Hello, I'm Sheldon (He/Him), I studied law at Reading and I'm from South-East London. I grew up with my Mum, Stepdad and two dogs (Rocky, he's a Yorkie and Dolly, she's a Chihuahua). I also have an 8-year-old little brother.
Start us off with three interesting facts about you...
- I'm a bit of an Eastenders fan - don't judge me!
- I can't stand corned beef and sweet corn - keep those away from me. Otherwise, I'm a total foodie!
- I got nominated and invited to Harry and Megan's wedding for services to my community.
Why did you come to Reading?
Reading was a great choice for me. Offering a green campus experience with good connections back home to London. The town is small but not too small and has enough coffee shops to keep me happy!
Why did you run for the role of President and what did you learn during the elections?
I stood for President to improve our student experience and ensure you’re represented. RUSU needs to be more representative of you and take more direct action on the issues that matter to you. I want to open up our SU and help ensure it delivers for you.
I also want us to have fun. COVID has changed things and I want to use the role you elected me to, to run a huge series of fun and exciting events!
What experience do you bring to the role?
I've worked in my communities both at home and in Reading. Throughout the last few years, I've been a Student Community Champion working with students and members of our community in Reading to build bridges and deliver on exciting projects. I've also worked with the Law School to develop new ways of enhancing the Teaching & Learning experience for students.
What do you want to achieve in the role?
I want to deliver the biggest series of summer events that UoR has ever seen! From a pop-up beach to bottomless brunch. I want to drive up our sustainability but also make it fun by rewarding you for being sustainable whether this be money off for grabbing a coffee with a reusable cup or some free bus tickets for doing your recycling.
Quickfire questions! tell us your favourite...
- Film: Garfield
- Book: Becoming - Michelle Obama
- Food: Wagga's Bang Bang Cauliflower/anything from Café Yolk
- Thing to do in your free time: Taking very long Lush baths
- Thing about Reading: The Biscuit Factory above the Broad St Mall - great space to work/grab a drink.
And, finally, what is one piece of advice you'd give to a brand-new student at Reading?
Get to know your academic tutor well and develop good working relationships with staff in your school.
Check out my manifesto
What does the role of President involve?
I am responsible for coordinating and leading the Full-time Officer team on the delivery of officer team priorities; in that respect, I am the team leader. I am also responsible for being the lead representative to the university and to key external stakeholders.
As President, I have oversight of RUSU's commercial services and RUSU's communications. They are the lead officer on all aspects of governance and democracy; responsible for the development and promotion of RUSU democratic platforms and processes, as well as providing support to Student Voice Members.
I am also responsible for the all aspects of RUSU's environmental and sustainability work and support the work of the RUSU Environment & Ethics Officer.
My remit includes:
- Co-chair of the Board of Trustees, working with the Chief Executive and Deputy Chair to support the governance of the Union
- Maintaining a working relationship with the University of Reading's Vice Chancellor and the University Executive Board
- Leading on RUSU democratic processes, such as elections, referenda, student fora, officer scrutiny, and creating opportunities for debate
- Oversight of RUSU's commercial services, ensuring that any development activities incorporate and respond to student feedback
- Oversight of RUSU's internal and external communication and marketing for RUSU
- Leading on RUSU/University collaborative events, such as Open Days
- Working with the Environment and Ethics Officer and lead on sustainability issues
- Representing students and issues from the London Road and Greenland's campus
- Maintaining positive working relationships with key University staff and representing the student voice through attendance and participation in relevant university committees and working groups
I also attend a number of committees and groups to put forward the student voice; some of these are:
- University Council: Setting the direction and governance of the University with students in mind.
- Student Experience Committee: Ensuring the student experience remains a focus for the University and the Students' Union.
- Estates Committee - Making sure our campus is developed with students' needs at the forefront.
- Environment & Sustainability Committee - Ensuring students' views inform and steer the University's work on sustainability and the environment
- Global Engagement Strategy Board - Putting forward students' views on the University's global strategy.
- Major Incident Team - Working with the University to respond to major incidents involving or affecting students.