Interview with Zuleikha Chikh - SU President

What is your name and what did you study/are you studying at UCLan?

My name is Zuleikha and I studied an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Sports Business Management.

What is your role in the Student Union?

My role involves representing and championing the voice of all UCLan students. I oversee the Union governance and democratic processes. I am responsible for the Union’s leadership team of Elected Officers, where I represent the views of students at the University and ensure they get the best possible academic and student experience during their time here. I also oversee the delivery of the Students’ Union’s services, including the Students’ Council (made up of voluntary elected student representatives), Course Reps and School Presidents (who help to create positive change at course, school and university level). I Chair our Union Board of Trustees and hold a position as a Non-Executive Member of the University Board.

Why did you choose to get involved in Student Government?

The culture and values of the Students’ Union aligned with my values and I wanted to be in a role where I can create meaningful change. Our previous SU President, Suntosh Kaur, explained what the role entails and pushed me to go for it. I was inspired by what she achieved in her term and the opportunity to create a positive change in students’ lives.

I am passionate about developing myself as a leader and helping students have a positive experience in Higher Education.

What are your main goals for the 2020/21 academic year?

· Financial support – Lobby the University to invest in more financial bursaries for our students and ensure the University and Students’ Union raise awareness of them.

· Employability – Work closely with UCLan Careers to provide relevant degree-centred opportunities across faculties to develop and enhance employability skills.

· Bring the SU to You – Elected Officers to make sure you know what services are available to you at the Students’ Union.

· Food - Options on campus that are healthy and cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements.

Who is your disabled role model?

I’m a sporty person and in the sporting world I look up to Ellie Simmonds. She is a swimmer and a four-time Paralympic champion. I am inspired by the way she uses her platform to

inspire and communicate more and better sports opportunities for disabled people. She inspires me to want to provide opportunities for underrepresented communities.

How are you going to use your position to support disabled students?

I am involved in a variety of University meetings where I provide the student voice on certain changes that could be made. I always have in the back of my mind how a change could have an impact on different groups of students. For example, I pushed for face masks with a clear panel for lipreading with our VP Education and these will be available on campus should students need them from September. I will continue to advocate for disabled students to ensure life at UCLan is accessible.

If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing at UCLan, what would it be and why?

I would make all courses develop their students personally and professionally from year 1 so that they can build key skills employers are looking for and are confident and career ready upon graduation.

By the end of the year, one thing you want to have achieved is…

Ensure students understand why the Student Union is relevant, what we can offer and how students can access our services and opportunities.

What message would you want to give new students at UCLan for 2020?

Embrace new opportunities and be yourself! Check out different sports, societies and volunteering opportunities with the Students’ Union. Get in touch with your Elected Officers because we are here to help you have a positive student experience. We recently set up an Officer Instagram so do give us a follow @uclansu_officers for all the latest!