It has been a pleasure to have been elected on two separate occasions to represent such a diverse and talented membership; however, I wanted to let you all know that I have resigned from my position as Solent Students’ Union President. From 1st January 2018, I will no longer be an elected representative.
From my very first day as your Students’ Union President I have put members at the heart of everything I do. My desire has been to work with University staff to help enhance the student experience at Solent and continue to create a supportive, informative and open Students’ Union.
At this time the other Sabbatical Officers and Trustee Board are working on a plan to ensure that the Presidents duties are fulfilled until you elect a new one who will start in July 2018. This will be published in due course.
I can assure you that the transition will be smooth and my departure will not have a negative impact how you are represented at the highest levels of University management and in the local community.
Over my 18 months as President, I have had to make difficult decisions. This has not been easy and I promise that you have been at the heart of every decision. The student experience and the future smooth running of the Students’ Union have been my priority.
The unfortunate thing about being President is that a lot of the work I do is often highly confidential and can sometimes be difficult to communicate. This is a challenge the previous presidents have faced and one I’m sure the next president will as well.
Over my time representing you I have worked with my Vice Presidents to ensure students continue to get funding for additional course costs, working to get more choice for cadets, and consistently feeding back to the University any concerns students have raised.
I have worked tirelessly to ensure that students had an input into the future of their University.
After almost 12 months we are well on our way towards achieving gender-neutral toilets on campus and I have been campaigning for safer crossings outside the Spark building, along with a number of other initiatives.
Looking back at my objectives when I started this journey I leave my position satisfied with what I have achieved. I hope that in my final months I can add even more and I am coming close to being able to announce a huge development that I hope will really benefit students.
It has been a pleasure to be your Students’ Union President. It has given me fantastic memories and experiences I will always treasure.
I would like to thank everyone who voted for me in both elections, all the University staff who helped me achieve so much and even everyone who has challenged me. Every time you feedback it helps us take another step in the right direction as a Students’ Union that strives to improve your time at Solent.
Lastly, I would like to thank every single student who makes up our membership. Southampton Solent University is a unique institution full of innovation, creativity and talent. It wouldn’t be what it is without you. Solent Students’ make the University great and you all contribute to the vibrant community on campus and across the city. Thank you.
If you have any concerns about my absence please do not hesitate to email me on su.president@solent.ac.uk or lorna.reavley@solent.ac.uk after the 20th December.
Megan Maddex
Students Union President