Dear fellow students,

As a candidate for the position of Welfare Officer, I am deeply committed to ensuring the welfare and enhancing the university experience of every student. I believe that each student deserves to feel supported, heard, and valued throughout their university journey. Therefore, I am presenting this manifesto to outline my vision, goals, and priorities if elected:

Student Feedback: I strongly believe in the importance of student feedback in shaping university policies and initiatives. Therefore, as Welfare Officer, I will prioritize listening to the concerns and feedback of students and work towards addressing these issues in a timely and effective manner. This includes regular surveys, focus groups, and meetings with student groups to ensure that their needs are being met. Furthermore, I will be available to students who need help or wish to discuss their concerns and challenges.

Diversity and Inclusion: I firmly believe in creating an inclusive and diverse university community that values and celebrates the differences that make us unique. Therefore, I will work tirelessly to address discrimination and bias on campus, promote cultural awareness events, and create safe spaces where all students can feel comfortable and supported. Additionally, I will engage with student groups and communities to ensure their needs and concerns are being heard and acted upon.

Student Accommodation: I understand that finding affordable and secure accommodation is a significant challenge for many students. As such, I will prioritize advocating for better accommodation options, including more affordable options for students who are struggling financially. I will work closely with the university authorities and student representatives to ensure that students are not only provided with affordable housing but also that their basic needs such as internet connectivity, clean water, and electricity are met.

Financial Support: I acknowledge that financial hardship is a significant barrier to students’ success and well-being. Therefore, I am committed to working towards providing financial support to students who need it the most. This includes securing more funding for bursaries, scholarships, and other financial assistance programs, as well as raising awareness of financial management resources available on campus. Additionally, I will work towards making available various job opportunities and internships to help students acquire the necessary experience and skills.

Accessibility: I recognize that accessibility is a vital aspect of ensuring equal opportunities for all students. Therefore, I will work to ensure that all university buildings and facilities are accessible to students with disabilities. This includes advocating for the necessary infrastructure and assistive technologies to be put in place, as well as working with the relevant authorities to address any accessibility concerns.

Health and Well-being: I understand that the physical health and well-being of students are crucial to their academic success and overall welfare. Therefore, I will prioritize promoting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and healthy eating, and advocating for the provision of healthy food options on campus. Additionally, I will work with the university health center to ensure that students have access to necessary medical resources and support.

Student Engagement: I believe that student engagement is critical to creating a vibrant and thriving university community. Therefore, I will work to facilitate student engagement opportunities such as student-led clubs, societies, and events. Additionally, I will advocate for the allocation of sufficient funds to student-led activities, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate.

Sustainability: I understand the importance of sustainability and the need to protect our environment for future generations. Therefore, I will work to promote sustainable practices on campus, such as reducing waste, recycling, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, I will advocate for the provision of facilities and resources to encourage sustainable practices among students, such as bike storage and water refill stations.

Mental Health Support: I recognize that the mental health of students is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. Hence, I will prioritize improving the availability and accessibility of mental health support services. This includes advocating for more trained counselors, more resources for support groups, and promoting mental health awareness campaigns throughout the university. Moreover, I will work towards reducing the stigma around mental health issues and creating a safe and supportive space for students to seek help.     

Campus Safety and Security: I understand the importance of a safe and secure environment for students to thrive in. Hence, I will work towards ensuring the university campus is secure and that the necessary security measures are in place. This includes working with security personnel to identify areas of concern and develop solutions to address them.

In conclusion, I am committed to improving the welfare and university experience of all students. I am passionate about making a positive difference and being a strong advocate for students' rights and needs. With your support, I am confident that together, we can create a more supportive, inclusive, and empowering university community.

Thank you,

Rishab Garg