What are you voting for? :: Wessex Scene Online

What are you voting for?

25th January 2008
Simon Webb

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As the SUSU Elections fast approach, the Wessex Scene launched an investigation to see how many students know what they are voting for when the tick a box for AU President.

A startling 70% of students questioned did not know what they were voting for. What perhaps is more revealing is that the 30% who did know were all second or third year students.

The SU has gone to great lengths over the years to explain to students what they are voting for. Arguably the two most important positions to the student body are the President and the Athletic Union President as they have a very clear impact on the lives of a lot of students.

The Wessex Scene consulted the current AU President, Tom Page and his two predecessors, Issy Gross and Tom Kenward to find out what makes a good AU President. On a basic level, Kenward said that a good AU President is "someone that is genuinely passionate about ALL sport at University." The position is one where you tend to get two extremes, either a very well organised, administrative President or someone with good face to face contact. It is very rare that you would find a perfect combination of the two breeds.

In terms of administrative work, all three seemed to be in agreement that an understanding of AU policies is vital and that experience in Athletic Union Council would be advantageous.

A good AU President is not just an administrator. Clubs need to be able to approach them so that they can get the best deal possible. All three of the last Presidents have been considered very approachable and have fought hard to benefit the clubs.

Rob Cross, a member of the AUC pointed out that to some extent, many sabbatical officers very much exist as a sabbatical– a short term employee. Departmental offices no longer house Sabbs, only compounding the issue. Despite this, he pointed to the fact that Page treats himself more as a member of staff than many Sabbaticals have done. So perhaps the bar has been raised higher? Now the AU President is an administrator, an approachable contact and also very much a member of SUSU Staff.

The Athletic Union President is ultimately the figure head of the Athletic Union. They represent the 10,000 students and 70 clubs. They will negotiate the best deal possible with the SportsRec department and they will assist clubs to get the best results possible for Southampton. So please when you go to vote, don’t just take the delicious lolly pop that they offer and pick the best sounding name or the best looking candidate. Take time to read the manifestos, attend hustings and consider what you are voting for.