Candidate Profiles
Contents
Faculty Association Representative for the Open Programme ............................................. 2
Mark Cameron ................................................................................................................................. 2
Claire Davey..................................................................................................................................... 3
Liz Davies ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Jens Hede......................................................................................................................................... 4
Richard Shortland .......................................................................................................................... 5
Arnold Stewart ................................................................................................................................ 6
Faculty Association Representative for Arts and Social Sciences ...................................... 8
Dr. Rubina B. Ali ............................................................................................................................. 8
Katie Evans ...................................................................................................................................... 8
John Gillam ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Denise James ................................................................................................................................ 10
Laura Mairs .................................................................................................................................... 11
Tanya Malone ................................................................................................................................ 12
Emma Newman ............................................................................................................................. 12
Lu Richardson............................................................................................................................... 13
James Sebastion .......................................................................................................................... 14
Malika Steed .................................................................................................................................. 15
Arnold Stewart .............................................................................................................................. 16
Matthew Walker ............................................................................................................................ 17
Area Association Representative for the Republic of Ireland .............................................. 19
Gerry Doyle .................................................................................................................................... 19
Pádraic Ivers .................................................................................................................................. 19
Faculty Association Representative for the
Open Programme
Mark Cameron
Role:
Open Programme
Currently registered module/qualification:
Currently registered qualification : BA (Hons) Open Degree - current module D240 Counselling:
Exploring Fear and Sadness
Current qualification intentions:
BA (Hons) Open Degree
Length of study with Open University:
5 years,11 months
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Past Qualifications: BA (Hons) Business Studies (completed July 2014),Certificate in Mathematics
(completed July 2012) Past modules studied: K260 Death and Dying (2015), SK143 Topics in Health
Sciences (2014),B122 An Introduction to Retail Management and Marketing (2014), B322
Investigating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (2013),B324 Marketing and Society (2013),B301 Making
Sense of Strategy (2013),B201 Business Organisations and Their Environments (2012),DSE141
Discovering Psychology (2011),MST121 Using Mathematics (2011),MU123 Discovering Mathematics
(2010),B203 Business Functions In Context (2010),B120 An Introduction to Business Studies
(2010),BU130 Working and Learning:Developing Effective Performance at Work (2010)
Town/City:
Taynuilt
Country:
United Kingdom
Manifesto:
I have been an O U student since May 2010,and an active student representative since August
2011,having held a multitude of roles both within the nation of Scotland and at a central level. These
roles have ranged from local Assembly/Executive roles within the Students' Association,to student
representative on University Governance Committees in Scotland (that we are afforded
representation on),to holding a role on the Students' Association Central Executive Committee as the
Student Association Representative for Scotland (2012-16),and now as a current Central
Representative,which involves student representation on University academic governance
committees,representing the student voice and view. I sit on both the Student Experience Committee
and also the P V C Learning,Teaching and Innovation Teaching committee,the latter is relevant
experience,I believe,for the Faculty Association Representative role as the committee relates directly
to the Open Degree and Access programmes,dealing with all matters relating to those qualifications.
In this regard,therefore,I do feel that my relevant past depth and breadth of skills and
knowledge,along with relevance of my current roles on the related academic governance
committee,puts me in a very good position to be able to effectively undertake the role of F A R for the
Open Programme.
The role requires the F A R to fully play their part in all discussions,at all levels relevant to
them,whether that be online,or face to face and proactively seek out student opinion,reporting that
back wherever and whenever it is possible. I already do this as a Central Representative,taking the
student voice to the University on the committees I sit on,but also it requires liaising with those
relevant student officers on the Central Executive Committee where their remit is relevant to that
student viewpoint. This is a key aspect I feel,of the role as it requires good teamwork and the student
voice to be represented strongly,and at the highest possible level. The University do take the student
voice seriously,but we can and should continue to press the University wherever and whenever we
can as they can often miss our concerns - the recent Group Tuition Policy concerns being a prime
example of that. Where the Open Programme is concerned,flexibility of curriculum is paramount and
must continue to be so to enable students to succeed fully in their studies.
My passion for the student experience is clear to all that know me as an active representative within
the Association and it goes without saying that I would employ that approach in this role. I feel that my
past experience on the Central Executive Committee also stands me in good stead,as well as my
current,relevant roles as a Central Representative. I feel I have the strength in depth therefore,to
undertake the role and my experience,I feel,would make me a best fit for this F A R role.
Claire Davey
Role:
Open Programme
Currently registered module/qualification:
S217
Current qualification intentions:
BSc(Open)
Length of study with Open University:
14
Past qualifications/modules studied:
S103, L192, L120, S194, S282, MST121
Town/City:
Crediton
Country:
United Kingdom
Manifesto:
I am standing for this post because, as someone who is currently working towards my BSc (Open), I
would like to use my experiences on this journey to contribute towards improving things for other
students.
I have been an OU student for about 14 years (I just can't keep away), and the Open Degree
appealed to me because it offered me a chance to try out modules from different faculties, including
Mathematics, French, Astronomy and Physics (I was always a scientist at heart), and I am an ardent
supporter of lifelong learning - I strongly believe that everyone should have the chance to study,
whatever your age or background!
I have also previously served on the CEC as a SAR - I learned a lot about OUSA as well as
developing a lot of new skills during that time, and would like the opportunity to serve again and work
towards the benefit of all students.
Liz Davies
Role:
Open Programme
Currently registered module/qualification:
E302 & A215
Current qualification intentions:
BA (Hons) Open Degree
Length of study with Open University:
3 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
English For Academic Purposes Online, Exploring Languages and Cultures, Beginners Chinese,
Intermediate French, World's of English
Town/City:
Cardiff
Country:
Wales
Manifesto:
I believe that the wide and varied world of the Open Degree is very much underrepresented at the
moment and , as a student under this degree, this is something I am keen to change.
I have a working understanding of many of the issues which affect Open Degree students, from
pathway choices to career options and feel as a fellow student who has had to tackle some of these
challenges, I would be in an ideal position to represent the faculty.
I am also aware that as we have such a diverse mix of students under the Open Degree umbrella,
there will be issues and concerns which will be new to me. I will approach each and every one of
these with the respect and attention they deserve to ensure we are fully represented.
I am an effective communicator, who is driven to achieve results and believes that everyone's voice
should be heard.
Of course, I know that there will be many students applying for this role, and so I wish each and every
one of us the best of luck and look forward to seeing the results.
Jens Hede
Role:
Open Programme
Currently registered module/qualification:
SDK228 The Science of the mind: investigating mental health
Current qualification intentions:
B.sc. Open degree
Length of study with Open University:
16 years with long break studied modules consistently last 5 years.
Past qualifications/modules studied:
DD210 Living psychology....., DD102 Introducing the social sciences, D240 Counselling......,T172
Working with our environment....,U101 Design .....,A174 Start writing fiction, SK183 Understanding
human nutrition...., B324 Marketing......., S176 Living without oil...., T313 renewable energy, AXR272
Art history residential school, S177Galaxies, stars...,
Town/City:
Copenhagen and Heraklion
Country:
Denmark
Manifesto:
I want to maintain and support the open degree. The open degree is a unique opportunity to
individualise your degree and tailoring it to your specific needs, interests and desires. Due to the
diverse possibilities of the open degree, I expect my fellow students to have quite different reasons to
study and needs. However, we all want the tools available for our study working flawlessly at all times,
which unfortunately has not been the case for the tutorial booking system this year for instance.
Problems like these affect us all and need to be addressed. Further to this my challenge as FAR will
be to make a synthesis of your individual problems and needs. My reward will be social in getting to
know fellow students. Apart from being present on forums I will set up a facebook page where you
can contact me and I can make announcements of common interest.
Richard Shortland
Role:
Open Programme
Currently registered module/qualification:
M140 - Introducing Statistics
Current qualification intentions:
BSc Open (Hons)
Length of study with Open University:
4 Years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Y033 Science Technology and Maths Access Module, TU100 My Digital Life, MU123 Discovering
Mathematics
Town/City:
Ramsgate
Country:
United Kingdom
Manifesto:
I am Richard Shortland and I live in Margate, on the east Kent coast. My journey with the Open
University began in 2013 with an access course and then continuing with a BSc (Hons) Computing
and IT. In 2016 I changed to and Open Programme, to allow me to tailor my studies to suit my
interests. As a result, I am very aware of the trials, tribulations, and challenges as well as the
strengths that encompass such a diverse degree pathway.
I believe that I have the skills needed to represent students on the Open Programme, despite its
complexity. I have acquired these in two ways, my career and my involvement with the Students
Association. During my working week, I deal with a variety of people on a daily basis and often have
to write reports and have meetings with clients regarding ongoing projects. Within the Association I
am active as an assembly executive for the Southeast, a Learning Experience Reporter (LER), and I
host regular social meets in my area. Due to these roles, I have met a quite a large number of
students from all walks of life and studying all kinds of subjects and have chatted with them on all
kinds of matters relating to their studies. This communication has enabled me to obtain a better
understanding, not only of the way the Students Association operates but its relationship with the
University in general and as I would be representing the views of students, I feel that this is an
essential aspect of the position. I am a regular contributor to the University forums and social media
pages. I regularly attend face-to-face and online tutorials. Not only do these provide me study support
but they also allow me to engage with my fellow students and any issues they have with their own
studies.
Finally, I am very much an advocate of the great institution that is the Open University, but I do realise
that for many students “there is always room for improvement” and I hope that I shall be elected so I
can present these “little improvements” on your behalf.
Thank you.
Arnold Stewart
Role:
Open Programme
Currently registered module/qualification:
DE300 and M140
Current qualification intentions:
BSc Psychology, BSc Open
Length of study with Open University:
17 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
S194, L120, LXR122, L211, L310, LZX140, L204, L314, U211, SK277, SK121, S151, SXR270, S196,
S282, SK185, TT280, S171, A251, TT281, S204, SK195, SXR375, SA188, S205, SK124, SD329,
SXR376, SXR344, S347, S377, S187, S346, TM190, SK320, DSE212, D171, DXR222, DD307,
DE300, M140 Diploma in French, Diploma in Spanish, BA (Hons) Modern Languages, Diploma in Life
Sciences, Certificate in Contemporary Science, BSc (Hons) Life Sciences
Town/City:
Belfast
Country:
UK
Manifesto:
I’ve been formally in the OU since towards the end of 2001 starting with languages before moving on
to biology and now psychology. Those of you who’ve popped into the science forums over the last
four or five years will have seen oodles of contributions by me to those forums and latterly to the
somewhat quieter psychology forums and Facebook groups.
After taking up the offer of a “free lunch” in Milton Keynes back in 2015, I was shocked at how few of
us are around to support all those helpful things that the OUSA gets up to and which we all generally
take for granted. So I thought I should at least have a go at providing some of that support myself. To
that end, I ran for election as an NI Assembly Executive Member in 2015 and have served as the NI
representative on the Senate Reference Group since 2016 alongside volunteering at the graduation
ceremony in 2016, started up a regular local meet-up earlier this year and was an observer at the
CEC meeting a few months ago. Along the way I contributed to the consultation on student funding in
NI and to the OU-wide grassroots consultation. If our local parliament hadn’t fallen to bits I’d have
been at the All-Party Group on Students.
So why the faculty rep for the open programme? Simply because I feel that the open programme is
one of the most important around in the university. It has a multitude of different meanings for the
students who sign up for it. For some, like me at the start, it’s somewhere to hang modules when
you’re not quite sure where you want to go with the degree. Others may want to do a set of modules
that don’t quite fit any of the degrees on offer. Whatever the reason, this is the degree done by one of
the largest and most diverse group of people in the university.
Why me? I hope that I’ve shown that I’ve been developing a growing commitment to supporting the
work of OUSA over recent years and would like the opportunity to do that on a national level.
Faculty Association Representative for Arts
and Social Sciences
Dr. Rubina B. Ali
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
Bachelors (Honours) Criminology and Law Degree
Current qualification intentions:
DPhil Biochemistry
Length of study with Open University:
Elleven Years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Y032 People Work & Society
Town/City:
Milton Keynes
Country:
Buckinghamshire
Manifesto:
I would like to be nominated for the above position because I believe I am the right candidate for this
position as I not only have much experince from both sides, from being a student in Houston Texas
USA and Open University, to being the owner and Managing Director of a Business that is focused on
inspiring & motivating individuals from all walks of life to fulfil their true potential and acheiving their
goals and dreams, but also understand the frustrations and dilemas Students experience. I will be an
Asset to Student Association where both parties will be satisfied because the end result will be win
win.
Katie Evans
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
BSc(Hon) CLS
Current qualification intentions:
BARCLAYS Criminology and Law
Length of study with Open University:
18years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Social sciences
Town/City:
Shropshire
Country:
England
Manifesto:
Being with the OU for so long, I understand some of the issue some students may have.I had a few,
such as finance, time to study and getting the hard copy sent to me for some of the modules (I have a
slight disability ) such as I cannot stay on the laptop for more than 20mins .I get headaches which can
last 48hrs.I must say the OU have been very supportive. And listened to me.
John Gillam
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
International Studies
Current qualification intentions:
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world
Length of study with Open University:
2.5 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Environment: Journeys through a changing world, Introduction to the Social Sciences, International
Development: making sense of a changing world.
Town/City:
Hexham
Country:
United Kingdom
Manifesto:
I would like to express my enthusiasm in applying for the position as Faculty Association
Representative for the Arts and Social Sciences. As a prospective International Studies graduate and
an experienced financial services professional, I believe that I would be a strong candidate for the
internship position advertised.
I would relish the opportunity to represent the interests of and, where necessary, bring tangible
benefits to a faculty, which I am a part of. In addition, I am keen to further develop the ability to
understand colleagues’ wants and needs in order to influence appropriate policy making decisions.
Naturally extraverted and attentive, I am adept at adapting to various social and professional
situations as appropriate. I consider myself to be focused, capable of keeping the bigger picture in
mind whilst working on the task in hand and, due to my joviality and strong interpersonal and
communication skills, I find it easy to get along with others and quickly develop good working
relationships whilst remaining inclusive to wider team members at all times.
My varied experience within the UK financial services sector has provided me with experience, and
exposure to, all role types within a hierarchy of a large firm. My career in financial services, which
performs an important social function, has also grounded me with integrity and professionalism.
Whilst working as a “Regulatory Strategy and Change Associate” for Yorkshire Building Society
Group - one of the largest financial services organisations in the UK - I was responsible for staying
abreast of changes to the financial regulatory landscape and political developments in the UK and
producing briefing notes summarising policy documentation for the consumption of key colleagues
across the business.
Another key part of my role was to engage regularly with members of the Senior Leadership Team
and Chief Officers in order to provide updates on recent engagement with the regulator and policy
changes as well as formulating responses to consultations issued by regulatory bodies such as the
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and the European
Banking Authority (EBA). This has further sharpened my ability to co-ordinate, and deliver, timely and
high quality verbal and written communications and has contributed to honing strong networking and
stakeholder management skills whilst also giving me the opportunity to work cross-functionally with
teams that carry out a wide range of functions.
I thank you for taking the time to consider my application and, should you also see a potential fit, I
look forward to receiving your vote.
Denise James
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
Postgraduate Certificate in Development Management
Current qualification intentions:
MSc in Development Management
Length of study with Open University:
3 ½ years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
MA in Philosophy
Town/City:
Manchester
Country:
United Kingdom
Manifesto:
My name is Denise James and I am standing for the role of Faculty Association Representative for
Arts and Social Sciences because I want to ensure that real student voices are been heard and acted
upon by The Open University. I began studying around 1985 on a secretarial course and since then
have had plenty of experience of being a student at a number of colleges/universities. Recently I
completed the MA in Philosophy (Arts) with The Open University, and am now studying towards their
MSc in Development Management (Social Sciences). I have also worked for organisations where I
have been responsible for providing a quality service for all and ensuring that marginalised groups are
heard.
I have chosen to continue my studies with The Open University because I'm very much in support of
their open access; life long learning; and, diversity and inclusivity ethos. However, I feel they still have
a lot of work to do in these areas but that these goals are achievable. As I am very passionate about
these issues and that all students receive a fair, high quality, education I think I can make a valuable
contribution. Further, I am not afraid to speak out, put student views forward or challenge inequalities
and injustices.
I find that distance learning can be quite isolating and stressful particularly when difficulties arise with
the university. Therefore, as a candidate that shares a background with many groups that are
disadvantaged and underrepresented within higher education, I hope that my standing will serve as
encouragement for others. However, I was reluctant to follow this election process but I know I will be
an excellent representative and that it is important for people like myself to stand for these positions
despite the barriers.
I am currently revising for an exam which takes place on 25th April so I am not going to have much
time or opportunity to participate in the majority of this election process. But if you are looking for a
Faculty Rep who is transparent and does exactly what I say I'm going to do then you will vote for me. I
am keen to get our voices heard and acted upon as much as possible. After all, we all should love our
OU experience and feel that we have been heard because we are making an important investment in
ourselves.
Laura Mairs
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
AA100 and DB123
Current qualification intentions:
Progress in to English Degree
Length of study with Open University:
8 Months
Past qualifications/modules studied:
N/A
Town/City:
Bristol
Country:
United Kingdom
Manifesto:
I would like to be Faculty Association Representative for the Arts and Social Sciences programme
because I really enjoy getting involved and I'm able to resolve problems and issues in an efficient
manor, I also love organising events of every kind.
In my current role I regularly present and analyse data and I think this would be helpful when working
with panels.
In my spare time I enjoy baking, running and organising get togethers, I'd be really interested in
starting local social clubs for OU students.
Tanya Malone
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
A340
Current qualification intentions:
B07
Length of study with Open University:
8 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Certificate in Health Sciences
Town/City:
Bodmin
Country:
UK
Manifesto:
Hi fellow students!
I would like to nominate myself in these elections as i would love to use my free time helping fellow
students. I have thoroughly loved my journey with the Open University and i have been able to
achieve things which i never thought possible.
I am a disabled student and found the Open University to be absolutely amazing and have managed
to manage my illness alongside deadlines and studying. I would love to be able to help other disabled
students reach their dreams of studying at home and letting them know what help is available to them.
I've had the pleasure of studying with some amazing fellow students and some incredible tutors who
have helped me along the way. I would love to have the opportunity to give back and assist new and
current students.
Emma Newman
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
A816 17E/Masters in English Literature
Current qualification intentions:
MA
Length of study with Open University:
18 months
Past qualifications/modules studied:
A815 15J
Town/City:
Milton Keynes
Country:
UK
Manifesto:
I would love to become Faculty Representative for Arts and Social Sciences, as I have spent 5 years
studying both arts and a social science and feel I can represent other students to the Students’
Association.
Hi I’m Emma, I’m currently studying for my Masters in English, due to start my thesis in May (if I ever
decide what I’m going to write on). I have previously studied a joint degree in English Literature and
Criminology at Lancaster University, and now I actually work at The Open University and live in Milton
Keynes too.
I have always studied Arts and Social Sciences subjects – English Literature, English Language, Law,
and Criminology; so have stayed in this Faculty my entire university and school life. I have studied as
an undergraduate and postgraduate, on campus and distance learning, full time and part time, so feel
I have an understanding of what it is to be a FASS student. I would love the opportunity to become
more involved in the Students Association, and to help try to raise awareness and shape strategy.
It is important that students feel they have a voice and a representative at these ‘behind the scenes’
meetings. I will be contactable online, I will listen to suggestions and comments, and I will take them
up to the Chief Executive Council so they know what FASS students are talking about and asking for
from their time at the OU. Issues can vary between subjects and faculties, so this is a chance to raise
awareness of the actual ‘studying’ side of student life - the materials we are provided with, our
communications with tutors and staff, and the degrees and courses we are here to study.
Some of the issues we’ve had in the last year include the mess-up with tutor group allocations for
students beginning study in October 2016; in A815 there was huge confusion and lack of information
over the number of EMAs we needed to submit and whether they needed binding or not; and many
students are caught out by enrolment and payment dates for their next module being earlier than
expected and a lack of information about ‘what to do next’ after finishing a module.
I can’t wave a magic wand and make it all perfect for each individual student, but I will try my hardest
to make sure you all have a voice and feel there is somebody there to talk to if there is a problem with
your Arts or Social Sciences course. The OU is such a great place to study, and for many of us it is
the only possible way to study alongside work, family, and other commitments. It is important that the
OU and the Faculties work for the students, and any problems we have are heard and dealt with.
Lu Richardson
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
Ba Hons History
Current qualification intentions:
Ba Hons History
Length of study with Open University:
5 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Aa100, a150/151 a200
Town/City:
Cardiff
Country:
Wales
Manifesto:
Over the last five years I have been lucky enough to represent students at an assembly level in wales
and Attend senate reference group. I have also attended conference twice and now feal able to step
up a level and represent my faculty on the central executive committee.
James Sebastion
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
BA English
Current qualification intentions:
MA English
Length of study with Open University:
12 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
MSc Social Sciences
Town/City:
Fareham
Country:
UK
Manifesto:
My name is James Sebastion. I have been studying with the Open University since 2004. I have
completed a degrees in History and International Relations. Which I enjoyed and completed. I then
went further and started my MSc in Social Research, this was challenging, but I accomplished this in
2010.
Then I had a thirst for academia, and wanted to go further, so I commenced an English BA, which I
shall complete this year, following on from this I will start my Masters in English Language. I have
used this time effectively to both learn and progress myself to be a more intellectually capable
individual. I have been to many seminars, interacted with students from all over Britain (and the
world). It has been a great experience.
I want to pursue this nomination with energy and commitment. I want to attain the best deal for all
students for now and the future. These times are very difficult, and I think that we all need as much
support as is possible, and I will do my best to ensure OU policy standards do not slip.
I would like to thank you for your vote, and want you to rest assured that it will be a vote well cast.
Malika Steed
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
DD205 Living in a Globalised world
Current qualification intentions:
BA (Hons) Environmental Studies
Length of study with Open University:
4 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
DD101, U116, DST206
Town/City:
Acle, Norwich
Country:
UNITED KINGDOM
Manifesto:
Four years ago, I found my way to the Open University and discovered what an amazing institution it
is. I am passionate about learning and I find our Faculty has so much to offer in terms of skills and
qualifications. One of the main skills I developed during my study is the ability to think critically about
complex issues the world is facing. I am sure that this is thanks to the content of the modules, but also
to the input from my tutors and the students I had the privilege to meet throughout my journey.
However, I always wanted more from my study so I had the honour to get involved in the OU life in
other ways. For instance, I attended the first consultation meeting in Cambridge. Then I was selected
to participate in an interview with the Vice-Chancellor on campus. In addition, I stood for elections last
year and went along to the OUSA conference. Finally, I participated in the Student voice event in
Milton Keynes recently. The OUSA conference was an amazing experience which I recommend to
every student. It was there that I caught the ‘bug’ for getting more involved as I realised just how
many committed, dedicated and amazing students give up their free time to improve our experience.
It was also there that I was inspired by our acting president Nicci Simpson to organise my very own
coffee-chat. I felt that if she could sit in a venue on her own and grow a solid base of OU students and
friends, perhaps so could I! So, I set up a Coffee meet-up in Norwich in February and I was
overwhelmed by the response. In fact, it went so well that we all decided to meet up regularly.
All these events gave a new dimension to my study. I am naturally curious and like to hear what goes
well and what worries people. So meeting students or reading online forums gives me opportunities to
hear about other students’ experiences, positive or negative. The most important thing in my view is
that it allows us to connect when we often find ourselves isolated in our study. I believe that
communication is paramount. I find that if I don’t know something, there will always be someone who
will be able to point me in the right direction and help me. Similarly, there will also be someone to
listen to my concerns and give me a bit of support or encouragement when times are hard. This is
what makes our community so unique, supportive and important and we need to keep this going for
the benefit of all.
This is why I would like to be considered for the role of Faculty Association Representative. My aim is
to listen to your views and work to improve our experience. I trust that building links with the student
community at large, but also the relevant association representatives and OU staff will contribute
tremendously to this.
Arnold Stewart
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
DE300 and M140
Current qualification intentions:
BSc Psychology, BSc Open
Length of study with Open University:
17 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
S194, L120, LXR122, L211, L310, LZX140, L204, L314, U211, SK277, SK121, S151, SXR270, S196,
S282, SK185, TT280, S171, A251, TT281, S204, SK195, SXR375, SA188, S205, SK124, SD329,
SXR376, SXR344, S347, S377, S187, S346, TM190, SK320, DSE212, D171, DXR222, DD307,
DE300, M140 Diploma in French, Diploma in Spanish, BA (Hons) Modern Languages, Diploma in Life
Sciences, Certificate in Contemporary Science, BSc (Hons) Life Sciences
Town/City:
Belfast
Country:
UK
Manifesto:
I’ve been formally in the OU since towards the end of 2001 starting with languages before moving on
to biology and now psychology. Those of you who’ve popped into the science forums over the last
four or five years will have seen oodles of contributions by me to those forums and latterly to the
somewhat quieter psychology forums and Facebook groups.
After taking up the offer of a “free lunch” in Milton Keynes back in 2015, I was shocked at how few of
us are around to support all those helpful things that the OUSA gets up to and which we all generally
take for granted. So I thought I should at least have a go at providing some of that support myself. To
that end, I ran for election as an NI Assembly Executive Member in 2015 and have served as the NI
representative on the Senate Reference Group since 2016 alongside volunteering at the graduation
ceremony in 2016, started up a regular local meet-up earlier this year and was an observer at the
CEC meeting a few months ago. Along the way I contributed to the consultation on student funding in
NI and to the OU-wide grassroots consultation. If our local parliament hadn’t fallen to bits I’d have
been at the All-Party Group on Students.
So why the faculty rep for arts & social sciences? Our home is very much a mix of arts and social
sciences with me currently tootling along with psychology (and, all being well, a masters later this year
when the BSc is complete) and Wendy working on her orchestral work and classics degree now that
the history one is complete. So, whilst I may know more about the social sciences, she’ll not let me
neglect the arts.
Why me? I hope that I’ve shown that I’ve been developing a growing commitment to supporting the
work of OUSA over recent years and would like the opportunity to do that on a national level in what is
quite a diverse faculty.
Matthew Walker
Role:
Arts and Social Sciences
Currently registered module/qualification:
A200
Current qualification intentions:
BA(Hons) philosophy and history
Length of study with Open University:
3 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
AA100, DD102, A222
Town/City:
Paisley
Country:
United Kingdom
Manifesto:
I started studying in the Open University in 2013, with a view to gaining a degree in philosophy. I am
now considering making this a joint one with history. After testing the waters in my first year and
deciding the OU was for me, I wished to become more involved with the student community.
I was elected to the Scottish Assembly in 2014 and in 2015 to the Scottish Assembly Executive, in
which I continue to serve. We are currently organising an event in Edinburgh later this year.
I have attended the Scottish Committee (annually) and Scottish Working Committee (twice yearly),
where staff meet with students and associate lecturers, since my election.
In 2016, i was a delegate to the OUSA conference. I am also a forum moderator AND within the
faculty, I am a contributor to the student consultation forums, as well as being one of the learning
experience reporters
Socially, I have organised meet-ups for students in Glasgow and serve on the committee of the OU
History Society.
Outwith the OU, I am, 58, married, with a 14 year old son. I live in Paisley, and am the secretary of
the local Philosophical Institution and member of the Parents' Council at my son's school. I have
recently got involved with the Paisley Thread Mill Museum, and hope to assist them in archiving their
material.
If elected as the Faculty Association Representative, I would endeavour to ensure that the student
voice is to the forefront of our interactions with the University. I believe that building on my previous
experience, will enable me to be an effective advocate.
Thank you for reading.
Area Association Representative for the
Republic of Ireland
Gerry Doyle
Role:
Republic of Ireland
Currently registered module/qualification:
S111 Questions in Science/Open Degree
Current qualification intentions:
B.Sc.
Length of study with Open University:
4 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
A297 Reading Classical Latin, A397 Continuing Classical Latin, TU100 My Digital Life
Town/City:
Dublin
Country:
Ireland
Manifesto:
I like to represent, I like to help, I like to be involved. I like to know what's going on, what I can do,
what needs to be done, and be part of the structure that does it.
I've spent four years now studying with OU and am acutely aware of the challenges that face every
one of us, plus the unique challenges that come with studying in Ireland and the need to form, inform
and support this growing community.
Pádraic Ivers
Role:
Republic of Ireland
Currently registered module/qualification:
International development: making sense of a changing world (TD223)
Current qualification intentions:
BA (Honours) International Studies
Length of study with Open University:
3 years
Past qualifications/modules studied:
Investigating the social world (DD103), Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)
Town/City:
Dublin
Country:
Ireland
Manifesto:
Hi, my name is Pádraic Ivers. I am currently studying my third OU module, aiming to complete a BA
(Honours) in International Studies. I am originally from Kiltimagh in Co. Mayo but currently live in
Dundrum Dublin. As a mature student, at 33 years of age, this is my first attempt at a university
degree. Previously I obtained my Airline Transportation Pilot’s Licence and over the last 10 years I
have been working as a Pilot for various Airlines.
My experience in aviation has taught me both about the benefits and problems unions can face.
However, in an industry which is so vulnerable to global markets and current affairs, I have learnt the
true importance of unions in protecting the rights and livelihoods of frontline workers. This is also true
for university students. As Open University students, we are automatically enrolled in the Student
Union - this is a fantastic system which might not be appreciated initially but one day it may come to
help us out in a time of need.
Personally, I have always been fascinated by politics, diplomacy and their complexities. I never
thought I would be brave enough to run for any type of election. However, studying International
Studies has motivated me and made me realise that unless we are willing to take part in the
democratic process we will never have a voice to be able to stand up for what we believe in.
When I noticed that the position of Area Association Representative for Republic of Ireland was
available I was immediately interested and decided to sign up as soon as possible. Being an Open
University student, especially outside the UK, is quite different to a regular student life. There is no
campus, no giant lecture halls, no student bar to socialise in. Most of the time it is just sitting at home
in front of a computer or reading the study material alone. This can be quite solitary and daunting. I
believe, as your potential future representative, there should be a social aspect to college life and
there should be communication on a regular basis from the Student Union about local issues that
matter to you. I can promise to you, should I get elected to be your Area Association Representative I
will maintain interaction with each and every union member in the Republic of Ireland constituency
and will endeavour to research and find a resolution to any query put my way.
Best Regards
Pádraic Ivers