With the finalisation of the NUSU election, I wish a huge congratulations to all the winners this year. We are all eager to see the changes and improvements you make on behalf of us all for the following year!
Without student input, change cannot be made.
The recent NUSU elections have reminded us of the importance of democracy and student voices in educational spaces. Since the Athenians began this system of decision, democracy has become prevalent in various parts of life. Students in particular use this to make decisions for their universities and decide the future of courses and events for the future academic years. Democracy is necessary for all parts of life. What better place to use it in an institution that cannot run without our ideas and desires? Education is necessary for all, and democracy allows us to customise education and make it better for our future.
Unfortunately, not everyone understands the importance that democracy has in educational settings. There are still many people who would rather watch from a distance and claim their vote does not matter, which causes more damage than they realise. Voting, whether at university or in local elections only takes a few minutes at most to advocate for a better chance, for yourself and the future.
Without student input, change cannot be made. Democracy at University, whether it is for a Student Representative candidate, a feedback form, just a survey given by another student, allows for others to see the changes you want, the things you know and the things that need improvement. It could possibly be the most important place for using your voice, because the educational system consistently asks for input. With the rising literacy and intelligence crisis we seem to be heading towards, democracy has never mattered more than now. One person alone is enough to make University better for the next person.
We need more people choosing to decide the future. Collectively, democracy has proven change. Its importance to student life and education matters so much now with rising costs in educational institutions and so many universities having to give up courses and opportunities. This is limiting our futures, limiting our chances to make the world a better place for our generation and future generations.
Overall, the question here is this: are we not seeing change because the institutions are not doing anything or is the issues here those who do not bother to vote or try to create change in student spaces. If the latter, will this be an issue when it comes to general election? Your decisions do not have to be translated by just you. At Newcastle, we have Sabbatical Officers, School and Course Representatives, Liberation Officers, Student Councils for you to talk at and give your opinion on issues and problems within the university. It’s a way for you to utilise the freedom of democracy in a place that matter most.