AU Edge: With AU President Nik Engineer
For many students the end of their time at university is simultaneously a wonderful, happy time and a sad and often frightening time and it’s exactly the same for the sabbatical officers.
Having been here for four years, the thought of having to return to London and to leave so many good friends behind is far more daunting than presenting to BUSA general council or having to meet the VC. At times like this though, when the future seems so intimidating, the best thing to do is look back at your time at university and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.
This year I can look back and say without any reservation or doubt that I couldn’t have worked harder or done more for the Athletic Union or the Students’ Union. So much has taken place, and when senior staff of the university and Students’ Union say that we’ve moved forward this year more than we have for a long time, I think it is safe for me to say it as well.
I can however also say with just as much confidence that nothing could have happened this year without the officers that make the AU Exec and SU Exec the best teams at the University. Work in the Students’ Union is a case of either moving forward together or regressing as individuals – in short, the team is everything.
Regardless of what people say, some facts are undeniable – the AU is held in its highest ever regard by the University (proved by my presentation to Council, the VC attending the AU dinner and taking the time to walk around on the busiest BUSA Wednesday), the budget process is better and fairer than ever, the integrity of colours awards has been restored, the AU finally has an online membership system, it’s easier and cheaper than ever to book vehicles (though they still break down sometimes), we’ve raised more money for charity than ever before – over £8,500, we’ve never had a year except this where we haven’t filed or lost a single BUSA appeal and we’ve held the first ever online election – which lead to more people voting for next year’s Exec than ever before. These are just some of our successes.
I will leave knowing that this year has been a great year for the AU, and I hope many of you will do the same. My best wishes to next year’s exec and to you all for the future, this is me signing off.
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