend on building an ecosystem that expands beyond the campus itself - there are universities in our surrounding area that are facing the same issues we are. I'd like to look into the possibility of installing "embassies" at neighbouring universities who we form partnerships with, and work on joint events/initiatives with those institutions.

 

 

Considering the ongoing concerns about student wellbeing, how would you work to address mental health challenges and promote a supportive on-campus and off-campus culture at Edge Hill University?

I would be keen to explore the possibility of developing a nonprofit student support program, built to train students in active listening and empathy so that they can become volunteer "listeners." Our volunteers would be assigned to support other students who need to vent, providing both valuable experience (for listeners) and crucial day-to-day mental health support (for students who need to talk).

I have also been informed that some societies that existed as safe spaces for students going through specific mental health challenges or trauma have been disbanded for falling below the required 10 member threshold. I'd like to create a third kind of society, separate from academic and non-academic societies, that exist solely as a form of support group to enhance student wellbeing. To ensure they're always there when you need them, these societies will not have membership requirements.

 

 

Students in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences study a wide range of disciplines, from the Creative Arts to STEM subjects. How would you advocate for improved access to resources such as specialist equipment, study spaces, and creative facilities to support their academic success?

As a first year Business & Management student, I've initiated projects such as EHSU blog series Start Up Stories, as well as being involved in the founding of Wine Society and the ongoing launch of Boxing Club. I'm also VP of Business Society and am at the forefront of its rebrand to Business & Entrepreneurship Society, working with industry experts like Dr. Ufuk Alpsahin Cullen and Paul Marsters.

I'd like to provide opportunities for student authors and artists to showcase their talents in the form of on-campus gallery events and literary fairs, and am curious about the potential for nonprofit allotments that could reinvest into both the campus and the union.

Let's change Edge Hill together. Let's build our own future.

 

** DECLAN HERON **

 

 

Empowering Student Voices

As a course representative who led a survey during my first year that resulted a course overhaul, I know how powerful student feedback can be when acted upon.

I will apply the same proactive, results-driven approach as FAS president. I will run monthly student forums, meetings and improve digital feedback channels to ensure student's voices are heard. I will operate on a principle of transparency, expanding the ‘you said, we did’ campaign to highlight how and when changes can be made.

Having experienced the frustration of slow and mixed responses to student concerns, I will push for clear accountability measures, ensuring students know who to contact, how to raise concerns, and when to expect action—empowering active participation in the decision-making process and holding individuals accountable.

By working with students, not just for them, I will ensure feedback leads to tangible changes that can be seen university-wide.

 

 

Financial Transparency & Student Support

As a student who knows all too well the financial pressures of university, I often ask—where is my money going? Students deserve transparency on how their fees are spent, especially on vital support services.

I will fight to protect and expand these services by demonstrating their essential impact through data and student testimonies. Working with student representatives, I will lobby for sustained funding in the areas students need most. Additionally, I will push for cost-effective improvements, such as online resources, peer-led initiatives, and focus groups, that require minimal investment but create meaningful change.

I will also strengthen connections between students and existing support services like Inclusion, Money Advice, and SPLD, ensuring they are accessible and well-promoted. By advocating for both financial transparency and better student support, I will ensure that every pound spent benefits students in real, impactful ways.

 

 

Mental Health & Well-being

Having personally struggled with mental health, I understand how difficult it can be to balance university life while facing anxiety and stress. No student should have to navigate these challenges alone.

I will make mental health support more accessible, visible, and inclusive, ensuring every student knows where to turn for help. This means strengthening links with existing services through clearer signposting and outreach campaigns, expanding peer-led initiatives such as student mentoring and support groups, and promoting well-being resources tailored to diverse needs through workshops, online platforms, and collaboration with student societies.

Support must reflect student diversity, addressing the unique challenges faced by international students, neurodiverse students, LGBTQ+ students, and those with disabilities. By normalising mental health conversations and advocating for more student-driven support, I will help build a university where well-being is a priority, and no one struggles alone.

 

 

Access to Academic Resources

FAS students have diverse academic needs, from specialist STEM equipment to creative spaces for the Arts. Yet, many struggle to access the essential tools needed for success.

I will push for a student-focused audit to identify gaps in study spaces, equipment, and facilities across disciplines. Using real student feedback, I will present clear data to university leadership to ensure funding goes where it is needed most.

Additionally, I will advocate for better scheduling of shared spaces, ensuring fair access to labs, studios, and study areas. Where funding is limited, I will push for external partnerships to expand access to specialist software and equipment.

Students should not have to fight for the tools they need. By prioritising access to academic resources and amplifying student voices, I will work to create a fairer, more supportive learning environment for all.

 

 

** ORNA MURPHY-HORTON**

 

 

Putting U back into University!

 

 

 

University should be about you – your voice, your experience, and your future. That’s why I am re-running to be your Faculty of Arts and Sciences President, to ensure that every decision made at Edge Hill puts students first. With your support, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more dynamic university community!

 

 

We have already done so much together this year, so why should that stop?! Let’s continue working together to create a better Edge Hill for everyone. Students have and always will be at the heart of everthing I have done as president and I can promise you, that you will continue to remain my top priority! But how am I going to do this?

 

 

👉 Ensuring that student feedback leads to tangible improvements is an important part of being an Elected Officer. How would you ensure that students feel heard and represented during your time in office?

 

 

• Host Q&A forums where students can directly challenge and question elected officers.
• Work with university leadership to set measurable goals for student concerns and hold regular review meetings.
• Establish regular drop-in sessions (both in-person and online) where students can voice their concerns.
• If actions cannot be addressed immediately, creating open and clear communication channels to ensure that students are regularly updated!

 

 

👉 Given the current financial pressures on both students and higher education institutions, how would you advocate for maintaining and enhancing student support services at Edge Hill University to ensure they are effective and accessible?

 

 

The cost of living crisis is the biggest challenge students are facing at the minute! From the growing cost of food, to accessing university support services and even just having some down time, it all comes at a HUGE cost. There shouldn’t be a fee on education! Some of the ways that I would address this include:

 

• Ensuring students have a voice in budget discussions by advocating for a student seat on financial committees related to student services.
• Meet with local MPs and higher education policymakers to stress the importance of student financial and wellbeing support.
• Establish student-led wellbeing programs and mentoring schemes to ease pressure on professional services.

 

 

 

👉 Considering the ongoing concerns about student wellbeing, how would you work to address mental health challenges and promote a supportive on-campus and off-campus culture at Edge Hill University? 

 

As someone who has struggled with their mental health and physical health as a student, I know first hand how much of a challenge it is to get your degree and look after yourself, sometimes there are days where you have to prioritize one instead of the other- that shouldn’t happen! Here is how I would choose to tackle this:

 

• Ensure services cater to minority students, for example: LGBTQ+ students, international students, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Advocate for more flexible deadlines, wellbeing days, and mental health provisions in academic policies.
• Ensure students living off-campus have access to mental health resources and wellbeing checks through landlords or student support services
• Partner with societies and sports teams to increase engagement in social, physical, and creative activities

 

 

 

👉 Students in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences study a wide range of disciplines, from the Creative Arts to STEM subjects. How would you advocate for improved access to resources such as specialist equipment, study spaces, and creative facilities to support their academic success

 

 

The beauty of FAS is its diversity; so, we should be embracing it! I was fortunate enough to study in both English and Creative Arts and History, Geography and Social Sciences so I am well versed in knowing how important collaboration is! To ensure ALL FAS students are accessing what they need, I would:

 

• Use Survey Students & Course Reps to identify gaps in resources, such as outdated equipment, limited study spaces, or restricted access to labs and studios.
• Implement a 'You Said, We Did' Initiative to show students how their feedback has led to real changes in resources and facilities
• Highlight Course-Specific Needs with an approach which ensures students wanting to use equipment can use it to benefit their degrees.
• Encourage Interdisciplinary Workshops where artists, designers, and scientists for example can collaborate on new ideas and research projects

This is your university, and it’s time to put you at the heart of it. Vote for me, and together, we’ll make real changes that matter to students.

 

Let’s put the U back into University!

 

 

 

** SOPHIE ROWLEY **

 

 

 

 

Question 1: 

 

 

Students should be confident that their voices are not only heard but lead to real action. I will establish a monthly Faculty Feedback Forum, where students from every department can openly discuss concerns and propose improvements, ensuring direct communication between students, the SU, and university leadership. To guarantee transparency, I will introduce a “You Said, We Did” Dashboard, regularly updating students on the progress of their feedback.

 

 

Approachability is key—I want students to feel comfortable speaking to me if they see me on campus, knowing their concerns will be taken seriously. With my experience as a Student Rep, I understand how to gather and push for change effectively, reaching as many students as possible through drop-in feedback sessions in high-traffic areas such as the Hub and SU. Whether it’s study spaces, academic resources, or university policies, I will ensure feedback translates into real, visible improvements across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

 

 

Question 2: 

 

Considering financial pressures, it’s crucial that student support services remain effective and accessible. I will advocate for increased investment in core services like mental health support, academic guidance, and financial advice to ensure students can access help without delay. I will work closely with the university to secure funding that safeguards these services from cuts, prioritising support for vulnerable students.

 

 

Having worked several jobs to support myself while studying, I understand, and have the lived experience of the pressure students face. To enhance financial support, I will push for improved access to hardship funds, cost-of-living assistance, and raise awareness of available bursaries and grants. I will also work with the SU to increase access and promotion of part-time job opportunities through networking events and an improved job board. No student should have to choose between affording necessities and succeeding academically.

 

 

 

Question 3: 

 

 

Mental health challenges can affect any student, and it’s vital that everyone feels supported, regardless of the size of the issue. I will work to expand mental health services, ensuring quick access to counselling and peer support networks for students who need it. Clear communication about available services will ensure that no student feels alone in seeking help.

 

 

 

I will collaborate with SU societies to create events that foster a sense of community, helping students feel less isolated and encouraging them to make new connections. Mental health awareness campaigns, relaxation activities, and outdoor events can offer spaces for students to unwind and feel supported. I will also advocate for stress-relief workshops like yoga and meditation. Off-campus, I’ll work to build stronger connections with local mental health services, ensuring students can access the support they need, no matter where they are.

 

 

 

Question 4: 

 

 

As FAS President, I will actively engage with department heads, staff, and university management to ensure students have access to the resources they need to succeed. For specialist equipment and creative facilities, I will gather feedback from students from all departments about what they need most and work to secure additional funding or improvements to existing facilities, ensuring all resources are properly maintained and accessible.

 

 

 

I will push for flexible study spaces by presenting data and student feedback to the university, advocating for spaces that cater to different learning needs, whether quiet areas for concentration or collaborative zones for group projects.

 

 

 

Additionally, I will work with the university to enhance access to digital resources, and specialised software, ensuring they are easily accessible both on-campus and remotely when possible. Through constant engagement with students and university staff, I will make sure resources are continually improved academic, but more importantly student success.