Julio: Union Affairs Officer

Jambo! My name is Julio. I am a Law graduate (2019) and an international student from Kenya, East Africa and I will be your Union Affairs Officer for my 2nd Term this year. Some of my highlights from last year include:

• Introduced the Bristol SU: Student Group of the Month
• Successfully Launched the University's Global Lounge and Pan-African Festival in line with their 'internationalisation' strategy
• Secured additional funds for grants and loans for asylum seekers and refugees (Sanctuary Schorlaships) and secured additional funding from the Alumni Foundation specifically for groups who have experienced financial challenges as a result of Covid19.
• Secured student spaces on campus (Student Bar, Food Court, SU-Loft)

My role is all about FUN! From student groups, extracurricular activities and all student-related democracy  – I’ll be working to represent societies, democratic networks and student-led campaigns!
 
My journey at the University began in Sept 2015 when I started my degree. I represented my friends and hall-mates as President of the JCR in Clifton Hill House, represented my course mates as a Course Rep from Years 1 to 3 and as the Faculty Rep for Social Sciences and Law. In my second year, I successfully established the first University Of Bristol East African Society. On the more fun side, I played rugby for UBRFC the uni rugby team in my first two years here at Bristol and in my final year played football for the UBLC Law Intramural football team. All of which were facilitated by the powers, services and opportunities provided by our SU!
 
I strongly believe that life at uni should not only be centred around academia but should also be an environment for one to fulfil or realise their full potential. Through Bristol SU there’s an opportunity for everyone to find a home outside of their degree – whether that’s discovering a new hobby or forming a new network of lifelong friends.
 
That’s why some of my aims for this year are to launch an annual #BattleOfTheBands Show for clubs and societies, launch the Campus Heart Project on time i.e. Food Court and Student Bar open by end of my tenure and to create a 'Job shop' to assist in securing term work for students. If you’ve got any exciting ideas or irritating obstacles ahead, suggestions or even criticisms get in touch over email or Facebook and let’s start a conversation! 
 
Continuing to champion Community, Care and Contribution within the Campus Heart!

See everything your SU has been up to here.

My big plan:

Support for Societies

• Launch an annual #BattleOfTheBands Show for clubs and societies  
• Set up a South-West Regional Network for similar University Societies to establish a contact directory  
• Identify unused space that could be used by students for students
• Additional locker storage spaces

 
Saving Students Money

• Free washing in halls
• Expansion of U1 and Coombe Dingle bus service
• Campaign for free transport to major airports and cities at the beginning and at the end of term for those students who need it.
• Job shop to assist in securing term work for students

 
Developing Bristol’s Campus

• Campaign for biodegradable packaging for all food and drinks sold on campus
• Launch the Campus Heart Project on time i.e. Food Court and Student Bar Open by September 2020
• Launch the UoB Student App by September 2020

 
Democracy and Inclusion

• Black Students Officer (role BME)  
• Democratic review
• Diversify the SU Staff body

Here's what I've done so far:

Policy: