Matt Aikin
Union President
About Me
I've studied at Surrey since 2019, doing an undergraduate degree in Politics, then a masters in Sustainable Development.
Since joining Surrey I've always been highly involved in the Students' Union, from being a course rep in my undergrad and masters, a Part Time Officer in the Community Zone, to being the treasurer and then president of the Running Club, and last year I was the Vice President Community of the SU! The SU has given me a lot of opportunities so it is my pleasure to give back as well.
My aims this year are to help being the Students' Union to you, especially for those students that are in intensive courses not on Stag Hill. I'm also aiming to introduce a one week 'reading week' break during semester one, to help break up the 12 week block of studying. You can find more of my aims in the section below.
I work closely with the other sabbatical officers and full time staff as the Students' Union to help deliver an effective and fun SU for all of our students. Part of my role also involves building and keeping a good relationship with the University staff, as I will often be the sole student voice in the room, representing all 16,000+ students at Surrey. I always want what is best for students, having been one for 6 years myself, I am well aware of the issues students can face. Although if you have an issue you want represented you are always welcome to get in touch with me to discuss it further!
My Objectives
- Add a reading week in semester one
This will help to break up the 12 week block of studying in the first semester, which can be particularly difficult for first year students
- Introduce student hall reps
Help foster a sense of community in campus accommodation and resolve issues
- Open a new large events venue
In Progress
Give student groups access to a larger space for events to help alleviate the pressure on the few venues we currently have
- Regular drop-in support and advice sessions
Have support available to those who need it when they need it
- Improve transport funding
In Progress
Reduce the inequality in transport funding and enable clubs to plan their vehicle usage better over the year
- Regular coffee mornings
Introduce regular engagement sessions for all students to feedback to the SU, especially for students who typically engage less with us
- Reform the part time officer structure
In Progress
The voluntary PTO roles are regularly unfilled after the elections, I want to work out why and improve the roles to make sure students fill empowered to be elected for them and make a change
- Redefine the Community Zone
Ensure the Community Zone is well supported to deliver an excellent community experience
My Articles
There's no news at the moment!