Candidate Profile

Tell students about yourself

Hi I’m Millie, from Leeds in West Yorkshire. During my time at University, I studied Anthropology and Sociology and was heavily involved in my Common Room. In my second year I was elected as Senior Welfare Officer, in final year JCR Chair, and this academic year I have served as JCR President at Stephenson. Across these roles, I prioritised student representation and working groups - even attending a Renters Rights Bill session in Westminster with DSU!

If elected, what sort of Officer can students expect you be?

As an officer, I'd like to encourage others to get involved. I'd push for informed change, backed through student representation and engagement, and push for student voices to be heard at all levels across the university.

I'd focus on encouraging students to vocalise their expectations of the university experience, but also draw more recognition to the skills and benefits we gain from extracurricular learning. The sports, societies and Common Rooms are what make a Durham degree so special, they add to the traditional university experience, and that connection between academic and non-academic learning is something I'd like to see celebrated!

Why is this role important to you?

I think that student voice and representation are the most important things within a university. I do think Durham is good at asking for student feedback and involvement, but that this could be expanded to a wider group of students. I came to Durham as a first-gen student who didn’t understand the university system, but my common room exec and freps still encouraged me to get involved. I’d like to push for that kind of representation across the university so other students can get involved, ask questions, and share their opinions on the issues that matter to them.

This past year, I have worked with university staff and know that they're eager to have students' voices involved in planning - if elected, I'd like to build on my experience and knowledge as President this year to act as more of a bridge between students and the university.

What is your pitch to students?

I’d love to be the next Education Officer to continue the work I've been involved in previously and help to champion the voices of students. I have a year’s experience as a JCR President, a genuine interest in opportunities in higher education and would love to help other students get involved!