With 12 candidates across 5 positions, this year’s LSU elections are set to be closely contested. Among those running for Student Communities Executive Officer is Lucy Palmer, a final-year Media and Communications student. During her time at Loughborough, Lucy has held leadership roles, such as AU Water Polo Chair. Her campaign focuses on student feedback, increasing engagement in student-led initiatives, and strengthening community involvement. We asked her about her experience, goals, and what students can expect from her campaign.
What are your top priorities for your time as Student Communities Executive Officer ?
During my time as Student Communities Officer I will be prioritising student feedback, utilising the things we have in place, such as our student committees to make sure all students are aware of the channels they are able to feedback through. This is done through feedback forms, taking advantage of the committees as there is often more communication between the union, university and committee members by pushing feedback forms to them it will in turn get back to the students within the communities.
I believe there to be a lack of Action and Rag attendance from students outside of halls, so implementing a rewards system in order to try and boost people’s engagement. By motivating students to include themselves within this, it will in turn put them within the community, so students will feel connected and welcomed in the Loughborough University community.
What good work would you look to carry on from this year?
During my time at Loughborough I have led committees, built environments where everyone is encouraged to share their views, and enjoy the process. I have found this creates a space where people are able to problem-solve quickly as they work well as a team and are quick to get on board with new ideas. Making sure committees are organised and focused has allowed me to produce results. This has allowed me and the teams I have worked within to be adaptive and anticipate problems ahead of time, making sure I am able carry this forward alongside influence from students’ feedback and on a larger scale to what I have done before is what I endeavour to do with my time as student communities exec.
What experience have you encountered which you believe improved your ability in the role?
During my time at Loughborough I have been hall chair, social secretary, and chair for an AU club, so this has allowed me to gain valuable experience for student leader roles I have been able to develop leadership, organisation, and communication skill that will be needed to make a real impact within the role of student communities exec. These roles have allowed me to see first-hand the issues students face. During my time as club chair I have had to receive feedback and continuously develop and solve issues within the club which will be a key part of the role making sure I’m able to amplify the student voice and feedback they leave, making sure to take on the feedback and implement change. Supporting not only our student leads but members of all the student groups.
Where does your personal drive to take up this position come from?
I want to be able to improve students’ experiences here at Loughborough, I have a deep passion for student-led initiatives and I think students are able to have an incredible impact on others’ University Life. So, ensuring these students feel heard is vital for everyone to enjoy their time. The impact student leads are able to have will shape an unforgettable University experience for many. Having the opportunity to empower students and amplify their voices during their time here is something I strive to have the opportunity to do. Beyond leadership my drive comes from a desire to create a more inclusive, engaging and connected student body. There is an incredible Loughborough community already which can be enhanced even more, so everyone in Loughborough finds their place and has the confidence to make changes to not only their community/society/ student group but to Loughborough as a whole.
What should voters expect from your campaign?
I hope to be engaging and energetic, making sure to create an exciting campaign for students to get involved with. I will be hoping to have open conversations with students about what they want to see changed here at Loughborough! There will be Q and A’s on my social media platform and much more to look out for. Through the campaigning and if I am voted in, I hope to build a stronger, more inclusive and supported student community!
If voters would like to get in touch with further questions, are you open to this and how would they go about contacting you?
Instagram @ lucy4communitites or email : [email protected]
As the elections heat up, we wish Lucy and all the candidates the best with their campaigns. Be on the lookout around campus for campaign teams, t-shirts, and mascots. A friendly reminder that voting opens on the 3rd of March at 8 am and wraps up on the 5th of March at 5 pm. There are so many great incentives for voting, like sweet treats and a 99p FND once 5,000 votes are reached! So, remember to cast your vote through the LSU app next week!
