The LSU Election season is here and students have began their campaigns. Across the five available roles, the nominated students have provided their manifestos which incorporates their aims and proposal, to ultimately serve the interests, experiences and welfare of Loughborough University students. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Executive Officer, is a crucial position that focuses on the welfare of Loughborough’s celebrated diverse student community, by promoting an inclusive, diverse and equal experience among students.
In this year’s election, EDI counts with two students running for the position. Harry Huffen, one of the candidates for the role of EDIEO has kindly granted an interview to LSU Media, and talks through his priorities and objectives he wishes to achieve if elected.
What are your top priorities for your time in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Executive Officer role?
As EDIEO I will work on improving AU welfare, there is a welfare system in place, but it is unfortunately lacking in its goals, which can lead to people needing support being missed, as sport is in Loughborough’s heritage, it is important to look after the many student athletes we have.
I also will get more international students involved in welfare, this group has a range of backgrounds which can be utilised, and with low engagement their ideas are being missed out on, this is a trend seen throughout all demographics, but as international students have different needs, a particular focus needs to be placed on them.
My final point will be boosting student engagement, whether this is through hosting new events that people want to see and putting welfare further in the spotlight using social media, involving the wider student community and improving their wellbeing.
What good work would you look to carry on from this year?
I have really enjoyed working with Atlas this year, and think he’s done a fantastic job, but a particular thing I enjoyed is how easy he is to get along with, quite a few times I’ve gone in for an odd job and then ended up talking about what we can do for nightline and what we’ve been up to, and it is clear that he really cares about the volunteers in the section and how to continue improving it. I hope I can take some of those traits for myself as that’s a massive part of being a good executive officer is all about in my eyes.
What experience have you encountered which you believe improved your ability in the role?
I am thoroughly experienced in welfare, following two years of Nightline and being a chair this year, it has taught me a lot, for example, it has been really beneficial to my listening skills, which is vital to ensure that people are listened to, and that need are met. These skills can be used in the role of EDIEO, as it will help me to deal with any welfare concerns that arise, or any issues that any committees are facing, putting the welfare of everyone first to come up with the best solution by taking in all of the relevant information onboard.
Where does your personal drive to take up this position come from?
I want this position because I think student welfare is a vital to their university success, however, there are areas that aren’t necessarily focussed on as much as they should be, such as the AU network and international students. When talking to people at the refresher’s bazaar, it is surprising to hear how few people have heard of Nightline or many of the other associations we have, and I find this unacceptable, as there are potentially many students that could benefit from the support or community that the section can bring, and I think my policies and ideas will be the best to make this change.
What should voters expect from your campaign?
I think that voters should be expecting a passionate campaign. My manifesto points capture a large part of the student body so I am keen to let them know why they should vote for me and what I would do to help them at university, so I am very keen to talk and share my plans with the student body to get them onboard. I’m quite excited to get started.
If voters would like to get in touch with further questions, are you open to this and how would they go about contacting you?
As I mentioned before, I’m very keen to chat, so I’m open to any questions about my campaign, I’ll be creating social media content soon so people can reach out there, so keep an eye out for my accounts. It’s important to note that my student email is not permitted to be used, so please do not direct any questions there.
LSU Media wishes the best of Luck to Harry throughout his election campaign.
