I’m Syahadah Shahril, an international student graduating from LCF this summer! As Campaigns Officer, I’ll ensure your voice is directly heard and supported. As current chair of PauseOrPayUK, and co-chair of ActionUAL, I’ve worked tirelessly to demand universities treat students with care and respect – I’ve negotiated with regulatory bodies, worked alongside the NUS, handled casework, and trained students in campaigning. I know the power of collective student organising, and we will win as a collective.

Financial compensation is the main goal of PauseOrPayUK and I’ll see it through for UAL students. I’ll secure physical degree shows, networking opportunities and graduation ceremonies (when safe) for all students, with suitable compensation for those unable to attend. I’ll also work towards making accreditation courses/exams and short courses free for students to mitigate learning lost during the pandemic.

Building the new world requires builders. I’ll ensure organiser trainings and resources are well-advertised and accessible. UAL students are already doing amazing work and I’ll ensure they’re supported.

I’ll push for transparency of UAL’s finances and for a democratic university, including election of senior management positions by staff and students. We should be consulted on decisions like contingency plans—policies that guarantee students protection (no-detriment policies, etc.)—as well as unfair course cuts.

UAL ignores student and staff demands on many issues. I’ll ensure strong ties between joint UAL trade unions, campaigns like End Outsourcing, and students – the university belongs to you.

International students carry multiple burdens – higher fees, Hostile Environment policies and stresses of moving to a new country. I’ll work towards no fee increases for 5 years and pledge to work with grassroots migrant organising groups, such as UnisResistBorderControls, to oppose UAL’s intensive attendance-monitoring policies.

I wouldn’t be able to organise as I’ve done without strong community support; vote Syahadah, and we’ll win together!